While wrangling a rogue giant crab, Aquaman receives word from Atlantis that Mera has fallen ill. In truth, Mera is pregnant. The joyful moment turns tragic, however, when Aquaman's Atlantean advisor, Tumol, explains that, due to a quirk in Aquaman's genetic make-up, Mera and their baby will die upon childbirth. Their only hope is a serum derived from the rainbow anemone, which only grows in the Gulf of Terrors. Immediately, Aquaman and Aqualad set off for the gulf. The journey is long and arduous. En route, each hero reflects on their possible future relationship, with the King's new heir. Aquaman sees his son one day taking over for him, in his role as protector of the sea. Aqualad, more negatively, sees Aquaman's son as a rival who will usurp Aqualad's place as Aquaman's partner. Enteri