AN: I heard your cries of frustration and I'm back! First of all, I apologize for being late.
Me being late is combination of a) good old procrastination b) this chapter being a challenging piece of catharsis to write c) starting a new period in my life that I still need to adjust to with some general life changes (Is this the year where I start adopting a healthy lifestyle? The judge is out on that one Lol).
I can't promise that I can keep up my regular Sunday-schedule especially with chapters of this length. But I'm always working on it and making sure these chapters are as good as they can be. I'd rather be late than immortalizing (a bit dramatic) a chapter here that isn't up to the standard. (My dignity as an author would die.) There are only a few chapters left in this story (I'd wager 2-3 at most) but it can happen that I need a few days more here and there.
I'll make up for it by this chapter being massive. I've also read all your comments but haven't yet answered them all. I'm gonna work on that in the next days. I appreciate them all as always! They are very motivating. :D
Enough of this though: Enjoy this piece of pain and carthasis. :D
33. Revelations
Jason opened the window of the flat he had squatted in for a night and climbed out. The fire escape was wet from last night's rain. Jason's boots landed in a puddle as he dropped down into a back alley.
He tugged at the shirt he had nicked from the apartment's washing line. It was a little bit too small. But Jason didn't have many options after Bruce had thrown him out.
Not that Jason could fault Bruce. He himself was responsible for the mess they were currently in. Nightwing may never wake up from his dissociative episode. That fact alone was tearing him apart. Jason didn't know what he would do if Nightwing died because of him.
No matter what happened with Nightwing though, Red Hood would get his punishment. Jason would make sure of it. But before that, he needed to tie off a loose end.
So, Jason crossed Gotham's street until he found himself in front of an orphanage. It looked clean, modern. So different from the orphanages that Jason had run away from. A sign told Jason that it had been sponsored by the Wayne foundation. Mark had found shelter here after he had been in the hospital for weeks. Everything generously paid for by Bruce Wayne. Just another way in which Bruce had cleaned up Jason's mess.
Jason took a deep breath. It was quite challenging to sneak into the orphanage. Bruce's touch was visible in the security measures. But Jason managed to pass himself off as an inhabitant, sneaking into the crowds of bleary-eyed teenagers who had barely peeled themselves out of bed.
A sneak at the receptionist's computer told him where Mark lived. Jason walked up the stairs, crossing groups of chattering children.
Bruce had done a good job here. The children looked well-fed. Happy. As if they could have the resemblance of a normal childhood here. In his cynicism, Jason had forgotten how much good Bruce did for Gotham. He did far more than just fight criminals as Batman.
Jason reached the room. He knocked carefully.
"Yes?", Mark's voice was damp through the door.
Jason opened it, remaining in the doorway. Mark was sitting on his bed, a book in hand.
"Mr. Hood", Mark stared at Jason with wide eyes.
He had grown up a bit. His hair shorter and neater than before. Most glaringly though were the scars going out from the edges of Mark's mouth. They looked irritated, angry. Jason could imagine the doctors doing their best to stitch the ripped flesh back together. They were a reminder of the Joker. Jason forced himself to not look at them too much.
"You can look, Mr. Hood", Mark said, "I know they are ugly."
"Call me, Jason", he said, "I'm not the Red Hood anymore."
Mark frowned.
"Can I come in?", Jason shuffled his feet.
Insecurity flittered over Mark's face, but he nodded. Jason entered and pulled out Mark's desk chair for himself. Parts of a mechanical car were laid out on the desk.
"You still like tinkering with things?", Jason smiled.
It felt forced even to him. Jason hadn't expected this interaction to be so awkward. It shouldn't be surprising though after months of ghosting Mark.
"Why are you here, Mr. Hood?"
"I-"
"You feel guilty. This is a pity visit."
"I wanted to check up on you."
"I'm doing well. Mr. Wayne is paying for everything. I don't need you anymore", Mark crossed his arms.
He was sitting on the bed, his legs pulled to his chest. Jason noted how painfully young he looked. The Red Hood had almost destroyed this kid's life. He would have been all alone without any support if Bruce hadn't stepped up.
"The other kids?"
"They are all here", Mark said, "Like I said: Mr. Wayne pays for everything. He even wants to pay my college tuition."
"You meet him?"
"He checked up on me a few times to see how I got settled in."
Jason closed his eyes in defeat.
He nodded: "I'm glad Mr. Wayne took care of you."
Mark stayed quiet. His silence was damning.
"I'm sorry for all of this", Jason nodded towards the scars, "The Joker targeted you because I made you a target."
"I'm not angry because he targeted me", Mark said, "I live in Gotham. It was only a question of time until I got caught in a villain attack. You know what hurt me, Mr. Hood? I was in the hospital for weeks – even months – and you didn't come to see me once."
Jason stayed silent for a while. He fought against the urge to just get up and leave. Run away from this harsh confrontation. But Jason wasn't Red Hood anymore. He had changed. It was time to follow through on his commitments.
"I made mistakes, Mark. I thought I was seeking justice, but I was really after vengeance. I forgot about the truly, important things and I let you down."
"Is that why you don't want to be Red Hood anymore?"
Jason sighed. He owed Mark an explanation.
"Red Hood became a symbol for brutality and fear. I needed too much time to see that, but I see it now."
"Red Hood saved me", Mark said.
"And then he left you when you needed him most", Jason said, "I'm not a good person, Mark. I let those closest to me down, you too. So, this is not a pity-visit. This is an apology and a goodbye."
Mark's eyes widened. It must dawn on him that Jason was being serious.
"What do you want to do, Mr- Jason?"
"I need to turn myself in. I need to pay for what I did."
"What about your family? They'll miss you."
"I doubt they will."
Jason thought about Bruce's rage. The man would never let him into the manor again after Jason had betrayed him. And Nightwing- Jason doubted that Nightwing would ever fully hate him – if he woke up again. But Jason couldn't take the burden of Nightwing's loyalty anymore. He didn't deserve it.
"Bruce Wayne is a good man. He will make sure that you have everything you need", Jason said.
"I didn't expect you to praise a billionaire."
"They are scum usually but Wayne somehow managed to come out decent."
Jason stood up. He left a Batarang on Mark's desk.
"For your collection", Jason said, "You can tinker with it if you want."
He stood up and walked back to the doorway.
"Jason."
He turned around, looking at Mark.
"You are a good person", Mark said, "You just lost sight of what makes you good."
Jason smiled sadly. He didn't agree with Mark, but he couldn't find it in himself to argue with him. Poor kid had gone through enough.
Jason smiled: "I know you'll make it, Mark. You are special."
Mark stayed quiet. He looked pensive.
With that, Jason left the orphanage behind. He returned to the flat to gather his things, leaving a bundle of cash on the table. Where Jason went, he didn't need money. He took out his phone, checking it.
There was a short message from Bruce: "He's awake. He'll be fine."
Jason smiled to himself. A giant weight lifted of his chest. He had been worried that this might have been the last straw for N. That his mind would just shut down at this point. But N had pulled himself back again. Jason didn't know where Nightwing got that resilience from.
It itched in Jason to go see Nightwing, but he doubted that Bruce would let him. And he didn't even know if N wanted to see him or if Jason could look him in the eyes after what he had done.
Jason considered answering but decided not to. Bruce's message had been one last courtesy. Their relationship was over now.
So, Jason threw his phone in the trash while he walked along the street with his duffle bag. The device contained too much information, implicated too many people. Jason didn't need it either where he went.
He felt lighter now. As if he could shed all the responsibility that had weighed him down.
Jason reached the GCPD. It was bristling with people from all walks of life - as usual. Gotham's police was busy every minute of every day. If not with police-work, then with bribes.
He entered, standing in the long line that stood in front of the reception. The man in front of him patted his foot impatiently. Jason waited with all the time in the world as the line moved along at a snail's pace.
He reached the reception after almost an hour of desperate people pleading their cases. Jason had been there. How often had Catherine come with little Jason in tow to bail Willis out? Just as desperate as the people in line.
Jason had hated Willis for doing this to his mom. He had sworn to be different. But in the end, he was just like his old man. Letting all his loved ones down, hurting them and putting them in jeopardy.
Willis hadn't deserved Catherine. And Jason didn't deserve Bruce or Nightwing. Especially not Nightwing.
"What can I do for you, young man?", the receptionist smiled at him.
She looked unusually cheery for working in a Gotham police station. Probably new blood who hadn't seen the worst of Gotham yet. Jason would lay an important contribution to her jadedness today.
"Hey", Jason said, "Don't be scared but I'm the Red Hood."
The woman's face fell. She looked around, visibly terrified despite Jason's reassurances.
"What can I do for you, Mr. Hood?", her smile turned tight, as her hand fidgeted under the counter.
She wasn't very subtle. Jason could have already killed her if he was a malicious criminal.
"It's good that you pressed that panic button under the desk", Jason said, "I'm here to turn myself in."
The woman was shaking now. Jason felt bad for giving her such a scare.
Jason took the helmet out of the duffle bag and put it onto the reception: "Here is proof that it's me."
The moment, Jason took out the helmet, every cop's gun turned on him. People screamed as they ran out of the station.
He held out his hands: "You can cuff me. I'm not armed."
Jason stayed still. One trigger-happy cop could end him quickly. And Gotham had seen its fair share of villains who had pretended to turn themselves in. Jason knew how this could end. He had accepted that possibility the moment he had entered the station.
Jason went on his knees, hands to the back of his neck.
Two cops ran towards him and tackled him to the floor. One rammed his boot into Jason's shoulder. He gritted his teeth. Rough hands searched Jason for weapons.
"You won't find any", Jason's voice was calm.
"Shut up", the cop screamed, as he ripped Jason's arms behind his back to cuff him.
Jason rolled his eyes at the aggression. He had done nothing to merit it. He was here to turn himself in like a civilized criminal.
The cop continued to search Jason, only finding half a dozen passports in Jason's jacket. None of them for Jason Todd.
The cop went through them, while his partner held Jason down.
"What is your name?", the cop asked.
"Pick one."
"I thought you were turning yourself in", his partner said.
"Just because I'm turning myself in doesn't mean I don't have family to protect. Just book me under Red Hood. I'll cooperate in everything else. I'll tell you all my crimes."
"Fine", the partner pulled Jason to his feet, "You have the right to remain silent. Everything-"
"I get it", Jason said, "I don't need it. I don't want an attorney. Just get it over with and throw me into prison."
"Why this change?", the partner asked.
"I had an epiphany", Jason said as he was led through the station.
The cops pushed him into the high security wing of the precinct, pushing him into one of the cells. Jason remained cuffed. One of the cops pushed an inhibitor collar around his neck.
"I don't need it", Jason said, "No powers."
The cop ignored him: "You'll be in prison for a long time, Red Hood."
"I'm counting on it", Jason plopped down onto the cot in the cell.
The cops stayed in the hallway. They must believe that Red Hood was about to pull off some elaborate scheme.
He wasn't. Red Hood had laid down all his cards and he didn't intend to play anymore.
Jason leaned back against the wall. Strangely enough he felt calmer in the cage than he had in a while. There was freedom in throwing off all responsibilities and letting himself be captured.
Nightwing felt a strange buzzing under his skin, crossing the streets of Metropolis in the middle of a sunny day. He had never just walked the street by day in his Talon-form. For good reasons. Stares followed him, zeroing in on his sickly, dead skin. Nightwing pushed the dark sunglasses higher to cover his eyes and held on to the strap of his backpack.
When Nightwing had lived with Jason he had barely left their flat during the day. On the rare occasions, he had stayed in the corners and shadows away from the gazes of people. He needed to get used to them quickly though because he was about to reveal himself to millions of people.
Nightwing was glad when he reached the safety of the TV-station, approaching the reception. The receptionist was looking down at the papers in front of him, barely paying attention.
"Lois Lane make interview soon?", Nightwing asked.
"Yep. She is interviewing those Titans-freaks in-", the man looked at his wristwatch, "9 minutes."
"I like see Lois Lane, please", Nightwing said.
The man laughed as his gaze wandered up: "You think America's star reporter has time for-"
The laugh got stuck in his throat.
"I like join interview if possible."
He bit down the need to add another please. This was ridiculous. Nightwing had planned and enacted a successful undercover mission for months. He was capable. Even Batman saw it now. Why was he still like this?
This already wasn't going great. If it continued like this, Nightwing wouldn't even get a word out during that interview. He tried to focus on the sounds and sensations around him. Calm down just a bit.
Nightwing took off the glasses, allowing the man a peak at his golden eyes.
"You are Nightwing", the man frowned.
"Yep", his voice was pathetically quiet.
"You are an internationally searched criminal."
"That problem, Sir?"
The man grinned as if he had just won the lottery. It unnerved Nightwing.
"Hell no", the man jumped up, "The ratings on this are gonna go through the roof."
He came out from behind the reception, gripping Nightwing's elbow and steering him through the lobby: "Betty, cover the desk for me. I need to get our star attraction to where he needs to go."
Nightwing felt himself tense. But he allowed the man to pull him towards the elevator.
The doors opened with a ping and a few people stepped out.
"Hurry it up, people. Some of us are busy", the receptionist yelled, before he pulled Nightwing inside and selected the button for the tenth floor.
They earned a few confused glances. But the employees shrugged and walked away as the elevator doors closed.
The receptionist was ranting, his voice unnervingly loud in the enclosed space: "All those streaming assholes tell us that TV is dead but can streaming give you these moments? I think not-"
The elevator went up. Nightwing felt his fingers itch towards his palms. He held himself back. Giving a nation-wide interview with literal blood on his hands wasn't very desirable.
The man seemed oblivious to Nightwing's rising anxiety: "Do you know how much I'm gonna get promoted for bringing Ms. Lane this scoop? I never wanted that stupid desk job. I always knew that I was made for bigger things. I'm made to stand in front of a camera."
"Okay", Nightwing wasn't sure he understood anything of this, but it could only distract him from his panic, "Cool. Good for you."
The elevator stopped and the doors opened. Nightwing felt himself pulled through a hallway. Glass windows allowed to gaze into various studios with shows on the air.
The receptionist stormed into one of the studios. Nightwing tagged along, unsure what else to do.
"Stop", the receptionist yelled, "I've got the scoop."
Incredulous gazes turned towards him.
A man with a headset said: "We are going on air in 4 minutes. Ms. Lane-"
"-will want to get Nightwing as a scoop."
"Nightwing?"
He tensed at the glances on him. The room had automatically grown tenser. Nightwing wondered if they would even let him do the interview or if they would call the police on him.
"Oh those ratings will be delicious", the man with the headset said, "Get him prepared."
Nightwing felt himself being swarmed. A woman clipped a microphone to his jacket. Another fiddled in his face with a brush.
"You'll look so pale in those studio lights, sweetheart", the woman said, "Let's get some color into those cheeks."
"Don't put too much", a man said, "We still need him recognizable. Is there a way you can accentuate those black veins?"
Nightwing's head was spinning. Maybe this had been a bad idea. No, a terrible-
"Nightwing?", a surprised voice said.
Nightwing turned to her. Donna. She was a lifesaver in the turmoil Nightwing was caught in.
He freed himself from the onslaught of TV people and hurried towards her.
"Donna", he pulled her into a hug, "I so happy see."
"I would be too if I was the only alternative to those vultures", Donna chuckled.
Nightwing looked at her: "I miss so much."
"Same. I was worried about you. You have this tendency to vanish."
Nightwing thought of his dissociative episode. Donna had no idea.
"I knew you would come", Donna threw an arm around his shoulder and led him towards the stage.
Nightwing nodded: "You right whole time. It just hard be brave and I not know if I can do before. I still not know if I can do now."
"We're with you", Donna turned to him, "I know how brave you already are."
Nightwing felt himself loosen a bit. Donna had trust in him.
The Titans and Angela were sitting on chairs with Lois Lane on the other side. She frowned when she saw Nightwing, but her face quickly became blank again. Nightwing tilted his head at her professionalism.
"Two minutes", a man yelled.
"We have plan?", Nightwing asked.
"We went through all the questions with Lois beforehand. We decided to do this live so that no one can accuse us of editing the footage", Donna said, "This needs to be a watertight case against Luthor. Angela is going to help our credibility a lot."
Nightwing nodded: "But I not know questions."
"Just improvise. You are good at improvising", Donna said.
"Anything you don't want me to ask?", Lois said.
Nightwing shook his head: "Everyone already know too much about me. It not make different anymore. I sorry for be so late and derail interview."
"You aren't derailing anything, honey", Lois smiled, "I would need to return my Pulitzer if I hadn't already prepared the questions in case you decided to show up. Donna really had faith in you."
Nightwing smiled at her. Donna smiled back. He sat down next to her. Without the Titans, he wouldn't be able to do this.
Nightwing noted the make-up on Donna's face and the way her hair had more volume than usual. All the Titans had been prepared for this interview in more ways than one. Nightwing felt so unprepared next to them.
"One minute", the TV man yelled.
Starfire smiled at him encouragingly. Nightwing smiled back, his face tense.
The lights were piercing. Nightwing turned his chair a bit so that his eyes could the brunt of it.
"I won by the way", Gar said, "I bet that you would show up. The tin can over there bet against you."
"I didn't-"
"You totally did, Vic", Gar held out his hand, "20 dollars for yours truly."
Victor sighed: "Can we do this later?"
"I'm getting my 20 dollars, Stone."
Victor turned to Nightwing: "I'm sorry, dude. I'm glad you are here. It's just a surprise because I didn't believe you would come."
"It fine", Nightwing said, "I not believe, too, for long time."
The TV operator counted down for the last ten seconds. Nightwing tensed the moment they were on the air and Lois introduced the interview. He couldn't back out of this now.
Thankfully, Donna took the lead. Lois' questions led her through an account of what Luthor had done to the Titans. The others chimed in where they could to add things. Nightwing stayed quiet, letting the Titans get through this planned part of the interview.
Angela explained that she had been the one to collect the dirt on Luthor.
"You did it on your own time?", Lois asked.
"Yes", Angela said, "I was foolish. I hoped to leverage the intel to gain a promotion so I kept it to myself for far too long without sharing. Luthor must have found out about my research.
He almost had me assassinated to bury the intel."
"Who was hired to assassinate you?"
Angela looked at Nightwing: "He was. He showed up in my apartment in Washington. But he didn't kill me. Instead, he worked undercover with Batman to hide me and secure the intel. Without him, all the evidence about Luthor would have been lost."
Nightwing took something out of his backpack and put it onto the table. All the files Luthor had given him on his targets. Nightwing had hidden them on the roof and retrieved them.
Lois frowned: "What is this, Nightwing?"
"All files Luthor give me on targets", Nightwing said, "They all still alive."
"Because you faked their deaths and hid them?"
"Yes, together with Batman and Artemis."
"Green Arrow's sidekick?"
"She not anymore but yes."
Lois reached for one of the files, going through it: "This one is on Carl Ferris, the CEO of Ferris Aircraft."
"Yep", Nightwing said, "Never get to him. Finish the mission before. But he in League protection now. All the targets very high profile."
"There is a Lexcorp-logo on here", Lois held the file into the camera.
"Luthor always mark his things", Nightwing said, "Even if smarter not do."
Lois cracked a little smile.
She soon regained her professional demeanor: "I'm sure the authorities will be interested to examine these files."
Lois turned towards Nightwing: "You've been very quiet until now, Nightwing."
Nightwing felt very self-conscious suddenly. It had been easier to chime in, adding the files he had collected to tighten the case. But now the attention was on him. Even the camera had moved closer to him.
Nightwing's voice was quiet, "They explain very good."
"Can you help me understand your role in this better?", Lois said.
Nightwing nodded. He didn't find it in him to answer verbally.
"So, you were undercover for Lex Luthor?"
Nightwing nodded again.
"Can you elaborate on that? How did you decide to go undercover?"
He forced his mouth open. Nightwing was here to talk. Now was the time.
"It start with the leak. The government put restrictions on me. Everyone think I villain. So, I decide use that and go undercover with Luthor. Luthor be part of a covert villain group. They call The Light. They-"
"It's quite a complicated story, isn't it? Why don't we start with the beginning?", Lois said.
"I not know how explain", Nightwing's fingers dug into his palms.
Again, his words weren't enough to elaborate his thoughts. The Titans had done so well. Nightwing couldn't screw this up for them.
"Just answer my questions", Lois said, "How about we start with the Court? Who are they? How are you related to them?"
Nightwing tensed. His teeth dug into his lips, the metallic tang spreading on his tongue. He felt like he was doing this badly. But he closed his eyes for a second to recenter himself. When he opened them again he felt calmer.
"Okay", Nightwing said, "Start with Court. They global secret organization make of influential people. They have members in high places and control things from the background. Their aim be ultimate global power and they exist for centuries. But they not exist anymore."
"Sounds like a conspiracy theory", Lois said.
Nightwing frowned. Did Lois not believe him? Her gaze was as professional as ever and Nightwing didn't know how to answer to this scrutiny. He felt like he was on the hot seat.
"Well, I think he is living proof that these sickos exist", Gar chimed in, "He and hundreds of other Talons. I've seen them myself."
"This Court also has an abandoned location in the sewers of Gotham", Starfire added, "Your earth authorities can find it."
Nightwing found himself relaxing a bit. He was glad that his team was backing him up.
Donna leaned over and whispered into Nightwing's ear: "Lois is asking the questions a sceptic would have for us. It's not that she doesn't believe you. It's just another way to be as convincing as possible."
Nightwing felt a little bit stupid now. His lack of preparedness was screwing things up for everyone. He was-
"You're doing good", Donna whispered, "Just relax. We're all on your side here. Those files are damn good evidence."
Nightwing nodded. His hands loosened around the handles of his chair. Only now did he notice that he had bend the metal material a bit. Nightwing sheepishly rubbed the back of his neck.
"So, the Court has been under our noses for decades", Lois said, "Manipulating from the background through money and power."
"ARGUS has been collecting intel on them as well ever since they were broken up and we learned of their existence", Angela said, "I can confirm that they are not a conspiracy but sad reality."
Lois nodded, turning to Nightwing again: "Money and power isn't everything, right?"
"No. They send out their Talons to kill targets."
"What is a Talon?"
"Someone like me", Nightwing said, "A child the Court abduct, kill and revive. I not always look like this. I use look normal. They change me like this. They make me stronger, faster and heal very quick. Very hard kill a Talon."
"That isn't the only thing that they did."
"No", Nightwing's throat felt narrow again.
He had never been so open about what the Court had done to him. Only Canary had gotten it out of him in detail with months of prying. Talking about it with Canary had been hard enough. A good Talon endured without speaking. This went against everything Nightwing had been taught.
Nightwing opened his mouth. He only got out a pathetic sound. Panic rose within him again. He couldn't do this. His throat would close off and he would be unable to say what he needed to say.
Donna reached for his hand and squeezed it. It pulled Nightwing back, made him feel like he could do this. He didn't know what he would do without her.
Bruce had told Nightwing that a manifestation of Donna had been one of his mental defenses. It made sense. He always felt safe with Donna. She was kind in a way Nightwing had rarely experience and she was so strong. She had risked everything to protect Talons she hadn't even known.
Nightwing knew that Donna would do everything to protect him. She had proven it over and over. And Nightwing would do everything to protect her. And now, protection meant making sure that Luthor couldn't hurt her anymore.
Nightwing forced his mouth open: "The Court train me, torture me and brainwash me. And then they send me out to kill people."
"Did you kill people?"
"I do. Hundreds", Nightwing said, "It what the leak show. Many of my kills. Not all. It even worse than leak show."
Nightwing could feel the tension in the room ramping up. Many of the TV people dropped what they were doing, staring at Nightwing. Nightwing felt hot under the burning studio lights. He turned his face away from them.
"How do you feel about that?", Lois asked.
"Terrible", Nightwing said, "I regret every day and I sorry for the lives I take. I know it not make difference feel sorry. But I do. And I not can change that happen. I can only do good from now on."
Nightwing looked down at his hand, fiddling with his fingers.
"How old were you when you took these lives?", Lois asked.
"The Court abduct me when I eight. They kill my parents and make it look like accident so they can get to me. I escape when around fifteen after Batman destroy Gotham Court."
"And you were free of them then?"
"I be in hide for years in Gotham", Nightwing said, "I know that they look for me. They not let a Talon go. They own us. But they find me around two years ago. They take me again for multiple months. Make me kill again. I be around 18 then."
Lois nodded: "Can you describe how the Court brainwashed you?"
"You want detail? It not nice."
"I can take it", Lois' face stayed unmoving.
Nightwing believed that she could. Lois must have encountered the abyss dozens of times in her illustrious career. So, he didn't hold back. He described everything with increased detachment: The Talon-making process, the freezing, the training. Everything. He felt himself go into elaborate, technical detail.
Donna looked increasingly upset the longer Nightwing went on. Starfire balled her fists as she held back her anger.
"You want know more?", Nightwing asked after had talked for a while, growing increasingly detached.
Talking the details was easy. Turning the Court's methods into a mechanical process. It helped Nightwing to avoid thinking of them in terms of what had been done to him.
Lois shook her head. There was a slight crack in her professional façade. Her hand had reached for a pen, fiddling with it.
"That should be enough", Lois said.
"I have more", Nightwing pulled a flash drive out of his backpack and put it onto the table in front of Lois, "I have evidence. Videos of what they do to me. I also leak online already. You can find if want see. I warn though. It very graphic."
Bruce had helped Nightwing put the intel together from the Batcomputer. He had been skeptical, but had ultimately respected Nightwing's wishes.
Lois picked up the flash drive carefully: "You leaked graphic videos of your own torture?"
Nightwing dug his nails into his palms. The piercing pain told him that he had broken flesh. He turned his hand around, seeing the black blood on his palm. His hand shook slightly as the wounds mended themselves. Or maybe the shaking just came from Nightwing's anxiety.
He couldn't distinguish it anymore. He was in a tunnel vision. Nothing counted now but ensuring that people understood.
"I want make sure people believe me. Lex Luthor only leak my kills. He show everyone what monster I can be. And not get me wrong: I can be monster. I kill hundreds of people. I not want do it - but I do it", Nightwing forced himself to look up, "I not say I perfect person – not even great person. But I person and someone do all this to me. The Court. I need people see that. I and the other Talons – we deserve be treat as people."
"What do you mean by that?", Lois asked.
"Like Titans explain: Luthor and the Light trade with Talons for years. We very valuable in criminal world. Use for many thing."
"As assassins?"
"Assassins, bodyguards, toys. Other things I not want talk about. I go on this mission for free Talons because they – we – deserve be free. We deserve be treat like human beings even if we do bad things in past. Even if we not act like normal people", Nightwing forced his hands open before he could draw blood again, "I know that I very strange. I talk bad and I be a mess most times. But I still deserve basic compassion because I human. I need long time for see because the Court make me believe that I not human – that I not deserve be. People like Luthor be the same. But they… wrong."
Nightwing's eyes felt wet. He forced himself not to cry on national TV. This interview was draining. It made everything want to burst out of him. But it was also freeing. Nightwing was helping to put Luthor away. He was finally speaking his truth.
Lois smiled slightly: "From the conversation we are having, I can confirm that you are very much human."
Nightwing smiled. His eyes were still wet.
"Aren't you worried about your privacy?", Lois asked.
"What privacy?", Nightwing chuckled, "Luthor uncover half the story against my will. This half is mine. I control that it get out now."
"You are joking but it's not a very funny story", Lois said, "It's horrifying to have your life laid open for everyone to see without your consent. I think we can all emphasize with that fear."
"You right", Nightwing said, "It not funny. But you do what you can. Sometimes you just got laugh about it for cope."
Lois frowned: "How can a person endure torment like this? You were a child. You're barely out of your teens now."
Nightwing felt anger determination within him – righteous anger at all the pompous pricks who had hurt him. He tried to reign it in. He didn't want to look like a monster now.
"I not be here without the people who love me. They do so much for me, and I be very grateful for them."
"That's a very modest answer. We all have loved ones, but I doubt that most of us could withstand that kind of torture."
"I not withstand it. I break", Nightwing said, "Break very bad. If you think I a mess now, you not see me years ago. This be my put-together version."
Nightwing chuckled.
"I don't think you're a mess", Lois said, "Your account has been very coherent."
"You want know how I survive? I put myself back together – over and over again. Because I maybe break but I refuse let people like the Court and Luthor destroy me. I refuse let them use me as sca-pe-goat. They do so often, and they always get away. Not this time. If you think I be the monster, you not meet the real monster yet. The kind of monster who take children and torture them until they not recognize themself anymore."
Nightwing's thoughts were running quicker than his words. He stopped talking when he couldn't keep up anymore.
Lois nodded. She stayed silent for a few moments to give Nightwing's words more breathing room.
"You are associated with Batman", she said.
"Yes", Nightwing said, "He teach me how do good."
"How are you doing good?"
Nightwing recognized the purpose behind Lois' question. She was trying to end on his redemption. To show the people that Nightwing wasn't a lost cause.
"I use do missions for Justice League before the leak. I do short after the leak. But the restrictions become too much for me and I see opportunity."
"You went undercover?"
"Yes. I go undercover without League know. Everyone believe I villain after the leak. They believe I empty-headed puppet. A gun. A weapon. Not even person. I use per-cep-tion for go undercover with Luthor. I play his Talon. I pretend follow his orders. He buy it. He let me close. Everything else happen like Titans explain."
"You used your position to free hundreds of your fellow Talons and the people sitting here – not to mention the other assassination targets you hid away."
"I do", Nightwing said, "It my mission. I plan it. I execute it. Batman, Artemis and Kid Flash help. I have success because Luthor believe that a Talon not can do this. Believe that not have brain or heart or soul. But I do. I prove wrong."
"You did", Lois smiled.
Nightwing found himself smiling, too.
"You almost didn't come to this interview. Why did you change your mind?"
"I not want come because I scare. I scare that no one believe me or that I too scare talk. The Court not want Talons talk. It hard for me even today. But I come here for see justice against Luthor and for prove that Talons be people. I still not expect many people believe me. But at least I tell my truth – on my own terms this time."
Lois nodded. She took a few moments to process things before she turned to the rest of the Titans.
"Thank you for this interview. I am sure many people will find it very enlightening – especially the authorities. Now that we have covered the past, what are your plans for the future?"
"We're making our own team", Donna raised her chin in confidence, "We want to be a team for heroes who do not fit into the Justice League. It is time for the League to get some healthy competition."
"We are to be called the Titans", Starfire added.
"Titans?", Lois seemed amused, "That is quite some confidence."
"We can back it up", Gar grinned, "When there's trouble, you know who to call."
The other Titans laughed. Even Nightwing found himself loosening up.
"How long did you take to come up with that line?", Vic joked.
Nightwing was beaming at this point. It felt right, forming a team with these people – his friends. As if Nightwing could finally help people on his own terms outside of the stifling League-structure.
"Let's hope there won't be too much trouble", Lois said.
She turned to the camera, finishing the show. Nightwing barely paid attention at this point. He found himself buzzing with energy. It was over. He hadn't stayed silent this time. He hadn't endured. He had spoken up for himself.
Nightwing wondered if Wally was proud of him.
When they could step backstage again, Nightwing deflated in relief.
"I have to go", Angela said, "I'm going to have to pack my things at ARGUS."
"Thank you for be here", Nightwing said, "I not know if they believe us without you here."
"You're welcome", she said, "I did it for myself, too. My hubris almost made Luthor get away with it."
Angela's phone rang.
She took it out of her jacket: "And here it comes. You did good today, Titans. You should celebrate your success."
She stepped away, quickly excusing herself.
The Titans looked into Lois' direction. She had gathered the flash drive and the file, clutching it close to her chest.
"Great interview. I have to get to the Daily Planet to write that article", Lois said, "I'll expect the authorities to visit me for the new evidence. Expect them to gather your testimonies for the investigation."
Lois clasped her hand on Nightwing's shoulder on the way out: "I can forgive you for shooting Clark but don't pull a trick like that again with my husband."
Without another word, Lois left. Nightwing was still tense, feeling the phantom sensation of Lois' grip linger on his shoulder.
"She's terrifying", Gar said.
"She can back it up", Donna said, "She has connections everywhere."
Nightwing didn't doubt it.
"Let's go", Donna said.
Whispers were following them throughout the building. Nightwing put on his sunglasses again before they stepped outside. A crowd of reporters had assembled in front of the building.
Nightwing found himself dumbstruck by the quick response. He should have expected it. The Titans had just accused one of the most powerful people in the world of heinous crimes.
The moment the Titans exited the building, the screams got louder. Nightwing could barely make out distinct questions in the chaos.
"What are your plans now, Titans?"
"Miss. Troy, what does Themyscira think about Lex Luthor? Will we face a diplomatic crisis?"
"Will you fight the League?"
"Who is the Court's trainer in the videos, Nightwing? You seem familiar."
"What is your real identity, Nightwing?"
"Tell us about Tamaran, Starfire!"
"Will you face international justice for your crimes, Nightwing?"
"Will you be pardoned, Nightwing?"
"Are you ashamed, Nightwing? You should be. How does it feel to smear one of the most charitable, global philanthropists?"
Nightwing's head was spinning at this point. He was glad when a booming voice overlaid all the others.
Nightwing looked up to see Superman floating in front of them. His eyes roamed over Superman's body trying to find remains of an injury, but Superman looked completely healed. Nightwing felt relieved.
"Let's get you out of here", Superman held out his hands to Nightwing and Victor.
They took it. Superman floated up pulling them with him. Nightwing felt a thrill at flying. Gar turned into an eagle. He followed them together with Donna and Starfire.
"My dad built so much shit into this getup and no jetpack?", Vic groaned, "I'm gonna have to work on that."
"Stop whining, Stone", Gar said.
"How can you even talk as a bird?", Vic said.
Gar cawed. It amounted to the bird-version of a shrug.
Superman put them down in the middle of a park, slightly hidden behind a group of trees.
"Thank you", Donna said, "I am honored to make your acquaintance, Superman."
Gar turned back to human form, landing on the ground with a little jump: "It's so awesome to meet you, Sir. I can't believe I've met Superman."
"You used to belong to the Doom Patrol, didn't you?", Superman said.
Gar looked starstruck when Superman recognized him.
"I am sorry for what happened to them", Superman said, "They were true heroes."
"They were", Gar deflated.
Starfire put a hand on his shoulder.
Nightwing approached Superman, hesitantly. He didn't like to ask but he had to know.
"You recover?", Nightwing said.
"I've been back on my feet for a week now", Superman said.
Nightwing tilted his head: "You not angry?"
"I was angry when you shot me", Superman said, "I was hurt. I truly believed that you had betrayed us and believe me – it's a terrifying prospect."
"I sorry", Nightwing lowered his gaze to the floor, "I understand if you want League punish me."
A weight settled on Nightwing's shoulder. He flinched but soon recognized that the gesture was friendly.
"Batman explained to me why you did it. I understand, Nightwing."
"You still call me Nightwing?"
"You'll always be Nightwing as long as you want to be", Clark said.
"You too good for me, Superman."
Clark scoffed: "You're selling yourself short. You ran circles around us these past months – and all for a good cause. You made personal sacrifices most of all."
"You watch interview?", Nightwing felt himself grow flustered.
"Of course", Clark smiled, "That's my wife on TV and I had to see what you kids were up to."
"Superman watched our interview?", Vic sounded like he was in awe.
"Everyone did", Clark said, "It was a pretty damning statement against Luthor. I think you nailed him."
"That was our intent", Donna stepped forward.
"You are making your sister proud, Troia."
Donna's face turned a light shade of red. They were all glowing under Superman's praise, except Starfire. She watched the interaction with a frown on her face.
"So, you don't mind my comment about the League needing competition?", Donna teased.
"I agree. We've become too comfortable in our Watchtower. Your team will keep us on our feet."
Nightwing tilted his head in the other direction. He hadn't expected Superman to say that. The League had always been the pinnacle of the superhero-world, no questions asked.
There had been other teams like the Doom Patrol, but they had mostly acted in the periphery. The Doom Patrol was who you called for – as Gar put it – weird existential shit.
Superman floated into the air again: "I'm excited to see what you will do next. I'm off to Lexcorp. I have to make sure that Lex doesn't pull one of his tricks."
"Lexcorp?", Donna asked.
"A cavalry of FBI-agents just drove up there. I can hear them", Superman excused himself with a mock-salute.
The Titans stared after him for a bit.
"I still have a question", Starfire crossed her arms.
"Fire away, Star."
"Who was the Kryptonian?", Starfire asked.
"You don't know Superman?", Gar said.
Starfire shrugged: "Is he well-known? He should be one of the last Kryptonians."
Gar face-palmed: "We have so much to catch you up on, Goldie."
"Don't be too harsh on her, Gar", Donna said, "I'm sure you couldn't name a single Tamaranean hero."
Gar scoffed.
"So, we're a team now. What do we do now? We need equipment, headquarters, tech", Vic said, "Not cheap."
"I ask Batman", Nightwing said.
"He'd support us?", Donna asked.
"I hope."
"With that mansion?", Vic muttered, "I'd finance it, too."
Nightwing said: "I need go back to Gotham for few days. Talk to Batman about team support. Deal with family-thing."
Nightwing hadn't seen Jason ever since the attack in the asylum. Bruce had been tightlipped about Jason simply stating that he had left. Nightwing suspected there was more going on. He didn't know Jason's current situation.
Had he worked with Themis? Nightwing refused to believe that. Jason must have tried to save Nightwing and Damian. But why was Bruce so hesitant to talk about Jason if he had brought Nightwing and Damian home safely?
"Then I come back", Nightwing said.
"No stress, dude", Gar said, "I need to make a family visit myself at the Dayton-estate to rub it into the Chief's face that I have a new team. Wanna join Vic?"
"Sure", Vic grinned, "I like pissing off millionaires."
"Dayton is a billionaire."
"Makes it even better."
"I'm going to check in with the Amazons. Diana and Hippolyta had something urgent to tell me. They didn't deem it appropriate over the phone", Donna frowned, "I can't imagine what it is."
Starfire stood there, shuffling her foot. She seemed very insecure suddenly, her usual regality lost.
Nightwing tilted his head. Kory currently had nowhere to go. She was an exiled alien princess without a home. They couldn't leave her. But Nightwing doubted that Starfire would want to come to Gotham with him. Nightwing's family was a powder keg on its best day. Now, it was particularly explosive for a reason Nightwing didn't know.
He nodded into Donna's direction and then at Starfire, a silent question. Donna seemed to understand.
"You can come with me, Starfire, until we regroup. I am sure the Amazons would be happy to meet you."
Starfire lighted up: "Oh, that would be delightful. I am excited to meet your people, Donna."
Donna smiled.
"We keep in contact", Nightwing took four black communicators out of his backpack.
"Is that Bat-tech?", Gar asked.
"There is a giant Bat on it, you idiot", Vic said.
Nightwing shrugged: "We can paint different."
"Good luck, everyone", Donna said, her gaze ending up on Nightwing.
She must suspect that Nightwing's family issues weren't easily resolved.
Donna and Starfire raised into the air, flying away. Gar transformed into an eagle again.
"Wait for me", Vic yelled and ran after him.
His robotic legs allowed him to jump higher than the average person. Soon, Vic caught up and they vanished out of sight.
Nightwing stood in the middle of the public park, smiling to himself. He reached for the communicator in his pocket, feeling its reassuring shape. They would see each other again soon. Nightwing would pour his whole heart into this team as soon as he had fixed whatever was going on with his family currently.
Lex Luthor was sitting in his office, watching the TV with growing indignation. He couldn't fathom what had just happened. His little experiments had turned against him publicly.
The girl had failed. Nightwing was supposed to be a mindless husk by now – torn apart by her power.
Instead, he had joined an interview in front of a national audience with America's most esteemed journalist. Luthor should have taken care of Lane long ago. She was a loose cannon that Luthor had allowed to operate freely too long. Too bad that Superman always turned up to save Lane in the last moment.
"Did you destroy the files?", Luthor turned to Mercy Graves.
"Naturally, I incinerated them. There is no trace left", Mercy said, "I fear though that the evidence is too damning this time."
"I did not ask for your estimation", Luthor snapped at her.
He ran a hand over his bald head, looking at the reruns of the interview. Luthor was confident but he was not foolish. He knew when he had been outmaneuvered. Nightwing had tricked him. It shouldn't have been possible, but Luthor knew better now than to underestimate the Talon.
He had underestimated the Talon so much that he had left him with compromising evidence. Evidence that Luthor would have never given any other actor. Nightwing had been his blind spot.
Luthor studied the boy's demeanor closely. It was reserved, as if he was struggling to speak. The boy could barely form sentences, but Luthor recognized the sophistication in his thoughts. Not a boy at all.
Maybe Luthor needed to reevaluate his thinking about Nightwing. Conceive of him as neither a Talon nor a boy but a player in the game they were all taking part in. Someone trained in fighting by Cobb, ruthlessness by Deathstroke and most importantly – strategy by Batman.
Luthor nodded, content with this assessment. He would keep an eye on Nightwing and his little team. It had turned out to be bothersome indeed. A team of discarded playthings shouldn't have been able to inflict so much damage to Luthor's operations.
"Boss", his receptionist contacted Luthor over the speakerphone, "There is a group of FBI-agents on their way to your office."
"Understood", Luthor sighed and turned to his mini bar.
He poured himself a shot of bourbon and raised the drink into the direction to the TV where excerpts of Nightwing's responses were being played again.
"I will grant you this little victory you should never have won. Still, I will be the overall victor in the end", Luthor drained the glass in one go.
The door opened.
"FBI", a group of agents burst into Luthor's office, "We have a warrant for the premises and for your arrest."
"You will not find anything here", Luthor put down the glass.
They wouldn't. Luthor had erased all the traces – except for these meddlesome Titans.
Luthor allowed the agents to put handcuffs on him and lead him out of the building. As Luthor was led out of the building, a roaring crowd greeted him. Many screamed at him, called him a criminal. Others called the Titans liars and Luthor the philanthropist the world needed. Luthor nodded their considerable number with satisfaction. Not everyone was swallowing the Titans' little narrative.
Over them, floated Superman. Luthor growled at the sight of this wannabe god who was lording his unearned power over the masses.
"How does it feel, Lex? It finally caught up with you", Superman said.
"The world will need me", Luthor said, "There is always a crisis around the cornerthat the most intelligent man in the world is needed for. Once I have saved the world again, the masses will rightfully adore me for my achievements – unlike you who has always been pampered for his power."
"Don't let prison hurt your ego, Lex", Superman snorted.
Luthor held his chin up high while the agents pushed him into their nondescript, black car. He knew that he could not win this trial. Not with the evidence Nightwing had brought and the word of an ARGUS-agent and Amazonian ambassador against him. Luthor would go to prison, but this little fact was solely a temporary setback – not defeat.
AN: I hope you felt that carthasis. :D
To summarize, Jason is suffering and Nightwing is doing great for once. He is so happy with his Titans. And he spoke up! It's such a *giant* step for him. Can't stress enough how much of a step this is. Will Wally be proud? We'll see. :D
Now that Nightwing has wrapped up his mission, he can deal with the mess that is his private life. Big brother is there again to pull the family together. Nightwing should get a check for all that emotional work. :,)
The Titans are off to their own thing but they'll be together again soon!
Also, Jason – the pain you bring us all. Just impulsively throwing himself into prison like that. :,(
And Luthor is finally viewing Nightwing as a serious player in the game. Is that good or bad? He stands ready in case of a *crisis*. (I can lower that baseball bat of foreshadowing now that I hit everyone over the head with.)