Disclaimer: I do not own Young Justice or anything else DC.
Wally West could feel his body fading.
The flurries of snow and the cold air nipping at his skin beneath his uniform felt numb to him, almost burning. And even as Barry's hand passed right through him, he felt nothing. Tears streaked across his face, partially from sadness, partially from the rushing winds and the exertion.
Wally closed his eyes just as he felt the last part of him disappear. He didn't want to see where he'd end up. He didn't want to open his eyes to big fluffy clouds or burning lava, because either way he wouldn't be with those who mattered.
He wouldn't be with Artemis.
But pretty soon he was forced to open his eyes as a voice he hadn't heard in over 5 years invaded his skull.
"Wally? What are you doing in here?"
The thick accent was what caused Wally's eyes to snap open. He was in the familiar spotlight, surrounding him—shrouded in darkness—were navy blue walls that appeared almost black. He blinked as a familiar magician peered curiously down at him. You could tell he had not aged kindly since being trapped in the Helmet of Fate. Gray streaked his sleek black hair and his eyes were dull and cold. His suit had collected dirt and he was slightly hunched over and noticeably bruised, no doubt from the beatings taken to his body while Nabu controlled him.
"Zatara?" He asked, utterly confused. He looked around and blinked, confused at the nostalgic surroundings. "What am I doing in the… Helmet of Fate?"
"I am not sure, but I'm sure Nabu knows the answer," Zatara says. On some magical cue, the floating helmet meant to symbolize Nabu appears in between them. He seemed to be the only thing that remained exactly the same as he remembered. The eyeholes were lifeless and black and the golden metal shined in the light.
"Indeed I do," Nabu answers, the helmet hovering and glowing in the spotlight.
"Well can you please tell me then," Wally asks.
"Back in the Arctic, your body was being destroyed by the light. Your soul was slowly passing on to whatever Afterlife there is. Seeing as you had once been connected to me and how useful you had been to both Kent Nelson, and myself, I was able to trap your spirit inside the Helmet for a little while. Of course I'll let you go whenever you ask, but I thought maybe you'd want time to… say your goodbyes. Of course since you have no real body anymore, I will be allowing you to talk and move using Zatara's body, as he has allowed it as well," Nabu explains calmly.
"You have taken care of my daughter while I have been away, and for that I am in debt to you" Zatara says with a smile.
"Wow, umm, thanks," Wally says, scratching the back of his neck as a force of habit. He thought he would never actually be able to say the words he had told Barry to Artemis or his parents, but he guessed now he had a second chance. Feelings overwhelmed him and he had the sudden urge to cry out or wrap his arms around both Zatara and the floating helmet, but he restrained himself.
"I can take you back to where your friends are, so you can say your goodbyes. After I teleport, you will have full control to say what you wish," Nabu says.
Wally smiles gratefully at Nabu and clasps his hands together Well, I have a list," Wally says, clapping his hands together.
A/N: This was originally meant to be an exceptionally long one-shot, but I decided to just do it in chapters so I can make them longer. Each chapter's going to be a different person so there will probably be about 7 or so chapters. I wanted to write one for: Artemis, Nightwing, Barry, Mary and Rudy, Aqualad, Miss Martian, Superbody and then the Team/ Justice League in general. I'll probably narrow it down to less people but not sure. Comment what you think!