[Content warning]Even though this series is rated t, in the final part of chapter 5 'part 4' there is use of the F word, it is only used once to increase the levity of the situation

Chapter 5: Happy anniversary

(Nearly a year since the events of chapter 4)

Zatanna walked into the house, and lightly gasped, the table was set with a fine white satin table cloth, Fine china, and the plates filled with Dick's best food dishes he could cook that were vegan friendly. The smell was entrancing, the subtle waft of fried green beans, the lovely smell of freshly baked bread, and the scrumptious scent of tofu meatballs, the one tofu dish that Dick mastered without burning. She heard a light *click* , the sound of the play button on Dick's old radio from his childhood being pressed, he must have loaded an old cassete tape. Music began humming, an ancient intrumental from Italy. Zatanna squealed with joy and glee when Dick revealed himself from the shadows and clutched her from behind by the waist, spinning her around, and initiating a slow dance. "Happy anniversary Zee. " He spoke smoothly. They danced the whole song. And then a now older pop song from when her and Dick were both young teenagers played. " This played in the background of that enchanted circus we helped Batman and your dad investigate. That was the first time i ever laid eyes on you. " Dick spoke softly. Zatanna was tearing up. " Oh Dick." She whispered. The dance subsided, tunes still lightly playing as he pulled out her chair and asked her to sit. He then walked to the other side of the table and sat across from her. "If its not that good tasting, i hope the suprise dance session makes up for it. " He said. "This is SUPRISINGLY good for you!" Zatanna exclaimed taking a bite of one the tofu meatballs. Dick chuckled. They made light talk as they finished eating. " Look under your chair babe. " Dick said. Zatanna bent down and felt around with her hands until she clasped a small box. " Open it." Dick said. She peeled the shiny purple wrapping paper off until it revealed a black box with a lid. She opened the lid. Looking inside she saw a beautiful golden necklace with two birds dangling on it. " It was my mother's, my father gave it to her the night after their first trapeze act as a married couple. Cant imagine what he had to save to afford that, he wasnt that well off. But i suppose you save to buy nice things for the ones you love. " Dick said. "Theres something else in there." He explained. Zatanna reached in. It was some papers. "You are now my emergency contact, my advocate if i become unable to retain my mental autonomy, and you are in my will." Dick said. Zatanna had broken into tears of emotional joy at this point. "Its been a year, since you knocked on my door and asked me, ' What if you wanted to be more.' A year of bliss if im speaking candidly." Dick said. Zatanna wiped her face with some napkins. Got up, walked over to Dick's seat. And wrapped him up in a hug, then passionately kissed him. After the kiss broke she smiled. "Just wait til you see your gift." She said excitedly. She couldnt wait to humanly walk and retrieve it. "nommus tfig" she said speaking backwards, using her magic. *poof* A big red box appeared on the ground in front of Dick. He raised the lid. Inside, a silver bracelet with runes engraved on it, a book, a bundled up sack, and a new video game. " Wow! Speedcrash 12!" Dick exclaimed. "This bracelet, what are these markings? Its quite nice looking. " He inquired. "Its enchanted, i thought you might be tired of needing me to bail you out whenever something magic comes at you, its highly protective, not impervious or completely full proof, but the vast majority of ill intended spells and hexs wont be able to effect you while you wear it. Its old and kind of weird looking but its more of a practical find. Added some enchantments of my own on top of it. " Zatanna said. Dick smiled a genuinely touched smile. " Wow Zee, thats amazing, thank you. *grins* Like to see Klarion try to turn me plastic while i have this on!" He excitedly grabbed the book, and opened it. It was a photo book. A picture of them as youngsters was the first page. He was still Robin, and even in his uniform with the green shorts. He remembered that night now, they both were so excited to hang out. Truth was Bruce and Giovanni, needed to distract them as they handled a demon trying to turn children into slaves. Zatanna was only 14 her outfit much more conservative back then, a long poofy skirt with a few silver stars on it that came down to below her knees, plain white tights, and black flats, of course her traditional magician's suit top set and top hat as well. They were both smiling. The second page was of them both older, probably 16 and 17 respectively. They had just finished helping Zatarra and Batman catch Bat-Mite. Zatanna was beginning to express her style more back then with a look closer to her traditional outfit, black bikini style bottom piece with tights underneath, and her magicians suit on top with a top hat on her heels were not as tall though and the tights, just opaque black, not fishnets. He was in his more mature Robin costume, combat pants, the black circle around the big yellow 'R' replaced by a sleeker black 'R' with no background. Dick flipped the page, The next picture, Zatanna and Dick on a beach, no costumes, she was in an orange two-peice bikini, Dick in a pair of baggy aquaman themed swim trunks. That day was right after Dick left the titans, she was still trying to get her own magic show circuit going without her dad. She wasnt yet famous for her shows and he wasnt yet moonlighting as Nightwing. They had to be 19 and 18 respectively. That day was pure serendipity, they had just happened to be staying at the same hotel, and both in need of a break. The photo after that was of Them on a roller coaster ride together, from around a week before they started dating. The last photo was just of Dick. And it made him laugh. "Oh God, you printed a physical copy?! Hahaha!" He laughed. It was the photo she snapped of him in her nightwear clothes. That night she accidently transformed him into a woman onstage and he needed better fitting clothes to sleep in, he snapped at her a tiny bit and so right after she turned him back, she snapped a pic before he changed. " I love it!" Dick said. He ruffled through the bundled up bag. It was a lingerie set. A lace black thong, a lace black bra and some white thigh high stay ups with little black bows on the top. " Umm, did the tailer mess up or?" He asked. "Not at all sweetie. Egnahc sehtolhc " All of a sudden her current outfit was replaced by the lingerie. She turned and slowly walked into the bedroom. Dick practically ran after her.

Part 2 of chapter 5:League stuff

(The Watchtower a well hidden gigantic floating satellite,and the REAL base of operations for the league, the following day)

Every leaguer had their own room reserved, for when they werent on earth, some could apply to share. Nightwing and Zatanna of course took the aplication route, though it kept being delayed. Both would sneak off in their free hours to the other's room. They had been on patrol duty and mission report duty for the majority of their time in Justice league service so far. They both understood why, they were new recruits. And an organization such as the justice league couldnt afford to show favoritism, or to have it, even for the adoptive son of Batman and the daughter of Giovanni Zatarra. The worst was the forced separation that they had, Nightwing was useually a mission coordinator for the 'C' squad. Green arrow, The Question, Black Canary, and Vixen. When not doing that, he was on digital file sorting, or foot patrol of the 'F' sector of the Watchtower. Zatanna was in the lower magical advisement sub committee, on artifact gaurd duty, or foot patrol of 'B' sector. Long shifts and they still had to sneak to each other at night. Nightwing was sorting some digital files and talking to Zee on a two way channel, the one thing to stay in contact they were actually allowed to do on duty, except when Nightwing was on mission coordination or Zatanna was sitting in on the sub committee. " This gig is turning into a real snooze fest. Even on mission coordination, im only needed very rarely and its useually just to patch comm signals. Hows Artifact gaurding?" he said. " Its fine, im lucky i actually appreciate how cool quite a few of these are, im curious though, any interesting data on the leaguers you ever come across? " Zatanna asked via comm. " Not really, im so low level most of it is old search histories and cafeteria logs, some of the Question's search histories are quite bizarre but knowing him, thats not a suprise. But hey did you know that old Wildcat guy, from way back, he trained Black Canary?" Nightwing said. "I didnt, but i also have no clue who Wild cat is giggles." Zatanna replied. " He was amazing in his hay day. Almost as famous as Batman, but everybody ages i suppose. " Nightwing said. " So, you hear anything interesting in the commitee today?" He asked. " No, like your file sorting, its mostly going over past events, and discussing basic safety protocols. Cant wait till our shifts are over though." Zatanna said through the comm. Just then, over then watchtower PA system, -JLMR Nightwing, and JLMR Zatanna. Finish protocol on current upkeep assignments and then report to sector 'M' for mission debrief. - JLMR means 'Justice League Member Recruit'. Nightwing and Zatanna's current ranks. Nightwing quickly typed in his pass code to lock the system he was sitting in front of. Got up and practically ran to 'M' Sector. "Hear that Zee? Were getting some action." Nightwing said. "Yes, just finished locking up the artifact room teleporting to 'M' sector." She replied via comm. "chuckles No fair i have to move on foot." Nightwing joke whined. (In 'M' sector) Aquaman was standing there,beside him to his right, The Flash. "Welcome fellow Justice seekers! By Neptune do i have some brilliant news!" Aquaman exclaimed with that faux regal 'King of Atlantis' voice. "You are up for consideration former apprentice of the Bat and Daughter of the mystic master Zatarra! With pride my chums i-" Aquaman was quickly interupted by flash. "Okay,Arthur,they get it, your Aquaman. Alright so, to be honest. The reason you two are a go on this, the rest of the league is busy, Bats has some serious problem with Arkham right now, Supes is at the other end of the galaxy fighting some space monster, yadda yadda, me and King Triton here are the only two major leaguers available for this problem right now. And to be honest weve logically deduced that we may need more back up. Zatanna, your dad is off with some other magic people trapping a demon or lifting a curse or something, so the role he could've filled cant be by him. Nightwing hehe uh we kinda need you to be our batman for this. Long story short, poison ivy and one of my regular baddies named 'Abra Kadabra' for some reason are in Metropolis, attacking the mayor. Theories seem to be Ivy hates him because he hates the environment, and honestly he kinda does,still doesnt mean she can kill must be hired muscle." Flash spoke very quickly.

"Ivy greaaaat." Nightwing exasperated. "And I'm assuming by his name,this muscle of hers is a magic user?" Zatanna inquired."He likes to pretend as much anyways, pretty sure it's just tech though, thought itd be funny to show him a real practitioner in action." Flash answered. "Avast! We must go!" Aquaman burst out. (On a justice league official travel ship. Capable in both air space and actual space travel) "I'm gonna need to disguise myself, with all the news coverage this will get, can't blow my cover as a stage magician. " Zatanna said. "esiugsid retla ecnareappa!" Zatanna cast on herself with her wand. Her top hat turned into a bowler hat, a mask similar to Nightwings appeared on her face, but it was black with two little rabbits on it. Her hair turned red headed, but with one long platinum blonde streak. Her Black stilettos turned into white low heeled boots, and her black fishnets turned red. "Okay from now on call me Zee,Mistress of Magic!" She declared. "I already often call you Zee. " Nightwing said. "Do you often call her mistress?" Flash joked. "Buzz off mr 'fastest man alive'. " Nightwing retorted. "Hey! I'm not fast at everything." Flash said. " Sounds like someone's self conscious about something." Zee joked. "hahaha Yes! Jovial banter along our way to do battle with rivals!" Aquaman exclaimed cheerily. (The Travel ship landed) Poison ivy stood in front of the mayor's office, Abra Kadabra was making all the people nearby even the police, clap and chant, "save the trees!" Over and over. "Hypnosis, typical Abra. Here are some goggles that make it near impossible for his ray to affect you. " Flash said handing out flash themed red and yellow goggles with his logo all the way around the bands. Aquaman took a pair and promptly fastened them on. "No thanks, working with the bat, comes with these perks already." Nightwing said, fastening on his own Blue and black version of anti hypno goggles. "Come on, how do you know they work against Abra Kadabra though? After all hes MY villain." Flash complained. "Because they worked against toy maker, Joker, and the riddlers hypno rays." Nightwing answered. "Uhh Zee?" Flash impishly offered. "No thanks, I'm magic remember? sesnes tcetorp latnem sucof" Zee finished with her own spells. A lightly visible aura of white light surrounded her head. "Ivy! Come on, when are you gonna learn? You cant physically force people to care for the environment! In it's own twisted way your cause is a noble one I know. But you cant enforce it with violence!" Nightwing shouted. "Ohhh, I dont get the bat this time, thought maybe big bad Superman might appear to save his own city's Mayor. But no, I get Bludhaven's knock off Batman, who used to be Robin. Flash I get, Abra Kadabra is his, Aquaman is just confusing, and oh who are you? Your new." Ivy said her last statement pointed at Zee. "I am Zee, Mistress of Magic!" Zee promptly introduced. "Those goggles may protect you from hypnosis, but my other gifts will shock you!" Abra interupted pointing his wand in the heroes general direction. "Zippy Zapp Abra Kadabra!" He spoke strongly, a bolt of electricity shot out towards them. Nightwing swiftly jumped out of the way.The electricity just hit the concrete. "giggles Flash your right, hes a charleton." Zatanna spoke. "ezeerf!" She quickly cast pointing her wand at the fake. He stood still in place. "I'll disarm the hypno device." Nightwing said, running at the machine behind a large red curtain. "Not so fast, the Mayor has to pay!" Ivy bemoaned. Vines shooting out of her hands towards Nightwing. *whoosh* The flash quickly ran and snapped them. "Ow! PLANT KILLER!" Ivy screamed in disturbing anger. " mlac mlac mlac" Zee repeated pointing her wand in ivy's direction. Ivy looked a bit more mellow, but Zatannas magic should've been more effective. "Ah, the green, a powerful force to be so full of." Zee said. " Perchance you are really magic." Ivy replied. Nightwing was atop the machine fiddling with the wires. Soon the crowd woke up. "The vile planet poisoner must die!" Ivy screamed. Soon large trees shot out of the earth surrounding the team. "In ten minutes these trees will release a toxin fatal ONLY TO HUMANS!" Ivy warned. "This many could hit nearly the whole damn city!" Flash exclaimed. "Hmmm, let's see." Aquaman wondered aloud. He closed his eyes, all of a sudden all of the water inside the trees shot out of there bark and onto the concrete. "No!"Ivy yelled. "Neerg peels" Zatanna cast. Ivy fell asleep. " Just as I figured focusing on the green energy inside her, made my magic more effective." Zee said. "Wow, you guys solved that quicker than me." Flash said. Metropolis police quickly swarmed the two now unmoving bodies. " Looks like another day saved chums!" Aquaman beamed."Almost." Zee said. "seert evloved" she cast backwards. The trees slowly but surely were retracting back into the earth.

"How long should that sleep spell on Ivy last Zee?" Nightwing asked. " 14 hours, I focused hard on it. " Zee answered. " Than good we can go." Nightwing said.

Part 3 of chapter 5: Off time.

(In the watch tower's recreation center. ) It amazed Dick, that so many heroes just hung out here, like a social club, he missed his friends though, Tim,Wally,Beastboy, and Starfire. Raven made the cut into the league, and so did Cyborg. But Cyborg had kind of let it go to his head a bit. Dick understood,this was business,serious business, Raven was Raven, she hung around near him and Zatanna when together in the rec room, though her input was little to none. Cyborg would say hello, and give cordial nods of rememberance to Dick in the halls. But otherwise pretended he didnt know him. It kind of pissed Dick off. Like he wanted to pretend Titans never happened before the league. Like he didnt have a booze filled gaming party with him,Tim, and Beastboy just before they got initiated. While stuck in his thoughts Dick noticed a small cluster of fellow leaguers approaching the table he, Zatanna, and Raven were sitting at. He recognized one as Aqualad, the prince of atlantis, Aquaman's nephew. The others were Miss Martian, Martian Manhunter's niece, and Supergirl, Superman's Cousin. "Hello,Nightwing, im sure you know this but allow me the proper indtroductions anyways, i am Aqualad, this is Miss Martian and Supergirl. I would like to thank you for having my King's back in metropolis on your recent mission. As well as you Zatanna." Aqualad spoke with genuine regal tones and elegance. Unlike the cheeseball overtly zaney style Aquaman spoke with. "Absolutely no trouble. Its the job right?" Nightwing said. "Yes, our duty. Any room at this table?" Aqualad asked. Dick realized he was trying to intermingle. "Umm, Yeah sure, and by the way, this is my girlfriend, Zatanna, although recently shes come out as Zee, the Mistress of Magic. And this is my long time friend, Raven, me and her go back as far as the Teen Titans when we were, well teens. " Dick said. "Hello, pleasure to meet you." Zatanna spoke smoothly. "Yes...pleasure." Raven said in her useual cryptic tone. Aqualad and the other two sat across from Nightwing, Zatanna, and Raven. "Hey! Im M'gann. " Miss Martian spoke suprisingly youthfully, compared to her uncle's normally near computer like analytical tone. "Call me Kara!" Supergirl chirped. "I thought it wise to intermingle with my fellow teammates. Ive already gotten to know M'gann here a bit, and i just formally met Supergirl a week ago. Thought it might be nice to have...fun." Aqualad said. Nightwing realized that Aqualad probably had no youthful experiences being a prince and all. Supergirl was a Kryptonian whos cousin was the biggest shadow to possibly have cast over you,even bigger than Batman's. And Miss Martian well, was a martian and Martian Manhunter didnt exactly exude fun times. Dick grinned "Well, were all over 21 here right? " He asked. "I do believe so." Aqualad said. "Just turned." Supergirl said. "I am aged 22 years." M'gann said. "Well, we could drink. And maybe play party games." Dick suggested. "We... could use..my room." Raven surprisingly offered."I do concur that maybe training and some light board gaming could suffice in place of alcoholic beverages. " Aqualad suggested. "Dont be such a bore Kaldur! Though just mindless drinking doesnt seem that much less boring either." Supergirl said. "Why dont we train, and also play a board game, and incorporate drinking along with the board game? Like everytime a player loses a space or rolls low or something, take a drink!" Miss Martian brilliantly offered. " Now, that's a plan M'gann!" Kara agreed. "giggles That does actually sound like a good time." Zatanna chimed in. "Then.. we have a plan." Raven spoke. "Alright then." Nightwing said. "Fitting." Aqualad said. The group migrated towards Raven's room. It didnt take long to notice the older members gaze. "I have been working on boundaries with my mind reading as I understand most earthlings like their thoughts private. But I cant help but hear our elders thoughts about us grouping off. " She said. "I dont care, I'm not Batman, Zee's not her father, and Kara here isnt Supes. Kaldurr, you said? You may be next in line for the throne. But your not Aquaman. We are ourselves. " Nightwing replied. "I am only next in line until My King and his Queen have an heir of their own. But I appreciate the encouragement of individuality. " Kaldur said. (In Raven's room) "So...what board game were you thinking of?" Raven asked. " I thought first we were to train." Aqualad said. "That can wait until another day to be honest." Kara said. "Alright. This is supposed to be fun right?" Kaldur conceded. (a couple hours later) "Oh my god no!" Kaldur exclaimed. "Shot time!" Kara encouraged. Kaldur picked up a filled shot and drank. They were all atleast feeling buzzed. Supergirl less than the others but even so she was relaxed. " That's bonchii!" Exclaimed Miss Martian winning the game. Raven looked sad. "Dick, can I talk to you?" She said. Everyone in the room looked in on the two. "Of course Raven." Dick answered. "Promise me...you wont pull a Cyborg..." She said. "What does that mean?" Dick asked, though he already kind of knew." You know what I'm speaking of, he pretends hes not even our friend. Weve both known him for years, Beastboy tells me he doesnt even text him anymore. And they're best friends...atleast allegedly. I sit with you and your awesome girlfriend, who I'm so happy you've found, but stay quiet, I hate people in my room, but I offered today,because I dont want to lose the last of my friends here..." Raven said abit teary eyed. "Raven,I'm not going anywhere. If being batman's adopted kid didnt go to my head you think joining the league will?" Dick said. Raven flashed a shy smile. "Its Cy's loss. Titans were a family. If he wants to pretend it was just a stepping stone to get here, that's on him." Dick continued. " I see I have made the right choice in my attempt at a new friend. The surface world is so new to me, I've been selective of who I associate with. I am glad to have chosen someone who is not held back by arrogance." Kaldur interjected. "You know Kaldur, your alright, Supe girl and M'gann too." Nightwing said. "You two should talk to Cyborg, I wasnt a titan, I dont know how deep those bonds truly run, but you two shouldnt be so quick to write off a friend." Zatanna said. "Perhaps your right Zee." Nightwing replied.

Part 4 of chapter 5:Red alert

The red lights flashing and the blaring sirens, shook Zatanna and Nightwing both awake abruptly. "Red alert! We gotta go!" Nightwing yelled, barely slipping on his suit without falling,clearly a bit hung over. "engahc " Zatanna spoke, making her outfit appear on her, instead of her nightie. They hadnt even woke up early enough to split back up in the morning. The two ran out into the halls.The two rushed to the emergency section of the Watchtower. All the leaguers were gathered. "Everybody remain calm! One of the artifacts on board the Watchtower has activated some sort of magical beast. Dr.Fate and Zatarra are there now. Zatanna, you should go there and see what you can do. You too Raven. " Superman explained. "I shall lend a hand as well, I have studied atlantean mysticism for years, I know quite abit. " Aqualad offered. "Fine, but only if you know what your doing." Superman said seriously. The three mystics rushed off. "He does know alot about that stuff. " Aquaman said. Nightwing noticed he wasnt putzing his whole schtick. Meant this was serious. Nightwing worried about the others going to deal with the creature. "Cyborg! Nightwing! You make sure the defense systems are armed and ready in case the creature gets out! Wonderwoman! Batman! Red Tornado! Your with me, were gonna gaurd the exit from the artifact room in case the creature gets that far. Supergirl,Question,Flash, Manhunter,and Miss Martian! Your on evac! Everybody else follow their orders and protocol to get to the teleporters!" Superman finished. Nightwing and cyborg headed to the computer command center. "Guess we gotta work fast huh Cy.?" Nightwing said. "Yeah,that's obvious Di- Nightwing." Cyborg replied while running. " You dont have to do that you know. " Nightwing said. "Do what?" Cyborg said. They arrived at the command center. Nightwing went to work fast typing the codes and proper commands. Focusing on the areas facing the creature's location. Cyborg plugged one of his fingers into the main computer. Quickly securing everything Nightwing put in place. "So. now that that's done, what's with you?" Nightwing said. " What do you mean?" Cyborg asked defensively. " You have been ignoring me,Raven, and from what she says, beastboy too, ever since you joined the league!" Nightwing said. " You been keeping tabs on Starfire,or beastboy? " Cyborg said. " Not really, I've called star once, and I email Gar occasionally. Still a lot more than you." Nightwing said. "I cant afford to be seen as someone in your posse, or crew. I'm not in your entourage, people will assume, I'm only here because of you. So I keep my distance. I thought you'd understand, but you still play sneaky with your girl, at night, like high schoolers or something, your both grown ass adults! The league isnt gonna write you up for sleeping In the same room you know. And it's not like you've made a huge effort. " Cyborg said. "Wow Cy, really? Sure you have a point. I shouldnt be sneaking to see Zee, but you avoid me like the plague. I thought our bonds ran deeper than insecurity about others thinking ones more important than the other. " Nightwing said. "Hey, your always gonna be my boy. Even if we dont talk. Our paths have drifted. I'm not running around with Beastboy shouting Booyah every other sentence. I'm in a higher position, I have to be an example. And you should be too. You got a bunch of the other new recruits DRUNK last night? Seriously? And you wanna know what's wrong with me?" Cyborg retorted. "I appreciate the input Cy, but your coming off mighty self righteous right now. Just thought you should know I notice your cold shoulder. And drinking is just to blow off steam, they all seemed pretty pent up from having to live in the shadows of their family members. We just played a freaking board game and talked. What we're leaguers now we cant have fun?" Nightwing replied. "Like I said Dick, paths just drifted. I'm throwing my all into this league shit Dick, your not, and I get it, i live up here now Dick, full time, you have a beautiful woman, and an apartment with her to share, you have other priorities than just full league all the time. But when a super villain sees me? I dont wanna be called 'That robot guy from the teen titans' I want them to see me and understand justice is staring them in the face. " Cyborg said. " Well alright, I guess this is it, no more late night booze sessions, no more reminiscing on teen titans, but one thing Cy? Dont let Raven keep thinking you hate her, and for Christ sake hit up beast boy! He dont got alot goin on in his private life." Nightwing said. "Fair enough. I just didnt want to rub anything in his face. Like you said not alot goin on with him outside of the occasional poacher stopping in Africa and the occasional illegal animal smuggling bust in the states. " Cyborg said. "Hey. Once a year. On beasties birthday, we all get together. No matter what. We party with him like old times. Deal?" Nightwing said. "Deal, and hey, we ain't hanging out, but I'll be damned if that means we ain't friends." Cyborg finished. The Red alert stopped. "Gotta wait for the all clear, then I can check on Zee. " Nightwing said. "Booyah Dick, go get your lady." Cyborg said in a calm supportive way. Nightwing teared up but held in his tears. He leaned up against the wall and grunted. Cyborg walked slowly over to Nightwing. "Dont do that, toxic masculinity is a cancer on society man. " Cyborg said choking up. The two embraced for a hug. Both crying. "I'm gonna miss the good times Dick." Cyborg said. "Me too man, I love you like a brother." Nightwing said. "I love you too bro." Cyborg replied. "All clear, league members still on site, head to the med bay." The PA system boomed. "Med bay?" Nightwing said nervous. He wiped his tears.And then Looked at Cyborg. "I gotta go check on Zatanna." He said before turning and literally running down the hall.

Part 5 of chapter 5:The price we pay

(At the medbay) Superman looked at Nightwing not as superman but as Clark, a man who has known Bruce for years. And this gaze was not a good one. Wonderwoman shot Dick a look, not of a warrior welcoming another warrior, but of a friend with sadness in her eyes. Dick rushed past the two of them to see Zatanna sitting down on a chair, -phew,shes alive and okay- Dick thought. Zatanna slowly raised her head to look at Dick. Tears, not the tears she cried when Dick was wounded, not the tears when she saw something sad, but horrible panicked sorrowful tears. Dick rushed to her and clenched her in a hug. "Dick...Dick...oh..sobs, I cant...sobs" Zatanna wept and barely uttered out. Miss Martian and Martian Manhunter were staring from a brief distance. "I think you can see them now." Flash said serious and solemn for the first time in Dick's life. Dick had to almost guide Zatanna into the room with him. -Who? Bruce,Raven? -Dick's mind raced. Then he saw them. Bruce and Giovanni. Both of their respective fathers. Bruce was wrapped in casts and gauze. Dick looked at him in the eyes. 'Not me, I'm gonna recover, dont worry.' was what his eyes said. A look that eased Dick's mind, Bruce was going to survive. But the look that Bruce's eyes spoke when he turned them towards Zatarra. Zatanna was still, quietly looking at her father with a very poor attempt at a brave face.Giovanni looked physically fine. But his vitals didnt on the machines. "Zee...my beautiful...little Zatanna...Dont hide sorrow, it's bad for you..." The words Giovanni spoke were so chalky and quiet it was eery. "I...love you dad!" Zatanna forced out,tears streaming down her face. "Zatanna...just know...I love you too...and Dick... you take care...of..." His eyes closed, and the machines beeped a singular tone. "NOOOOO! SOB esrever htead!" Zatanna blurted out in a frantic fit of emotion. The magic shot out and covered Zatarra's corpse, but faded. Dick couldnt beleive she just said 'reverse death' backwards."I SAID ESREVER HTEAD!" she tried commanding the magic. Only to produce the same result. "Zee! Stop! It's not what he would want! You cant try to play GOD!" Dick shouted. "FUCK YOU!He cant be dead!" Zatanna screamed at the top of her lungs, before sobbing and turning to run off. Dick went to grab her but was stopped by the familiar hand of Raven. "Dont...she needs...space. " Raven advised. Soon the medics rushed in to grab Zatarra's body. Dick looked at Bruce. "Glad your alive. Love you...guess we dont say that shit enough." Dick stated. And then walked calmly out of the room.

END OF CHAPTER 5