Chapter 12: The Enemy Below
Hey everyone I'm back with a new chapter. Wow I can't believe it's almost been 3 years since I created this story. Man time flies. This one took a while to figure out but I think I nailed it. I hope you like what I have planned. Please Review and Enjoy.
We find ourselves at in the middle of the ocean as a military submarine was navigating through the waters.
"Sir unidentified craft approaching. Bearing 010." One said looking at the radar.
"At this depth? Establish radio content." The captain orders.
"I've tried all frequencies. No response." Another said.
"Whatever it is it's big and closing fast." The one at the radar said.
"Evasive maneuvers." The captain orders as the sub tried to outrun its attacker.
Little did they know what was attacking it was a high-tech underwater ship that rammed into it.
"Sir it's coming back around!"
"Arm the torpedoes!" The captain orders.
"Not enough time!" One said as they were hit again causing the submarine to hit the ocean floor.
Zooming out we look inside the attacking ship to see several people in yellow and green padded armor.
"The surface vessel has been disabled." A man said looking to the back.
There sat a man with long blonde hair and a beard. This was Aquaman.
"Good. Let it sink." He orders.
However in the back of the ship, we see Tula wearing similar armor, but unlike the others, she had a quiet look on her face.
On the surface, we see Green Lantern, Limelight, Superman, and Wonder Woman flying in on their ship.
"USS Defiant this is the Justice League. Help is on the way." Green Lantern said as the ship dived underwater and they raced towards the sub's coordinates.
"I've locked onto their distress beacon. We're getting close." Wonder Woman informs.
"We're not the only ones. We got company." Superman said pointing to the big ship that shot down the sub.
As the ship engaged its weapon system Limelight gasped.
"They're gonna attack us." She warns.
"Not for long." Green Lantern said steering the ship as the enemy chased after them and opened fire.
Doing some underwater maneuvering Green Lantern piloted through some large stone gates but the big ship was too big for them and as a result crashed.
"Lost them." Green Lantern smirked but that victory was short-lived as two more appeared in front of them.
"You were saying?" Limelight asks.
As the ships attacked them Green Lantern struggled to dodge both of them.
Reaching into an upper compartment Superman grabbed an oxygen mask for him and Wonder Woman.
"Those sailors won't have a prayer if we keep playing cat and mouse," Superman said.
"Wait we're just gonna ditch the ship to be destroyed?" Limelight said surprised.
"It's the ship or them. Come on." Superman said as they made their escape.
Just enemy fire made an impact Green Lantern and Limelight made a barrier with their rings so they could fly out.
Using her bracelets Wonder Woman deflected enemy fire allowing Superman to fly in and rip the enemy turrets off the ship.
"Ready?" Green Lantern as she and Limelight charged up their rings.
"Oh yeah." She nods firing a green beam straight through one ship.
Flying in Wonder Woman and Superman push the ships with all their might sending them crashing into each other and falling to the sea floor.
"Halt!" As they were about to save the sub, we see Aquaman and his forces blocking their way.
"You've violated the sovereign borders of Atlantis. Leave at once of you will be destroyed." Aquaman threatens.
"Forgive the intrusion we were answering the distress beacon from that sub," Superman explains.
"They should have stayed on the surface." Aquaman brushes off.
"Please, the men on board they'll drown." Wonder Woman said.
"Take the crew, but leave the vessel." Aquaman orders.
"No way that's a nuclear sub. If you think we're just gonna walk away and leave it—" Green Lantern starts.
"What makes you think you have a choice?" Aquaman threatens.
With glowing green eyes Green Lantern was about to let him have it but Superman stops him.
"He's right time's running out." Superman reminds.
As much as he hated it Green Lantern knew he was right.
After saving the people on board Aquaman escorted them back to the surface.
"You know this could have all been avoided." Superman points out.
"How?" Aquaman asks.
"Come and air your grievances at the World Assembly. Tell them you want peace." Superman suggests.
"You'd have me call to them like some beggar?" Aquaman asks.
"No like a King." Superman declares before leaving.
We soon find ourselves in the domed continent of Atlantis as we zoom into the throne room.
There Aquaman sat on his throne with three people at his sides. On his left, we see a beautiful woman with green veils, long red hair, and a gold crown holding a baby in her arms. This was Queen Mera. On his right we see Tula standing alongside a muscular man with brown hair and Atlantean armor. This was Orm. Aquaman's brother and Tula's father.
Kneeling before them was General Brak.
"The surface people are barbarians. They sail their weapons across our seas and pollute our oceans with their garbage. There's only one way to ensure Atlantis' safety. My troops are ready to take action." Brak assures.
"What sort of action?" Aquaman asks.
"We have the technology to wipe them off the face of the Earth. Just give the order." Brak declares.
"General Brakk I decide things here, not you," Aquaman said.
"But how long must we wait? Surely know you must see that now is the time to—" Brak starts approaching the throne.
"Hold your tongue Brak. Your king has spoken." Orm said cutting him off.
"Forgive me, Lord Orm." Brak bows.
As Aquaman glances at Mera and her baby Aquaman looks back at his general.
"General Brak I will consider your console, but this is a serious matter. I will need to think about it." Aquaman said as both men bowed to him as he left the room.
In his chambers, Aquaman held Arthur Jr in his arms as the baby boy grabbed his father's hair making him smile.
"He has quite a grip." Aquaman smiles.
"He takes after his father," Mera said as Arthur Jr yawns and falls asleep.
Putting him in the cradle, Aquaman looks down at his son.
"Look at him, so innocent, so playful. What kind of future am I making for him?" Aquaman asks.
"Whatever you decide I'm sure it'll be the right choice," Mera said.
"Will it?" Aquaman asks when the curtain opens revealing Tula.
"Uncle? Do you have a minute?" She asks getting his attention.
"Tula, what are you doing here?" Aquaman asks.
"My king I come here not as your soldier but as family. Please I think you should go up there and talk to the surface people." Tula begs.
"I've sent you on many missions to observe the surface. You're the one who has informed us of their crimes." Aquaman said.
"Not all of them are bad. We can't wipe them all out because of the misdeeds of others. I became your soldier because you needed my help but I don't want to be one my whole life." Tula admits.
Walking up to her, Aquaman cups her cheek.
"And shouldn't be my niece, you and my son deserve a good future. I just worry if you both will have it." Aquaman said.
"I trust you will make the right choice. You're a good King. Always have been." Tula said.
Looking at his son, Aquaman knew what he had to do.
Up in space at the Watchtower, Superman was on the phone explaining the situation while Green Lantern, Limelight, and Wonder Woman explained it to Martian Manhunter.
"We never should have left that sub in the hands of that madman." Green Lantern said.
"Aren't you overreacting with the label a bit?" Limelight asks. "I mean would a real madman let us so those men?"
"Whom he attacked first. Never lower your guard around someone who strikes first." Green Lantern advises.
"I agree with Limelight. Aquaman isn't a madman he's a king. He only wants to protect and preserve his people." Wonder Woman agrees.
"But who's gonna protect us from him? Come on." Green Lantern said as Limelight followed him.
"Where are we going?" Limelight asks.
"To test a theory. At the bottom of the ocean." Green Lantern mutters.
Meanwhile at Midtown High, Jaden was at his locker getting his books. Now that the dance was over there wasn't really much to look forward to at school.
"Dude!" Turning around Jaden felt Harry wrap his arm around his neck.
"Whoa, Harry what's going on?" Jaden asks confused.
"You are the best man. I owe you big time." Harry said.
"Owe me? For what?" Jaden asks.
"Oh let me think. How about helping me get a second date with Glory? She told me everything. Dude you are the best friend a guy could ever ask for." Harry smiles.
"Harry please." Jaden blushes embarrassed.
"What are you too humble to accept a jock's praise?" Gwen teases walking over.
"Gwen? Let me guess you heard too?" Jaden asks.
"Yep, and I have to say that might have been one of the sweetest things I ever heard," Gwen said.
"Well…I just did what any friend would have done." Jaden said.
"No Jaden no person would do what you did. You are something else." Gwen said making him blush.
"Uh thanks, guys." Jaden said.
"So where's our 4th member?" Harry asks.
"Oh, Megan said she wanted to go explore the city a bit. Get a feel for her new home." Gwen recalls.
"So Harry what are you and Glory up to?" Jaden asks as they walked out.
"Well, we plan on going for coffee later. And then afterward we're gonna study together." Harry said.
"Aw what? Do you hear that Gwen? A cheerleader is stealing our old job." Jaden said making her giggle.
"Hope she can keep your math and Science grades up like we have." Gwen smirks.
"Thanks, guys but I'm actually doing well," Harry said when they heard chatter up front.
Pulling up in front of the school, everyone looked to see a fancy black car parked near the gate.
"Whoa check out that ride," Flash said as the door opened revealing Bruce Wayne.
"Holy crap, that's Bruce Wayne!"
"The richest dude alive?!"
"What's he doing at our school?!"
Looking around Bruce spotted Jaden and smiled.
"Ah Jaden there you are," Bruce calls out surprising everyone.
"Jaden?" Gwen said looking at him. "How do you know Bruce Wayne?"
"Well uh you remember when I told you guys I got a job? I uh I work for Mr. Wayne." Jaden said rubbing the back of his head.
"No freaking way." Harry gasps.
"Why didn't you tell us?" Gwen asks.
"Would you guys have believed me if I did?" Jaden asks.
"Maybe not at first," Harry admits as Bruce walks up to them.
"Hello there," Bruce said making them both starstruck.
"Uh hi there Mr. Wayne," Gwen said amazed.
"Jaden are you going to introduce me to your friends?" Bruce asks.
"Oh uh yeah. Mr. Wayne this is Gwen Stacey and Harry Osborn. My best friends." Jaden introduced while everyone was in disbelief.
"Osborn? I do business with your father from time to time." Bruce said.
"Small world," Harry said.
"I'm sorry to do this but I need to borrow your friend," Bruce said.
"Sorry guys, work calls," Jaden said.
"You are telling us everything when you get back," Gwen said.
"Sure thing," Jaden said as they made their way back to the car.
"Cooper is hanging with Wayne? Has the whole world gone upside down?" Flash asks.
"Jadey…you continue to amaze me," Liz mutters watching him get in the car and drive away.
"You couldn't wait for me around the corner?" Jaden asks.
"Hey, they were gonna find out eventually. I figured I'd make it easier than you have to lie to everyone. Besides we need to move." Bruce said.
"What's the problem?" Jaden asks.
"What do you know about Atlantis?" Bruce asks.
"The continent that sunk below the ocean? I've only ever seen that in books and movies. It's real?" Jaden said in disbelief.
"Oh, it's real. And its King recently stole a military submarine." Bruce said.
"Holy crap," Jaden said not expecting this.
"I need an extra hand and we need to move fast. Do you have your suit?" Bruce asks.
"Always," Jaden said.
"Good. Meanwhile, you can explain all those voicemails you've been leaving me." Bruce said.
"Oh boy where to even start?" Jaden said as they drove off.
Back at the bottom of the ocean as the Atlantean guards were patrolling around Green Lantern and Limelight snuck into the Military sub but when they got in they saw the whole place had been stripped of everything. All its weapons and nuclear chemicals.
"I don't believe this." Limelight gasps.
"I'm sorry Jess you had to learn this way. But this is why some people can't be trusted." Green Lantern said.
"This doesn't make sense," Limelight said confused.
As they went back to warn the team we find ourselves on the beach as a few surfers were paddling out to catch a wave when one of them noticed Aquaman walking out of the water and into the city,
Making his way through the streets multiple cars slammed on their breaks revealing he was walking on a red light.
"Hey watch where you're going musclehead!" A man yells.
Looking at him Aquaman slams his arm down on the card causing a massive dent and shutting the man up.
"Not so fast! Where do you think you're going?" A cop asks pulling up alongside him.
"Where is the World Assembly?" Aquaman asks.
At the Watchtower, the Lanterns were explaining their discovery to the others.
"I knew we couldn't trust that Fishman! The sub has been stripped and the plutonium is gone." Green Lantern said.
"And you think Aquaman did it?" Wonder Woman asks.
"Who else?" Green Lantern asks.
"As hard as it is to admit those Atlanteans are the only possible people besides us who can go that deep on such short notice," Limelight said.
"So what do you recommend we do?" Martian Manhunter asks.
"We go straight to Atlantis and get some answers." Green Lantern said.
"If it's Aquaman you want he's not in Atlantis," Superman said watching the news.
At the World Assembly, we see Aquaman standing before everyone.
"Order! Order! Please!" The man in charge yells.
"First you steal the Nuclear Sub then you threaten us to make peace. Who gave you the right?" One politician asks.
"I am the born ruler of Atlantis," Aquaman states.
"A country we do not even recognize." He said.
"These are my terms. Refuse them at your own risk." Aquaman warns.
"But your terms are outrageous. They would compromise our entire world defense and economy." The speaker points out.
"Your problems. Not mine." Aquaman said making everyone in the room outraged.
"Aquaman!" Flying through the door, we see Superman, Wonder Woman, Green Lantern, Limelight, and Martian Manhunter land across from him.
"I offered them a chance for peace. And this is their answer." Aquaman said.
Please, these things take time." Superman said.
"I've wasted enough time," Aquaman said.
"You didn't leave yourself open to compromise," Limelight said.
"Compromise means offering up something in return. You have nothing I could want." Aquaman said pushing her out of the way.
"Wait." Wonder Woman calls out but he just ignores her and leaves.
"Real Prince Charming huh?" Green Lantern said sarcastically.
As Aquaman made his way out and past the reporters, a figure on the rooftops across from the Assembly was eyeing him.
Aiming a rocket launcher out the figure fired hitting Aquaman dead center just as the League came out to see the explosion.
"Aquaman!" Superman gasps as the king fell to the ground.
As they quickly rushed Aquaman to the hospital we zoom out to see the incident was on live TV and Tula along with some soldiers were watching this.
"Oh no," Tula said in horror.
"We cannot allow this treacherous act to go unpunished," Orm said walking in holding the trident.
"Father? What are you doing with that? You are in no position to give that order. The King—" Tula starts.
"The King may be dead. And the prince is still an infant." Orm interrupts.
"Even so, the law of succession must be respected." Tula reminds.
"The prince will take control When he comes of age, But in the meantime, This outrage must be avenged," Orm said.
"Orm, Tula, did you hear?" Mera asks coming in.
"Unfortunately." Tula nods.
"My poor Mera. All of Atlantis mourns your loss." Orm said hugging her.
"You say that as if he'll never return," Mera said.
"I pray he will. But who knows what the surface dwellers may do to him?" Orm asks.
Hearing this both Atlantean women couldn't help but wonder.
At the Metropolis hospital, the doctors were trying to work on Aquaman but he was not making it easy.
"Have we got a line in yet? I need it stat." One doctor said.
Negative. His skin's tougher than a rhino's." Another said holding up a broken needle.
"His vitals are falling. This is hopeless. The doctor said looking at a monitor.
Making his way out, we see the League waiting for them outside.
"How is he?" Wonder Woman asks.
"Hard to tell. His physiology is not like ours. It's unlike anything I've ever seen." The doctor said.
"But can you help him?" Superman asks.
"I don't know." He admits.
"Then maybe we can." A familiar voice said.
Looking down the hall they see Batman and Spider-Man had finally arrived.
"Hey everyone. You forget to invite us to the party?" Spider-Man waves.
Grabbing the gurney they brought Aquaman to another room where a large tank was set up.
Patching him up they dropped Aquaman into the tank and instantly the monitor started to beep.
"Maintain saline at 3.5%." Batman orders.
"His vitals are stabilizing? How did you?" The doctor asks amazed.
"He's a wish out of water doc. It ain't rocket science." Spider-Man shrugs.
An hour later, news vans were parked outside the hospital while everyone was still in the room.
"He's coming around," Superman said.
"Good, now we can get some answers." Green Lantern said banging on the glass.
"Hey, Lantern haven't you ever had a pet fish? They don't like it when you tap the glass." Spider-Man points out.
"Don't care. Hey! What did you do with the Plutonium?" Green Lantern asks as Aquaman wakes up.
Swimming to the top he takes off the air mask.
"Plutonium?" Aquaman asks.
"From the Military sub, you sank," Limelight said as Aquaman jumped down.
"My orders were to leave it where it lay," Aquaman assures.
"You expect us to believe that?" Green Lantern asks.
"Believe what you want. Someone tried to kill me, and I need to find out who." Aquaman said.
"Hey slow down King Triton. You just got out of the water we don't need to put you back in." Spider-Man said.
"Triton? My name is Aquaman." He states oblivious to the joke.
"You seriously never heard of that movie? I thought you were an advanced civilization." Spider-Man said in disbelief.
"You're wasting my time," Aquaman said.
"Wait. I can help. But you're going to have to trust me." Batman said getting his attention.
That night, we see an ambulance set up outside.
"Here at metropolis medical center, We've just gotten word that Aquaman is about to be moved. Hospital sources say he's going to an unnamed Marine research facility for further treatment." A reporter said.
On the rooftops, we see Wonder Woman looking out at the hospital with Limelight at her side.
"I hope you're right Batman." Wonder Woman said into a communicator.
"Just keep your eyes open," Batman said as he, Spider-Man, and Superman landed on another roof.
"Here he comes," Superman said as the doors opened revealing Aquaman being pushed out by two doctors.
From a manhole across the street, the same figure that shot Aquaman down earlier emerged.
Reaching into his bag, the figure pulls out a rocket launcher again but what he didn't know was Limelight saw him.
"There he is!" She points.
"I see him," Batman said looking through binoculars.
Taking out a bataraang, he threw it at the launcher causing the shooter to aim toward the ground and when he fired chunks flew everywhere startling the people nearby.
Seeing that he was compromised the hitman made a break for it knowing the heroes were on his tail.
Sliding down a manhole he grabs the cover and slides it back on.
When Superman goes to lift it up he was zapped the second he touched the lid.
Swinging towards the hospital, Batman approached Aquaman.
"You okay?" Batman asks as Aquaman changes forms revealing he was really Martian Manhunter.
"Perfectly." Martian Manhunter said.
In the sewer, the hitman ditched his trenchcoat and hat revealing he was a man in a white and red suit with a sniper scouter on his right eye. This was Deadshot.
Running to a motorcycle he had parked nearby, Deadshot revved the engine Martian Manhunter dropped down in front of him.
Just as Deadshot was about to rev him over Martian Manhunter turned intangible to avoid it.
"Diana, Limelight he's head in your direction." Martian Manhunter said.
Looking at each other both nod.
As Wonder Woman jumps off the roof she slams her fist down on the road causing the asphalt to rain down above Deadshot forcing him to race through it.
Dropping down in front of him Limelight made a giant brick wall forcing him to stop.
"End of the road." Wonder Woman said joining them.
"Think I'll take a detour." Clicking a button a rocket shot out of the bike and hit the ceiling above them.
Acting quickly Limelight made a barrier over them protecting her and Wonder Woman from the cave-in, but that allowed Deadshot to make his escape.
Meanwhile, in an empty room, Green Lantern was keeping watch over him.
"What's taking so long? I must return to Atlantis." Aquaman asks.
"Sit tight your highness. We'll tell you when it's safe." Green Lantern said unfazed.
At first, Aquaman turns around but then feints punching Green Lantern in the face and knocking him to the ground.
"You presume too much," Aquaman said before leaving.
Back down in the sewers, Deadshot was racing down when he noticed Spider-Man crawling along the ceiling after him.
"What the heck is that?" He said distracted.
Leaping up Spider-Man fires a web in front of him forcing Deadshot to make a tight turn to avoid it sending him down a path littered with spike balls courtesy of Batman.
As he drove over them Deadshot's bike swerved causing him to fall off.
Struggling to get up, Spider-Man and Batman approached him.
"Whoo! Teamwork. Up top." Spider-Man said holding out his hand but Batman left him hanging. "Not cool."
"Don't move," Batman said with his attention on Deadshot.
As Deadshot reached for his belt, Spider-Man's spidey sense went off.
"Look out!" When Deadshot threw a smoke ball at them, Spider-Man fired a web to grab it and throw it down the hall.
While they were distracted Deadshot made his escape.
Sliding open a manhole, Deadshot entered a large green van and floored it.
Too bad for him, Superman was on it.
Flying after him, Superman used his heat vision on the wheels causing the van to flip over and crash.
Landing atop the van, Superman rips the door off and pulls Deadshot out.
"Ok, ok. I give up." Deadshot said.
"You tried to kill Aquaman. Why?" Superman asks.
"Gee. Why would a hired gun Try to shoot somebody? Could it be that someone paid me to?" Deadshot asks sarcastically.
"Who?" Wonder Woman asks as she, Limelight, Martian Manhunter, Batman, and Spider-Man joined them.
"Oh, come on, babe. You know I can't tell you that. Professional ethics." Deadshot said before checking her out. "But then again…if you make it worth my while." He chuckles.
"Yeah, you wish," Spider-Man said.
"I'll take it from here," Batman said grabbing Deadshot and pulling out of earshot.
"You can't scare me, Batman," Deadshot warns but Batman yanks him in close.
"Let me give you one word of advice." Batman glares.
Once he gave him the advice Deadshot had a different tune.
"Okay. Okay, I'll tell." He said quickly.
"Whoa, what did he say?" Spider-Man asks impressed.
"You don't wanna know," Superman said immediately.
As Batman brings him back he shoves Deadshot towards them.
"Who hired you?" Batman asks.
"I don't know. I don't ask questions." Deadshot said.
"Not good enough. How were you paid?" Batman asks.
"In gold. See?" Gesturing at some spilled-out crates we see tons of gold coins and trinkets. Even a few gold crosses.
"Wait this stuff looks old. Like museum old." Spider-Man noticed as Batman examined them.
"Spanish Doubloons," Batman said.
"Where would someone get coins like that?" Limelight asks.
"Atlantis." Martian Manhunter realized.
"We have to warn Aquaman," Superman said.
"Too late." Green Lantern said flying in. "That royal pain in the neck's already gone. And I couldn't stop him."
"That means whoever was trying to kill him is probably waiting for him back home." Spider-Man realized.
"Hera help him." Wonder Woman said.
In Atlantis, we see Orm in the throne room standing in front of several of their generals.
"My friends now is the time for action. Now is the time for mighty Atlantis to rise up and strike terror Into the hearts of its enemies. Are you with me?" Orm asks as the generals cheered in agreement.
Suddenly the door opened up revealing Aquaman.
"Orm! What treason is this?" He asks approaching his brother.
"No treason brother. I thought you were—" Orm starts.
"Dead?" Aquaman finishes. "That's no reason to plunge Atlantis into a foolhardy war. I left specific orders."
"I'm only doing what you never had the courage to do." Orm states.
"Enough! I'll hear no more. Arrest the traitor!" Aquaman orders but the generals remained where they were.
"You heard him. Arrest the traitor." Orm orders and the generals pointed their weapons at Aquaman instead much to the King's surprise.
"What?!" Aquaman gasps in disbelief.
"You are the traitor. You abandoned your people, Sold them out to the surface dwellers. Look around you, brother. I'm in charge now." Orm declares.
"Brother what is the meaning of this?" Aquaman asks demanding an explanation.
"For years I stood in your shadow and watched as you led Atlantis to the brink of ruin. I'll stand no more! And neither will your generals." Orm states.
"This is a battle we should have fought years ago. But you betrayed us by siding with our enemies." Brak adds.
Infuriated Aquaman shoves past his guards and attacks Orm.
Raising the trident Orm blasts Aquaman sending him crashing to the ground.
"Take him away." Orm orders as two generals took Aquaman out. "General Brak ready your troops at once."
"Yes my lord." Brak said as the rest of them left.
Taking his seat upon the throne, Tula and Mera came in.
"Orm, we heard my husband had returned, is it true?" Mera asks.
"I wish it were. But it's only a rumor." Orm said lying through his teeth.
Hearing this Mera covered her eyes with her hands.
"She's trying to be strong but this is hard on her. On both of us." Tula said.
"Don't worry Mera. I'll take care of you. And your son." Orm said trying to comfort her.
"My son?" Mera said raising her head.
"I've already taken the precaution of placing him under my protection," Orm said.
Hearing this Mera immediately ran to her son's room.
"What did you do?" Tula asks in a scared tone.
"What was necessary Tula." Orm simply states.
Not liking this one bit Tula after her Aunt but when she arrived she looked in horror to see the cradle was empty.
"These are dangerous times. We can't be too careful." Orm said joining them.
"Where is he?" Mera asks.
"The prince will come to no harm as long as you cooperate," Orm said.
"How can you do this?" Mera asks horrified.
"I assure you I am only doing what is best for Atlantis," Orm said.
As he turned around he saw Tula glaring at him.
"Best for Atlantis? Or best for you?" Tula asks.
"You dare raise your tongue to me? Your own father?" Orm glares.
"The man I called my father would never do this to his own family. Or wage war on innocent people who have caused no harm." Tula said.
"I see all those Scouting Missions on the surface have made you soft. And I have no need for soft in my army." Raising his hand, Orm smacks Tula knocking her helmet clean off her head and revealing her red hair.
"Tula!" Mera gasps running to her niece's side.
Groaning Tula looked up at her father.
"You are a disgrace to the Royal Family." Orm declares before leaving.
Meanwhile, in a ship that was racing towards Atlantis, we see Wonder Woman, Superman, Martian Manhunter, Green Lanter, Limelight, and Spider-Man.
"Atlantis is just beyond that reef." Wonder Woman said.
"Oh man, I wish I brought my camera," Spider-Man said in an excited tone.
"Don't get too excited. I guarantee you they won't welcome us with open arms." Green Lantern warns.
"We're gonna have to sneak in." Limelight agrees.
"Land the ship over there. Maybe we can slip past their defenses." Superman suggests, but before they could anything something hits the ship causing it to shake.
"Too late, they've seen us." Martian Manhunter said as the giant ship approached them.
"Aw, man those ships don't even look like fishes. That Atlantis movie was way off." Spider-Man said.
"If it's a fight they want, they got it." Green Lantern said.
"Wait. Remember why we're here." Superman said.
"Wait I can't go out there. The Water pressure will crush me." Spider-Man said.
Using her ring, Limelight made a green barrier around him.
"Now you can," Limelight said before handing him an oxygen mask.
As all of them swam out they saw General Brak and his forces ready to attack.
"Wait! Hold your fire. We have a message for your king." Superman calls out.
"What should we do General Brak?" A soldier asks looking at him.
"Destroy them." Brak orders.
As the Atlanteans went on the attack the Justice League managed to outmaneuver and dodge them.
While the others were dealing with the grunts racing in Superman flew up to a large cliff and yanks a big rock free before hurling it at the Atlantean Ship causing it to crash.
However, when they made their way to the city they were met with depth charges set up by the cities' defense and as a result led to them all being captured.
In the throne room, they were all handcuffed and had strange devices put on their heads when Orm approached them.
"Worthless surface scum." Orm glares.
"Well hello to you too." Spider-Man groans.
"Where's Aquaman?" Superman asks.
"I thought your kind already took care of him." Orm accuses.
"No, he came back here." Wonder Woman clarifies.
Little did anyone know on an upper balcony, Mera and Tula slowly snuck in to listen.
"We came to warn him about a plot against his life. An Atlantean plot." Superman warns surprising the two Atlantean women.
"Lies and deception!" Orm accuses before zapping Superman with the trident. "I consider this latest incursion nothing less than an act of war. You will all be executed as enemies of the crown and then I will wipe out the surface world forever."
Bringing them to a room, all of them were chained to the walls before a glass panel was lowered down and water began filling the room.
"Oh man, why couldn't I have stayed with Batman?" Spider-Man groans.
"J'onn, can you phase through?" Wonder Woman asks.
"No can't focus." Martian Manhunter said as the devices on their heads emitted sparks.
"It's this thing on our heads. I can't use my ring." Limelight said.
"Some sort of synaptic discharge." Green Lantern assumes.
"That is not reassuring," Spider-Man said as the water rose.
As Orm's forces were ready to depart, Orm headed off on his own to deal with his own business. Unfortunately for him, Tula and Mera used this to their advantage.
As water filled up the cell, all the heroes were struggling.
"So who do you think will go first?" One guard asks.
"My money is on the woman." The second said.
"Really? My money is on the younger ones." The first said when suddenly he was hit in the head with a mace.
Before the other could respond a torrent of water blasted him into the wall.
Running in, Mera pulls the lever draining the water while Tula opens the gate.
Coughing everyone gasped for air as they were freed.
"I don't know who you two are but thank you," Spider-Man said pulling up the bottom half of his mask so he could breathe.
"Why did you help us?" Limelight asks.
"You believe someone in Atlantis has betrayed my husband. I also fear for his life." Mera said.
"Well that's one but what's your excuse?" Spider-Man asks looking at Tula.
"He's my Uncle and I'm no longer an Atlantean soldier," Tula said.
"Good enough for me," Limelight said.
"Will you help us?" Mera asks.
"Of course, we will." Green Lantern said as he, Superman, and Martian Manhunter were ready.
Meanwhile, at an undersea volcano, we see Aquaman chained to a rock and struggling to escape.
"Enjoying the view?" Pulling up alongside him, Aquaman sees his brother had stopped by.
"Getting rid of me won't make the people of Atlantis serve you." Aquaman points out.
"I know. That whole lineage thing can be messy. Fortunately, I have a solution." Orm said getting his attention.
"What do you mean?" Aquaman asks.
Reaching inside the compartment Orm pulls out a crying Arthur Jr much to his father's horror.
"No." Aquaman gasps.
Swimming up alongside him Orm takes out a dagger and stabs it into the rock before hanging the young prince from it.
"A pity, the young prince will be yet another innocent victim of the surface dweller's aggression," Orm said.
Growling Aquaman tried to lunge at his brother but the chains kept him trapped in the rock.
"Sadly that will also make me next in line for the throne," Orm said before swimming back.
Grabbing the trident, Orm aims at the rock and blasts it causing them to sink toward the volcano.
"Well I'm off to avenge your deaths," Orm said leaving them to die.
As the father and son sunk towards the lava, Aquaman manages to pull his right arm free but his left one was still trapped.
Approaching the lava, Aquaman had to move fast.
Taking the Atlantean logo off his belt he used it like a weapon to chip away at the chains holding him but the chains were too strong.
With the lava getting closer and closer and Arthur Jr's cries getting louder Aquaman knew there was only one thing he could do.
Roaring with determination he raised it high before bringing it down.
Back in Atlantis, Mera and Tula were leading the Justice League back to the palace.
"So you're a part of the Army huh?" Spider-Man asks looking at Tula.
"I was until my father called me a disgrace," Tula said.
"Oh sorry," Spider-Man said regretfully.
"It's fine, I never wanted to be one anyway," Tula said.
"Well, thankfully you're on our side," Limelight said.
"You two are nearly my age but you're involved in such things?" Tula asks.
"Yeah, our mentors believe we're good enough for such things," Limelight said.
"I've been to the surface many times on my scouting missions. Yes, there are parts that are bad but there are also amazing things. I don't want to see it destroyed. If anything I would love to go back up there." Tula admits.
"Well hopefully we can stop this mess and you can go up there. Have you ever been to New York by any chance?" Spider-Man asks.
"It's one of my favorite places. It's nothing like Atlantis at all, tons of people everywhere and filled with things I never even heard of." Tula smiles.
Seeing her smiling face Spider-Man paused. Wondering if he had met her somewhere before.
"Well if you ever want a guide I'll give you a tour." Spider-Man offers.
"Might take you up on that someday." She said.
"Your kingdom is incredible. It's no wonder Aquaman is so passionate to protect it." Wonder Woman said.
"Unfortunately, there are those whose ambition would destroy it." Mera said when from across the pathway 4 guards started firing at them.
"Get back!" Wonder Woman said using her bracelets to deflect their fire.
However, from the other end, 2 more showed up.
"Incoming!" Limelight said as they dodged their fire.
"Stand back I got an idea!" Spider-Man said.
"What are you doing?" Tula asks.
"I'm going fishing," Spider-Man said.
Jumping off the rails Spider-Man fires two webs grabbing the guards on his side.
"Wonder Woman duck!" Spider-Man yells.
Throwing the guards in their direction everyone ducked as they crashed into the other guards knocking them over the edge.
Firing multiple webs, Spider-Man grabs them just as they splashed into a pool of water below.
"Alright let's check out the catch of the day." Spider-Man said pulling up and they saw all 5 guards unconscious. "Alright everyone Fish Fry at my place, bring a side. We are gonna need a mountain load of tartar sauce for these bad boys."
"He's going to eat them?" Mera asks making Superman chuckle.
"No, he just likes to joke around." Superman clarifies.
"You're a lot better on land than you are in water." Limelight giggles.
"No kidding," Spider-Man said leaving the guards hanging.
"Good work." Superman said.
"This fight is far from over. We must move." Martian Manhunter said.
Arriving at the palace, we see Wonder Woman, Tula, and Green Lantern sitting with Mera when Spider-Man crawled in from the ceiling with Limelight, Superman and Martian Manhunter coming in from different angles.
"We searched all over, he's nowhere to be found." Martian Manhunter said.
Hearing this Mera started to sob when Tula noticed a shadow approaching them.
"Aunt Mera look!" She gasps.
Looking to the door they see Aquaman holding Arthur Jr in his hand.
Smiling with joy Mera ran to hug her husband. "My love. You're safe."
"And so is our son." He said holding him out.
As she reached out to take him back Mera gasps seeing Aquman's left hand wrapped up by the blanket.
"Your hand." She said in horror.
"Where is Orm?" Aquaman asks.
In the medical bay, a doctor was working on Aquaman's arm while everyone stood nearby.
"His own hand. I can't believe it." Superman said.
"He didn't have time to figure out another way," Limelight said.
"I told you he was a madman." Green Lantern said.
"Excuse me?" Tula glares.
"Is it madness to sacrifice all for someone you love?" Mera asks shutting him up.
"Can't you hurry up?" Aquaman asks.
"This is a very delicate procedure, my lord. You must be patient." The doctor said.
Suddenly Superman got a message from Batman.
"Superman we have a situation development up at the north pole. Thermal readings show temperatures increasing rapidly." Batman said.
"And people called Global Warming total bullcrap," Spider-Man said.
"While what you said is true. I don't think it's that." Limelight said.
"If that continues the ecological effects could be catastrophic." Martian Manhunter warns.
"Then let's check it out." Green Lantern said.
"But what about the crisis here?" Wonder Woman asks gesturing to Aquaman and his family.
"There might be a connection," Aquaman said.
"What do you mean?" Superman asks.
"It's the Doomsday thermal reactor. We designed it to create a polar meltdown." Aquaman explains.
"What?" Green Lantern gasps.
"Why would you build such a thing?" Limelight asks.
"I had it built as a weapon of last resort. To protect Atlantis in case the surface world ever attacked but I never armed it." Aquaman said.
"Then Orm must have done it." Spider-Man said.
"That's why he took the Plutonium from the submarine." Green Lantern realized.
"If the polar ice caps melt, the world will sink below the waves. Everything will be destroyed. Orm must be stopped." Superman said.
"And he will be." Standing up we see Aquaman's hand was now a metal hook. "I'll see to it personally."
At the North Pole, Aquaman surfaces and begins walking toward the reactor.
"Aquaman wait!" Superman calls out.
"Why do you follow?" Aquaman asks looking up to see everyone had followed him. Even Tula.
"We want to help." Wonder Woman said.
"This is my battle. No one asked you to fight it." Aquaman said.
"Hold it." Dropping down Spider-Man landed in front of Aquaman.
"I told you to get out—" Before Aquaman could finish Spider-Man decks him in the face surprising everyone.
As Aquaman falls to the ground he was about to get up when Spider-Man grabs him.
"You unhand me at once boy or I—"
"Oh shut up! For once you are going to listen to me so dig the wax out of your ears and listen up Hookey! This whole time I've been listening to you bitch and whine about everything. How lousy the surface is, how horrible your brother is, how perfect Atlantis is, how you're too noble to ask anyone for help well newsflash Aquaman the world doesn't revolve around you!" Spider-Man said.
"I am the King of Atlantis and I will do what I think is best for my people," Aquaman said.
"Yeah and you've done such a good job so far," Spider-Man said sarcastically gesturing to his hook hand. "Stop thinking like a King because you clearly keep making mistakes that way."
"Then how do you recommend I think?" Aquaman asks.
"Think like a father." Spider-Man declares silencing him for once. "You nearly lost your son today and he's not even old enough to walk. Don't you want to be able to go back to him? Watch him grow up and become his own man. If you don't think carefully, he'll be forced to grow up in a war where he might never know what it's like to live in a world of peace. Or worse…he'll be forced to grow up without a father."
Hearing this Aquaman lowered his guard for the first time.
"Don't you want to be there for him?" Spider-Man asks.
"More than anything." Aquaman admits.
"Then shut up, swallow your pride, and let us help you. You don't have to do everything on your own." Spider-Man said gesturing to his friends and Tula.
"Just try not to get in my way." Aquaman said making them smile.
"That was amazing. He actually got through to him." Tula smiles amazed.
"Yeah that man is something else." Wonder Woman smiles.
"No arguments here." Limelight smiles.
"Good work kid." Superman said clapping him on the back.
"About time someone hit him. I'm just bummed it wasn't me." Green Lantern smirks.
"Uncle." Tula said approaching him.
"Tula I'm sorry but I have to stop Orm." Aquaman said.
"I know and I'm going to help too." She nods.
Seeing he was getting back up whether he wanted it or not Aquaman decided to accept it.
He was about to continue when Spider-Man's spider-sense went off.
"Incoming!" Spider-Man yells as they narrowly dodged a missile.
Emerging from the ice, we see two Atlantean Battleships along with General Brak and an army of soldiers.
"Soldiers of Atlantis! Attack!" Brak orders as they charged in.
"Oh boy." Spider-Man said not liking this.
"Here we go again." Green Lantern said as they went on the attack.
Jumping down towards them Aquaman slashes on with his new hand while Tula used her magic and hurls blasts of water knocking various soldiers off their speeders.
As the fights started Batman flew in on his jet to see the glaciers beginning to melt.
"Superman the glaciers are already beginning to melt." Batman said.
"I know but we're a little tied up at the moment." Superman said.
Swinging in, Spider-Man fires multiple webs tying up several soldiers causing them to crash.
"You know it's a good thing Santa Claus isn't around here or you guys would end up all the naughty list." Spider-Man said dropping in and punching one in the face.
Flying in nearby, Limelight made several saw blades with her ring and launched them slicing up several speeders.
Throwing her lasso, Wonder Woman yanks a soldier out of the water and throws him into his allies.
Creating a shield Green Lantern used it to block enemy fire and ram into the speeders causing them to crash.
Swimming up from behind on soldier, Aquaman yanks him off and races towards a warship with Superman right behind him.
Flying towards the guns, Superman rips them off the ship before throwing them.
However when he flew up the other fired at him sending him crashing along the shore.
"Superman!" Spider-Man gasps.
Firing a web, he goes to help him.
"For Atlantis!" Jumping onto a speeder, Brak joins the fight and leads the charge against Aquaman.
However just before they got close a killer whale came out of the water and gave Aquaman a lift over them.
"Holy Shamu!" Spider-Man said amazed.
"Yes." Tula grins.
"Please tell me I'm not the only one who saw that," Spider-Man said.
"I saw it, but I still don't believe it." Green Lantern said.
"Stay with him! We'll handle things here." Superman said as Green Lantern flew after Aquaman.
As the forces neared the shore, Superman landed next to Spider-Man.
"Well Spidey if you got any ideas, I'm open to them," Superman said.
Looking around Spider-Man noticed a tall glacier that was melting right behind them the Atlantian army.
"Okay, you ever see the movie Mulan?" Spider-Man asks.
As the army gained on them, Superman flew towards them.
"You cannot stop the Might of Atlantis! We are strong! We are powerful!" Brak yells.
"Yeah, but the kid's seen more movies." Superman smirks.
Firing his heat vision at the glacier behind them the soldiers look in horror as the snow and ice fall down on top of them causing their machines to be crushed under the weight of it all.
"Yes! Whoo! It worked!" Spider-Man cheers.
'I gotta ask Perry to let me do a few movie reviews. These things might save lives.' Superman thought impressed by this.
As Brak was slow to climb out of the snow, he looks up to see Tula standing in front of him.
"Lady Tula. Surely you would not go against your own father's orders." Brak assumes.
However, instead of responding water surrounded her fist and she punched him in the face causing everything to go black.
Arriving at the spot where the device was hidden, Aquaman made his way inside.
Approaching the device, Aquaman started to disarm it when suddenly he was blasted from behind.
"It seems I underestimated you, brother. A mistake I won't make again." Orm said.
Thrusting the trident forward, Aquaman rolls out of the way and kicks Orm in the face knocking him back.
Near the entrance, Green Lantern and Batman arrive.
"There's not much time. If we don't hurry the whole world is doomed." Batman said.
"Is this a bad time to say I told you so?" Green Lantern asks.
"You know you're sounding a lot like Spider-Man right now." Batman informs.
"Okay I'm done." Green Lantern said seeing his point.
Back inside, the fight between Aquaman and Orm was getting intense.
As the two of them clashed weapons they struggled to gain the upper hand.
Pulling back Aquaman delivers a fierce right hook knocking Orm to the ground.
"It's over," Aquaman said approaching.
"You're right and you've lost." Grabbing the trident Orm points it at the machine blasting the controls.
"No." While Aquaman was distracted Orm used this chance to blast him.
"The tide is against you, the reactor can't be shut down," Orm said.
"We're too late." Green Lantern gasps seeing it was out of control.
"Not yet," Batman said running faster.
As Orm blasts Aquaman towards the entrance and he crashes down breaking part of the ice bridge but thanks to his new arm he was able to hold on.
Grinning Orm was so focused on Aquaman he didn't notice the other two heroes run past him.
"No good. I'll have to go inside and manually shut it down." Batman said.
"Inside?" Green Lantern said in disbelief.
"You ring. If Limelight can use to help Spider-Man underwater, can it be used to protect me from the radiation?" Batman asks.
"We'll find out." Green Lantern said coating Batman in a thick green layer before he made his way into the reactor.
Behind them, Orm was trying to blast Aquaman but he wasn't going down without a fight.
Hearing a noise Orm turns to see Green Lantern helping Batman.
"No! Stay away from that!" Orm fires a blast from the trident but Green Lantern made a barrier and blocked the attack.
"Orm stop!" Aquaman orders.
"Still you defend them?" Turning his attention back to his brother Orm aimed the trident at him but Aquaman jumps in and slashes it away.
As the two grappled they fell backward allowing Aquaman to knock the trident out of Orm's grip.
Little did they know the bridge under them was beginning to break.
Reaching to his side, Orm swings a dagger slashing Aquaman forcing him back.
"You are not fit to wear the crown you weak, gutless—" Before Orm could finish the ice under him broke causing him to dangle for dear life while Aquaman was standing above him. "Brother help." He begs instantly changing his mood.
Reaching down it seemed like Aquaman was going to help him but instead, he grabbed the trident.
"I believe this is mine." Aquaman said Orm lost his grip and plummeted to his death.
"Hurry Batman." Green Lantern said as Batman turned the wheel causing the reactor to shut down and the ice stopped melting. "You did it." Green Lantern smiles as he climbed out.
"No. We did it." Batman corrects.
"Then the threat is over." Aquaman declares.
Once the fighting stopped we find ourselves back in Atlantis.
On a balcony, Tula was standing by herself mourning the loss of her father.
"Hey you okay?" Turning around she saw Spider-Man approach her.
"I know he tried to do lots of harm, but he was still my father. I loved him." She frowns.
"I get it. It's hard to lose a dad." Spider-Man said.
"Now that the fighting is over I'm no longer a soldier, but now I don't know what to do." Tula admits.
"Well then I suggest you start thinking about it, but in the meantime maybe they can help you out?" Spider-Man gestures.
Turning around Tula saw Aquaman and Mera approach her.
"Your majesties," Tula said.
"You never have to call us that anymore Tula. You showed loyalty to us when everyone even my own brother turned their back on me. Loyalty like that is to be rewarded." Aquaman said.
"I'm just glad you're all safe." Tula said as Arthur Jr giggled happy to see his cousin.
"I know things are going to be hard but you're not alone. You still have a family to help you through this." Spider-Man gestures.
"Thank you." Tula nods as Aquaman approached him.
"Listen I wanted to thank you. And to apologize. You had the guts to knock some sense into me and stop me from making a horrible decision." Aquaman said.
"Just happy you listened," Spider-Man said.
"Thank you for bringing my family home." Mera said giving him a hug.
"Anytime." Spider-Man said.
As they walked back Tula watched Spider-Man and smiled. She may have lost her father but he helped her see she still had plenty to love in her life.
In the throne room, all of them had gathered to deal with Brak and the traitors.
"And surely you must know milord that our loyalty lies with you and you alone. We never believed in Orm's plan but your brother forced us. The truth is we were only following orders." Brak said trying to make an excuse.
"Get them out of my sight." Aquaman orders as the soldiers escorted them out. "I have only myself to blame. My fear of the surface blinded me to those I should have feared most and it cost me dearly." Aquaman said looking at his hook.
"Don't be too hard on yourself. Perhaps we've all misjudged." Green Lantern said.
"By we you mean you." Limelight smirks.
"Yes, I misjudged you." Green Lantern corrects.
"All I ever wanted is peace and security for Atlantis." Aquaman said.
"It won't be easy." Superman said.
"I know, but some sacrifices are worth it." Aquaman said looking at his family.