Sorry this took so long. It took forever to get it right and then typing it up took close to an hour. Be advised there is some blood at the end. In other news I have an idea for a new one-shot based on this mornings episode. I won't spoil it though.
Guys! We need some help down here!
Nightwing's voice was loud in M'Gann's mind. She steered the ship back towards the beach. What about La'gaan?
There's nothing more we can do for him now. The mission is priority.
M'Gann nodded even though he couldn't see her.
"Stay focused. We can help Lagoon Boy later." Connor said briskly prepareing to leave the ship. It took everything she had not to glare at him. She settled for an uncharacteristic frown.
"I don't want to watch you and Connor be awkward!" Wally said crossing his arms.
"I didn't want to skip right to it." M'Gann replied. The waves of fear and anger coming off of Wally almost made her sick.
Hurry! Robin shouted.
M'Gann stood and ran out of the bioship beside Connor almost before it had completely landed. She stopped and gasped, taken aback by the sheer number of helmeted figures on the beach. Nightwing and Robin were fighting back to back in the middle of a cluster of henchman. She rose of the ground until something stopped her; Connor's hand was wrapped around her ankle.
"What?" She demanded. He just gave her a stern look and let go. With his customary enraged growl, he charged into the fray throwing a powerful but controlled punch at the nearest target.
M'Gann flew higher forcing two of them to collide knocking both of them out cold. Connor was carving a wide path to the center of the battle. Nightwing and Robin seemed to be faring better without the looming threat of each dispatched enemy being replaced by two more. From her vantage point she could see the rest of the Team battling farther down the beach. Gar was doing his best to keep his attacker's at bay while shifting form frequently, the loose sand making it difficult to find one that was both effective and stable. Cassie had just lassoed one man and was currently using him as a bludgeioning weapon. Blue seemed to be arguing with himself about the intensity of his plasma cannons, while Bumblebee flew from goon to goon dispatching them with a few quick stings.
Over all it appeared the fight was turning in their favor. M'Gann looked back down to see Nightwing duck and land a well-aimed blow to the abdomen of one attacker and to the lower legs of another; Robin rolled across his shoulders striking out with his legs and staff to take out two more. M'Gann felt a swell of pride until she remembered La'gaan.
M'Gann! Nightwing's tone made it clear that this was not the first time he'd tried to get her attention, not to mention his use of her name in the field.
Sorry! Yes?
I said can you see who's coming from up there? His obvious irritation was taken out in the closest man's chest with a kick. The slightest bit of tension came out of his shoulders, but was still evident in the meager expression on his face.
She looked out to the water to see a group of at least twenty rising to the surface. He eyes widened in surprise. There's more! Kaldur is with them!
Great. You had better get down here. Stay whelmed. His use of the term was meant to be comforting but only made her more nervous as she landed on the sand. With one last blast she repelled the final three helmeted me left standing. With the beach now quiet and the sand beginning to settle, the Team turned to face the new threat.
Connor was obviously itching to attack the newcomers. Even Nightwing's fists were tight around his night sticks. M'Gann followed his masked gaze to where it was trained on Kaldur.
"You have taken my place then." Kaldur said smoothly.
Nightwing responded with silence.
"Of course. Batman will not allow his favorite student to be baited by such simple remarks."
"This fight is over." Connor growled suddenly, drawing Kaldur's attention.
"I think not old friend. It has barely begun." Kaldur's tone was mocking.
Connor practically hissed and started to charge forward again forcing M'Gann to levitate him off the ground to stop his momentum.
The rocket launching behind them sparked the fight to new life. M'Gann hesitated a few moments as the others ran forward before dropping Connor to the side where it looked like he was needed most. She focused her attention on the group Gar was trying to plow through.
The fight had only been going for a single minute when the rocket burst into flames overhead. No one looked up. The helmeted men staggered, blinded by the sudden light. With the beach illuminated, M'Gann noticed the halting path Nightwing was carving heading straight to where Kaldur stood waiting for him. Robin was back flipping and kicking at whatever he could attempting to follow.
A fresh wave of Kaldur's men began to flood onto the beach, most of them depositing themselves in front of him. Nightwing's frustration pricked at the edges of M'Gann's mind; Kaldur began forcing his way past, seemingly desperate for the fight.
Time seemed to slow as she landed on the sand only taking a moment before she stepped into a run.
Connor! Nightwing needs help! M'Gann shouted ducking blows and flinging her assailants back towards the water. To the side she could see similar happening as Connor plowed through the crowd. Breaking into the fray, M'Gann gasped as she saw Kaldur do the same across from her. A glowing blue sword materialized in his hand. He lashed out at Robin only to be blocked by Nightwing. The two shoved away from each other. Nightwing reared back for his own attack.
"Look out!" M'Gann's scream was too late and she watched with wide horrified eyes as the henchman's blade speared Nightwing's chest from behind. All around them the fighting stopped; even Kaldur stood motionless, shock blooming across his face. Only Nightwing hadn't seemed to realize what had happened. The whites of his mask widened as he looked down at himself.
"No!" Robin leaped at the man, but M'Gann was already propelling him back taking the sword with him. Robbin stopped, catching Nightwing as he fell forward.
"N…" Kaldur's voice faltered staring down at his old friend. "We are done here. Move out." As he gave the order he seemed to hesitate only taking a few steps back towards the water.
M'Gann rounded on him, her eyes glowing. She began to reach out with her mind when she felt Connor's arms wrap around her pulling her back.
"Leave him. Nightwing is more important." His voice was unusually calm as he whispered in her ear. M'Gann relaxed in his hold and turned away. Kaldur took one more look at his former teams mates then followed his retreating men.
"Nightwing!" Gar ran up with Blue and the others close behind him. Robin had stripped off his cape and was holding the wad of material tightly against Nightwing's chest.
"Don't just stand there! He cried frantically. "Help me!" Connor let go and dropped to his knees next to him. M'Gann did the same wrapping her arms around Gar who looked like he was trying not to cry. Blood was soaking the cape and pooling on to the sand beneath Nightwing.
"I… I can't hear his heart beat." Connor said quietly.
"No! Don't say that!" Robin yelled. He looked down at Nightwing. "He's not dead. He can't be." His voice was shaking. A few moments passed until Connor put a hand on his shoulder. Robin started to shake him off, but he was pulled into a tight hug.
He can't be. He just can't. M'Gann flinched at the raw anguish in words. She closed her eyes.
Nightwing?