He couldn't deal with pressure of being team leader or Wally's death, not to mention his relationship with Zatanna. He failed his team and barley made it out of the invasion alive. Zatanna found out what he used the glamour charm for and felt she couldn't trust him. He still misses Zatanna; he just hasn't had the time to rekindle their romance. In the end, he lost his best friend, everyone's favorite speedster. Ironic how the speedster worried for Artemis' life and his own life was sacrificed instead. Dick had to get away from all this stress and complication. He spoke to Bruce.
"So do you know a place or method to clear your head?"
"Dick if you want to let your emotions out I'm always here to…"
"Thanks but no thanks. I just want to do this alone."
"You can't do everything alone; I had to learn that the hard way. But if you need to get away there is a very isolated area in the outskirts of China. It's soothing village with a man by the name of Suzuki, the master of peace and tranquility, he can show you the ways of self-forgiveness."
"Thank you Bruce."
It was true that Dick did not forgive himself. He thought everything bad that happened during the invasion was his fault. Although it might not erase all of his problems, it was worth a try to meet this Suzuki guy. Dick went down to the Batcave and prepared his things. Before he left he sent a message to all his friends saying good-bye; everyone but Zatanna. He thought she didn't want to be bothered by him. When everything was packed and ready to go, he left. Of course his transportation was one of Bruce's private jets. How else would the son of a billionaire travel?
The village was a very traditional Chinese village. It's what you'd expect it to be, very serene. The ponds flowed with calm water and koi fish. Cherry blossoms glided on graceful wind. There was no sign of struggle or conflict in sight. The only issue was the communication, but he scraped up a few foreign language lessons from Batman and managed to hold simple conversations. To get a location on Suzuki, he questioned a nearby farmer.
"Ni zhidao Suzuki?" (Do you know Suzuki?)
"Shi" (Yes), the woman answered. "Ta shi you heping de huayuan." (He is over by the garden.)
It took Dick a while but he eventually found Suzuki in the garden. He didn't quite understand every word, so he asked around. Dick went to approach the man, but Suzuki greeted him with "hello" without turning around to see his face.
"You speak English?" Dick asked puzzled.
"Of course, I assume your Richard Grayson, Bruce Wayne's son and protégé."
Dick followed back by saying, "And your Suzuki Sakami, master of peace and tranquility, also one of Batman's favorite teachers."
"Yes"
"Well, you know what I came here for, so where do we begin?"
"Meditation, it can bring enlightenment!"
"I've heard"
"Take deep breathes; remember your past, what brought you here. Now tell me why you are here?"
"Well, I failed my team as leader."
"How so?"
"I kept a big secret and didn't tell the whole team. It ended up disastrous."
"Well you didn't have to tell the whole team, just the original team. How long did you expect to keep a big secret from a telepath?"
"How did…Bruce."
"It was an honest mistake, people aren't perfect. Will we discuss this matter later on until then meditate."
For a 64 year old man he was quite youthful in spirit. Probably was all that peace mojo. Dick had stayed with Suzuki for a little over 6 months. Suzuki told Dick that Wally's death had nothing to do with him, and that it was an act of heroism and courageousness. It took him a while to understand this but he eventually accepted it. Over the time he got all of his emotions out, and worked out minor problems too; all but his relationship issues with Zatanna. He decided he would deal with her when he got back.
As soon as Dick returned he spoke to Bruce.
"How was your experience?" Bruce asked.
"Very…helpful" Dick said with a smirk
"Well your friends missed you, especially Barbra."
"How did Zatanna coop? I didn't get a chance to say good-bye" Dick anxiously.
"Umm…that's what I wanted to talk to you about."
Dick was worried because Bruce said "umm". He knew the man behind the Batman mask would never say "umm".
"Hold that thought Bruce I'm gonna go to the Watchtower, Barbra told me to get there quick."
"Okay, I'll be gone when you get back, going on patrol."
"Same Old Bruce" Dick thought.
Dick swiftly transformed into Nightwing and zeta-tubed to the Watchtower.
"Hey Barbra" shouted Nightwing with enthusiasm.
"Hey Dick I have to tell you…"
"Batgirl please report to the training room" Aqualad announced through the intercom.
"Sorry I got to go"
"But…"
Nightwing roamed the Watchtower and found Miss Martian, Superboy, and Artemis.
"Hey guys what's up" Nightwing said excited to see his friends.
"Hi, how was your trip?" M'gann asked trying to be happy.
"Great! It helped me a lot"
"That's good" Superboy said with a serious tone.
"Maybe it's just me, but why is everyone acting different?"
"Nothing, just the weather is gloomy" M'gann exclaimed.
"Is there something everyone's hiding from me, like a party or something? Artemis?" Nightwing questioned with his signature smirk.
"Actually Dick there is something you need to know." Artemis showed signs that something was wrong.
"Yeah, umm the mission umm Beastboy" Miss Martian stuttered.
"M'gann don't" Superboy stopped her.
"What's going on, can someone just spit it out already?"
"Zatanna's…a…she's a." Artemis couldn't say the words.
"She's a what?" Nightwing tensed up quickly.
"She's an escort." Dick's eyes were full on shock, anger, and confusion.