Chapter 12

When you cried I'd wipe away all of your tears
When you'd scream I'd fight away all of your fears
And I held your hand through all of these years
But you still have
All of me

Nightwing stared into the cemetery.

He couldn't find the strength to go in, standing just outside the gate as he did. It felt wrong and strange, such absurd emotions to be experiencing when he was to be visiting her. He wasn't sure where these feelings rooted from and it nearly frightened him that he hardly felt any guilt at all. It was as if beyond these gates held nothing for Nightwing to visit which wasn't true by a long shot. Maybe the numbness resurfaced to protect him against the pain or maybe it was due to the fact that he hasn't been here in nearly a year. Whatever the cause might be, it wasn't rightfully justified and he should go in.

But yet, he didn't.

Nightwing couldn't find the will to go. Perhaps it was because he felt out of place being here in the early hours of morning. The citizens of Jump should be getting up by now for the day and he wasn't too comfortable with the idea of them seeing him here under the sun. Before, Nightwing came at night and laid on top her grave, talking to her as if she could hear him. He would close his eyes and imagine her near, picturing her lovely face as she sat right beside him and smiled. Nightwing would play with the grass, using it as a pitiful substitute for her hair. It was the only thing that comforted him. To be near her.

When did it change?

When did her presence here start to fade? He had never taken notice of it before until Victoria brought it to the center of his mind. Now, he can see that it's been a while since he felt a little bit of piece here, as odd as it might sound. He felt her more in the tower where only trinkets and mementos were left. Maybe he'll feel better if Raven came with him. Raven had a way of making these things more bearable. Or maybe her presence just took his mind off the one that was missing.

Nightwing took one more look across the cemetery and walked away. When he arrived at the tower, the smell of breakfast wafted toward him. Victor was in the kitchen, flipping pancakes and whistling a soft tune. As Nightwing walked in, he turned, "Hey man. Hungry?"

"No. I'll eat later."

"You sure?"

He nodded and looked around the empty common room, "Donna back yet?"

Victor gave him a curious glance. "Donna? She left?"

"She left a couple of hours ago." Contradicting his words, Nightwing leaned over the counter and started to munch on the eggs still steaming on the platter. "I'm guessing something happened with Wonder Woman and she took off."

His friend blinked and recognition flowed in his eyes. He gestured the spatula toward the door to the hall, "Jinx came by around 2 and spent the night because Wally got a call, too."

"...Wally?"

"Yeah."

"...A distress call or...?"

Victor shrugged and flipped the pancake, "Seemed like it to me. She was worrying and kept trying to call him but he wouldn't answer. I don't know about now, but-"

Nightwing slowed his chewing as the eggs started to taste like rubber and he turned his head toward the door. Both Flash and Wonder Woman? He thought, "Donna said something about the Justice League having a top mission. That probably has something to do with it."

"You don't know about it?"

"Why would I?"

Though, Nightwing sounded nonchalant about it, Victor's question set him on edge. Why wouldn't he know about it? Didn't Donna say Batman was in charge? And when his father was in charge he tended to get Dick involved as well, even if it's just on the sidelines. He would brief him on the mission, testing his debunking skills and judgment and Dick actually enjoyed doing this with his father. Come to think of it, when was the last time they talked? It had to be over several months or maybe a year. This was uncharacteristic of him since he is usually calling Dick for an appearance in Gotham and random check ups to see if he was 'managing'.

Nightwing hadn't noticed before that it's been a while since he had any contact with his father. A couple of months after the funeral Bruce had been especially bothersome, always asking 'where are you' and 'what are you doing'. What frustrated Nightwing even more was the fact that after he'd answer, Bruce suddenly didn't have time to talk. One time, when his father first started to ignore him, Nightwing was actually hurt by his neglecting and so he tried to revive their favorite game. He had hacked into the bat cave's computer, planning on placing a virus again for Bruce to find when he stumbled upon the encrypted file.

Operation: Ghost.

Such a strange name, he had thought at the time and curiosity wanted him to look into it. But it was so heavily guarded it would have taken hours to get in, possibly days. And he didn't even have to worry for long as Bruce quickly caught him and raised his voice at him before kicking him out. During the heated lecture though, his father kept demanding that Dick tell him what he saw, if he saw anything and how and when Dick had nothing to say- because he didn't see anything -Bruce hung up. He supposed he would have delved into it more, had it not been for a particular nightmare to cloud his mind for the next few days.

Operation: Ghost...

A snap in his face made him blink, "Uh, what?"

"Man, I called you three times. I said I just thought you would know."

"Well, whatever it is, it must be important. Just tell me when Donna gets here." He pushed off the counter but as he turned to walk away, he paused. "Cy? Have you visited...her?"

Cyborg shook his head, "Haven't in a while. I've actually been thinking about going sometime this week. Why?"

Nightwing narrowed his eyes, his suspicion and curiosity growing. Of course Cyborg had nothing to do with the tracker… but why was it there? What was his father doing? "No reason... hey, um, wanna hack into something with me later?"

Cyborg smirked, "Is this a date, Dick? I'll have you know that I'm not that easy-"

"Shut the hell up."

"Whoa!" He chuckled at his harsh tone, "Just kidding. Oh man, I remember when you would go on those fake dates to show face in Gotham."

"I never did anything with them." He glared, his fist clenching, "I never wanted to go on those shitty things."

"It was still funny when Star would curse to the high heavens." He laughed. "Oh, was she pissed! She was the reason we had to get that new TV that one time!"

At the mention of her name, Nightwing got goose bumps and he sheepishly smiled, "She was jealous?"

"Are you kidding!? It was Hell when you were gone and she'd tyrant all over the place! I'm surprised she didn't dismember you!"

Nightwing smirked, "Oh, she threatened. But then she wouldn't have a buddy during playtime now would she?" He laughed and dodged when Cyborg moved to punch him, walking to the door.

"Watch it, dick, that's my sister you're talking about!"

"And my fiancée!" He called back happily, throwing his hand in the air. But when the words registered, he froze in his tracks and Cyborg cautiously looked up.

"...Dick?"

He brought down his hand and said quietly, "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to say that."

"Why are you apologizing? It's fine." When Nightwing only minutely nodded, Cyborg added, "Hey, she did say yes."

Though he couldn't see it, he could hear the small smile in his voice as he walked out.

"Yeah...she did..."

xxx

Jinx flipped the page on the magazine, rolling her eyes as she did. Ridiculous, she thought annoyed, Donna's picture giving her chills of dislike. She laid at the foot of the bed, her two friends cuddling at the head, and turned the page again. Gar laughed loudly at the joke on family guy, nudging the girl in his arms, "C'mon Rae, that was funny!"

Raven smiled and curled more into his chest, "Funnier than your jokes."

"Hey!" He poked her side and she responded with a smack, starting a playful wrestle. The bed started to bounce and Raven emitted several small squeaks as they played. His hand slipped over her belt, dipping slightly lower and she blushed, quickly looking at Jinx. Gar caught the look and closed his eyes disappointedly causing Jinx to clear her throat at them and fold the magazine in the hands.

"That's right, I'm here. Now stop trying to have sex and listen to this: 'The titans are back! That's right, our local heroes are stepping out of the shadows and returning to us as they abandon the distant demeanor. What caused this change? Perhaps it was the heart wrenching school shooting that wounded seven students and two teachers and put the community into a panic. Or maybe it is due to a new member!'" She rolled her eyes again, "'Recently spotted with the titans has been none other than Wonder Girl, herself, stepping out of her mentor's, Justice League member Wonder Woman, shadow and by Nightwing's side. Since the death of former member, Starfire, the titans have been anything but hospitable-'"

Raven started to glare and Gar rubbed her arm. She looked down and away, and mumbled, "What do they know?"

Jinx continued, "'-but can this new face change the team? Can Wonder girl fill the void left by Starfire? And is there a new love possibility for heartbroken Nightwing?'" She blinked and reread that line and fumed, "Love possibility!? Are they serious?"

Gar kissed his fiancée's temple, "It's only media. They want a story. And since they're not getting one, they make one up. Hey, remember when Wally said that Dick needed a girlfriend?"

"And whined to me every night because he stopped talking to him and when he did he was a complete ass? How can I not? It was Wally's fault; he suggested it," she quickly scanned the rest of the page before throwing the magazine on the floor and stood to stretching. "But there was something in that article that they're right about: when are you two getting married?"

Raven and Gar looked at each other thoughtfully and smiled, "No set date. We're just waiting for the right time to come." Jinx let out a disbelieving chuckle and Raven cocked an eyebrow, "What about you? When are we going to see a ring on that finger?"

Scoffing, Jinx walked to the door, "I'm dating the protégée of the 'famous' JL playboy. Marriage isn't exactly on Wally's bucket list. Anyways, don't get me started, or I won't stop; I'm gonna get a drink, do you want anything?" When they shook their heads she went out into the hall, escaping the lustful look Gar was giving to Raven. As she passed the doodled door, she smiled softly to herself and traced the name. She passed another door and heard a low curse followed by impatient typing. Jinx came to a stop. The curse sounded again and she knocked on the dark door, "Hey, you okay?"

She stepped back when it swished open, blinking at the darkness. Nightwing was already heading back to his desk and she looked around, "Busy?"

"You can say that."

She stepped in cautiously, silently pleased and surprised when he didn't tell her to get out. Sitting on the floor by his desk, she eyed the computer screen she raised an eyebrow, "Hacking into the JL? Must be very busy."

He sighed and rubbed his face. "More like trying to hack. Some things came up that don't make sense and I want to find out why." He glanced her, "So...Wally got the signal."

Jinx tensed, looking down. "Yeah. Last night. It was weird, seeing as Barry's been ignoring him lately. Wally's tried to talk to him, but he doesn't have time or he says he doesn't." She rolled her eyes. "It's stupid. Last time he tried to get a hold of him and went to Central City and Barry practically forced him away."

"Batman's been ignoring me also." He murmured absently and leaned forward on the desk. Being the protégée of Batman had its advantages as he could easily get into a lot of things, ranging from federal security to the Justice League's mainframe; he's only done it twice, just to see if he could, but now the encryption was insane! He couldn't even get into the cameras! And why was the bat cave under heavy watch as well? The cave recognized him, yet it kept stating 'unauthorized' whenever he tried to get it. For what reason would his father put up so many walls and from him? The memory of when Bruce caught his hacking resurfaced and gave rise to his suspicion.

What was he hiding?

When Nightwing tried again and was denied, he slammed his palm down, "Shit. I think my dad is up to something and it's a big possibility that Barry and Diana are in on it, too." At her confused gaze, he said "Donna told me about this mission the League is doing. Apparently a very important one and I have no doubt that this has something to do with it."

"And you can't get in?"

He re-entered the codes and glared at the 'access denied'. "No luck."

Jinx smirked and stood, her eyes pink and raised her pointed fingers, "Luck is an illusion."

At the snap of her fingers, a wave of pink energy zapped the computer. The screen flickered several times before it started to bring up files and systems for Nightwing's complete use. He looked at her with wide eyes and she smiled cockily, moving to stand behind him as he went through the systems, finding only one camera view that he could get into. Together, they watched as the Watch Tower came online and heroes scrambled within sight. Members were hastily moving around, trying to see something yet also backing away. Nightwing caught a glimpse of a few founding members pushing the crowd back and a quick flash of red zoomed by. Jinx leaned forward, her eyes trained on Flash's form as he zipped away and Batman was suddenly there, pushing his way through what now looked like frantic members. When Flash returned, Nightwing and Jinx were unnerved by the medical equipment he brought with him. Then Batman waved his hand again and the screen went black. 'Disconnected' blinked back at them.

Jinx closed her eyes, "They caught us."

He didn't answer as his fingers flew across the keyboard. Seeing the League looking panicked was never a good sign and nervousness mixed with his suspicion. The only way of getting back in now was through the cave and that obviously wasn't going to happen. Jinx surprised him again by sending in another wave, the screen flickering once more. Turning to walk out, she called over her shoulder, "Whatever this 'thing' is, it's keeping Barry from Wally. Find out why. You're welcome," she sang.

Jinx left soon after that. She wanted to be there for Wally when he came home. When she was gone, Nightwing and Cyborg quickly went to work in the common room, going through systems and trying to reopen the cameras. They were able to get a few up only to lose them a couple of seconds after. They threw codes back and forth at each other, trying everything to get into the systems completely. Nightwing couldn't be sure what this need to know what was going on came from; he reasoned it was just out of concern for his father and the mentor of his best friend, but no matter how hard he tried to believe that, he couldn't that there was something more here. And that something wasn't letting up. He had to know.

Changeling and Raven joined them several minutes later and Cyborg quickly debriefed them on what was happening, from the distress calls from both Flash and Wonder Woman to their unusual behavior and Batman's, to the high security and the secretive way Donna eluded Nightwing about Operation; Ghost. During the next hour they restlessly searched for that particular file and nearly jumped in excitement when they found it. Yet, the heavy security and encryption kept them at bay and their frustration was at its peak. Nightwing had paced back and forth, trying to think of ways of getting in and coming up blank. He looked at the screen.

Such a strange name…

Just to be clear that this wasn't only happening to Nightwing, Donna and Wally, Raven and Changeling called up Speedy and Aqualad. Speedy was more than willing to complain about Green Arrow's neglecting of him and Aqualad was also thoroughly annoyed by Aquaman's evasiveness of him. Raven called Jinx again and asked her to speak to Wally and when she asked him about Barry, he angrily replied, "Fuck him! Whatever shit he's doing it's obviously more important than me. They wouldn't let me see him, giving me some pathetic excuse that he was busy. Bullshit!"

Nightwing was on edge.

When the two titans got off the phones, he explained to his team the details that Donna did give him and about the tracker that Victoria spotted. At that, they froze, not knowing what to say until Raven disappeared and returned with the device in her palm. Nightwing studied it, instantly recognizing his father's work, but when he deactivated it- and the action was instantly recorded into the file -the young heroes became statues. They stared at the screen in aghast.

What the-?

Why would the tracker be directly linked to the file? What was his father doing? What is Operation: Ghost and why were the mentors being so…distant? What is going on?

Why was his father ignoring him?

Why did he put the device on her grave?

And why did Nightwing's stomach turn the way it did when the device seemed linked to the mission?

Such a strange name…

But as the minutes ticked on and one hour slowly turned into two, the titans were weary. They decided to hold it, at least for another day, just until Nightwing could reach his father and hopefully get some answers there. And if not, then they'll try again, but maybe it really wasn't their business. It was the Justice League- of course they would have top secret missions and the mentors would be on guard; it was expected. They shouldn't go into their business when the League didn't go through theirs. Yet…that feeling remained.

Strange…

Just as they were about to close off the connection and shut down the computer, the door opened and Donna trudged in, her downcast eyes on the ground. Her shoulders slumped and her somber face contradicted her usually cheery mood. She didn't notice the titans looking at her curiously as she stared at her hand mournfully. She saw her. Donna saw her. When she got to the Watch Tower, they allowed her in until the ship landed. She needed to see Diana; she had to know that she was okay. Instead, she was being herded out with the rest of the heroes, catching sight of Batman, Flash, Marvel and Hawk girl. She had tried to get past, to reach Diana, but when Superman came out of the pod, something cradled in his arms, Donna had stilled. As her body was being effortlessly pushed away, a river of dark red spilled over Superman's arm and a flash of a bare, pale shoulder had her heart beating erratically. It was disarray in the Tower as they hurried her away and Donna could do nothing but stare. She was alive. She was here. The first thought that entered her mind after soon realizing this was to tell the titans. But on the flight back, the idea became more and more horrendous. Donna had heard what Superman and Wonder Woman were frantically telling Flash and Batman, she saw the blood on the cloth. She knows about the bomb.

She's dying.

They can't know, they can't! Not after all this! They won't be able to take it and they'll break far more than they already have. Donna had seen and felt the darkness that shadows them each and every day and the image of Nightwing on his knees, consumed in his sadness, only proved more that they couldn't take more. This home was still healing and the knowledge of the past three years, her survival, only to be taken again will completely destroy it! Donna couldn't tell them!. She won't!

And when she did look up and saw that they were there, her fear immobilized her and she stuttered, "Guys…you-um…hi."

Nightwing stepped forward, "What happened?"

His sentence repeated in her head several time before she could respond. She put on a fake smile, knowing very well that they could see past it and acted nonchalant, "What? Oh! Oh, no, it w-was a mistake. She accidently sent it, it was nothing."

"But Wally-"

Donna waved him off and tried to laugh, "False alarm. Barry is going to call Wally up soon. You see, they were training and-"

"Liar."

The harsh word made her jump and her heart pounded in her chest. The titans looked at Raven with questioning expressions as Donna paled. Raven glared, "You're lying."

She quickly closed her mouth and clenched her hand to keep from shaking, "It wasn't my business. And it's not yours. I-"

"Donna, what's going on?" Nightwing held up his hands frustratingly, "Where's my father?"

Her body trembled and she took a slight step back, her eyes looking around herself for an escape. They landed on the computer in the far corner and went wide with horror, "What are- no! Y-you shouldn't...no! You shouldn't be on there. Get out of there now!"

Donna lifted into the air with a right mind to smash the computer if that's what it took, but Raven had her pinned on the floor before she could go any further. The black tendrils slithered over her body and Donna looked to Nightwing, "Please. Just leave it alone. Please!"

She'll die; don't find out, she'll die! You'll lose her, don't find out, please...

Nightwing's eyebrows pushed together as he concentrated and his stomach turned once more. The air around them became thicker with suspicion and Donna's grim expression only made the forbidding atmosphere pronounced. He shifted his weight nervously on his feet- an action never before seen -and slowly said, "Why...did my father put...a tracker on her grave...?"

No!

Donna closed her eyes and pressed her lips together. There was no turning back; they've gone too far. Forgive me Diana, she thought as the titans saw the surrender in her demeanor. Raven released her from her hold and Nightwing held out his hands, "Donna?"

She was shaking and pale and her hands felt clammy. Weakness was never welcomed, but that's all she felt at the moment; it was disgraceful. Nightwing was strong and capable and he could tell another team that their lost member still lives, but telling Nightwing that his member was still breathing- at the moment -was unthinkable. Taking the few steps toward him, she quickly reached up on her toes and kissed his cheeks, gaining strength from her skin on his. Then she called out loud enough for the computer to hear in a voice that sounded just like Wonder Woman, "Operation: Ghost access, JL-Titan105." She took a deep breath, "File data: N1S1-884...password Troy06d."

"Voice confirmation code, Wonder Woman, accessed. Welcome, Princess Diana." The screen flickers with the opening of the file and everything came up. Except today.

The titans looked at her in surprise that they would be in the access code and walked over to the desk. Donna quickly went to sit on the couch, feeling her knees shake. Nightwing pulled up the first report and Changeling frowned, "It's dated three years ago?"

"It's been active for three years," Cyborg corrected as Nightwing scrolled down. All four pairs of eyes quickly scanned the screen and Donna bit her lip at the confusion in their faces, uncomprehending what they were reading and reread several times.

"...access Wonder Woman, Superman, Batman, Green Arrow, Green Lantern, Aquaman, and Manhunter..."

"...trackers activated: unknown location...four months..."

"...body missing...no DNA traces...suspects..."

"Gluka residue in blood extracted from scene...active mission..."

Donna watched as the words finally came together and the exact moment the titans grasped the situation.

Raven released the strangest sound, her hands flying to her mouth and her wide violet eyes tearing. She stumbled back, shaking her head as Changeling lost his green color and looked ill. Cyborg quickly reached for Raven for it looked like she might fall.

Donna's eyes flickered to Nightwing. He was incredibly still and his knuckles were white from being fisted so tight. He leaned onto the desk top and turned his head slowly toward Donna, "You knew..."

She begged with her eyes, "I'm so sorry."

Nightwing glared hard and sat in the chair, typing furiously on the key board. The other titans seemed to feed off his anger as they quickly went to stand behind them, leaning forward with their full attention. And with each passing minute Donna's dread grew.

For the next two hours the titans read the file. They said nothing, but their expressions said everything, going through every negative emotion Donna could think of. Changeling looked physically sick as the documents and reports kept coming up. Nightwing clicked again and Donna closed her eyes when she recognized the transmission files. He played the first recording.

The clicking bounced around the room, sounding frantic and alarmed. The titans started to glare when they recognized the alien language and their mouths twisted. But when a strange, distinct sound, low in the background, faintly made itself known the titans became deeply intrigued and Cyborg turned up the volume to hear it better. Nightwing played the next recording, a clearer version with the high pitch sound not as muffled. There were a few more after it, but he quickly skipped those and went to the last one, pausing to take in his father's seal of high importance. He clicked play.

Screaming cut through the room.

It was deafening, the vocals clawing at their ears in unfathomable agony. The scream slashed at every piece of furniture, tore at every wall, and dripped in relentless torture. It ripped open every deep dark corner of the titans and Donna's mind as the scream grew more and more intense and horrifying. It was bloodcurdling, a noise impossible for any mere human to ever make. She gasped and clutched at her head, her eyes tearing as she watched in complete flight at the titans.

Raven cried out, falling to her knees and her eyes leaking over her hands that once again covered her mouth. Her eyes were the widest Donna has ever seen them and simmered. Changeling followed her to the ground, holding her tightly against his chest as he buried his face in her hair, his shoulders shuddering. Cyborg stumbled back, nearly tripping and shaking his head rapidly, trying to tear his eyes away from the screen and choked.

Nightwing shattered.

The hole he had created for himself to hide in became too deep, sending him tumbling into a heinous abyss where there was no such thing as light. The scream dragged its claws across his chest, ripping out everything he had stashed below and out of the way. It ignited the long forgotten fire that scorched his veins as the scream became more and more agonized. It chilled his bones and sent his blood ablaze while the hole swallowed him in its hellish darkness. His demons taunted him as they were set free by the wicked shriek, sending him deeper and deeper to a place further than Hell. All the air in his body was sucked out, his head throbbing with pain, as memories of this very scream deluged on him. Nightwing was instantly there again, on that destroyed street, in that cold pool of blood. In his arms was his everything, his personal star, burning from within as that same scream strangled its way out of her. And with the shriek, his demons laughed in victory and the blaze seared on. His throat closed over the hard lump and his stomach fell as he stood with such abruptness, it left him dizzy. Stop it. Stop it! STOP IT!

Nightwing tore off the keyboard and threw it at the screen, sending a shower of electric sparks and glass to the floor. The shriek cut off and the room stilled in the deathly silence, excluding the harsh panting of Nightwing. The key board fell back to the desk and he grabbed it again, twisting around and smashed it into the wall. He span back around, his face the epitome of insane fury. "Where. Is. She."

Thunder cracked outside while Donna blinked back her tears and shook her head, "She's not-"

"Where IS she!?"

"I-I don't-"

"DON'T LIE TO ME!" He shouted and tossed over the desk as he did. She jumped up in fear and shock, flying back a few feet.

"Nightwing! Please! You don't understand! You have to listen to-"

"LISTEN!?" He exclaimed, his fist shaking. Donna trembled and fought her tears as she committed another internal battle with herself over tell them. She didn't have much time to come to a conclusion as four red eyes were suddenly behind Nightwing and black tendrils mauled the floor around them. Raven was floating, her hair and robe billowing behind her as she slammed her palms together and a black hole opened up above, sucking them all in. Icy air rushed by Donna as she cried out in panic and then huffed in pain when her body landed on hard ground. The thunder was louder now, booming across the sky and shaking the wet grass she laid in. Citizens yelled out and ran away into any building they could get to, to escape the startling weather. Rain poured down as the wind harshly tossed the trees back and forth. Donna winced at the dull ache at her side and moved to sit up, freezing in place when she felt three sharp points against her skin. Her eyes flickered up.

Raven's red and white robe tossed around her, four red eyes murderously boring into her soul. She raised her hand and the dagger like tendrils pressed harder into Donna's chest and throat. "Move and I will disembody you." She said in a voice much too deep to be hers. Donna shivered from the demonic voice and she looked passed Raven at the monument. The demon's other hand gripped air and the earth under the tomb stone was uprooted and tossed aside. The boys jumped in, ignoring Donna's frantic cries, and taking out the casket with great care despite their feral expressions. Cyborg and Changeling stepped back from the box as Nightwing gripped the top. Its elegant design and sliver handles were protected from the rain by the black disc Raven placed over the boys.

This was it. This would prove everything that had been so shamefully kept from them. She knew the dire consequences of opening the casket would bring forth not only on the team, but between the mentors and the family and each individual. They would open it to find nothing and Nightwing will shut down and exclude himself forever when the find out the whole truth. Or when he has to place the body back.

Or they will go insane in their fury, without a second thought at bringing all those responsible for the disappearance and secret, and possibly commit actions out of their rage. Donna cried out again, begging with all her might for them to just turn away. Listen, wait, anything!

But Nightwing wasn't hearing her. This was it. His body dimmed in feeling as it prepared to face what lies inside again, though knowing full well that nothing was in it, and his legs readied to run away at the second it all became too much. Three years… His heart hammered away as he braced himself to meet the emptiness in person. Nightwing tightened his hands and lifted.

His blood flared.

She was just like that day, white dress, wavy hair, her face settled into that peaceful expression. An impression of a rose was in her dress beneath her clasped hands. The glint of her ring caught his eye and he leaned forward.

Donna screamed when he tore the ring off.

The dummy's fake finger fell back in as he lifted the body by the neck, digging his fingers in the synthetic flesh. His body shivered in anger, the utter hate rolling off him. Did they think he was stupid? That he wouldn't know her face? These past years have done nothing but enhance his memory of everything! He knew everything! He knew her facial expressions, her features, likes and dislikes, faults, strengths and weakness, past and desires, secrets and dreams; he knows! Nightwing knows! This was the highest offense, both to her and his love, leaving no room to ever be forgiven!

The imposter's skin wasn't the right shade of orange, its pathetic wig didn't have her shine or the dark cherry tone, the lips weren't plump enough and the eyes were too wide apart. The body didn't have her curves by far and her beauty is forever superior to this disgrace! Her presence always brought comfort and warmth, downing her family in love even in death and this abomination brought only intense malignity. How dare they put her ring- his token of love for her! -on this disgusting piece of shit and the dress! NO!

With the ring now on his pink he latched onto the dummy's arm and ripped it off, gaining another fear-filled squeal from Donna as he did away with the other arm as well. Roughly tugging the dress off, he handed it to Raven who took it into her black magic. Nightwing then clutched the dummy's neck and shoulder and forced all his strength into his arms. The fake skin made a sick sound as he tore the head off and Donna paled when the body hit the floor. She didn't even look up as he did the same to the head.

Then her arm was being handled callously, Nightwing dragging her body over to the casket with surprising power. Even as she struggled, his grip never loosened and if she were weaker she was sure his fingers would be imprinted bruises on her arm. He yanked her toward the casket and she hit her back against the lid, slamming it closed. When she tried to stand he grabbed her shoulders, the back of his ankle on hers and tripped her. Donna fell on the ground with a loud thud and she gasped on impact. Before she could try to get up again, Nightwing had her by the throat and shouted in her face. "Where is she!?"

Donna writhed, "P-please! Stop! Y-you don't under-"

"WHERE IS SHE!?"

"Night-," she choked, "T-the Watch -they have everyth-thing! But you can't go! Promise! She's dy-"

"Promise? PROMISE!?" He pushed her back and air wheezed through her strangled windpipes. Raven's tendrils whipped around them, a black vortex spiraling into the dark storm clouds above. Lightening cracked against the darkness followed by an explosion of thunder. The whips made their way toward Donna and she tried to get away, but Nightwing held her fast as they entered her mind. Donna's skin tingled as Raven extracted every bit of information from her mind. When she was released, she collapsed onto the floor from exhaustion.

The titans stood under Raven. The vortex swirled around them, becoming a giant, spinning raven and Donna fought to stand, "N-no! She's go-"

A stinging sensation encased her arm. Warm stickiness trailed down to her elbow and Donna gaped at the long gash across her forearm. The black birderang glinted at her from its impaled position in the ground, the sharp edge tinted in red.

At the screech of a raven, the shadow skyrocketed upward.

xxx

The Watch Tower was in chaos.

Such a thing was very rare; in fact, it has never happened. The League is always prepared and organized, every hero ready to take on defense or aid when needed. Except today; no today was something entirely different. It did not help that the nearly hundred members were all presented. The others were back in their own cities or attending duties elsewhere. The ones present did not expect for the founding members to suddenly tell them to leave, go home, until further notice. They did not imagine that the ship Batman beamed into the dock was Wonder Woman's. Where did she go? What was going on?

The heroes ran past each other, disarray quickly settling over, and some of the founders started to push them back. Among these members were Captain Marvel, Zatanna, Shayera, Green Arrow, Black Canary and Batman quickly made his way to the ship. The pod's hood was thrown off, Green Lantern setting it down beside them. Wonder Woman had quickly given him a vial and turned to Superman who was slowly moving out as to not jolt the girl. She helped him, holding the girl's head and making sure her stomach wasn't touched. When Batman finally made it through, he stilled at the sight of the bloody cloth and the ill female in Superman's arms.

He looked up from the girl and called out, "Batman, surgery. Now!"

The dark knight nodded as Flash zoomed by, gurney in tow and oxygen mask ready. Superman and Wonder Woman carefully placed her down and froze when they heard her heart falter, stopping for a second. Diana jumped on top the gurney and started to conduct chest compressions, counting "...two, three, four..." as Flash ran the bed to the medical bay. Superman flew Batman in after them, not staying to watch the League members being forced out.

There were greater things at hand.

Once in, the speedster quickly hooked the girl up to the machines, her heartbeat echoing in the room. Diana continued her compressions as Bruce appeared with gloves and medical gowns. Superman came in a few seconds later with a solar light panel and placed it on the ceiling above the girl. When he turned it on, she immediately started to convulse and Diana and Bruce held her down as a small line of blood trickled down her nose. Clark set the panel on low and quickly explained his action, "I don't know completely what that bomb is doing, but it's ticking away and eating at her. With this, she'll keep producing energy and we can't get it out."

"It'll go off once it's not getting anymore. We have to deactivate it." Batman discarded the white cloth, averting his eyes as Diana hastily covered the girl with a new one. "Anesthetics." He deadpanned and studied the large scar on her stomach. He turned toward the emergency button and pressed it, hearing the alarm sound to warn off everyone from the room. As Diana injected the girl, Manhunter walked in, his eyes glowing as he placed his hands on the ankles, feeling the bone.

"Fractured. Her left foot is entirely crushed." He poured his healing power into her, concentrating. "I'm sensing several fractured bones in her body, six severed ones and low blood count. Severe starvation." He felt up her leg and frowned at the many scars on her flesh, "They not only cut her skin for testing, they also took several pieces of muscle and bone marrow." Her skin started to glow as he healed her, the scars starting to fade.

Batman stared hard at her vitals and energy levels and turned to Superman whose eyes were red. Diana adjusted the oxygen mask. When Bruce nodded, Clark bent over the girl, carefully cutting into her with his precise lasers, Manhunter quickly multiplying her blood cells to keep her from bleeding out.

They worked hard for the next forty minutes. Her heart stopped once more and Bruce had Flash jumpstart her, conducting enough electricity from his speed to be able to shock her alien heart. Manhunter went over her entire body, first multiplying her cells then healing her bones and muscles. The scars were still present though faded and her skin was slightly warmer. Healing the incision on her stomach, Manhunter joined Green Lantern in the lab and Clark and Diana were cleaning the blood. Batman gathered her hair and pulled it away from her face, glaring at the device on a shaved section behind her ear.

When he removed it, her face slightly pinched and he said soothingly, "It's alright. You're safe. We have you, Starfire."

Her heart stopped.

xxx

The remaining members waited, either pacing in the waiting room or in the lab with Hall. It had taken them longer than they realized to get everyone out, but they knew they had to do it. Now, in return they wanted answers and an explanation. What was going on? Who is that girl?

Superman and Batman never came out and Wonder Woman was only seen twice. The only one that was allowed back in and out was Flash, but every time he came out again he looked weary and concerned. He would sigh heavily and slouch into the chair and when Canary asked what they needed him for he replied, "Her heart stopped. I can move fast enough to restart it."

Flash was called in twice more.

Two hours passed. The remaining members split either to help in the lab or stay in the medical bay for the off chance that they might be needed. Diana finally came out, looking weary and gestured for Flash. They quickly went back in.

Then a loud screech sounded through the tower.

Immediantly the Leaguers ran toward the noise, preparing for the threat. When they made it, they stopped short, recognizing the young heroes before them, yet, not knowing them at all.

A girl in a white and red robe proved the most threatening with four glowing red eyes and hands encased in black. Her demonic whips lashed out and the lights flickered on and off as she clapped her hands together and the computer screens and glass in the room shattered. A green beast hunched under her, shaking violently as he released a hostile roar, baring his teeth. By his side was the half robot, both arms cannons and ready to fire. Rockets came from his shoulder and his red eye resembled a mini laser shooter. Their expressions lacked mercy and the Leaguers dropped into a fighting stance.

Then the fourth member stepped in front of his team, his fists trembling and glaring. The Leaguers halted as they recognized Batman's protégée and anxiousness thickened the air. Nightwing flicked out his sticks and raised them with utter enmity. "Batman." He snarled.

Flash was suddenly there, standing in front of the confused Leaguers with his hands up in a peaceful manner. "Whoa, Dick, calm down. We-"

"You hid her! HER! FROM ME!" At his words, Raven flicked her wrist out and the floor beneath the Leaguers shifted, sinking the older heroes to their knees.

Flash ran out of the way just in time as the others struggled to free themselves. He skidded to a halt near Nightwing, still holding his hands out. "Just listen-!"

"LISTEN!?" He shouted and the Leaguers started. "DON'T FUCKING TELL ME TO LISTEN!" And with that he lashed his arm out, sending a volley of weapons at them. The League quickly jumped out of the way. Flash dodged the explosions.

"Nightwing! We wanted to help!"

"LIES!" Another series aimed for them. Canary opened her mouth to release her wave, but Raven beat her to it, opening her own mouth and let out a deafening roar. The older heroes fell to their knees, covering their ears. Captain Marvel was able to fight the wave and moved to apprehend Raven but the beast tackled him before he could reach her. Flash ran to Nightwing and pinned him to the ground, escaping the rockets shooting at him.

"Just listen to me!"

A punch to the face was his answer. He tried to get off, grunting when Nightwing landed a solid jab into his side and stomach, his sticks shocking him at the tips. Flash winced at the shocks, his body being thrown off as Nightwing held him by the front of his uniform. He punched him several times and Barry took every single one, letting the betrayed young man continue his rampage. Barry could feel Dick's black eyes on his face, seeing him as the enemy and maybe he was right. Maybe the League was the enemy in keeping her from him. With each blow Barry could feel the young hero's pain and suffering. The sound of rockets screeched by and roaring reverberated around the room as the titans took out the same emotions.

Shayera smashed her maze on the floor, freeing herself from Raven's sink hole and raised her weapon against Nightwing until a red laser shot her out of the sky. Canary, Zatanna and Marvel were trying to get to Raven but her power was far too great and the beast never left her side. Nightwing got into Flash's face and shouted with all his might, "WHERE IS SHE!?"

Flash tried to twist his wrists off, "Dick-"

"TELL ME!" Another punch. "WHERE IS STARFIRE!"

"Here."

All movement stilled as the stoic voice reached them. Nightwing's descending fist froze and his mouth pressed into a hard line. He slowly looked up, his black eyes underneath his mask meeting the emotionless ones across the room. Batman stood at the door without his cape, his cowl on. "Let him go." He said.

Nightwing snarled, "You."

"I said let him go."

"You don't give me orders!"

"You will follow anything I say at the moment or you will not receive the answers you want. You will obey me right now or I'll have your ass back in Jump in the next second." He scowled at his son. "Your aggressive approach will prove fail if you do not stop now. You will lose. Both the battle and her. And I will not think twice at forcing you out of here before you see her."

Nightwing froze at his words. His lips parted in shock and he paled as all the titans became statues. Raven stumbled as she landed hard on the ground, Changeling on the floor with wide eyes. Cyborg looked confused. The half demon's magic vanished into thin air and the League quickly moved back together watching anxiously.

"W-wha...?" Nightwing breathed.

Batman was unimpressed as he took a few steps forward. The action had an immediate response as Nightwing dropped Flash and his sticks spanned out in an attacking position. The dark knight paused and looked around. "You disturbed the delicate atmosphere here that is critical to recovery."

"W-whatare you saying!?"

He merely looked at the rest of the titans and sighed. Walking the next several steps to stand in front of Nightwing, he monotone, "Justice League members depart."

"YOU-"

"Depart." He snapped. The older heroes did not question him as they hastily left the room. Once they were out, both father and son glared at each other, the titans behind Nightwing. Batman looked at them all carefully before stating, "You will not challenge me. You will follow my commands. You will not go in search nor will you continue to upset this environment that is needed to keep her stable. Disobey me in anyway and I will keep her from you, do you understand me?"

Nightwing was unfocused, trying to make sense of his words. "I-I...what are you-" he shook his head and took a small step back.

Bruce breathed heavily through his nose and carefully placed a hand on his son's shoulder, "Dick...she's alive. She's alive."

Sticks clattered to the floor.

He made eye contact with all the titans, taking in their stone expressions and Nightwing pale, blank one. He turned and strode to the door, "Follow me."