"Whoa!"John narrowly dodges being impaled by Belladonna. He smirks with amusement at her frustration."Aww, come on luv? You use to love that little trick."

"Your tongue shall be mine!"She hisses and throws her blade sharply at him. He managed to narrowly avoid it, though it did scathed just a bit.

He just ignores the flesh wound. It wasn't as important as the rage of the woman. The dark clouds shook with it her fury for him, the winds whipped harsher and harsher. Her focus was on him, which was good. He narrowly made it before she delivered the ending blow upon Raven. Bringing back Violet, his quick thinking was faster than the thought. With Belladonna's focus on him, he could end it all. Just as he wanted to years ago. Though being on the defense was making it rather difficult right now. When he couldn't really get in a clean shot, especially with her Domain activated. From the corner of his eye, he sees her conjure up a another blade.

"Not good."He counters conjuring up a mystical shield and rolls out the way just as it shatters."Starting to think ya really trying to kill me."He quips, only adding to her anger.

"Thou soul shall burn in the pits of 9th level of Hell."

"Fine by me, I've already have reservations. Though I'm sure you've been there before, how is it like?"

"DO NOT MOCK ME MORTAL!"A violent flick of her wrist sends lighting striking where he stood. Putting up another shield, John kept it at bay. He could feel her unparalleled rage through each strike. It was stronger than last time. He would know. Thinking quickly he sends a counter spell, deflecting it back at her. Zapping her violently like a insect. Her painful screams screeched in the winds.

Shattering glass and shaking the earth."Whoa!"Gar stared shocked and frighten. Seeing the whole thing, watching the crazed woman fall out from the sky to the ground."..."

"My ears!"Blue Beetle covers them in pain. Everyone nearly does, if not for Raven's quick thinking. Expanding her shield silencing it."Thanks." he tells her.

She pays him no mind, her focus on who laid before her. Whom she was trying to bring back, fix. With her hands on either side of their head. Their empty, soulless eyes stared back. It was a haunting sight. Their pulse was low, if not faint. Breathing too. John and Robin might have been able to bring them back, but they stayed in there for so long. Submerged in all that vile, they barely clung to the living world. Looking from the tip of their bare feet all the way to the head, corruption was still tainting them. They where still absorbing everything. Raven knew their body was deteriorating. All that was decayed and dark on them was gone. They where beginning to fade. Nothing anyone was saying broke through, brought them. Brought back her sister, brought back you.

This was what Raven wanted to prevent, she wanted too so badly. To save her sister, save you from the clutches of Trigon, from her mother. Did she not teach you enough? Was her power not strong enough? Could she bring back what was spawned, birth and raised in dark, to light? Her sister was nothing meant for tool on either side, no care or love given to her by either. Tainted blood ran through her sister, thicker than her own. Her soul too. It begin to make sense why, why you couldn't really follow her teachings of her birth home. Evil was too deeply rooted in you. There was no light, many would see it as such. Raven, refused to believe that. She and the others managed to get you back before. They'd be able to do it again.

With Nightwing and Robin sitting close by, on either side. Anxious and fearful of what was happening. Feeling hopeless unable to do nothing. Blue Beetle whispering a prayer in Spanish for her sister. Nightwing squeezes your cold hand desperately. No reaction of response. It just laid there. Robin saw his anguish and pain. His frustration and rage, behind Nightwing's mask. It strong. So very strong. It allowed Robin to understand Nightwing more. But what stood out the most, was the fear Nightwing had. The fear of lost, of being alone. No, the fear of the bond between himself and Violet being taken away from him. The only piece he had left of his old life, was slipping through his fingers. What brought a smile to his face. Recalling the pictures he'd seen of the two through the manor and looking them.

There was so much love beaming from them. There was no one picture where Nightwing/Dick wasn't hugging or holding Violet close to him. Protectively. Pride and joy in his eyes, with a happy smile. She meant that much to him. And smile she had on too. Mirrored his. Together it manifested into love. Manifested into the perfect family. It amazed Robin, thinking about it. Though Violet wasn't blood related to Dick, his love and adoring for her was amazing. He just saw her as family and nothing more. Watching Nightwing keep pressing two fingers to you throat, searching for a pulse. Which was slowly fading. She was going to be gone soon, a fact that enraged Robin.

This was his fault, all of it was. It was himself and no else. All that he said to her, led down to this road. Why did he have to be so...looking at you laying there slipping away. He shuts his eyes, seeing nothing at first, until a faint a glow emitted. It took form and he saw you standing there, not looking at him. No. Your back was to him. He reaches out for his hand to go straight through and you vanish. Opening his eyes, back to reality. What was that? He didn't know. What he did know was something inside him begin to fade. Fading that it hurt. Just like when Slade stabbed you through the heart, right before. Watching your lifeless body thrown over the side, that same feeling. That burning feeling, it was made him jump off the side without a second thought. It was the same feeling when he allowed his mother to take you away, when Talon beat you up. When you left to join the Titans. The only time that feeling went away, every time he knew your presence was awake and nearby. Always feeling relieved and calm. Always right there by his side. Where he could easily take hold of your hand and never it let go.

Never let go.

Never.

There was never going to be that. Tightly gripping the hilt of his katana and stands."Robin? What are you doing?"Blue notices. The hero didn't respond, he just lunges at the shield and slashes it with embedded rage. He didn't make any mark, yet still kept at it."DAMIAN!?"Blue yells, yanking him back to nearly to be cut in the processes. Stepping back looking at completely, he understood Robin's action. It was written all over his face. Determination and anger mixed together. Released in each strike. Over and over again."Raven..."

Though she understand their feelings. She refused."No."She said.

Shocking and surprising both her teammates."Why?!"Robin demands."Her mother is killing her! I have to end this!"

Raven shoots him a ice stare, silencing him."I..said...no. This is more important right here. Violet."With that she ends the discussion and focus her energy back."By the monks of Azarath, great Azar hear my call, hear my pleads. Invoke the one blinded by darkness and gripped by death to-"

Back with John, he stands over Belladonna triumphantly, and summons through his own blood."The Binds of Issac. Ya remember it don't ya love? Let's not forget the Dagger either?"He makes it appear as well."Found these lovely little trinkets along the way. Took me some time, but I did."

"Thee speaketh to me with such vile and sin. thee art the one who speaketh with cruelty."She spits back."At which hour twas thee who wished to spill the blood of an innocent."

"Like you're so Holy yourself."John lashes back."You're the one who is cruel."

She mocks him laughing."Me? Cruel? This world is nothing but vile and a waste. Mine union wast out of love. Love for mine kin-"

"That's right, you speaking about love. Ya sure you've never been a comedian?"He smirks which drops."Enough talking."He levitates the chains."Time for you to go. You've caused enough suffering."Just as he was about to snap his fingers, she flashes him coy smile and he realized it was all ruse. He turns around where Raven kept her shield up."Bloody..HEY! MOVE!"He yells, warning her. Racing back, stepping right on Belladonna, who turns into dust.

It was a ruse, he should have figured it out. There was no way she would allow a capture that easy. She was playing him this whole time, getting him away from the others. Pressing his ear, to the communicator in it, alerts Batman, but it was too late. By the time he relayed the message, a powerful blast of lighting strikes the shield. The shockwave blasted and demolished everything around. He managed to put up a shield of his own just in time. Chunks of debris and rubble, shattered and broken glass flung through the air.

His shield managed to hold, he tries to contact Batman, but only static responded. Unable to see from all the settling dust and debris, forced him to wait. Keeping his guard up, knowing she was a sneaky one. All his senses where, eyes shooting all around. For any sign of movement. The whistling wind was what he heard, still, he didn't want any surprises. Ready to attack, ready with a an ace up his sleeve. Gripping tightly to the binds, he just needed to get this on her and everything would end.

Turning his back just for a second, something gets thrown roughly against it. He was sure he heard bones crack or break. Quickly he turns back around surprised at what laid in slight pain on the ground.

Belladonna. Her wing looked twisted, which she quickly managed to heal and stands using his shield as support. Looking closely, John saw she was surprised which twisted into prideful glee. Unfolding her wings caused the dust to disburse, and he sees charging right at her with no mercy in their eyes.

You.

He was surprised to even see you up at all. Belladonna moves out the way, dodging your flamed punch that stopped thanks to John's shield. This allowed him to get a closer look at you. And it wasn't you. You converted to your demonic form. With dark fire coated around your hands, ankles and tail. Along with fire horns and wings, with Trigon's marks all over your body. He saw nothing in your empty eyes, no reaction. Nothing. This transformation, this fallen form. He could feel everything vile surrounding you.

"No..."he whispers, just as you smacked back by Belladonna. Brought him back. Putting down his shield, the others reach him."WHAT THE HELL HAPPENED?!"He demands. Before anyone of them could answer John already frustrated had means to end it."Never mind. I'll just end this myself."He grips the dagger. And recites an incantation. Causing the binds and dagger to glow."There, that should do it."And rushes off, Nightwing pulls him back.

"What are you doing?"He looks at the dagger knowing well, what John was going to do. And steps in his way."You can't."

"Get out my way pretty boy, otherwise I'll use some imps to mess it up."John threatens him. Staring him down."I don't got time your prissy whimpering. I said at the start, I've got to finish this. What was meant to be done years ago. And I intend to."Feeling metal pressed upon his throat finding Robin pressing it and Blue's cannon starting up from behind.

Each of them standing off, Nightwing snatches the dagger away from John. When Belladonna gets thrown in their direction again. All of them blown back from the force. Shocked seeing her with crippled wings. She struggles to get up, they see part of her core missing. Blood coming, she does her best to begin healing. When something lighting fast comes and pins her down.

A agonizing scream comes from the woman, the sound of someone ripping flesh off, along with burning flesh filled the air."Gross..."Blue gags and nearly throws up from what was tossed his way.

Charred wings. Not just any wings, angel wings, with a good chunk of burned flesh on them. Belladonna screams again, followed by a maniacal chuckle."Cometh mine issue, finish. Finish!"

You stand over the woman with your claws raised high, bring them down mercilessly on her."NO!"John hollers, along with another. Shoving Nightwing away, taking the dagger back. Throws the binds and plunges the dagger.

Your body went into shock, what was once a void. Became visible, it felt warm. And liquid. It trickled through your fingers, droplets fell down onto the ground. You stood there hollow, bring up your hands. Seeing nothing but red and peace. Confused you smile for a second before it all ends. Like a sack of potatoes, you fall.

It was all over. All of it. No more. You could finally be free.


"New reports are still coming after that strange global phenomenon nearing a month now. Emergency assistance are arriving to assist with the damages. Even the Justice League is leading a hand. The Wayne Foundation has sent out a great donation helpings those get back on their feet. We may never know where that Hellish nightmare came from, but we are grateful to survive. Thank Go-"

Jamie turns off the T.V. having enough of cruel words. Though of course he knew they didn't know the words they used related to his teammate. It was true, it was a blessing they survived. Everyone really. The horrors where now over and things could return back to normal. That is as normal as it can get for heroes. Everyone was home, but it felt so empty. Tossing the remote.

Enough for today. He stands up in the common room, looking around finding only himself. DDR hadn't been played in so long. It began to collect dust. Tension and anticipation was easily felt. No matter what he did or anyone did to try an distract themselves from constant waiting, their minds didn't wavier far. Sitting here anxiously waiting. For any news. He was still lost and shocked at what he saw. Right before he eyes, he saw innocence become corrupted, then again, weren't they always...

That was her, her real form. Her parents truly sculpted darkness out of ebony. No empathy. No care. No..nothing. Everything was empty. They were nothing but an empty shell of pure sin. Anger the most. Followed closely by fear. Pride either. Getting off the coach, he walks to the window. It was a nice day. Perfect weather. Waves nice too. Yet, he couldn't enjoy it. No one could. Silence was the way everyone spoke now.

Useless. He was useless now. What could he do? What could any of them do? Even Raven, she was strong. But could she really...it might have worked before. But that was with the mind, this now, was the soul included. She suffered too. Accidentally bring forth that monstrous thing. That he couldn't call his teammate. No matter what he thought.

Lamenting on the passed events only upset and frustrated him. Looking at his reflection, reflecting old and happy memories. Their arrival to the Tower, he showed them around and helped them to get comfortable. He watched them improve over and over again. Coming into their own. At times they would stand by him right now looking at the water. Now, he wondered if that would ever happen again.

Sensing someone else's presence, surprised to find there...Damian. He'd expect the young man to be up there, but he wasn't. The two just look at each other, Jamie could only imagine what he was thinking and feeling. But, Damian kept his emotions at bay. So it was hard to read. Still, Jamie knew he needed some sort of reassurance, about to give it to him, when they receive a page and rush out.

It didn't take them long to reach the area. Gar was there already, Starfire, and Dick. On the other side of the door, Raven, John and Cyborg. Waiting and patience now was becoming an annoyance. The seconds that passed, felt like years. Eventually the doors open, before Jamie knocked it down. And everyone hurries in, just as John was cleaning up. Putting the dagger away. Just as the others surround the bed. He could hear them each holding their breaths, already knowing how this was going to play out and not one for emotional scenes, announces he's going for a smoke and leaves. Just as he hears gasps of joy and relief.


Outside the Tower, John blows out a puff, then takes in a deep smoke."You know those things can kill you."He hears someone tell him.

"So I've been told."John responds not caring. Taking another puff."But what doesn't kill ya makes you stronger. Right? Bats?"Looking to Batman."I am to assume you received the message?"

"Yes. Nightwing told me."Batman looks up at the Tower."...You know...You're going to have explain-"

"I know. I know."John cuts him off."Trust me...I know. You should go up."

"Tell me John, were you really going to do it?"John didn't answer, he just takes another puff.

"...When all that emotional crap is gone. Send me a signal and I'll be up there. In the meantime, I'm going for more smokes."He throws his cigarette down and walks off.


After a few hours, John comes back to the Tower and goes straight up to the room. Exiting the elevator, the hallway seem longer than before. He knew because he was dreading on doing this, but what choice did he have. No one really. Suddenly he was having second thoughts, it wasn't like him. He could easily turn around and go back down, no one would know. A thought that completely scrapped from his mind quickly. There was coning his way out of this. Pushing his hands down in his pocket he finds himself already at the doors which open automatically. All eyes on him, they didn't matter only one pair.

Looking at them, he saw them as an infant. Hard to believe all this time passed. Keeping his composer makes is way over. Those eyes watch him and wait. They were ready for anything and everything he had to say. But he wasn't. Wishing the others would leave, but knew they wouldn't, because they wanted to hear. Even if they knew, they really where here for support.

The atmosphere felt so tense a stiff, he had to make light of it."Mind if I sit?"He asked.

He got permission and sits lightly on the bed. Being careful. Sighing, running his fingers through his hair. His mind trying to formulate how to say this.. So he takes out the dagger and sets on the bed."I'll be honest, what I'm going to tell ya. It won't be roses and daises."You understand and let him continue."Alright then, you where born on the coldest and darkest day of the year. I took you from your mother, knowing what you where. You're mother and I were...we had history. I lost you when she sent her agents after me. I left you in the park to hide you from them, but when I cam back. You were gone. I did find you eventually. Having been taken in by a family. The best way to hide you from your mother, I put the seal of Gleipnir on you. One to hide you away from your mother and the other should that side of you arise it locks down. I didn't bother to finish what I started, because I knew eventually Belladonna would find you. So I set out to retrieve what would be necessary for her and...you. The binds Issac and Dagger of Abraham. Anyway enough about that, let's get to the important part..."