En route to Atlantis, the Atlantean royal family is suddenly beset by rapidly churning seas and swirling eddies. Despite the lack of visibility, the quartet pushes onward. A sudden malaise washes over Aquaman and Aqualad. Lost in the whirling miasma of sand and sea, Aquaman is on the verge of unconsciousness when he hears the cries of his wife, Mera. Shaking his head clear, Aquaman can just make out three shadowy figures making off with his wife. Before he can act, he is powerfully struck down. Alarmed at Aquaman's absence from important Atlantean functions, Aquagirl sets off in search of the royal family. Soon enough, she locates Aqualad, Arthur, Jr., and a still unconscious Aquaman. Upon reviving, Aquaman informs the others of Mera's abduction. All Aquaman can recall is that his attacker