AN: Sorry for being late. My schedule is horrible at the moment. Some nasty deadlines coming up so I'm not sure if I'll always make Sunday in the next weeks.
To make up for it, this is the most wholesome chapter I've written in a while. At least the second half. And it has quite a bit of focus on the Amazons. I love what the comics are doing with them at the moment.
For anyone who's interested: Basically, a third Amazon-tribe was introduced. The Esquecidas who are the Amazons from Brazil. They live in the Amazon rainforest. Get it? Amazons living in the Amazon rainforest? (I'll see myself out.)
So, we've had a lot of cool interactions with all three Amazon-tribes, an expansion of their mythology and the rise of Nubia aka the Queen aka the MVP. Love her so much. Also, the introduction of Yara Flor who is an exciting new character. I'll stop gushing now.
No warnings for this chapter! See? It is wholesome at least for my painfully low standards.
20. For Donna
Slade was long sick of playing the kid's driver. Driving him to the meeting place every morning and picking him up in the evenings. He hadn't even driven his own kids to school that often. It was tiresome and Luthor's money could only go so far in smoothing over Slade's annoyance.
And even worse. Today, the kid was late. Wasting Slade's time. Slade wondered if Nightwing had gotten discovered. Had they killed him? It would be unexpected. Nightwing had played his role well until now. Just like Slade needed him to.
It would be unfortunate if the kid was dead or in captivity. Such a waste – especially after Slade had already invested so much time into him.
Slade drummed his fingertips onto the wheel, already thinking of what he would charge Luthor extra for making the most skilled mercenary in the world wait.
And Slade still was the most skilled mercenary in the world – always had been. Always would be unless Shiva cared enough to get into the business. Slade was man enough to admit that.
Cain could eat his heart out though. Slade could beat that guy any day no matter what Nightwing had implied with Slade's mid-life crisis. Kid didn't know what he was talking about. Ridiculous.
Nightwing was getting too flippant. The kid had developed into a sassy little shit in front of Slade's eyes. Someone should put him into his place again.
The car finally drew up in front of Slade and stopped. Slade expected Nightwing to get out as he usually did. Instead, the intern left the car and walked around it. He opened the door and struggled with hefting Nightwing's limp body out of the car.
Slade froze. Confused for a second. Was the kid dead? It didn't seem like Luthor's style to kill an undercover operative with a blown cover and have an intern drag him to Slade like a cat presenting a dead mouse. This would be too lowbrow for Luthor.
Slade left the car as the intern struggled and failed at dragging Nightwing over the torn-up concrete road. He stood there for a moment, enjoying the amusing view.
"What are you doing?", Slade growled.
There was nothing he enjoyed more than playing the part of the frightening mercenary. The intern flinched, almost dropping Nightwing.
"It's asleep", the intern said.
"He's a Talon. He can't sleep."
"Well, apparently they can if you-", the intern bit his lip.
"If you what?"
The intern was visibly sweating: "Mr. Luthor would not want me to divulge information."
"That Talon is an investment for me. A very valuable one. I should know what happens to my investment, don't you think?"
"Y- Yes, Sir", the intern stuttered.
Slade expected him to crack in three seconds. He put his hand on his gun. The intern stared at Slade's hand.
Three. Two. One.
"Hagen – the lead scientist had it punished. I don't know why. Its Electrum was harvested for a few hours." Bingo.
Slade crossed his arms, staring the intern down.
"I don't know anything else. I swear", Nightwing was slipping out of the intern's quivering arms.
Slade sighed in annoyance. What an inconvenience. He gripped Nightwing and threw him over his shoulder.
Slade turned to the intern: "You'll stay quiet about our talk. I hear one word about you and I'll hunt you down."
"Y- yes, Sir."
"Productive talk", Slade put Nightwing onto his passenger seat, fastening the seat belt.
He closed the door and entered on the driver's side. Nightwing hadn't stirred. This wasn't an act.
"Kid?", Slade raised his voice.
Nightwing didn't even flinch. He must be truly out of it then. Slade noted that Nightwing's skin was paler than usual, the blackened veins less prominent. How much Electrum had they pulled out of him?
He leaned over the middle console and pulled up the kid's sleeves. There were wounds where someone must have laid and ripped out an IV. Black bruises stood out starkly against the pale skin. Slade pulled the sleeves back down.
"Damn", Slade muttered, "They did a number on you, huh?"
He didn't expect the kid to answer. Slade started the car and drove towards their safehouse. The silence was boring and the radio annoying. Maybe Nightwing's little chatter was less of a bother than Slade would ever admit.
Slade carried Nightwing into the guestroom of the safehouse. He contemplated just depositing the kid on the bed. It wasn't like he cared. Instead, he put Nightwing down and pulled the blanket over him.
Slade halted. Images flashed in front of his inner eyes. The rare times where he had tucked Grant, Rose and Joey in. Joey would be around Nightwing's age now. Barely out of his teenage years.
Slade hadn't seen Joey in years. He wondered if his boy was similar to Nightwing – if there were characteristics all early twenty-somethings shared. Maybe they both had this need to prove themselves as adult despite of just being young in Slade's eyes. The Bat had definitely noticed it with Nightwing. Slade shook his head before these thoughts could go too far.
He glared at Nightwing: "You're not pulling this act with me, kid."
He had meant it when he had told Nightwing that Slade wasn't his newest project to fix. Stupid bird should stay in his lane and make Batman sentimental.
Slade left the room and slammed the door shut behind himself. The guest room stayed quiet.
Slade was in the middle of an empty dream when he felt eyes on him. The mercenary always knew when someone was close – even in sleep. Call it a sixth sense. He jerked up, pointing the gun from under his pillow at the intruder.
Nightwing froze. His hand was reached out as if he had wanted to pull on Slade's sleeve to wake him.
"What the fuck?", Slade glared at Nightwing, "Now, you're annoying me in my sleep, too?"
Nightwing bit his lip. He looked weak as he leaned against the wall to keep standing.
'Need talk', Nightwing signed, 'Very important.'
"Go to the living room", Slade said.
He needed a moment before he dealt with this bullshit. Stupid bird assassin. Slade had quickly learned that Nightwing was like an annoying horror movie monster.
Nightwing nodded and left the room. His hand was running along the wall to keep himself steady. When Slade joined him in the living room, Nightwing was sitting on the couch his knees drawn to his chest.
"Explain", Slade said.
And Nightwing did. He pulled the mind control device out of his suit and laid it down on the coffee table.
'Batman need examine it', Nightwing said, 'Maybe manipulate device without them know.'
"The Titans could potentially escape if the scientists believe they are under control."
Nightwing nodded. He lowered his hands.
"Spit it out", Slade didn't have any patience for this – not in the middle of the night.
'The Conductor confirm it. Luthor want me fight you on Light-summit… and kill.'
Nightwing tilted his head. He seemed interested in gauging Slade's reaction.
Slade kept his face carefully blank. He couldn't give anything away.
'We need fake your death, too, Slade. It only way. I very sorry.'
"In front of the whole Light? That's risky."
'We stage like we do before with Flash. We leak meeting to heroes, so Batman make sure they storm in right second after fake death. Make sure Light not look too closely at your body. We fool Luthor before. We make it convincing again.'
Slade hummed in agreement: "You're gonna be enforcer of the Light, kid. You sure you're ready for this position?"
Nightwing tensed: 'No. But I only need pretend until I can get Titans and Talons out.'
He bit on his lip.
"All right", Slade said, "Let's fake my death."
'You not have problem with this? Fake death? Your family be sad.'
And there it was again. Nightwing going way out of his lane and addressing Slade's family. The kid would never learn.
Slade scoffed: "My family would throw a damn party."
'That not true, Slade. I bet they miss you', Nightwing looked at Slade like he pitied him.
"I'm not talking about this again. Go back to sleep, Bird."
'I not need sleep.'
Slade scoffed. His hand shot out, gripping Nightwing's arm. Nightwing snarled and tried to rip his arm out of Slade's grasp. But Slade was stronger than him and the kid was particularly weak right now.
Slade ripped up Nightwing's sleeve revealing the dark bruises. The mercenary had to admit that it was unnerving how much damage the Electrum-harvesting had done to Nightwing's body in such a short time.
"You sure about that? You are still wreck."
Nightwing glared at Slade. He ripped his wriest out of Slade's grip. Slade allowed it.
'Not your business.'
"Someone's getting prissy. Did I hit a nerve?"
Nightwing bit on his lip. Slade knew it would burst open again if the kid continued like this.
"See how unpleasant it is to be confronted with something you don't want to be confronted?", Slade said, "Remember that feeling next time when you want to bring up my family again. Maybe it will get you to shut up."
Black coated Nightwing's bottom lip. Slade didn't comment on Nightwing's fucked-up little coping mechanism.
'I need you contact Batman and give mind control-device to him tomorrow', Nightwing attempted to return to some form of professionalism.
It irked Slade
His voice dripped with sarcasm when he said: "Sure, boss."
Slade felt like the backseat driver of this mission. Nightwing had long taken over the wheel – something Slade hadn't expected the Talon to do.
Slade had built his whole plan on the premise of Nightwing being his apprentice. Not as mindless as a Talon but still undoubtedly following his command. He had expected the kid to fold because of Slade's similarities to Cobb, his old handler.
Instead, Slade apparently was the sweet spot between Cobb's depravity and Batman's heroism. Someone where Nightwing had more leeway than with Cobb and none of the hero worship he had for Batman.
Maybe Slade should have been meaner to the kid. Put him in his place more. It was hard to put a Talon in his place though. There was nothing worse which Slade could do that the Court hadn't already done. Nightwing had even bounced back from that leak, and he was still going despite the whole hero community hating him. So, Slade was stuck in this arrangement now – no matter how much it irked him.
Nightwing tilted his head again. He looked confused at what Slade was implying.
Nightwing signed: 'We partners on this mission, Slade.'
"Good night, partner", Slade bit back.
The kid was so annoyingly earnest.
Nightwing rolled his eyes and struggled to get onto his feet. He nearly crashed into the coffee table. Slade's arm shot out, winding around the kid's waist. Nightwing froze. But he allowed Slade to pull him towards the guest room.
"You better get some of that sleep", Slade growled, "You are useless to me like this."
Nightwing dropped down on the bed. Slade was shocked by how exhausted the kid was. He wondered how long the kid had taken to drag himself to Slade's room.
Slade had been eager for someone to put Nightwing into his place and the empty gaze in the Talon's eyes told Slade that the Conductor and Hagen had succeeded in something today. Impressive that they had found a thing that could still unsettle Nightwing.
Slade wasn't particularly fond of the idea of Talon-harvesting himself. Say what you want about a Talon's weakened mind, but they were trained killers. Very effective trained killers. You didn't strap a killer to a gurney and raided their body for parts. You used them and sent them out to do your bidding.
It was too close to comfort to the military experiments Slade had signed up for. He had been eager to serve during that time. Young, ambitious and stupid. Those officials wouldn't have cared if Slade had died in those experiments. They would have just taken the next overeager, young sob who wagged his metaphorical tail at being used by his country.
Slade walked towards the door. He had been far too nice to the kid today.
Nightwing made a little sound. Slade thought about just ignoring the kid. But it would be cruel considering the kid's inability to verbalize at the moment. So, he turned around.
'I not want sleep', Nightwing signed, as he visibly tried to keep his eyes open, 'I think… I have nightmare.'
"Can't help you there", Slade said, "I don't dream."
Slade turned around and left the guest room. He took a moment to contemplate the mess he had just found himself in.
Nightwing's weakened state had distracted him, but Slade couldn't ignore the information the kid had just given him.
This mission had taken turns Slade hadn't expected. He had known that Luthor wanted to replace him with a younger, more obedient model but he hadn't expected it to happen so quickly. He also had expected that they would be able to wrap this mission up before it came to the big fight.
The cards had shifted, and Slade hated how they had fallen. He couldn't lose this fight. He couldn't even fake losing this fight. Even if they revealed it as a ruse, doubt about Deathstroke's prowess would persist. His reputation would be in the dirt if he was beaten by a 20-year-old puppet in front of the Light.
Slade couldn'tand he wouldn't lose.
He would go along with Nightwing's plan for now. Make the little hero believe that Slade was playing nice. But once the fight was on, the kid's gloves were off. Slade would kill Nightwing. A quick beheading with his katana to make it merciful. The kid wouldn't see it coming. He was too trusting.
Slade would win and he would regain his position in the Light. Make himself indispensable. It was clear at this point that Shiva and Cain wouldn't attempt to replace him. Shiva because she was above these things and Cain… Who knew what Cain was doing?
Luthor would have to fold then and acknowledge that Deathstroke was still the best person for the job. Then, Slade would find another way to gain the intel he needed to humiliate Luthor and take him down.
In a fair competition, their fights could go either way at this point. Nightwing had beaten Slade in spars before and Slade had beaten him. Slade wasn't stupid enough to underestimate the kid. He was a serious threat, and he would only grow more powerful with age.
Young Talons though were just as strong as they were vulnerable if you knew how to exploit their weaknesses. Now, Slade could still cut Nightwing down.
Killing Nightwing would be a shame. Slade didn't hate the kid. Maybe he even had a soft spot for this person who had been taken apart over and over again only to pick himself up again. A little thorn in the side of everyone who tried to control him. Maybe a part of Slade had hoped that Nightwing would make it.
But that part wasn't strong enough to overpower Deathstroke's need for self-preservation.
"Sorry, kid", Slade muttered.
He stood up and returned to his bed. Slipping back into empty dreams. Deathstroke never dreamed.
Tigress picked the window to Jade's Star City apartment. When she entered, a Sai was pressed against her throat.
Artemis raised her hands: "It's me, Jade."
Jade frowned, taking in Artemis' costume: "New outfit, sister?"
"Going by Tigress now."
"Like Mom."
"Yep", Artemis said.
"Interesting", Jade turned away, "You coming? I'm making some soup – chicken-noddle."
Jade indeed had a pot cooking on the stove. Artemis sat down on the kitchen counter while Jade seasoned the food.
"Lian?", Artemis asked.
"Asleep."
There was silence now. Artemis didn't know how to breach the reason for her visit.
"I heard you quit the League", Jade was as direct as ever, "What is this, Artemis? Quitting? Taking on Mom's old identity?"
Artemis balled her fists: "I'm making him pay."
"Who?"
"Nightwing."
Jade frowned: "I know he's playing villain now, but I know him. He was too soft for our little squad of misfits."
"He's not playing villain."
Jade scoffed: "Suuure. I met Red Hood by the way. He was really bad at selling me that Nightwing had truly gone over to the dark side."
Artemis felt anger flare up inside of her at her sister's dismissiveness: "He is a villain. He killed Wally right in front of me."
Jade halted. She put down the salt dispenser.
"I thought this was a ruse you little heroes came up with."
Artemis blinked back tears. She wouldn't break down. Not again.
Jade lost her unaffected façade: "I'm sorry, Artemis. I knew how much Wally meant to you."
Artemis couldn't help but attack. It was her go-to strategy to avoid the tears.
"If you truly were sorry, you would stop defending this psychopath and help me. I've been trying to track Deathstroke down now for weeks. But he's too good at hiding."
Jade sighed: "Are you sure this is the right way? Usually, you are the one who has to talk me down from a warpath."
"He can't get away with this."
"So what? Do what you heroes do. Catch him and put him in prison."
"You don't get it", Artemis said, "You of all people. He pretended to be in love with Wally. He pretended to be our friend. He wormed his way into everyone's heart – maybe even yours-"
Jade opened her mouth as if she was about to protest.
Artemis wasn't having it: "Don't deny it. You liked him. We all did. And he used us. He's a Talon. He can live for centuries. A prison won't hold him long. He'll just be out again, leaving a trail of blood in his wake."
"You are trying to justify yourself, Artemis. This is not about protecting potential victims. This is about revenge. At least be honest to yourself."
"What if it is?", Artemis jumped up from the barstool, "He deserves to die after what he did."
Jade went around the counter, a rare earnestness on her face: "I don't care about him. I care about my sister. I know how much the family business ate away at you. You got out. You worked so hard to become a hero and redeem yourself. I may not understand it, but I can respect how much it means for you. You just want to throw that away for a traitor?"
Artemis halted. Her thoughts racing. Was she throwing everything away by killing Nightwing? No. She refused to believe that. One kill didn't mean that Artemis was about to go full villain. She was doing the world a service by ridding it of a psychopath.
And Wally? Wally deserved to be avenged. It would be a one-time thing.
"I'm not throwing it away. I'm just making sure that he doesn't get away scot-free. Will you help me, Jade?"
"I won't assist you on this. I'm out of the game for a reason", Jade's voice was firm.
She had found happiness as a single mother. Artemis wouldn't pull Jade back in. She wouldn't risk her sister. Not even for revenge. Artemis loved Jade too much to do that to her.
There was also the issue of Lian. Roy couldn't take care of her – not with his obsessive search for the original Roy and spiralling addiction issues. Her niece would be left without parents to care for her if something happened to Jade.
"I'm not asking you to help me kill him", Artemis said.
"Good. Because if he is really a villain, I wouldn't want to fight him for nothing – and I wouldn't want my sister to, either."
"I'm not doing it for nothing. I'm doing it for Wally."
"That speedster has you all in a death grip", Jade muttered, "You could die doing this, Artemis. Nightwing could kill you if he is truly the Light's toy. I always saw his moral restraint and shame as his biggest weakness. With that being a ruse? Nope. I'm not touching that."
"I won't die", Artemis said, "I know his weaknesses."
"You better don't", Jade glared at her.
"I won't if you help me."
"I already told you I-"
"Just with intel. I know you have your contacts. Cheshire is still a big name in the villain community. You can find out for me where Deathstroke turns up. He'll have Nightwing with him."
Jade sighed: "I assume he'll be on the next Light summit if he is really Deathstroke's pet."
"The Light has summits?"
"God", Jade rolled her eyes, "You heroes are so clueless. No wonder the Light has you beaten."
"The Light doesn't have us beaten."
"Didn't you just admit that the Light successfully sneaked an undercover operative into the League?"
"Well, I-", Artemis tried to defend the League but she found nothing to help her case.
It wasn't looking good for them. This could very well destroy them if the Light decided on a decisive attack.
"All the intel he must have", Artemis pressed her eyes shut.
They could already be doomed without knowing.
"I can find out where the next Light summit is", Jade said, "Gonna have to call in a few favours I don't particularly like to call in, but it should work."
"Who?"
"Talia al Ghul", Jade said.
"You have contact with Talia?"
"Talia has been busy in building her own network of operatives. I owe her for something. And she owes me for delivering her certain intel. It's a quid-pro-quo situation."
"You never told me that."
"I don't like talking about it."
"Spit it out", Artemis said, "What do you owe her for?"
Jade rolled her eyes. She returned to stewing her soup.
"You know that I worked with dear old Daddy for a while. It led me to Taipei."
"You never talk about that part of your life."
"Taipei isn't something you talk about. It's something you survive. It was the mission that made me recognize that I was still under Daddy's thumb.", Jade lowered her voice in shame, "You know how hard it is to leave and what he's like. I tried. But I couldn't keep him away forever on my own. Talia made me an offer."
"She helped you."
"Oh yeah", Jade said, "Talia went up to Sportsmaster and told him that he was to leave me alone. Or else he would face the wrath of Talia al Ghul and her operatives."
Artemis couldn't help but grin. What she would give to have seen that conversation.
"In return, Cheshire is a part of Talia's secret network. I'm out but if Talia calls, I answer. It's common courtesy. Latest job I did for her, was in India. I made sure that Red Hood would reach Nanda Parbat. Talia has some mysterious plan with him. Don't know what exactly she wants", Jade said, "We share parenting advice sometimes, too. From one single mother to another."
"You could have told me that."
Jade shrugged: "I guess I wanted you to believe that I made it on my own."
She tried to appear nonchalant, but her hand had tightened around the spoon. Jade must be worried that Artemis would see her as weak.
"You aren't weak, Jade. We all need help. Even my badass, older sister."
Jade smiled: "Who said anything about that?"
Her sister was deflecting but Artemis could see that some of the tension had uncoiled from her body. Jade cared more about what Artemis thought than she liked to admit.
"I'll get you the intel. Should take a week at most. But promise me something, Artemis", Jade's voice turned heavy, "Be careful. I can't lose you."
"I promise", Artemis said, "I'll avenge Wally and then I'm back to the usual hero business. This is just something I have to do."
"I get it", Jade said, "No one kills your loved ones and gets away with it. And Wally… Acting all lovey-dovey with him and stabbing him in the back? That's just cold. I would go on a rampage by the way if someone killed you, Artemis."
Artemis frowned. This was a surprisingly touching thing for Jade to say.
"Thanks, Jade."
"Mommy", Lian screamed from the adjourning room.
"I am being summoned", Jade seemed amused, but Artemis could see the dark circles under her eyes.
Being a single mother must be exhausting. Artemis wasn't sure how Jade did it most of the time.
"I'll take care of her", Artemis said.
"Good", Jade said, "We're eating now. Just let me finish up the seasoning."
Artemis knocked and opened the door to Lian's room. Her niece looked as if she had just woken up. She was lying in bed, her hair standing up in all directions.
"Auntie Artemis", Lian screamed and hurried off the bed.
Artemis crouched to greet her niece. She laughed when Lian hugged her.
"How is my princess doing?", Artemis asked.
"I'm hungry", Lian whined.
"Your Mom is finishing up some delicious soup. You want to help me set the table?"
"Yes", Lian pulled Artemis towards the dining room.
Artemis felt her niece's hand in hers, letting the warmth sink into her. It was the first time since Wally's death she felt anything but numbness or rage. Artemis wouldn't die on this mission. She would kill the traitor and return home.
Diana had lived for thousands of years but even she knew that this mission had the potential to be historic. She led the Amazonian mission in Greater Bialya. All three Amazon-tribes – Themyscira, the Egyptian Bana-Mighdall and the Brazilian Esquecidas – had been worried at hearing the news about the Talon-harvesting.
This was a global conflict that no Amazon, no matter her tribe, could ignore.
And so Diana was landing with her squad in front of Queen Bee's palace gates. Diana's squad also included Themyscira's general Philippus and Ms. Martian as telepathic backup. M'Gann would safeguard Diana and Philippus from Queen Bee's control.
Diana addressed a guard: "I demand an audience with Queen Bee."
"You are trespassing, Amazon", the guard replied.
His gaze was far-away. Completely under Queen Bee's trance. Maybe he even was her mouthpiece.
"As the Princess of Themyscira, I am the head of a diplomatic mission. Surely, the Queen does not aim to strain the relationship between our nations."
The guard halted. Diana could see him listen to the voice in his head.
Diana sighed internally. The Amazons were disregarding international law by entering Greater Bialya without an invitation. This would have consequences. Diana had been aware of it when she had brought the matter in front of her mother Queen Hippolyta. Hippolyta had been hesitant at first, but many high-ranking Amazons on Themyscira together with the other tribal leaders had pushed the matter. They needed to free the enslaved Talons and carry the consequences on their own terms.
Otherwise, the Light would advance enough to bring the consequences to them. Amazons would suffer if the Light hunted them as guinea pigs for their Talon-army. No wonder the other tribes had jumped at the opportunity to suffocate the threat now. Hippolyta had recognized it.
"You may enter", the guard opened the door for them.
Diana strolled inside walking along the path towards the palace. She was surprised to find Queen Bee standing in front of her palace.
"It is the Justice League", Queen Bee glared, "The UN will not be pleased to hear about this unauthorized mission that harms my nation's sovereignty."
"You are mistaken", Diana said, "I am here as the leader of an Amazon-delegation – representing Themyscira, the Bana-Mighdall and the Esquecidas with members of the hero community serving as backup against your meta-powers."
Queen Bee's distant facade fell: "What matter could be severe enough bring all three Amazon-tribes to my doorstep?"
Diana felt satisfied at Bee's loss of composure. The Queen may be able to attack Themyscira, but it would be much harder to attack all three tribes at once. Especially the Esquecidas would be hard to reach with their land being in the depths of the Amazonian-jungle. They had been so well-hidden that their Amazon-sisters had been unaware of their existence until only a few years ago.
"We are looking for Donna Troy, my sister", Diana said.
Bee raised her chin: "Princess of Themyscira, you would risk war between my nation and all Amazon-kind for one person?"
"If you attack one Amazon, you attack all of us", Philippus said, "It is our sisterly duty to protect each other."
"I allowed you to search for Donna Troy, General Philippus", Bee looked enraged, "There is no evidence suggesting that I have anything to do with her unfortunate disappearance."
Diana crossed her arms: "I am speaking off the record when I express my disbelief at this claim."
"And I am speaking off the record when I say that you shouldn't have done this, Princess", Bee's eyes glinted dangerously, "Your little island won't survive this."
"Good to know that my little island is backed up by my sisters of the Bana Mighdall and the Esquecidas. So, go ahead with your military ambitions, Bee. Try to attack us all at once."
Bee balled her fists. Diana could feel Bee trying to get into Diana's mind – but Ms. Martian's eyes glowed green.
Diana allowed herself a grim smirk. Bee knew that she couldn't fight against all Amazon tribes. She would bide her time instead until the Amazons were vulnerable. Diana suspected that they may pay a big cost for this eventually – but they wouldn't today.
"What is the real aim of this mission, Princess?", Bee asked, "You won't find Donna Troy here."
Queen Bee was cunning. She had quickly picked up that the Amazons had more elaborate motives than just Donna.
And Bee was right.
While Diana's delegation distracted Bee, three teams were storming three warehouses throughout Greater Bialya. They were all led by an Amazon from a different tribe and backed up by multiple Justice Leaguers. Nubia of Themyscira led Team Alpha. Artemis of the Bana-Mighdall led Team Beta. Potira of the Esquecidas led Team Gamma. Diana's delegation was Delta. It was a meticulous operation that the Amazons and the League had spent weeks preparing.
"We will find dozens of trafficked Talons though", Diana said.
Bee's face fell. Her collected façade was vanquished now. The Queen looked like she wanted to hurry towards the attack sides and command her armies.
"I would not do that, Queen", Philippus said, "The UN would surely also be interested in Greater Bialya's involvement as an elaborate trafficking scheme."
"Talons are not classified as humans", Bee said.
The arrogance with which she said it made Diana's blood boil.
"They are classified as weapons though", Philippus remained calm, "Our fellow nations in the UN will not be pleased about your arms trafficking."
"If you stay silent about today and let us continue, we will also stay silent about your activities. Quid pro quo", Diana said.
"This is not diplomacy, Princess", Bee said.
"You threw diplomacy out of the window when you messed with Donna", Diana allowed her anger to seep through as she glared at Bee, "No one hurts my little sister and gets away with it."
'The operation is almost over', M'Gann said over the mindlink, 'I have received word from Artemis and Potira. They have moved all the Talons onto our planes. Nubia's delegation should be finished soon as well.'
Diana nodded at M'Gann. She turned around towards the palace gates. Philippus and M'Gann followed her.
"You better look over your shoulder, Wonder Woman", Queen Bee screamed after them, "I'll strike one day and destroy your little paradise."
Diana ignored her. She had said her piece today. This was for Donna.
Diana's team flew over to the warehouse that Nubia's team was freeing. When they reached it, fighting had died down. Knocked-out soldiers were lying on the floor.
Diana turned to Nubia: "Any problems?"
"Queen's Bee's forces attempted to interfere. Nothing we can't handle, Diana. We're in the middle of freeing the captives and getting them onto the ship."
Diana nodded in satisfaction. She entered the warehouse spotting Batman. He was in the middle of picking the lock of one of the cages. The captured Talon looked young. Not older than 15. Diana wasn't surprised that Bruce had gravitated towards him.
"May I assist?", Diana asked.
"Go ahead", Batman growled.
He sounded enraged. Barely able to keep his anger in at the sight of this depravity. Diana felt the same.
She ripped the door off its hinges. The dazed child did not even flinch.
Bruce reached into the cage and picked the boy up.
"Take care of him", Diana said, "My sisters and I will open the other cages."
Bruce's face stayed unmoving: "We should have acted sooner."
"We should have", Diana said, "But today is for Donna. She was taken while trying to save them."
Bruce hesitated. He seemed to be searching for words.
"Something is irking you, Batman", Diana said.
"I know Nightwing is a traitor and that I… was deceived regarding his character", Batman looked down at the teenager, "But no matter how irredeemable he is now, he was like this once."
Diana felt anger rise within her at the mention of Nightwing. Donna was still missing and Nightwing was working with her captors. He had killed Wally in front of them. His love. An unforgiveable act.
But Diana swallowed it down.
Batman was right. Even if Nightwing was an enemy now, he had gone through pain that no human being should have gone through.
"I shall keep it in mind", Diana said.
Batman nodded at her. He carried the young Talon towards the ship.
Diana ignored the troubled feeling in her chest for now. Instead, she focused on the next cage. She ripped it open and brought the captured Talon to the ship. Soon, they had bundled up all the captives in blankets on the plane.
Diana joined Batman and Nubia in the cockpit.
"They are all secured in the hold", Diana told them.
"Next destination: Themyscira. Hippolyta is already having preparations made for the Talons' arrival", Nubia had a grim determination on her face.
This mission hit too close to home for many of them.
Batman started the plane. Diana stayed tense until they left the Greater Bialyan airspace. She had been ready to fend off any attacks Bee threw at them. But the Queen didn't dare – at least for now.
"Mission success", Diana couldn't help but smile.
No matter the consequences, protecting the defenseless was always worth it.
Donna eagerly awaited her next bathroom break. It was the only time she could communicate with Talon in private. He seemed weaker today. His movements were slower and he was quieter if that was even possible. Talon barely reacted to Donna's attempts at making conversation – not even with his usual tells. He was visibly shaken by his punishment. It worried Donna.
She was glad when Talon finally led her to the bathroom.
"Are you okay?", Donna asked while she washed her hands.
He shrugged.
"You let the Tamaranean soak in language from you. Thank you for that."
"You welcome", Talon said, "Her name Starfire."
Donna turned around, looking at him. She was surprised by his responses. He had never been so verbal with her. This was special. A giant step forward in their tentative, little bond.
"I'm sorry", Donna said, "You put yourself into jeopardy for me. I appreciate it but I'll never ask something like this of you again. I'll think of a way to escape together with the others. We won't put you at risk."
"It fine. I have worse."
Donna balled her fists: "It doesn't matter if you had worse. You shouldn't have to go through any of this."
Talon halted as if he wasn't used to this kind of concern.
He tilted his head: "You very strange, Donna Troy. Good strange. But you not need worry about me. I come here for free you. I undercover."
Donna felt her jaw drop, taking a moment to process what he had told her. Talon was playing them all.
"Undercover?", Donna kept her voice low.
Talon nodded: "I know now I can trust you. So, I can tell. I Nightwing."
"Batman's partner?", Donna had heard about the Talon who had joined the Team.
Nightwing nodded: "Not anymore. I leave for go undercover. Not even League know."
"That means-"
"-they think I evil and work for Light? Yes. Plan work out."
"Damn", Donna muttered, "You aren't doing anything half-assed, are you?"
"I not know what mean. You need go back before they be sus- susp-", Nightwing struggled with the word.
Donna wondered where his speech problems came from. The other Talons weren't particularly verbal and kept themselves short, but they had no issue with speaking if they were allowed to.
"Suspicious?", Donna said.
Nightwing nodded.
"See?", Donna said, "We are already ending each other's sentences."
Nightwing chuckled.
"I'm surprised that you told me today. Hagen is not happy with you."
To Donna's surprise, Nightwing smiled: "He not but I happy."
Donna was taken aback by how nice his smile was. It seemed so genuine.
"I need thank you", Nightwing said.
"Me?", Donna frowned.
"Amazons. They enter Qurac and free Talons tonight. I hear about this morning. Amazons bring Talons to Th- The- Them- I sorry for not can say", Nightwing shook his head, "Wonder Woman island."
The second time today that Donna felt amazement: "Diana came to free the Talons?"
"All Amazons together. Three tribes", Nightwing said, "I- I know you take risk. I appreciate much. Not many people try protect Talons."
All three tribes. That was huge. Always too beautiful to believe.
"I didn't do anything. My sisters did all the work", Donna felt herself get flustered.
Nightwing lunged forward and hugged her. Donna froze at so much unexpected affection. But she put her arms around him. It felt nice to have a friendly interaction after so many months in captivity.
"Wonder Woman do it for you. She know how much you care. You make Amazons aware that it problem. So, thank you very much, Donna Troy."
"You're welcome", Donna frowned when she felt tears welling up in her eyes, "More people care than you think, Nightwing. The Amazons know what it's like to be hurt."
Nightwing pulled back. He tilted his head.
"But Amazons very strong", Nightwing sounded reverend.
"And Talons not?", Donna said, "Diana and I are the exception, but most Amazons are reborn from the Well of Souls."
"Well of Souls?"
"It's a mystical well on Themyscira. Every now and then a new Amazon is reborn from it. The Well finds souls of women who were killed violently and allows them to be reincarnated as Amazons. Philippus came out of the Well. Nubia. All my sisters."
Nightwing looked at her in amazement: "Rebirth. I have rebirth when choose new name for myself."
"Exactly", Donna smiled, "You are not alone, Nightwing. We have to stick together."
Nightwing smiled back at her. He squeezed her shoulder. Donna was amazed by how excited – how happy – he looked. All that despite his visible exhaustion.
It was infectious. Donna felt it as well. She hadn't felt so happy in months. There was hope. Even if she died here, her actions had still mattered.
"Hey", Hagen screamed from the outside, "How long is this taking?"
Nightwing's smile vanished for the usual blank face. Donna allowed him to pull her out of the bathroom.
Hagen's face had turned red in anger as he lingered in front of the bathroom: "It seems like you need another round of harvesting, Talon."
Nightwing's grip on Donna's arm tensed. He had shrugged the punishment off, but Donna could tell that he was terrified of the possibility.
"It's not his fault", Donna said, "I had to take care of… a woman's business."
Hagen's face scrunched up in disgust: "Keep that to yourself. You are already on thin ice, Amazon."
"You are squeamish for a scientist", Donna said, "It's natural."
Hagen made a dismissive gesture and went back to his work.
Donna grinned to herself in smug satisfaction. Her mood couldn't even be dampened when Nightwing pushed her back into the pod. His smile returned for just a moment while his back was turned to everyone else. He went back to his work, vanishing in his cover again.
Donna felt the alien – no Starfire - looking at her in curiosity.
"I never got the chance to introduce myself. I'm Donna."
"I'm Koriand'r of Tamaran", Starfire said, "Starfire in your language."
"Starfire?", Gar perked up, "That's such a hot name."
"Keep it in your pants", Victor said.
"I deserve some entertainment after months of this bore", Gar whined.
Starfire laughed. Her laugh was beautiful. Donna found herself laughing as well. Gar and Victor joined in. Today was a good day. The first one since Donna had been brought here.
AN: Ahhh, so much sisterly love this chapter. Frozen knocking at my door. And Donna and Nightwing are friends now. YAY. Too bad that Slade has to destroy the wholesomeness by planning to betray and murder Nightwing. Not cool, Slade. That summit is getting close…