AN: Hey guys! This is my first story so please let me know what you think and if you have any suggestions I am open to them. FYI this happens right after "Infiltrator" when Artemis joins the team and anything that's italicized is what's going on in their heads. Enjoy!

Chapter 1: Kidnapped

Gotham City

August 9, 10:30 EDT

Dick Grayson walkedthrough the entrance of the bat cave with Bruce Wayne close behind him. The old grandfather clock swished shut as they stepped into the study.

"So? Not bad huh? We saved the doc, caught some assassins, and saved the day and we did it all with a newb on the team." Exclaimed the young acrobat as he gracefully flipped through the study into the dimly lit corridor.

"The team performed adequately, but there are still some issues to work through," said the bat, stone-faced as he followed through the mansion.

The boy's face dropped as he looked back almost hurt by his mentor's truthful and pragmatic response. "Okay, yeah, but it wasn't that bad. I mean, we got the job done didn't we?" He answered in a defensive, yet respectful tone.

"The team must learn to leave their differences behind and remain focused during a mission." Bruce answered in his monotone voice. "You cannot act like teenagers and allow childish thoughts interrupt the mission at hand."

His words cut the boy wonder as he looked at his surrogate father, hurt and disappointed in himself and the team. "Yeah, I see what you're saying, but…"

"Master Bruce, pardon the interruption, but there is a young man here to see you. It's Jaden and he needs your assistance, he didn't say what for, but he did mention it was of utmost urgency," said the butler as Dick turned to him while confusion and concern filled his face.

"I'll be there in a minute. Dick you should go to your room," answered Bruce, his face unwavering at the unexpected news.

"But Bruce, Jaden wouldn't come here for no reason. What if it's Arie?"

"I'll get you if it's necessary, but you need to rest. Now go." Worried thoughts ran rampant through his mind as he imagined the worse. But his toned never changed. He remained completely composed even though he knew Jaden could bring news that could destroy his life.

The boy angrily stormed off to his room. How can he expect me to just rest after hearing that? All I can think about is Arie. I haven't seen or heard from her since she left to finish her training in Tutellis, but that was like 3 years ago. She could be anywhere now.

The Tutellian Council of Elders had thought it best that the young princess return to her home realm for the remainder of her training. They believed it was wise to remove the half human, half Tutellian adolescent from the temptations of the mortal realm. In order to reach her full potential, she had to learn to remove her human emotions and she couldn't do that living among them. She would return to fulfill her duties when she was ready. They wanted her to be older, wiser, and stronger before they sent her to live among the mortals and begin Ducentia (Part of a process ever Tutellian must face. It was a period in her life when she would guide mortals to protect them and help them decide between good and evil).

Bruce walked into the observatory where Jaden was anxiously awaiting the hero. The man was young, only 17 or 18, but he held wisdom and knowledge beyond his years. He looked up with beautiful rust-colored eyes that sparked with golden fire. His handsome face was composed and stoic, his strong jaw line hid his true emotions. He stood there in golden armor with an intricately cut design along the breastplate, he held a helmet that matched the armor and over his shoulders was draped a blood red cape. Worry and uncertainty filled his mind he was the Princess's protector and he failed her. To make matters worse he was forbidden from leaving to find her, to help her. It was against Tutellian code to use their magic for personal gain, and that included helping another Tutellian. They could only use their powers when defending the innocent or battling Tenebrians. He was breaking the rules by even coming to a mortal for help, but he didn't care. He would accept any punishment the council would give him.

He wasted no time, "Bruce, its Arianna, she's been kidnapped." His voice betrayed him as it waivered with fear and worry.

"Calm down and tell me what happened," his composure astonished Jaden. Mortals, especially humans, were known to be emotional and reckless. But Bruce hardly flinched when hearing the news, what Jaden didn't know was the turmoil inside the brave hero.

"She was here on Earth. She had been here for a several weeks now. We tried to keep it a secret, but obviously we failed," Jaden looked down, ashamed at his failure. "She was on her way to school when she was kidnapped. Five men surrounded her. She called for me, but by the time I teleported in she was gone. There was no sign of a struggle; all that remained was her crystal necklace." He said as he held up a beautiful clear crystal necklace on silver chain. "I wondered why she didn't fight back. I tried to sense for her but her signal is faint, so I know something is wrong. I followed protocol and informed the council, but they forbade me from pursuing any further. They say she was kidnapped by mortals and we cannot interfere without using magic for personal gain. I realized then why she didn't fight back, she could not, not without breaking the rules," he looked up at Bruce with hope in his eyes. "I need your help, she needs your help. I can do nothing more, even by coming here and asking for help from a mortal I am breaking the laws of Tutellis. But I will gladly receive any punishment as long as Arianna is safe."

"Don't worry I'll make sure she is brought home. Alfred, get Dick tell him to call the team together and report to Mount Justice immediately."

"No need. I'm here. Couldn't sleep. Wasn't traught," Dick said already in his hero gear, with a smirk across his face.

Batman turned toward Dick "Very well then, Dick, go on ahead to base don't tell anyone anything. The less they know the better. Jaden, you need to change" he commanded gesturing to Dick and Jaden. They followed without hesitating, through the hallway, into the study, through the clock and down the steps to the batcave.

Mount Justice

August 9, 11:45 EDT

The team had received orders to meet at their headquarters and were all anxiously awaiting Batman's arrival in the briefing room.

"What's all this about? Didn't we just get back from a mission?" questioned Artemis. Worries ran through her mind and it was painted on her face. Roy must have told. They can't have figured it out so easily on their own.

"What's wrong? If you can't take the heat stay outta the kitchen," replied Wally as he shoved the last bite of a hotdog into his already full mouth. "Since you're just a beginner, we understand if you can't take the pressure. You can just quit now and it won't bug us I promise," he mumbled in between bites.

Artemis turned to him with daggers in her eyes, "You have no idea what I can handle and…"

"Please, it is late and we are all tired. I would prefer if you did not argue now," interrupted Kaldur 'ahm with his deep and commanding voice. "Wally, Artemis is new, but Batman is confident she will make a fine addition to the team. You need to give her a chance…" He was cut off by the zeta tubes announcing the arrival of Batman, Robin, and a guest.

The team turned to the new arrivals. They were confused at the visitor dressed in jeans and a t-shirt. His eyes stuck out, their fierceness astonished them. There was something different about him. They could all sense it. M'gann immediately mind-linked the team.

Oh no, another addition, thought Wally.

What's wrong afraid of a little competition? Artemis teased. Wally glared at her.

Who do you think he is? Why would Batman bring a civilian in here? Thought M'gann

Who cares? I just want to go back to my room. Connor answered as he rolled his eyes.

Hey guys pay attention this is important. They turned to Robin, questioning his suspiciously serious expression. Even the new archer knew he wasn't acting like himself.

"This is Jaden. A friend of his has been kidnapped." Arianna's picture appeared in the hologram. "Her name is Arianna Ayala and I want this team to investigate. Bring her back safe and find out who took her and why she was taken," ordered Batman. He looked to Jaden as if giving him permission to speak.

He nodded and began, "She was kidnapped early this morning. I have narrowed down her location to this island several miles off the coast of Africa." As he spoke a map appeared showing the small island and its many mountains. "I wish I could assist but I must remain here. But please, find her."

His voice was proper, foreign. The team tried to figure where he was from, who he was, and why he trusted, but Batman's voice interrupted their thoughts.

"I know you are tired, but this is important. I trust you with this, but Jaden and I will remain behind in the control room monitoring you all. Good luck."

With that said the team leapt to action, running to the Bioship. Once they were inside they strapped in and took off.