Robin caught her as she was released by the spell. "Watch ya doin here squirt?" he asked. "I wanted to come." Maria said slightly whining. Robin set her down. "Maria, you cannot come with us you know what Jokers like. He'll try to kill you!" "Eeeppp! It's Joker?!"Maria cried suddenly very scared. "Yep it's Joker." Wally said.

"You stay here while we take care of him ok Maria." Aqualad said. "No probwem" Maria responded.

Robin scanned the ware house. "Argh not asterous" he said. "There's at least 8 goons including Joker."

"Alright here's the plan." Aqualad started.

Gotham City

18:34pm April 7th

Present day

"Thank you so much for this Fate." Nightwing said as they entered the ware house where Maria was last seen. "Zatara demands that I assist you in finding his grand daughter." replied. He motioned his hands as if summoning great power. "Latrop taht koot Airam, neop-er!" As commanded , the blue portal appeared. Nightwing stepped forward, "Thank you." "Good luck." Fate said with a nod. And with that Nightwing went into the portal.

10 years before.

The team had been fighting for a good long while. The plan was simple take two goons regroup take down Joker. Unfortunately it was not working out that well. "I thought this was supposed to be short sweet and simple!" Wally complained telepathically. " We must continue!" Aqualad said assuringly. "Guys we've spotted Joker!" Robin and Zatanna called in the mental link. "Go on we will follow shortly!" Aqualad answered as he took down the goon with his electric sword. Robin and Zatanna ran off. They heard evil giggles throughout the room they entered. "Well who do we have here? A couple of Batsy's Bratsies is it."

"Joker!come out!" Robin yelled menacingly. "Now now Bird boy be patient." Joker said as he came out of the shadows. "Your little girlfriend here looks fun." Both heroes cringed at what he pulled out: a gun. "Wanna play a few rounds HA HA HA HA!"

He fired.

The portal opened above the heroes as they were fighting. Nightwing landed gracefully. The team gasped. "Who are you?" Aqualad asked, though he already had a pretty good idea. "Good to see you Kaldur, I'm Nightwing,...Robin." Everyone's eyes bulged, not at the fact of who he was obviously, but at the way he looked so much different from their Current Robin. He had grown taller over the years and had a much more muscular build. His Robin uniform had been replaced with a black uniform with nothing but a blue bird on his chest. "I am aware of who you are." Kaldur said "Your daughter has spoken highly of you." Nightwings face lit up. "You have Maria?! " Kaldur nodded. "Yes she is with us."

"I had a feeling she would make her way to you guys." Nightwing said relieved. Suddenly a shot was heard. "We will discuss more later." Kaldur said before turning."But right now we have to complete the mission."

Robin swiftly jumped out of the way as the bullet was fired. Zatanna made the first move. "Rekoj emoceb yzzid!" Joker suddenly started swaying, and grabbed his head. Robin took the opportunity to knock the gun out of his hand. Surprisingly Joker recovered quickly and regained his concentration. Fortunately Robin had managed to

knock the gun away. Suddenly the team entered with Nightwing. Robin and Zatanna stared at him. "Heh thought I was a little taller at this age." Nightwing said jokingly. He gazed at Zatanna and sighed. Joker looked at them "Well well another Bird boy? Ha this gig just Keeps getting better and better!" Nightwing scowled at him. "Joker." he said through gritted teeth. "Sorry do I know you?" "Oh your about to." Nightwing said as he cracked his knuckles.