Hey guys, I'm so sorry this is so late. It's been a rough week. But yeah, I made another long chapter so I hope you forgive me. Enjoy!

The next night, I find myself dodging birdarangs and arrows. At the moment Tigress and Robin are attempting to pin me down as other members of the Light flee or stand against other heroes. Deathstroke stands in the middle of the clearing, taking on both Batman and Nightwing. Various members of the Justice League and its covert team engage supervillains and assassins of Ras' league. A cry of pain reaches my ears. "Nightwing!" Batman calls out as he springs toward my father, who is waiting with sword drawn. The younger masked hero lies on the ground, hand painfully clutching his side. His ragged breathing shows in staggered puffs against the chilled autumn air. I gaze at him, not noticing the change of direction my body has taken on. I begin to inch toward him as I continue to dodge. Before I can think to get any closer an arrow wizzes past my face. I glance back at Tigress who raises an eyebrow, wondering why my concentration is dwindling. I shake my head and return to the two attacking me. I sprint toward Robin, taking away his far range advantage, and throw a punch to make him step backward toward Tigress. Now in the correct formation I easily take them both down with a swift kick and slice of sword. They'll bleed out slowly enough to live, but they won't be getting up without assistance anytime soon. Green and Red Arrow have now joined Batman. "Shadow, to my side!" Deathstroke yells. I obey and appear next to him before he can make his next move. Red Arrow goes down quickly. I break off from my father's side as I take on Green Arrow. Unfortunately for me, the man enjoyed talking. "Artemis told me about you." I get a clean punch in and my dagger slices right below his rib cage. He grunts in pain but continues. "She says you don't want to do this. You don't want to be like this." I slam my knee into his stomach and side kick him across the left temple. He kneels to the ground but quickly recovers and is back on his feet. "Why don't you prove it? Switch side. Right here and now." He dodges my next two attacks. "We can help you. I promise." My fist collides with is throat. He falls to the ground clutching his next and gasping for breath. I kneel down beside him and whisper. "The only way I leave the Light is in a body bag." His eyes widen as I draw back my fist and send it forward. Walking away, I don't glance back at his unconscious body. Before I can sprint back to Deathstroke, I'm hit with a canary cry. My gloved fingers scrap against the mask covering my ears. It takes longer than expected to activate the silencer within in the device. Turning I see the shock run across her face. I send six throwing knives her way. Each one embeds into different sections of her body. I quickly silence her pained cry with a swift elbow to the forehead. As her limp body falls to the ground I hear the angered cry of Superboy from behind me. His hands wrap around my throat as he lifts me into the air. My feet dangle limply as all my energy goes into reaching for the pistol at my side. Before I can send a kryptonite bullet into his shoulder, he launches me across the clearing, sending me flying through the air. I collide with a thick tree. My neck snaps back as I hear and feel several vertebrae crack. Air hisses through my gritted teeth. He must hear my body breaking, because not seconds later he's at my side and turning me so I lay on my back. "Shadow?" He whispers gently as he removes my first mask. Stroking my cheek he tries to get a response. "Shadow, answer me."

I can't speak. The words won't come. He's looking down at my body, most likely with x-ray vision. The widening of his eyes and painful set of his mouth tell me that the diagnosis is severe. It's then that I begin to find the words. At first the only thing that escapes my lips are pained gasps. Eventually those quiet to silent grunts of pain. "You… you have to… to leave."

He shushes me. "Don't talk. Just stay still. We're going to get you help."

"No… no you have… you have to get everyone away." His brow scrunches. "It's a… it's a… a diversion. The Light intends to… to attack the Watch Tower while the heavy hitters are here." I glance around. "There's more to… to the Light now. More… more members. They're there now… trying… trying to… to kill anyone they can. Mostly the younger members that can't… can't hold their own. They want to… to scar the League." I rest back against the ground, finally getting out my message. Conner gazes at me in horror and calls the Watch Tower. After receiving no response he informs those around us who are still standing. The information brings a set of determination. Within three minutes what's left of the Light's members are either subdued or fleeing. Deathstroke roughly picks up my limp form, causing a strangled cry to slip through pressed lips. He shushes me. "It's alright sweetheart. You're going to be fine. Daddy's got you." A boom tube engulfs our forms seconds later and we're home.

He rushes me to the med bay and strips me of my uniform. When the x-rays come back, he glances down at me in a slight pity. "Part of your spine is broken. Your body's already begun to heal incorrectly." He signs and drags his hand down his face. "I need to break the vertebrae in order to reset them properly." He places his hands in the proper places down my spine and applies quick thrusts of pressure. Fingers turning white as they grip the edge of the metal table I cry out in pain. My screams echo in my own ears and only cease once the final bone has been properly placed. I pant heavily as the room begins to sway and blur. Before I lose consciousness he's there, kneeling down so he's at eye level, and stroking my sweaty hair. "You're okay sweetheart. It's all over." He smiles slightly. "You did well tonight. I'm proud of you sweetheart." Kissing my forehead he wipes away a tear cascading down my cheek. "No punishment. You took out four heroes. You served the Light well." He pulls up a chair and continues to stroke my hair for the next fifteen minutes. My eye lids begin to slide shut, but I force them open attempting to avoid unconsciousness. "It's alright sweetheart. Get some rest. You'll sleep in late tomorrow. You don't have school remember?" At this thought he frowns. "Kate, look at me." I lazily glance up at him with bloodshot eyes. "You do remember everything, correct? You're alright." I stare at him for a moment and then nod sluggishly. He frowns, unconvinced. "Tell me who you are."

Swallowing thickly I turn my head slightly. "I'm Shadow, Deathstroke's apprentice and the world's deadliest assassin. I'm a servant of the Light and enemy of the Justice League. Deathstroke is my father, my protector, the only one I can trust." I rattle off the statement without a second thought. My voice remains emotionless as I continue to stare blankly at his face.

It's then that he smiles and strokes my cheek affectionately and kisses my forehead once more. "Go to sleep sweetheart. I love you."

The next few days move rather sluggishly. Bed rest was never one of my favorite activities. Lying there I stare at the ceiling and flinch slightly at the knock on my door. It creeps open slowly. "Sweetheart?" He asks, stepping inside. I glance up at him as his fingers drag through my hair. "How are you feeling today?"

"Fine." I answer quietly.

He nods and helps me sit up slowly. "Can you stand on your own?" Placing my feet on the cool floor I stand. I falter slightly, but his hands on my waist steady my form. His left hand on the small of my back leads me out to the kitchen. I sit as he brings me breakfast. "You're doing much better." He smiles and kisses the top of my head. "I wouldn't expect any less from my brave soldier."

As he walks back toward the stove I glance up at him and smile when his eyes meet my own. "Happy Thanksgiving Daddy."

The smile spreading across his face couldn't be more sincere. "Happy Thanksgiving sweetheart."

"Do you have work today?" I ask, hoping he says yes. These past few days have been tense. He's never hovered over me so much. I felt useless and caged. Though I couldn't move much. The Kryptonian did a number on my spine. I wished that he would have a mission or assignment that would take him away from my bedside for at least a few hours.

He nods slightly and eyes me. "I leave in an hour."

I nod in response. "Am I still allowed to go to the manor for dinner?"

I can't miss the slight narrowing of his eyes. He doesn't want me going, but he knows it'll help me complete my mission that much sooner. Silence lingers in the air between us. He seems to suspect something. He knows I'm becoming attached. I steady my breathing. I have to be careful, or he'll put me on the drug again. Before my thoughts can continue, he nods. "Just be careful."

I nod. "Yes daddy."

The ride over is slightly uncomfortable, but the position stretches my spine and releases some of the tension in the unused muscles of my back. The garage door is open and awaiting my arrival. I park quickly and am met by Dick who ushers me inside. "How has your break been?" He asks with a strained smile.

"Fine, how's yours?" I ask in return. When he hesitates, my brow draws downward. "Are you okay?" I ask. Concern coats my voice.

He sighs and drags a hand down his face. "Yeah, it's just been a long weekend and I'm a little stressed."

I nod. "Anything I can help with?" Is it Jason? Have you found him? Is he alright? So many questions spring to my mind, but I bite my tongue to keep them from leaping out into the open.

He shakes his head in response. "Not really. Thanks though." We walk into the living room and plop down on the couch. "Alfred said dinner will be ready in an hour or so." He checks his watch. "Meaning, we probably only have twenty minutes."

Damian and Tim are resting in beanbag chairs before us, playing against each other in a video game James and I were accustomed to. I smirk. James, man I miss him. I think back to the seventeen year old boy I had met undercover years ago. While infiltrating a competitor's company, I ran into one of its youngest recruits. James Matthew a scrawny teenager from a broken home with an abusive father. Needless to say we had a lot in common. Towards the end of my mission I explained to him that I was hired by a competing branch and was able to get him out of the situation before a rival could come in and shoot everyone. He was more than grateful and kept in touch over the next five years. Over ten months ago he dropped off the radar after telling me he was going to work for Two Face. I advised him to rethink his decision. You never knew when Harvey was going to flip his coin and decide your fate. But James said the money was too good to turn down. As I sit next to Dick I bring my feet up and curl into his side. His arm comes to drape around my shoulder, much like James used to hold me during our lazy hours of free time. "Tim, if you go to your right you'll find a hidden health pack in one of the ceiling tiles." I advise.

At this Damian pauses the game and stares back at me. "How do you know that?"

I shrug. "My ex and I used to play this all the time."

Dick stiffens next to me. I had never spoken about past boyfriends around him. Mostly because I didn't have many, and if I did they were usually used as tactics during a mission, my side of the relationship never truly existed. A lot like my relationship with Dick. I push the thought aside as Tim speaks up.

"Do you want next game?"

I smile slightly. "It's alright, you guys can keep playing. I'm fine with watching."

Tim shrugs. "I can't beat Damian, and losing every time is getting a little old.

I nod. "Alright, sure I'll play." I accept the controller and begin. I dodge Damian's attacks and take cover behind a fallen wall. I shoot several times before coming around the side and slipping into a maze of fallen buildings. He pursues.

"You can't beat me Kate. I'm too good."

Dick leans down and whispers in my ear. "Kick his butt."

I smirk and set a land mind. Damian sees and avoids the trap, only to walk in front of my sniper. I take him down with one push of a button and the boy's screen goes black. "What?" He shouts and demands a rematch just as Alfred walks in to announce that dinner is ready.

Bruce is already in his chair as we walk in. "Hello Kate, I'm glad you could join us."

I smile kindly. "Thank you again for having me Mr. Wayne."

He smirks slightly, but keeps from requesting that I call him Bruce. Instead he turns to Alfred who has taken a seat to my left. "Alfred, as usual you've outdone yourself, thank you." A chime of gratitude and compliments continue as Alfred politely accepts and we begin to pass around dishes. A chair to Bruce's immediate left remains empty. No one comments but every pair of eyes in the room glances that way every now and then. Bruce provides a conversation that distills the silence. "So Kate, what are your plans after college?"

I glance his way and begin to grasp for an answer. Taking from my father's youth I fabricate a quick answer. "I'm actually looking into the military."

The table freezes. Bruce manages a polite smile. "Really?"

I nod. "I was thinking of going to a recruiter next month, most likely marines."

"What does your father think of that plan?"

I shrug. "I haven't really told him yet."

He raises an eyebrow. "When do you plan on doing that?"

I smirk and glance at Dick. "After I'm accepted." I push down the chuckle as Dick kicks me under the table.

Bruce eyes me. "I can't see that going well."

I shrug. "Well, it's not really his decision. The only thing he can really do now is accept it and support me."

The crease in his brow increases. "Have you ever tried seeing his side of thing? Perhaps he's not keen on seeing his child go off into a dangerous situation."

I smile slightly. "What does he expect me to do? Stay at home all my life and walk down the path he's paved for me?" I question and give another shrug. "It really wouldn't be my life then, would it?" Even though that's exactly what my situation is. I think bitterly to myself. But who knows how long this mission will take. I could help Dick get the life he wants for a little while.

Bruce snorts quietly. "I suppose you're right." Dick perks up a bit. Bruce nods and glances between the two of us. "If that's what you want to do, then I don't doubt you'll be successful."

Dick grabs my knee underneath the table as I smile and look back down to my plate. "Thanks." I mumble quietly.

Dick ceases the opportunity to speak about his own future plans. "So does that ring true for me too?"

Bruce stares at him for a moment. I can feel the younger man's tension as his grip tightens on my leg. It's then that his father gives a small smile. "You've already filled out an application haven't you?"

Dick doesn't give a moment's hesitation. "I start a week after Christmas." The older of the two laughs but quiets quickly as the younger receives a slight scolding from Alfred for his "deceptive decision."

Dinner is wonderful. As time goes on I find myself with a greater thanks for the friends and conversation than the delicious delicacies spread across the table. An hour later we find ourselves resting in the main den. My hands gasp a warm cup of hot chocolate. Dick sits comfortably next to me with one arm draped around my shoulders and his feet propped up. I can't keep from laughing at his Batman socks. "What?" He questions with a slight whine.

I shake my head. "Nothing." I look up at him as I lean against his shoulder. "I just really like your socks."

He flicks my arm. "Whatever, Batman's cool. There's no denying it."

"I'm not denying it. Batman's the coolest hero out there. No competition whatsoever."

Bruce shifts slightly in his chair. I don't think he enjoys our current conversation. I'm surprised by his next question. "What about Nightwing?" He smirks as I see a slight glare cross Dick's face.

I shrug. "Didn't he learn everything from Batman?" Bruce spits out his coffee a little.

"What about Robin?" Damian chimes in.

I look to the younger boy. "Which one?"

He looks slightly puzzled. "How do you know there's more than one?"

I shrug. "Robins been around since I was a kid. The boy that has the mantle right now can't be the same one."

"What if he never ages?" Tim asks.

"I assumed none of them had powers."

Dick chuckles and tightens his grip on me. "Well you know what they say about people who assume."

I look at him and raise an eyebrow. "Oh I know." I lean closer toward his face and glare playfully. "But do you really want to finish that statement?"

He shakes his head with a sheepish look. "I was going to say that you can't really believe everything you hear." A chuckle runs throughout the room as Damian mumbles 'whipped.' Dick glares at him quickly while I burst out laughing.

Sitting on the floor around the center table we begin to play a family board game, which quickly erupts into shouts, blackmail, and bribes. I laugh at Damian hollering at Bruce. The young boy is willing to sacrifice three months of his allowance just to buy parkway from his father. "I will rule the people justly in your name!" He's still trying to convince the older man when I reach for a cookie. My fingertips meet the cool metal of the tray. There were just ten cookies on that! I glance at Tim who has three in his hands as he swallows the mouthful he already has.

Alfred notices. "I'll be right back with more cookies Miss Kate."

Before the older gentleman can stand Dick speaks up. "It's alright Alfred. Kate and I will get more." I expect the butler to reject in a rather flustered tone, but the man just smiles slyly and remains sitting. Dick grabs my hand and drags me along after snatching up the platter. As we walk into the kitchen he rustles through the cupboards and begins filling the empty plate. "Can I talk to you for a minute?" He asks with his back still turned away from me.

I lean against the center island. "Sure, what's up?"

He turns and sets down the plate. "I know it's kind of early, but I was wondering if you were doing anything Christmas Eve?"

I shrug. "Probably not. I'm sure my dad won't be home."

His brow furrows. "What does your dad do?" I look up at him and pause. "I mean, I haven't met him yet, and he's never around for major holidays."

Sighing, I shrug. "To be honest, I can't really answer that. He's more of a body guard than anything else. Usually just a hired hand." I make eye contact. He seems to believe me. Putting on a frown I continue the lie. "Whenever he's not on the job he's probably out with someone. He used to cheat on my mom before she left, so he's probably going to be with some other woman and her family for the holidays."

Dick steps forward. "I'm sorry."

I shrug. "It's fine. I can't do anything about it anyway."

Without another word he closes the space between us and wraps his arms around my unsuspecting form. I freeze at first not expecting the contact, but quickly wrap my arms around his middle. Talia's words from last week once again resurface. "…Your feelings for Richard." I sigh and inhale his scent. He's comfortable. He's safe. My grip tightens out of instinct. You're such a good friend. I think silently. Maybe Talia was right. I care about you Dick. I don't want to kill you. Tears begin to sting my eyes. Dick loosens his grip to let go, but I don't. Bringing his arms around me once more he places his head on top of mine and smiles into my hair. "What's wrong Kate? Leaning back he looks at me. "You okay…" He stops and stares at me.

He brings his hand around and reaches for my face, but I step away and wipe at the streaks left behind. "Yeah." I clear my throat. "Yeah I'm fine." I try to assure him. My arms cross in front of me, attempting to provide some comfort.

But Dick won't have that. Instead he takes another step forward and engulfs me with his arms. "You don't have to lie to me." He whispers. Yes I do. "I'm here if you ever need anything Kate. That's what friends are for."

I want to shake my head and step away from him. No, no we're not friends. This is all a lie. You don't even know who I am. But I can't. Because that's not my mission. Standing here wrapped in his arms while he says he's here for me, that's my mission. So instead I swallow thickly and nod. "Thanks Dick. I really appreciate it."

"Of course." He gives me a reassuring smile and cups my face with his hand, wiping away my tears as his thumb drifts across my cheek. He looks at me straight. "Now, what's this about?"

I shake my head. "It's just some stuff that happened this past week. I'm fine really."

He doesn't buy it. "Did someone hurt you?"

"No, no I'm fine. Nothing happened. He just…" I stop myself and bite my lip. I can't say where he sent me. And there's no way I can tell him about who they were targeting at the Watch Tower.

Dick pauses. "He? He who?" I don't answer. "Kate, if this guy hurt you…"

"No." I meet his gaze with my own. "No, it's not like that. I'm totally fine. It's just…" I sigh. "It's complicated."

He tucks the hair on my left side behind my ear, revealing a string of faded bruises on my neck where Conner had managed to get his fingers around my windpipe. Dick frowns and raises his voice slightly. "Was someone choking you?" At this point I spy Bruce in the doorway. "Kate, tell me who this guy is and I'll take care of him. I promise. You won't have to deal with him any longer. Just let us help you."

My phone buzzes then. Taking it from my pocket I ignore Dick's concern. 'From John Doe: 911.' My eyes grow wide as I stare down at the screen. James? Why are you texting me now? I hadn't spoken to or seen him for almost a year now. Judging by the urgency of his text, I believe his luck with fate has finally run out. You should have listened to me about Two Face.

I swear under my breath as I glance back up at Dick. "I have to go."

Concern washes over his features. "What happened? Is everything alright?"

I nod. "Yeah, everything's fine. I just need to get home and make a phone call." I smile reassuringly. "Sorry, I didn't realize how late it was getting." I walk toward the door and squeeze past Bruce. "Thanks again for inviting me. Everything was delicious. I had a great time. I'll see you in class on Monday!" I call the last part over my shoulder as I sprint toward the garage and speed home.

The sun begins to set as I finally get through to James. "Maddie?" He asks, using my undercover name. His voice sounds weak and broken.

"James? James, what's wrong? Where are you?" I ask quickly in a panic.

"I… I'm at the docks." His side of the line falls silent.

"James? James, where at the docks?"

"I'm at… Maddie? Maddie, I'm… I'm sorry. I should have… should have listened."

"Shut up and tell me where you are already." I spit out angrily.

"Near warehouse twenty-six. I'm… I'm shot Maddie." He whimpers quietly. "Oh god, Maddie I'm shot."

I shush him. "James, you're fine. I just need you-"

He interrupts me. "No! No Maddie, I'm not fine. I'm going to die. God, I'm going to die Maddie." His breathing picks up. "Maddie, Maddie I don't want to die."

Speeding into the garage I leap down the stairs and suit up. I snatch up a boomtube and go straight to the docks. As I sprint across the rooftop of the warehouse I transfer the call to my com. "I'm on my way James, just keep talking okay?" He doesn't respond. "James? James, are you there? James, answer me!" He's not there. He's not gone. He can't be gone. I leap off the building and duck behind a stack of crates. I'm not losing anymore friends. I spy a crouching form two crates in front of me. I sprint forward and jump on top of him, wrestling him to the ground I straddle his waist and place a knife to his throat.

He struggles but stops once he feels the tip of the blade. It's then that I hear a light chuckle. "Hello again Shadow."

Leaning forward I look closer at his face and snort. "Sorry, wasn't expecting to see you here."

"I could say the same." I see the whites of his teeth as he gleams up at me. "But I don't mind. This isn't the worst position I've been in. I could use without the knife though."

I sheath the blade and get off of him. "Is the Bat here?"

He shakes his head. "No, I'm on my own tonight." I sprint between crates with the hero close on my heels. "Is Deathstroke here?"

I snort. "If he was you'd be dead by now." I continue on and duck quickly as the sound of gunshots sound.

Nightwing slides next to me. "What are you doing here? Are you with Two Face?"

"No." I answer flatly as I grab two guns from their holsters.

He rests a hand on my arm. "Don't kill anyone." He commands sternly.

I snort. "No promises."

He shoves me. "I mean it."

I press the barrel against his temple. "Don't you dare-"

My com crackles to life. "Ma… Maddie?"

I press my hand to the side of my mash. "James? James stay with me this time, okay?"

"I'm not going to… to make it, Maddie." He's weak. He won't last long.

"No, you'll be fine James. I'm right here. Just stay awake and keep talking to me okay?"

"Okay." It's quiet, but it's still there.

Nightwing stares at me. "Shadow?"

Jumping out from behind our cover I begin to shoot. After a shoulder or leg wound I continue to dodge bullets and knock each unconscious. Nightwing joins in as more automatic rifles sound. We dive behind another crate while taking heavy fire. Just then I notice what we're standing near. I jump and tackle Nightwing just as the gas barrels begins to ignite. "Get down!" They blow, sending the surrounding metal and wood through the air. I cover Nightwing's body with my own and cry out as a piece of shrapnel slices the right side of my stomach. Quickly shuffling around, I get up and leap out from behind my cover. I take down the first three men when a bullet pierces my shoulder.

Nightwing joins in. "Shadow, go. I'll take care of the rest."

I nod and sprint toward the edge of the dock. "Okay James, where are you?" I ask through the com. He doesn't answer. "James?" I search for any sight of him. I spy a dark figure lying on the ground to my right. "James!" I fall to my knees and check for a pulse but find none. "No, no, no James. Come on, don't do this." Tearing off my mask I begin CPR. "Come on James." After three sets of thirty pumps I begin to lose hope. "No, James don't go." The gunfire dies down as a fire increase and spreads around me. "No, James, please don't do this." There's no point. I should stop now, but I can't. Nightwing comes up from behind and places a hand on my shoulder. I harshly shrug him off and continue. "James come back." My voice grows thick as and begins to break. "James? James, no don't go, please." I can't stop now. I can't let you go.

"Shadow." Nightwing say sternly. "Stop, you're just pumping the blood out of him. He's-"

"No, no, no, no don't say it. Don't say it!" I shout at him.

He grabs my arms and pulls them away from James' limp body. "He's dead Shadow. He's gone."

I elbow him in the stomach and go back to CPR. "No, he can' be."

He wraps his arms around my waist, causing me to grunt in pain. He check and finds blood. "You're injured." The flames begin to lick at our heels. "Shadow we have to go."

I shake my head. "No, I can't leave him."

The flames begin to spread toward an old oil tankers. "Shadow, now!" He takes hold of me and leaps off the side of the pier. The tank bursts and water rushes over us, severing his hold on my form. I begin to sink from the access weapons strapped to my body. The sudden blood loss and emotional strain take their toll as I quickly reach the dirt covered ground. I slowly begin to drift as I feel a strong hand grasp my upper arm. Darkness takes me before Nightwing can drag me ashore.