Prologue-

Jaime shifted uncomfortably as Nightwings' masked eyes examined his unshirted chest and stomach. Scars and bruises, old and new, covered his lean body, unmasked when the boy revealed his closely guarded secret. After letting the Senior examine the evidence Jaime put his hoodie back on and stared at the floor.

"How long?" Nightwing asked after a minute of silence.

"Since I was 6" Jaime answered in a soft whisper to keep his voice from breaking.

Nightwing let out a soft sigh and began to think on how he should approach this.

"Can you explain from the beginning?" The 19-year-old questioned.

The 16-year-old swallowed and took a deep breath before answering, "I-uh-I walked in on my parents arguing. Mami told me to go to my room but my father told me to stay," Jaime closed his eyes to keep tears from falling, "I listened to mi mami because I was closer to her and mi papa was rarely around. That night, when mami was asleep, my father attacked me."

Nightwing stashed the information in his memory and frowned before asking, "how much times a week did he hurt you?"

Jaime was silent as he thought about the answer, "twice a week, at most"

"Did it get worse or more frequent at all?"

Jaime bit his lip and gave a shaky nod as he looked at the Senior with wet eyes.

"When?"

"Three weeks after the Reach left, I-I didn't know it was getting worse until..." Jaime became silent and looked away from the older male.

"Until?" Nightwing pressed softly.

{You must answer the question Jaime Reyes or else he cannot help you}

The 16-year-old looked at the poster on Nightwings wall before answering, "U-until I fel-fell into a co-coma for a mon-month"

Nightwings eyes widened and he took a sharp intake of breath, "your father was the one who stabbed you?"

Jaime nodded after he returned his attention to the older boy. Nightwing took a deep breath before letting it out to calm himself before opening his mouth to ask another question when Jaime's phone rang. The Hispanic took it out and answered it.

"Hola? Oh, um, I'll be there in five... Hasta pronto" the boy closed his phone and put it up, "I gotta go, I was supposed to meet up with Tye 30 minutes ago. Uh... thanks for letting me tell you."

With that said Jaime quickly left the room and a minute later the computer announced his departure.


: Recognized- Nightwing B Zero-One:

The Senior stepped out of the Zeta Tube and into the Batcave a second after the computer announced him. He saw his mentor typing on the computer and made his way over.

"You cannot tell the EPPD (El Paso Police Department) they will ask for proof-"

"We can show them the video feed from the Watch Tower" Nightwing cut the older Bat off.

"You will put Blue Beetles identity at risk if you do" Batman reasoned and turned to look at his first protégé, "they will confront Alberto and he most likely will say (and fake proof) that Jaime has depression and has been doing that to himself."

Nightwing felt anger go through him in waves and glared at the man, "WE CAN'T LET THIS GO! WE HAVE TO HELP HIM!"

Batman turned his chair around and stood up before placing a hand on Nightwings shoulder, "We will, as soon as we get all the details and as soon as we can prove the entire thing to the police."

The Romanian (?)closed his eyes and gave a soft nod as the anger yielded.

"Right now, all we can do is be there for him and help him through" Batman explained.

"Alright" Nightwing said softly before leaving the Bat Cave and going to the Manor.


Two figures hidden on the rafters looked at each other in shock and disbelief before slinking away.