Thanks for the reviews, fav, and follows!

QWSDRDRRRDT: You changed your name! I'm happy that you love Cyborg and Willow. And about Slade...yea, sorry.

Guest: I'm sorry; it will only get worse from here…..or maybe not.

CLJuliag: A lot! Don't worry; Raven's past is coming up soon.

Everyone: Stay safe, be happy, happy reading :).


A/N: There are five to ten chapters left.


#JusticeforBreonnaTaylor

#JusticeforElijahMcClain

#JusticeforVanessaGuillan

#InvestigationforGloriaBambo


Thinking about the Future

People with navy blue jackets and yellowed lettering on their jackets roamed about his office building. Victor watched them as they frequently entered his office to ask questions and visited Amy's desk which was in front of his office.

He couldn't believe that she was gone. Murdered in the back of the vehicle that was transporting her to jail. His mechanical heart clenched at the thought of it.

For years, he had thought of her as a little sister and a confidant. They worked together, took lunch and dinner together, and watched each other back. Or, so he thought.

He didn't want to think about or process his feelings on the matter. Yet, he knew when it hit him, it would hit him hard.

"Knock, knock."

Vic didn't glance up from the paperwork that he was pretending to complete. The federal agents came inside his office too often for him to concentrate. He doubted that he or any of his employees would get any work done in the next couple of days.

Amy had made a mess of things.

"Come in." He waited for the agent to ask their question and leave. Instead, a cup of coffee was placed in front of him. He finally glanced up to see Willow smiling down at him.

"How have you been holding up?" Willow asked, sitting down in the chair in front of his desk.

"Good." He took a sip of the coffee.

"It hasn't hit you yet, hasn't it?"

"Not yet. Maybe after your friends leave this place and I have time to hire a new secretary." He wasn't looking forward to it. Amy may have been a murderous traitor but she was effective at her job. She used to make sure that everything had run smoothly so that he didn't have to worry about anything. In retrospect, that was part of her plan.

"Take your time adjusting. Amy was a big part of your life."

"Yeah, I know. It just..." He wiped his face, trying to get rid of some of the tension. "...I wish that this didn't happen"

"I know." Silence engulfed the room. There wasn't too much that they could talk about concerning Amy. They had different feelings. To Vic, she was a sister that turned traitor. To his girlfriend, she was a murderer who had killed the man she had loved.

"You know, if you need help, I can play your sexy secretary for a while." She added with a wink.

"Really?" He was intrigued. Both for work and for pleasure purposes.

"I don't think that would be a good idea." Yuki Tanaka walked in. He was the only agent without a jacket on and the only one who entered his office without permission first. "You played a key role in this investigation. It is already bad enough that you two are dating. It wouldn't look good if you started to work here afterward. Besides, you have neglected your own company for some time now. "

"You're right." She glanced up at Yuki, who stood up beside her before turning to Vic. "I guess, we have to put that idea on hold until everything clears up."

"Hopefully, that will be soon." Vic faced Yuki. He was silently asking him when this investigation will end.

Yuki scratched his head. "The investigation will take some time since Amy had a hand in everything in your company. However, we should be out of your hair at the end of this week or next week depending on what else we found."

"I understand. Take your time." He said words that he didn't mean. He wanted them to finish as soon as possible.

Yuki nodded before turning his attention to Willow. "Are you finished with my jacket? It's annoying to keep having to flash my badge."

She gave him a big smile and stood up. "Almost. I got one more employee to harass."

"Harass? Why are you harassing my employees?" Vic was concerned. Should he be worried about the more assertive Willow?

"Don't worry. I'm just slightly bullying those who started that rumor about us...when it wasn't true. Nothing like a good investigation and an FBI badge to scare people."

Yuki clicked his tongue. "You don't have a badge nor does that jacket belong to you.

"We know that but they don't. This almost makes me want to rejoin. Anyway, I need to catch up with him before he goes to lunch. They need to understand that just because a woman is in a higher position than them doesn't mean she had to open her legs to get there."

With that statement, the two men watched her leave the room.

"Was she always like that?" Vic asked, grabbing Yuki's attention.

"No, I'm sure that she used to be cute at one point."

"I think that she is still cute."

Yuki sighed. "Look, I don't like you, and I probably never will. As far as I am concerned, she is still my best friend's girlfriend. Dead or alive. However, I respect her decision to date. But don't let me catch you slipping."

Wow! Was this how Nightwing felt when I approached him about Rae. "If you do, you would investigate me and make sure that the FBI is always watching me."

"No, I will contact my cousin who works for the IRS and have them investigate you."

"That's low."

"I know. So, do we have an understanding? She gets to break up with you; you don't get to break up with her. If she cries, it betta be tears of joy."

"You don't have to worry. I will take good care of her."

"Good. Also..." he coughed, and a blush graced his face. "Can you get me an autograph from Starfire?"

"Seriously? You just threatened to call the IRS on me."

"That's two different things. Besides, it's not like I am asking for Wonder Woman's autograph. Wait, can you get me hers instead?"

Vic sighed. "I will ask Starfire for you."

"Thanks. I'm a big fan. Don't forget to have her spell my name correctly. And, definitely don't forget what we talked about. "

"Sure," Vic said. Yuki nodded and turned to leave the room.

Vic shook his head. He had a feeling that he and Yuki weren't going to get along. That's why he didn't tell him that he could get him Wonder Woman's autograph, especially since he had been thinking about joining the Justice League full time again.


"Alright, love you." Gar heard Retra said to the person on the phone.

It amazed him that only a few weeks ago he would have flipped out if he had heard her say that. However, she would have never done that while sitting next to him.

"Kiss the little prince good night." She told her brother before ending the call.

"What did your brother say?" Gar asked, causing Retra to sigh and fall backward on the bed.

"He said that it is pretty terrible over there. The loss and removal of so many key members of the government will make the country unstable for a while until they can find replacements. Then, there is also the thing that Slade took from the country. We need to find it and return it."

"What exactly was it again?" Retra threw a pillow at his head, which he caught and placed on his side of the bed.

"I already told you that I can't tell you what it is. So, stop trying to find out. Besides, you are better off not knowing."

"Fine. I won't ask you again. Directly or indirectly." Although, he planned to ask his future brother-in-law.

He groaned inward. Maybe he won't ask.

They were working on building trust with one another. He didn't doubt that they wouldn't tell white lies here and there, like who ate the last slice of pie. However, they were working on avoiding creating major deception with one another.

Going behind her back after he said that he wouldn't inquire about the item that Slade took was taking a step in the wrong direction.

"What are you and your brother going to do about it?"

"To be honest, there is nothing that we can do about it. Fortunately, he hadn't been to Markovia since he took it. And, he seemed to completely disappear after killing Amy." She paused and reached out to rub his back.

"How do you feel about her death?" She asked.

Gar looked down at her before turning to face the wall in front of him. "Better than a couple of days ago." He answered honestly. He still couldn't wrap his head around Amy's betrayal and murder.

"Have you talked to Victor about it?"

He shook his head. "I don't think that we are both ready to talk about it."

"Take your time."

He looked at her and groaned. "Go ahead and say it."

"I don't know what you are talking about."

He laid down on the bed on his side, prompting Retra to turn on her side. "Just say it."

"Fine. Don't hang out with other women who aren't me."

"I knew it."

"Shut up."

They were quiet for a moment as they stared into each others' eyes.

"Are you going to Markovia?" Gar asked.

"Only for a couple of weeks."

"Will you be back in time for the wedding?"

"No, I will be back weeks before the wedding."

"Good. It would have been hard doing the finishing touch on the wedding without you."

Retra snorted. "Now that Kory is back, You don't have much to do."

"I do. I have to figure out where your brother is going to sit during the reception. Do we have to order extra plates for the bodyguards?"

She giggled. "No, he's not coming. He will watch it by video." Silence came between them again.

"Why do I feel like our lives are changing?"

"Because it is?"

"Is that good or bad?"

"It's whatever we want to make it."


Everything felt normal.

Kory smiled and posed for the camera. From the corner of her eyes, she could see Kate giving her two thumbs up. The camera flashed and she struck another pose.

It was easy being in front of the camera because she loved it. Not for the attention or the fame. She loved it because her smile got to reach millions across the world.

When she first arrived on Earth, she remembered constantly seeing a picture of the model Mari McCabe on billboards and magazines. She looked so happy, and it gave her hope that she could be happy here on Earth too.

Although she came to know the ugly truth behind the flashing lights and pictures, she believed that her smiling face would give some stray alien who found their way to Earth hope and happiness.

"Good as always." The photographer said, checking her camera. "Would you like to look at the photos?"

She and Kate moved to the photographer. They looked at the pictures and they were more than satisfied with the results.

"We will send you the pictures later."

They thanked the photographer as an assistant walked up to them to escort them to the next location in the building.

Once they were in the room for the interview and Kory was seated, the assistant offered them something to drink.

However Tawny Young, a reporter and daytime TV show host, walked in before they could take a sip.

After everyone greeted each other, they started the interview.

"How does it feel to be back on Earth?" Tammy asked.

"Most wonderful."

"Tell me what was the first thing you did?"

The hour-long interview went well as Kory talked about a number of topics ranging from her readjusting to being back on Earth to her being a part of her sportswear line that she started before she left.

The one topic that they stayed clear of was her ex-husband. The company had been warned not to bring the topic up.

However, Tawny brought up another important man in her life.

"So, I have to ask," Tawny said in an excited voice. "Everyone wants to know. Are you and Nightwing back together?"

Kory's face dropped before she could catch it. It displayed all the emotion that she had locked up since that night she talked with Retra.

Tears fell down her eyes faster than she could wipe them away. Yet, it was too late everyone in the room saw them.

"I guess that is a 'no'," Tawny said softly with a frown. She handed her a tissue to wipe her eyes.

"Umm." Kate ran over to her and wrapped her arms around her. She grabbed more tissues and helped dry her eyes. "Can we reschedule the rest of the interview for another time? She's still sensitive about relationship-related topics. Sorry about this."

"No, I completely understand." Tawny said. She looked at her notes. "I have enough information. I think that we can end it here." She patted Kory on the knee and left the room after signaling the other people to leave the room too.

"Kori," Kate said softly. "What happened?"

She pulled Kate into a hug and cried harder. She would never heal until she got answers from Nightwing.


Dick walked into the bar and pushed past the people. It was more crowded than usual today.

As he got closer to the bar area, he noticed a busy Yasmine and the part-timer rushing to fix drinks. He slipped behind the bar and began helping them.

Soon, the number of people at the bar decreased, allowing him to talk to Yasmine with little interruption.

"Have you seen Rachael?" He asked. However, judging by Yasmine's shocked expression, he knew that the answer was no.

"I thought that Moonlight was hanging out with you lately."

"No, she hadn't."

It had been over a week since he had properly seen or talked with his girlfriend. She was there for the meetings and when there was trouble in the city. However, she would disappear frequently saying that she had to do work at the bar.

She also hadn't been staying at the Tower, even though everyone else did for their safety.

He didn't think too much about it since he was occupied with working with the FBI along with Victor, doing his work at his job, and fighting crime. Also, it was normal for her since the bar was open at night.

Yet, he had noticed that she had been distant. It became more noticeable after he gave her the necklace to replace the one that she lost.

She didn't look excited to see the necklace. She actually looked at it as a burden.

He wondered if she was still mad at him. They hadn't finished their conversation related to Kory and the kiss. Now that she was avoiding him, he truly regretted his actions and words.

"Do you know when she will be back?"

Yasmine shook her head while giving him a pitiful look.

"Well, do you mind if I help until she returns?"

"Of course not."

He helped out until the bar closed. He even cleaned up the bar afterward. Once he was finished, he went to her room to wait for her.

She never came.


Earlier That Day

"Here. Try this mixture."

Rachael immediately leaned forward to eat the ice cream that was on the spoon in front of her.

"How is it?" He watched her expression with excited eyes.

"Good." She answered although she couldn't taste the flavor of the ice cream. She had been too focused on his presence that she couldn't spare an ounce of it on something else.

Trent smiled at her and said, "I will go get another one. Do you still like waffle cones?"

Raven nodded. "Of course."

"I will be right back. The ice cream on Azarath is best!" He announced the last part at loud, causing the other Azarathians to look at him with a smile as he moved back to the counter.

Most Azarathian that had returned to rebuild the fallen dimension were older and had forced their family members around Trent's age, who didn't know the wonders of Azarath before, to return. So, they were happy to see someone his age making a positive comment about their home.

"He will be a welcome addition here. It is also nice to know that you will be finally moving back home. We've missed you."

Rachael took her eyes off of Trent and turned to the old priest. "Thank you for allowing us to stay here."

The old priest gave her a sorrowful smile. "Rachael this is your home. We are your people. You are always welcome here."

"I know but..." Her eyes traveled back to Trent. He was talking happily with the shop owner who was curious about the newcomer. It warmed her heart to see him happy and safe.

She smiled.

"And Mari?" Her eyes connected with the old priest. "Will you not try to bring her back?"

"No, it's too dangerous. My younger sister is gone for good." Her eyes went back to Trent. Memories of the night she realized the truth played in her head.

Slade's mask and uniform laid disorganized on the floor as she held a trembling Trent in her arms.

"What's wrong with him?" Mari shouted, despite the debilitating headache that they all were experiencing.

She wanted to respond to her half-sister's words but she focused on lowering Trent's raging temperature with her powers. Yet, the more she tried to heal him, the more his temperature increased.

"It's this necklace, isn't it?" Mari went to remove the necklace that Dick had given her and Trent had taken from her from around Trent's neck.

Rachael stopped her and with remorse informed her of the truth. "It's you. You are the problem." Tears swam down her eyes as she knew the only solution to their problem.

"What do you mean?" Mari's face was full of confusion.

"The day that you died, you - or your powers at least - were supposed to be completely absorbed by me or transferred to Trent. But I didn't fully absorb you and let you remain as a separate being inside of my body. This wouldn't have been a problem if Trent were still dead. However..."

She looked down at the sweaty young teenager. His wavy, greenish-black hair was wet and sticking to his forehead. His lovely, olive face was bunched up in pain.

"...Thank God, he isn't." She continued. "Since I didn't fully absorb you, as the heir to your powers he has unconsciously been trying to absorb you." She now knew the reason for her headaches. The unintended tug-of-war over Mari's being was affecting her body negatively. However, it didn't explain why Mari had started to feel the effects. Her powers should have protected Mari even if the necklace had become a factor.

"The closer he got, the stronger the pull for you became." She continued. "When he took the necklace, something that I was attached to, his pull on you became stronger."

"So you are saying that I need to be absorbed by you or my son?" Raven nodded. "He just returned, and I wasn't able to say a word to him."

The moment Mari had appeared outside of the mirror. He had collapsed in pain and fell unconscious.

"I'm sorry."

Mari looked at her son's face with tears in her eyes. She touched his cheek. Both he and Rachael yelled out in pain. She removed her hands with regret.

"Rachael." Her eyes remained on her son's face."Tell him that I love him. Tell them both."

"I will."

Mari's body started to fade away and was replaced with dark light. The light moved across Trent, creating ancient writing on Trent's skin and causing him to scream.

Soon, the screams stopped. And Rachael's constant headache was gone along with her beloved sister.

"I'm sorry. " The priest said.

"It's ... Trent's life has always been our main goal. Knowing that Mari got to see the goal completed, it was enough to give her peace before death."

"And now that Trent is safe what will be your main goal."

She looked at the priest. Trent being alive was a blessing but it also created a bigger mess than the one that she was already in. Soon, it would be too complex for her to handle

"I have to tie up some loose end before I can decide." One of those loose-ends was Dick. She wasn't looking forward to it but it had to be done.

"God is with you, on whatever decision that you make."

Rachael smiled at the kind words if she knew that their effect was temporary. "Thank you."

"Here you go, Tia and priest." Trent appeared before them with a wide grin and delicious ice cream.

"Thank you," the two adults said.

Trent took a seat at the table and happily ate his ice cream. "I can't wait to move here."

Looking at him made Rachael regret her next words. "Trent, we have to return soon."

...

Soon, they were on the upper level of the penthouse. It seemed like a normal place if no one didn't know what went on there.

"You've returned." The woman appeared from the shadows.

"I usually keep my promises."

The woman studied her for a moment before turning around and walking away. Raven moved to follow. However, she was stopped by the trembling hands of Trent.

She turned back around to face him. The orange and black-masked hid his face again but she knew what expression was there.

"Tia," he whispered, "You don't have-"

"Shhh." Her hand went to his face. "In less than a month, we will be in Azarath where no one can reach you. Until then I need you to be strong."

"But Tia-"

"It's okay. I know what I am doing. I will see you in a couple of days."

She removed her wrist from his grip and followed the woman to an office where she was left with the man who was behind everything.

"I'm happy that you kept your promise. I thought that you ran away with the boy. If I knew what I knew now, I would have taken Slade's advice and approached you first instead of dealing with Black Willow."

"Just, tell me what I need to do."

The man smiled. Fifteenth minutes later she had her instructions. "See, Raven. Compared to Blüdhaven, this is a simple, yet regrettable long mission. No innocent person has to die or get hurt. Unless they get in the way.

"Nothing is simple with you."

"That is true."

"I have three requests as payment."

The man raised an eyebrow. "Go on."

"One: You will never interfere or approach my family again."

"Will that include all of them."

She knew what he was asking. "Don't approach them."

"Done, but if they approach me then I will do as I see fit."

She couldn't argue that point, so she continued. "Two: When Trent is in your care, he will be well protected and taken care of at all times. Treat him like would yourself."

"Done. What is your last request."

"I want to see Slade."

Their eyes connected. "That can be arranged. I will let my guards know that you will be paying him a visit."

She turned to leave the room. She wanted to speak with Trent one last time before she left for today.

"Raven." His words stopped her at the door. "About your current boyfriend?"

"We both know he wouldn't be a problem." She phrased through the door with a heavy heart and determination.