Part 1 of chapter 4:Personal business

(48 hours after the events of chapter 3)

Zatanna was asleep, Dick was looking down at her smiling at how peaceful she looked. He left her bedroom, and went into his old one, that she conjured up for him back before they began to become more intimate. He changed into his Nightwing uniform, some things she didnt have to know about. He snuck out in stealth. Leaping from rooftop to rooftop, his cycle would be too loud, this was personal, this was his. - Freaking savages, who kills an old man? Same type of scum that kills two parents over money. One of my father figures, Mr. Haley. I'm gonna find out who did this. - *shuffle* He heard somebody behind him. He turned and drew his two escrima batons. " Trust me when I say, tonight's not the night, it ain't worth it." Nightwing threatened coldly. " Relax I'm friendly, figured you would be doing just this. Here to show you what I got. " Said a voice that Dick recognized all too well. Tim Drake, Red Robin, the latest Robin until a year and a week ago, that's when he added the Red before Robin and went solo. " I appreciate the assistance, but dont, this is mine. " Dick said. Holding out his hand for whatever Intel Tim had scraped up. " Maybe you'd prefer my kind of assistance. " Another Familiar voice interjected. Jason Todd, The current Red Hood, and another former Robin. Lasted the shortest. 8 months until joker crowbarred him to death. Ras Al Ghul got the crazy idea to drop his body into the Lazarus pit, bringing him back deranged, he was a vigilante, killing criminals, a haunted reason to hope and pray for the Bat to catch you instead. " Your kind of help I really dont have time for." Dick Spat. " Well, your words I'll listen too, what you said to Tim over there rings true, this is yours, but I thought you'd like to know who put the hit on Mr.Haley. It was a man named 'Robert Contoles , also known as Bobby Fishcleaver. Should sound familiar, you put him away a few years back. He got out, lawyered up and was on probation. Went fast to work, no drugs, but fixing fights, and setting up illegal street races in Gotham, that he got the ball rolling on fast. Not the kind of crime i go after with bullets. But when Haley's circus came to town, he tried shaking him down. Mr. Haley as useual refused. So his name came up in the hit books. " Jason said. " Thats true, But my file also has the name of the man who did it. And proof." Tim said. Dick yanked the file from Tim, opened it up, he couldnt beleive his eyes. It was Derek Bolto. A strongman or former strongman for the circus, Haley let him go due to age 6 years ago. Offered to let him stay on as security, and was more than willing to offer him a fair retirement plan. Dick remembered Derek being upset. He always wondered what happened to him ' Uncle D' He used to call him as a boy. "Why did you come?" Dick asked. " Me it was a professional courtesy, one former Bird to another. " Jason said. Leaping off the roof, out of sight. "Me it was more personal, ive always seen you as more than just a coworker, were practically brothers. " Tim said. " Thanks Tim. Im going to Dereks to get a confession. Please just let me do this."

Dick said before Leaping to another roof. (At Derek's house)

Derek was watching tv. A power lift competition. " Comfortable for a murderer. " Nightwing spoke. Derek's eyes showed fear but then went into defensive mode. " Your a trespasser, and i aint killed nobody. You have no proof. " Derek said. " Heres some proof. " Nightwing spoke chucking the photos of the act at his feet. " Mr.Haley had people looking after him. People like me. " Nightwing said. "You bat freaks are a nosy lot. But you aint no Batman, ill beat you, teach you to snoop. " Derek threatened. " I dont think so. " Nightwing spoke. The fight started. It wasnt as easy as Dick thought. Derek truly was almost supernatural with his strength, and he wasnt as experienced as Dick in martial arts, not by a long shot but he knew Aikido, Kickboxing, and a bit of Greco roman wrestling. Dick landed more blows but the two Derek landed hurt like gettin hit with concrete bags. Nightwing went in for a kick. A direct hit, but Derek wasnt out yet and Dicks foot had to atleast be sprained. "Raaagh!" Derek yelled going into panic, he was suprisingly fast this time, landing ten punches in a row. Dick was seeing tunnel vision and his torso felt like a crushed bag of ice. As much as he longed to finish it with his own strength he was gonna have to use gadgets. He threw three mini pellets at Derek, they release a freezing agent, locking Derek in place from the neck down. He then pulled out some wing dings. Launching them all in a rage into Derek's face, slicing him up quite a bit. Nightwing called 911 on Derek's house phone. leaving the photos behind. He stumbled out. - Im hurt worse than initially expected, definitely some broken bones, probably internal bleeding.- He thought as he struggled to get atop the roof. He rolled onto his back. - I got emotional and wreckless. Stupid.Never got a confession, but it wont be necessary to convict.He pictured Zatanna sleeping, oh, Zee, im sorry.- He lay there until he passed out.

Part 2 of Chapter 4: Recovery.

He heard the machines beeping. he heard talking in the background. "Hes been out for 30 hours. " The voice of Bruce said. " We should let oh i dont know, his girlfriend know?! " Suprisingly the voice of Beastboy said. " And what worry her, he needs medical science right now not magic." The voice of Barbara interjected. " Dont be ridiculous! Magic could probably fix him right up!" Beastboy yelled. " I actually agree with Garfield, except, I dont know how to contact Zatanna, i havent even had her dad's up to date number in a few years now." Bruce explained. Dick shot up, -Zee!- He thought but was instantly inflicted with horrible pain. "Aaaagh!" Dick groaned. " Take it easy, Beast boy found you, he was , well i guess flying in Gotham as a raven or something for fun. " Batman said. " As a bat, cause , well you know,come on, its funny!" Beastboy exclaimed. " Are you ok?" Barbara asked, holding back tears. " Yea Babs, im fine. In pain but fine. Someone get me a phone. I gotta call Zatanna." Dick said. Barbara actually looked hurt by this. - You gotta be kidding, now she cares? Well too late, im with Zatanna, in fact i think i love Zatanna- He thought. Beastboy, the ever loyal true friend. Handed Dick his phone. Dick dialed Zatanna's number. " Hey sweetie, please dont be mad, im in the batcave, im injured. Please come here. " He spoke. ( A few hours later) "You dumb ass! Dont you ever do that to me again Dick Grayson! You... you *lip quivering* *voice breaking* I didnt know where you were , then i get that call... im glad i was able to heal you with a few simple spells. Damn it!" Zatanna broke into tears. She had been holding them back for awhile obviously, she telported into the cave shouted at people. Healed Dick then teleported them home. Then she let him have it. " Honey, im sorry, i heard Mr.Haley died, found out it was murder, i got into this...Mental state,i dont know, but when i was laying on that rooftop, all i could think about other than how dumb i was. Was you. And the first thing i thought about was you when i woke up, i know your mad." Dick said. He gently caressed Zatanna's cheek, drying her tears with his glove. She looked up at him. " Zatanna, i love you." He said and then kissed her pasionately. The first time either of the two of them had said it. After the kiss broke. "Dick, i love you too." She said shakilly.

Part 3 of chapter 4:Drinking games

(The next day.)

Zatanna was getting ready to go out clubbing with her friends, Diana or Wonderwoman, and Dinah or Black Canary, Dick hadn't even known she was all that close with those two, but he guessed she did tell him enough stories, Dick was gonna meet up with Beastboy,Cyborg, and Tim, they were gonna chug alcohol and play video games, though Tim seemed more excited by the aspect of comparing gaming technique. "Think I'm ready babe." Zatanna said. She showed him her outfit. It was a silver sparkly sequined skin tight mini skirt, her signature fishnets of course, really tall white high heels, and a black and white checkered spaghetti strapped crop top. She was also wearing a miniature version of her top hat crooked to the side. " Wow, you better keep other guys away from you. " Dick said. "giggles I know right!" Zatanna beamed. " I'm not joking though, I'm serious." Dick said as she was leaving. (Later that night) "CHUG CHUG CHUG CHUUUUG!" Tim,Garfield, and Cyborg all chanted. As Nightwing chugged a fourth mini whiskey bottle. "buuurrrp!" Dick belched. " Alright round 6 remember next loser chugs 5 mini bottles this time, Booyah!" Cyborg said. " I actually should get going. Before I get too drunk." Red Robin said. "LAAAME!" Cyborg and Beastboy both exclaimed. " No it's ok, g-go, homee... *hiccup* " Dick slurred. " You only had three beers!" Beastboy whined to Tim. " Later guys, thanks for the fun." Tim said leaving."I think Dick's out for the count, look how hes stumbling" Cyborg said. "Naahhh I'm f-fa-fine." Dick said. " Uuugh I dont feel so good. " Beastboy then moaned. " Come on we can split a cab beasty. " Cyborg said." You rest up, we got the league tour tomorrow it's not til 4 in the afternoon, but thatll seem early hard as you and Gar went on the booze. Bye Dick." He finished as he scooped Beastboy off the couch. "Bye! Love you guys!" Dick sloppily half shouted. "hahaha Yeah we love you too Man." Cyborg chuckled. ( A few hours later) The door crashed open, giggling and cackling filled the room. Zatanna was home and brought Dinah and Diana with her. "When you threw that guy out of the window, I lost my shit!" Dinah laughed. "hehehehe That was nothing compared to when Zatanna called that man a pig and then turned him into a real one! Haha! " Diana boomed. "Ladies,Ladies, shhhhh, Dick is probably sleeping." Zatanna said. "We do have that tour tomorrow. " Zatanna explained. "Not til 4!" Dinah chirped. "Hey Zee, Diana,Dinah, nice to see you two again. " Dick said walking out of his room, he was throwing a plastic water bottle out. " And dont worry, I'm fine I slept a bit and hydrated. I'd be more worried about Beastboy. " Dick grinned. " Well I'm glad you had fun. You really just stayed in huh?" Zatanna said. "Yeah, why would we leave? We had games, booze, and pizz-" Dick stopped himself. " Why would I be mad about pizza?" Zatanna asked. "No reason chuckles, You know Beastboys a vegan too." Dick nervously replied. Zatanna noticed the three boxes and smelled meat. " You only got ONE VEGAN PIZZA DIDNT YOU!?" Zatanna yelled. Dick could smell her breath, they all clearly were drinking hard too. " Look I'm sorry I know I said not in the house, but me, Tim, and Cyborg all wanted some food, some real food." Dick said. "Ladies, grab him." Zatanna said. they were in a booze filled craze. Diana and Dinah grabbed him before he could react. And maybe Dinah he could slip away from, but not Diana's Amazon grip. "Hey! your not thinking rationally right now!" Dick pleaded. "I'm gonna do something you dont like now, I was having a ladies night, let's make it a real ladies night, since vegan pizza isnt real food, this isnt a real ladies night, not with a man here." Zatanna said ominously. *gulp* Dick swallowed. "egnahc redneg " zatanna spoke. Dick felt his body shifting. After it was done, it felt eerily similar to that accident at that magic show they performed back when they first decided to partner up. Diana and Dinah laughed. "Hmm not dressed the part though. But I figure, Black canary and Wonder woman can take care of that. My closet is yours ladies!" Zatanna jested. The two women dragged Dick into her room. (A few moments later) Dick was tied to a chair looking at himself in the mirror. This time he looked just like himself if he was a woman. Long silky black hair. His same skin tone, but with a womanly face, and hairless from the neck down. He had quite the rack now too. Diana and Dinah really had their way. He was in fishnets, black stilettos, a silk mini dress. His mouth was stuffed with a rag and duck taped. His struggling only brought on laughter from the three women, boozing it up in the kitchen. (An hour later) Zatanna finally had pity on him and changed him back, shouted " You change back into your clothes on your own! And never bring meat into this house again." She yelled. Dick was pissed. But he just changed and locked himself in his room. Setting his alarm.

Part 4 of chapter 4: Before The tour.

In the morning Dick changed silently in his room, into his Nightwing uniform. He stormed out grabbed a handful of oats and dry swallowed them, he then chugged some orange juice. "Hey babe, damn, last night is a blur, did we get in an argument?" Zatanna groggily said. "Come on I can teleport us to just outside the hall of Justice, you dont have to go yet. " She said. No response from Dick. He stormed down to the garage, hopping on his motor cycle. Zatanna chased after him. "Oh the cycle, I love the feeling of the wind hitting-" She was cut off by the *vroom* of the cycle starting. Dick Peeled out leaving Zatanna in the garage, sad and confused. - I messed up big didnt i?- She thought. (Later at the Hall) Dick found his friends, Beastboy looked miserable. Cyborg was smiling. Red Robin was quietly standing next to them. Raven, Starfire,and Kid flash were standing nearby. "Wally! Been awhile, like since Grod teamed up with Scarecrow awhile!" Nightwing said. "Sup dude!" Wally the kid flash said. "Man, I feel like dog dookie." Beastboy complained. "Haha! Told you you wouldn't do well after drinking that much." Cyborg jested. " So how'd your night go?" Cyborg asked Dick. "I dont wanna talk about it." Dick said. "Oh...trouble in paradise?" Raven interjected. "Well I hope we can all get selected to join the league of Justice! " Starfire beamed. "Yeah me too." Red Robin said. (Inside the hall) "Mann, why cant I fully remember last night?" Dinah asked wonder woman."I only have flashes as well " She replied. (Back outside) "Look it's your layyday!" Beastboy chirped as Zatanna approached. " I'm not talking to her right now, Wally wanna catch up, like way over there?" Dick said. "Sure." Wally said and then they both walked off. "Nightwing!" Zatanna yelled, but was hit with the cold shoulder. "Ouch! I'm gonna regret this but what happened last night?" Cyborg asked. "Thats...not..ourr..business Cy." Raven said. " Hello friend, I am sorry you seem to have the couple trouble, but may it all work out." Starfire said jovially, she wasnt dumb, but even after years of being on earth social skills were not her strong suit. Zatanna just teared up. - I dont even remember last night- She thought. "And then the Flash was all like about to go full supernova level fast,and, then SMACK! Right into a wall. I thought he might've died,but Flash is flash." Wally went on. " Wow, that must be cool having super speed. " Dick said. "So, you and Zatanna huh? Lucky guy. " Wally said. "Yeah, I'm not so sure after last night." Dick brooded. "Whoa man. Look, you should talk to her before the tour, dont want bad thoughts dragging your focus away from the analysis. It's how they choose the new leaguers. " Wally said. " Your probably right." Dick mumbled. "I got this." Wally said. All of a sudden Wally grabbed Dick, and brought him to Zatanna, in the blink of an eye.Then zipped away. "Hey. We gotta have a serious discussion Zee." Dick said. "Dick I dont even remember last night fully, whatever happened it couldnt be that bad!" She said in borderline hysterics. "It was pretty bad. I've never had you use magic on me in anger like that before, and honestly I thought you never would.Yeah I'm fine, but that was messed up. " Dick scalded. Zatanna remembered a little bit more. "Oh my god! I'm so sorry. " Zatanna said. " I'll never be able to look at Diana in the eyes again. Or Dinah, and if they blab, probably not ever able to look At Greenarrow without feeling his judgment. But more importantly, it was ME! Not some rowdy fan not some asshole at a bar, or a thug. Me. Instead of talking about me breaking our deal on meat in the house, you just lashed out. I love you Zee, I really do. But that cant happen again. Consent is key, I'm not a pet." Nightwing said. "I understand babe. Again I'm sorry. And grins dont worry about Dinah and Diana. I know neither of them could remember last night all that well, we were all black out. But if I want too. " Zatanna closed her eyes focusing on Diana and Dinah's minds "retla yromem" she whispered. "What did you do?" Nightwing said. "Just altered their fog a bit. Now if they remember that night, that person I transformed and tied to a chair, was just a drunk who stumbled in to our house on accident and mouthed off. You were asleep already as far as they know. " Zatanna explained. "Zee, that's just what I'm talking about. You cant just do that, well, maybe just this time." Dick grinned. Just then The leaguers came out. Dick grabbed Zatanna's hand.

Part 5 of chapter 4: Judgement.

The young heroes all stood in a row presenting themselves to the league. Young adults from ages 19 to 30. The tour went well, there were some tests. Slowly they went through the ranks. Dismissing the majority. The rest were called in either pairs or solo. For interviews. "Next, Nightwing and Zatanna. " Superman spoke. The two walked in. "Sit" Martian Man hunter said. They sat. " So, a few have already rushed to vouch for the both of you. But, Zatarra, and Batman. Both have, objected. " Martian Manhunter spoke. " What? Batman I know more martial arts than even you, I cleansed an entire city of organized crime. And Zatanna, shes hands down the best magic user I've ever seen. " Nightwing protested calmly. "Shes only the best magic user you know. My daughter is not quite ready. " Zatarra spoke. " You clean up a whole city, only to leave it unguarded the second a magic woman whisks you away with whimsy. And don't forget two nights ago. I wont go into details, it was a personal matter I know. But you rushed in, almost got yourself killed. And I'm not sure you DO know more martial arts than me." Batman added. "Zatanna you have been much less active in the world of mysticism, since you shacked up with this man." Zatarra said. "Dad! Nightwing has helped me immensely. The chest of 'Dwemero' was located almost solely because of his assistance. " Zatanna said. "That same situation I talked about, when you showed up to get Nightwing from the ordeal, you were borderline hysterical, what if something happened on a mission? Would you keep it together?" Batman pressed. "Batman, Zatarra, let's be sensible. Me and Di-Black Canary both think their ready." Wonderwoman spoke. "Yes, your drinking buddy, and her boyfriend, I know you have had many missions with Zatanna, and I know Nightwing has helped you both out Atleast more than once, but let's face it, their in their twenties, but their young and cant separate their relationship from the life." Batman said. "They want to play house more than actually progress in hero work." Zatarra added. "Hey, you think I'm not ready coz of two nights ago, I get it, but dont blame her, shes amazing at magic, and -" Nightwing was cut off by Zatarra. "And she couldnt even handle Klarion the witch boy on her own, you two called me in, and your fellow former teen titan, Raven, to help you guys clean up that mess." Zatarra finished. " He was working with Jinx too. And we brought you two along in order to have a numbers advantage, it was strategy, a strategy that worked too if I remember correctly, you forget that WHOLE plan was me." Nightwing said. "Not to mention, you and the rest of the league for that matter, didnt even know about Klarion. He was trying to turn an ENTIRE tri state area into a chaos wonderland. How did you all miss that?" Nightwing continued. "The order of fate, was already monitoring him, we noticed you and Zatanna engaging and waited to let Fate decide. " Dr.Fate interjected. "And Fate was right to choose my mind to plan and Zatanna's magic to engage Klarion in combat. " Nightwing said. "Actually Zatanna was bested by Klarion if you remember, and according to fate, your decision to plan a proper ambush in the future was the deciding factor." Dr.Fate said. "And me coming with." Zatarra interjected. " Actually no, order would have still been maintained had Nightwing's plan played out with out you, it wouldn't have ended so easily but. Still." Dr.Fate said. "So I'm the problem?" Zatanna said. "Nightwing's not holding me back, but rather, the opposite?" Zatanna said. "Of course not!" Nightwing interjected. "This isnt about placing blame, this is about ability to perform on league level missions. Batman,Zatarra your criticism has been noted, Wonder woman, Black canary, Your praise has been noted. But let's talk brass tax. Do we feel, Nightwing can lead a squad? I'd think the answer would be obvious, yes, he led the teen titans exceptionally well. And he was a kid. Other question, can Zatanna fight against magic entities? Of course, Klarion incident aside, shes encountered countless other threats and won. The third question, will their relationship become a problem? That may be to be determined. Final and most important question, have either of them given us true reason to not trust them?" Superman said. "Dismissed, the league will discuss in private." Red tornado spoke with an automated voice. The two got up.Exited and waited.

Part 6 of chapter 4:Verdict.

Nightwing and Zatanna were called into a room. There with them were Raven,Cyborg, Firestorm, and Blue beetle. "Hey.. So I guess...were the other group." Raven said. "Other group? " Nightwing asked. "Yeah beastboy and Starfire and all the others were sent to another room. " Cyborg said. "We must have been the only ones to not get accepted ese." Blue beetle said. " Quite the opposite. " Diana said entering the room. "You are the only ones out of the group for the time being, that the league wants to invite. " Wonderwoman said. "So, were leaguers now?" Cyborg said. "If you want." Wonderwoman said. "We will have to think on it." Zatanna said.

End of chapter 4.