AN: I'm back after two weeks I think? To my defense, I survived one of the worst exams of my life. And this chapter is really long with a lot happening. We get movement on Jason's end and on Nightwing's end. Also, I put a character in the first scene whom I love and needed to bring back at least for a bit.
Warning for: Discussion of Conductor-incident in the scene from Wally's POV. Yes, we are getting Wally's PoV. Are you excited yet? :D
Ruby Warrior Girl 730: Artemis is going to get an interesting storyline. You'll see in this chapter that I'm reshuffling the events of Invasion quite a bit.
I'm actually using Garfield's comic-origins. It fits more with the themes I'm going for. I'm planning his character to be a bit of a mix between the comic and the YJ-version. You'll see. :D
WillowBlueBird: Haha. Slade will immer aus allem seinen Vorteil schlagen. Dieses Kapitel ist nicht anders. Er kann mehrere Ziele mit einem Plan erreichen. :D
Ich mag deine Interpretation! Nightwing ist Joey ziemlich ähnlich hier. Und Slade hat Nightwing den entscheidenden Tipp gegeben, wie er Cobb besiegen kann. Die beiden haben also ein interessantes Verständnis von einander. Das werden sie auch immer haben, egal wie viel sie sich kabbeln.
13. Killer-Instinct
Jason sat in a street café in Mumbai. He had put on a pair of dark shades to avoid the piercingly bright sun. People were brimming over the street, busy with their lives. They felt distant somehow. As if the shades were keeping everyone far away from him. He had felt separate from everyone lately. His mission was all-consuming.
Jason wondered if Bruce had felt this way before he had met them. Being Batman couldn't have been much different.
Jason took a sip from his coffee, impatiently looking at the watch of his throwaway phone. His liaison for the League of Shadows was late. Jason hadn't expected anything else. You couldn't rush a cat. They took their time.
Jason opened his phone, searching through social media. Anything he could find about Nightwing and Red Hood. He gained morbid entertainment in reading articles that painted them out to be public enemy's number one. To be portrayed as the kind of person who ate puppies for breakfast. Jason didn't mind those articles. They could only help him in the rep he needed to build to make it on the cape-scene.
Something pierced Jason between his shoulder blades. He looked up to come face-to-face with Jade Nguyen. She wore casual clothes and a baseball cap. Jason knew better than to underestimate her though. The Sai that was piercing his back was a stinging reminder of how dangerous this woman was.
"You need to always be alert, or you are dead", Jade pulled back the Sai and sat down on the chair across from him.
She indicated towards the waiter. He approached her and Jade ordered in fluent Hindi.
The waiter nodded and left. Jason frowned at Jade's exhibition of skill.
"You get around in my line of work", Jade seemed to notice his surprise.
Jason nodded: "How is Lian?"
"Lian is not your problem", Jade said, "And I'm not here for chitchat. Just for business."
"I'm surprised that you even agreed to meet me."
Jade's face stayed blank: "I recognize a debt when I'm in it. And I don't like being in anyone's debt."
Jason bit his lip. Contacting Jade had been a long shot. They had barely interacted before. But apparently Jade remembered that Jason had been responsible for blackmailing the President and for getting her out under Amanda Waller's thumb.
"Without you, I wouldn't be able to go home to my daughter now every day. So, this is my way of thanking you. Don't let it get to your head."
Jason smirked. He could see the resemblance to Artemis. No one could deliver a deadpan-line like those two sisters.
"I wouldn't dare", Jason allowed some amusement to creep into his voice.
Jade took a piece of paper out of her pocket and handed it to Jason. Jason was about to open it but Jade stopped him.
"Not in public", Jade said, "All the instructions you need are on there. Tell the people you meet on the way that Cheshire sent you. I'm out but my name still has enough weight. Once you are on the island, you are on your own. No name but your own can save you."
Jason nodded and quickly put the paper away.
The waiter arrived and put a steaming cup of tea down in front of Jade. She smiled and took a sip.
Jason was surprised that Jade was still here. They had finished their little one-sided exchange.
"This is the best Chai in Mumbai", Jade said, "Wouldn't miss that even if I have to endure your face while drinking it."
Jason took a sip of his own coffee.
"What you are planning to do is incredibly dangerous", Jade said.
"I know."
"You have no idea", Jade said, "Artemis and I got pulled into this world. We had no choice. We saw enough people who were foolish enough to attempt what you are doing and only a tiny percentage lasted."
"I'm not untrained."
Jade scoffed: "Nightwing used to be an assassin. And he has an impressive body count. Still, he doesn't have the killer instinct. Artemis didn't either. That's what makes me different from them. And you need to have it, too, if you want to have even a tiny chance of surviving."
"I have it", Jason thought of the warehouses full of bodies he had left in his wake, Zsaz's corpse, the Joker.
Jason didn't regret any of it. What else was a killer-instinct?
"If you have such a killer instinct, why do you regret Taipei then?", Jason asked.
Jade put down her teacup. Her gaze cut into him.
"The only thing I regret about Taipei is that I was my father's puppet then. Since then, no one has ever pulled my strings."
"Except Waller."
Jade's glare darkened: "You are very mouthy now that you have the information you want."
"I'm just curious", Jason said, "Nightwing never talked about these things. I guess I want some advice from someone who has the killer-instinct."
He assumed that flattering her wouldn't hurt.
Jade hummed: "My number one advice: Don't let anyone pull your strings. Ever. You'll regret it for the rest of your life."
Jason nodded, vowing to take her words to heart. Jade picked up her cup again.
"It's cute by the way that Nightwing assumes he can play villain", she looked at the leaves that floated in her tea.
Jason tensed: "Nightwing is working with Deathstroke. We parted ways."
Jade chuckled: "You better work on making that story sound convincing."
Jason insisted: "He is-"
Jade tilted her head in amusement: "Suuure. The guy who was horrified at scratching Killer Croc – accidentally - is out there, scheming against the Justice League."
Jason stayed quiet. There was no use denying it. Jade couldn't be convinced.
"You want to make a bet on how long Nightwing needs before he cracks and blows his cover over some random person he is supposed to off?"
Jason felt tense. He knew that Jade was right. Nightwing wouldn't let injustice happen in front of him. Even for his cover.
"He'll make it", Jason said, "Deathstroke is working with him."
"And this is supposed to be reassuring?"
If he thought about it, Deathstroke being there shouldn't be the comforting thought Jason had assumed.
Jade's smirked: "I get it. Siblings right? You always worry sick about them but you don't show it because that's what being a sibling is about."
Jason snickered: "I think that's just you. Nightwing is always fussing over me."
"Or maybe that's just Nightwing."
"Touché", Jason smiled.
He found himself enjoying this little meeting far more than he had expected.
Jade finished her tea: "Remember what I told you about the League. You have to be completely sure or you are dead. And if you believe that Nightwing prepared you in any way, you are wrong. He didn't. No hesitation. No morals - if you want to survive."
"I get it", Jason said.
Doubt shone in Jade's eyes. Jason felt indignation raise within him at her disbelief. He was sick of being doubted in his convictions.
"I warned you", Jade stood up, "Now, you aren't my problem anymore. Not that you ever were."
"One thing", Jason said.
Jade groaned in exaggerated annoyance.
"Do you have any idea who leaked Nightwing's past?"
"I have my suspicions but I haven't heard anything."
"Thanks", Jason said.
It had been a long shot anyway. Jade was out. Lian was her priority now.
"Greet Artemis from me", Jason said.
"I will", Jade righted her baseball cap, "And you better take care of that little shadow before you find Nanda Parbat. Seven o'clock. Don't look."
Jason looked at one of the windows on the opposite of his seven o'clock. He could see a reflection in there. Someone sitting on a nearby wall with a baseball cap. A girl. She pretended to be engrossed in her phone.
"I'm out", Jade gave him a quick pat on the shoulder, "Debt settled."
Jason nodded in agreement. Jade had given him an in and even informed him of his little stalker. They were more than settled now.
Jade vanished in the crowd. Jason lost sight of her. He paid the waiter for both beverages without any hurry. Then, he approached his shadow. Jason cleared his throat.
The girl looked up. Her eyes darted around. She seemed vaguely familiar. Jason frowned.
He shuffled his leather jacket to the side, showing her his gun without making it visible to the people around them: "You better tell me why you are following me before I have to use it."
The girl looked annoyed for a moment: "I'm insulted, Hood. I expected more recognition from you."
Jason took another long look at her. She was so familiar. Where had he seen her?
"Themis?", the name shot into Jason's brain.
It had only been a few weeks since he had met her but so much had happened during this time. This girl and her strange meta-powers had completely slipped his mind. Turning the pain anyone had ever inflicted on others back on that person? Such a strange power.
She smiled: "You do remember me."
"Cut the bullshit. Why are you following me?"
"We have the same objective, so it was convenient to follow you."
"How do you even know that I am Red Hood?", Jason hissed.
"I have my connections", she smiled.
It made suspicion flare up in Jason. This girl knew far more than she had any right to.
"You are here to learn how to enforce justice and I am, too. You were right. I need more training."
"With training, I didn't mean that you were supposed to follow me."
"Come on", Themis said, "You know how lonely this mission is. You would make it easier for both of us if you shared that intel Cheshire gave you."
"I understand your mission, Themis", Jason said, "But the Red Hood operates alone."
"Tell that to Nightwing", Themis' voice was dripping in annoyance.
Jason thought about all the dead people on his conscience. His allies who had trusted in Jason's ability to lead them. Mark who was permanently scarred now. Red Hood was bad luck to anyone around him. He was better off as a solo gig.
"Just let it lie, Themis", Jason said, "We aren't partners and you aren't coming with me. It's dangerous where I'm going."
Themis snorted: "Don't come at me with that tough-guy talk. You don't know what I'm capable of."
Jason sighed: "Just stop following me. I don't care what you get up to on your own time."
Jason levelled a final glare at her and left her behind.
Nightwing sat in the passenger seat of Slade's SUV while Slade was driving them towards Metropolis. The man seemed tense and more than a bit enraged. Mercy Graves had called Slade and ordered him to come to Lexcorp and bring the Talon while staying lowkey. Naturally, Deathstroke had put on his full equipment.
"You are petty, Slade", Nightwing said.
"I'm not going into that shark tank without my armor", Slade said.
"Maybe smart not antagonize Luthor. Show him we obey."
"Too late for that", Slade said, "I've been antagonizing Luthor for months. Would be suspicious if I stopped suddenly."
Nightwing sighed: "Great. And how Luthor suppose trust me if my handler antagonize him and Light?"
"You'll think of something, Bird. I'm not playing friends with Luthor. I have more dignity than that though we have already established that that concept is foreign to you."
Nightwing rolled his eyes.
Slade was glaring at any car that crossed him. Nightwing was glad for the tinted windows.
"You should worry more about getting our story straight", Slade said.
"I not talk much. You need get story straight."
Slade scoffed: "Don't know why I put in the effort of getting you when you're just going to stand there and look pretty."
Nightwing tilted his head at Slade's crankiness. He opted to stay quiet though. It struck him how much Slade must despise Luthor.
They reached Metropolis. Nightwing fidgeted with the collar of his suit. He had forgotten how much tighter the Talon-uniform felt. It was stifling in comparison to his Nightwing-suit and he had to get used to it.
Nightwing loved the gloves though. His fingertips had subconsciously been feeling empty since Cobb had ripped them out. Now, Nightwing had gloves that adapted so well to his hand that it almost felt like the claws were integrated into his body.
Slade parked in the garage. He opened the door not sparing Nightwing any glances. It was part of their act. Nightwing folded his arms behind his back, falling in behind Deathstroke.
Nightwing tensed at the idea of walking into the lion's den. If Luthor didn't trust Nightwing's cover, he would kill him. Nightwing wasn't foolish. He knew that Luthor would have a cold gun trained on him the moment Nightwing entered the premises.
They were inside. A security guards looked at them with visible apprehension. He put his hand on the cold gun at his hip. Of course, Luthor had given all his security guards cold guns. Nightwing hated it.
"I have an appointment with Luthor", Slade said.
"You were ordered to come incognito, Sir", the guard answered.
"Was I?", Slade grinned shark-like.
The guard paled: "Mr. Luthor is waiting for you. I will accompany you."
They walked towards the elevator. Nightwing noted every detail like he was trained. The position of the cameras. The exits. The glass of the windows. It didn't look claw-proof at least on this level.
A row of employees was waiting to enter the elevator. They all stepped aside when they arrived. No one wanted to be in an elevator with Deathstroke and a Talon. The guard used his employee card to access the highest level. Nightwing stayed in the back, hands behind his back. He ignored the rising tension in his chest at the sight of the gun and went through some of Batman's mind exercises.
Finally, the elevator opened and the doors gave way to reveal an almost bare hallway with tasteful modern art on the wall. Mercy Graves nodded at the guard and indicated them to follow.
"You were ordered to come incognito", she said.
Slade ignored her. Nightwing watched Mercy with interest. She was a robot at Luthor's back and call. Nightwing wondered if she had free will. She looked so lifelike. More lifelike than Nightwing himself did especially in the get-up he was wearing. There was something inherently dehumanizing about the Talon uniform, no matter if it was marked with the Court's gold or Deathstroke's orange.
Marcy knocked at an office door.
"Enter", Luthor's cold voice said.
They followed suit. Luthor was sitting behind his desk not bothering to get up. His face fell when he saw them.
"You were ordered to come incognito, Deathstroke", Luthor said.
"Was I?", Slade's voice dripped with smugness.
"Sit down", Luthor ordered.
Slade looked like he wanted to refuse just to spite Luthor, but he ultimately took a seat in front of Luthor's desk. Nightwing stood right behind Slade's chair. Talons weren't offered a seat.
Luthor was watching them. Analyzing them. His gaze rested on Nightwing. Mercy Graves was waiting by the door blocking the way. Luthor must have installed her with a cold gun in her arm. It was the smart thing to do – and Luthor was very smart. Nightwing could see it the methodic way Luthor's gaze was taking Nightwing apart. Categorizing any detail. One of the most brilliant minds on the planet and not shy about showing it.
Nightwing was foolish to believe that he could trick Luthor. He was a Talon, not a strategist, no matter what Bruce tried to train him as.
Slade had told him that the Conductor had revealed Nightwing's underlying nature. Nightwing had rejected him vehemently. But the idea that Nightwing couldn't shake these things in his nature. What if he was deluding himself? Who was he to be so arrogant? To believe that he could be anything more than someone who followed orders? An undercover operative? Yeah right. A Talon couldn't deceive.
But hadn't Nightwing deceived the Court for years at some point? Adapted to what they wanted so they wouldn't hurt him? Maybe he had already been undercover in his life.
Like he had told Slade, he had played a role for years. Time to use these old lessons and deceive a genius with unlimited resources like Luthor.
"I received an angry call by the Conductor telling me you stole his property", Luthor said.
"He was my property first", Slade said, "I don't take kindly to someone stealing my things. That wannabe should be happy that he still has a head."
Luthor sighed: "Always so dramatic, Deathstroke. Mercy?"
He nodded at the robot. She opened up her wriest to reveal a gun. It was blue and pointed directly at Nightwing. Nightwing fought the urge to move. No one had ordered him to move. He had to stay still.
Luthor frowned: "You didn't tell us that you had a mole in the League."
"I like to keep my cards to myself before I play them", Slade said.
Luthor's frown deepened in displeasure.
"You didn't tell me when I ordered you to dig up dirt on your little pet here and had you give it to our associate."
Nightwing froze for real this time. He hadn't expected Luthor to drop this bomb on him. Dig up dirt on him? Luthor and Deathstroke were behind the leak? They were the ones who had ruined the life Nightwing had built himself with so much hard work.
Anger rose within Nightwing but he forced himself to keep his features blank. Nightwing was dead if he showed any reaction now. Talons weren't allowed to be angry.
"I thought it was time to pull him", Deathstroke shrugged, "The League never trusted him completely. It was a loss of resources to not keep him at my side."
Luthor hummed, his frown still deep. Nightwing could see his brain working.
"So, how did it work?", Luthor asked, "How did you sneak an assassin into the Justice League?"
Slade smirked, as if he was proud to relay his scheme to Luthor: "I met him while I had a contract in Gotham. Little thing was hanging around with Red Hood at the time. Red Hood had the illusion that you could treat him like a normal person, but he was wrong. Talons need a firm hand - orders - and I gave him that. And then I had the idea of getting him into the League. Have him serve them some crybaby-backstory about wanting to get out and become a hero. I didn't expect Batman to eat the story up. The Bat developed quite the fatherly instincts for my little pet."
"And how can you be sure that your pet hasn't turned on you?"
Nightwing tensed. This was the dicey part.
Luthor continued: "Batman has a firm hand, too. Maybe it liked his more than yours."
Slade laughed: "Believe me, I have him under control."
"I'm not one to believe", Luthor said, "Mercy?"
The robot approached Nightwing, pointing her wriest at him.
Nightwing stayed unmoving keeping his face blank even as Mercy came dangerously close. He couldn't dodge now. Nightwing was dead if she shot.
"Get on your knees, Talon", Luthor ordered.
And Nightwing did, keeping his head down and his hands behind his back.
"Luthor", Slade's voice was a warning, "I invested a lot of time into him."
Luthor ignored him: "Who is your master, Talon?"
"Deathstroke my handler", Nightwing said with an empty voice.
Luthor said: "I want you to answer another question, Talon."
"Yes, master."
"What is Batman's identity?", Luthor asked.
Nightwing's mind raced, wondering if he could reveal Bruce's identity. Slade knew it already, so Nightwing doubted that Luthor didn't know. This was a test.
Slade glared at Nightwing: "Don't answer him, pet. You answer to me."
"Conflict orders", Nightwing muttered.
"Tell me Batman's secret identity", Luthor raised his voice in annoyance.
Nightwing suddenly had an idea how he could appeal to Luthor's ego. He had to play this smartly and he hoped Slade would pick up on it.
"Bruce Wayne", Nightwing said.
Luthor hummed in approval.
"I ordered you not to answer him", Slade's voice was harsh.
"Sorry, handler", Nightwing shuddered as if he was horrified at displeasing his handler, "Conflict orders."
Nightwing stressed the words slightly. Allowing a tiny sliver of liveliness to creep back into his voice. Hopefully enough for Slade to pick up on.
"In case of conflicting orders, you listen to me. I'm your master", Slade said.
Nightwing noted with satisfaction that Slade had picked up on what Nightwing was trying to do. It irked him though that he and Slade worked so well together when the man had destroyed Nightwing's life with that leak. Any illusions of this being a partnership were over. Slade had planned all this to get Nightwing under his thumb. Nightwing knew now with certainty.
For some reason, it hurt to know that Deathstroke had so little respect for him. Deathstroke was a terrible person who treated Nightwing like a nuisance 99% of the time. Still, Nightwing had assumed that the man had at least some respect for Nightwing's accomplishments.
Stupid.
Why did Nightwing even care what Deathstroke thought? Was he this screwed-up that he sought approval from any authority figure he met?
Nightwing tilted his head: "But Mr. Luthor highest status in Light? Mr. Luthor master."
Luthor laughed in satisfaction. Slade looked like he was fuming.
"I can tell you what happened here", Luthor sounded smug, "You are a Cobb-replacement for your little pet. A handler, a trainer. I'm the real master. I'm the Owl in its screwed-up perception of the world. And the Owl is always at the top."
Slade crossed his arms, playing the role of the annoyed mentor well. Nightwing felt smug at seeing Slade humiliated like this. The man deserved it after he had betrayed Nightwing in such a violent way.
"How can I serve you, Master?", Nightwing asked, appealing even more to Luthor's ego.
Luthor seemed to like it by the way he nodded at Mercy. The robot withdrew and turned her arm back to the disguised version.
Luthor leaned forward in interest, taking Nightwing in greedily: "You may prove to be useful after all, Talon. Get to your feet."
Nightwing stood up, hands still behind his back.
"We're going to start easy", Luthor said, "I have a business meeting with Intergang on Monday. I want you and the Talon to give me backup, Deathstroke."
"Sure, Mr. Luthor", Slade sounded annoyed.
Nightwing stayed quiet.
"Accompany them out, Mercy", Luthor dismissed them.
Deathstroke stood up. He glared at Nightwing.
Nightwing saw the punch coming, but he didn't make any attempt to dodge. Talons didn't dodge. It hit his face full force.
Nightwing was floored by how strong Deathstroke was. Far stronger than Nightwing. Maybe even stronger than Cobb.
The punch ripped Nightwing to the floor and a crack followed by piercing pain told Nightwing that his jaw hadn't withstood this force.
"Don't ever disobey me again", Deathstroke hissed.
Nightwing's jaw reset itself with a crack.
"I'm sorry, Handler", Nightwing's voice stayed empty.
"You better be", Deathstroke walked out of the room.
Nightwing stood up, putting his hands behind his back again.
"Deathstroke is such a drama queen", Luthor scoffed.
Nightwing looked at Luthor, tilting his head in interest.
"You did good. My orders have priority", Luthor said.
"Yes, Grandmaster", Nightwing said.
"From Master to Grandmaster?", Luthor seemed satisfied, "The Court did a remarkable job with your conditioning. Their methods were archaic but effective."
"Yes, Grandmaster."
Luthor gestured him to leave: "Follow your handler – for now."
Nightwing left the room. Deathstroke was already in the elevator. Nightwing took his place behind him. He didn't attempt to make conversation with Slade on the way back to the safehouse – seething in silent anger.
Finally, they reached the safehouse and Nightwing could let his anger out. Deathstroke opened the door. Nightwing followed him. He dropped all pretenses the moment they were inside, glaring at Slade.
"Well", Deathstroke went to his walk-in closet and methodically took off his weapons, "That went as well as it could have gone. Luthor is giving you a chance to impress him. Better make it good, kid."
"You just ignore what happen?", Nightwing crossed his arms leaning against the doorframe and glaring at Slade.
Slade sighed: "Joke on me for trying to be optimistic here."
"You dig up my past and leak it", Nightwing barely kept his voice under control.
He wanted to scream into Slade's face. Rarely, had he felt so angry.
"I didn't leak it. I went into the remains of the Gotham Court and other old Court-hideouts to dig up that intel. Then, I gave it to Luthor who gave it to our associate who gave it to that hostage taker. And that guy was the one to leak your past because you had to be a little, sacrificial lamb."
Nightwing's head spun a bit at this complicated chain of events. But he wouldn't allow it to dampen his anger.
"You not get turn this around on me", Nightwing said.
Slade took off his katana, putting it into the wardrobe: "I get that you are pissed, kid, but I did you a favor. I got you out from under the League's thumb. They were always going to doubt you."
"And then you make me come here. You manipulate me."
"I did", Slade shrugged, "And it worked. I got you right where I want you."
"Fuck you, Slade", Nightwing turned around, "I not do this."
He hurried towards the exit of the safehouse. Before he could leave, Slade grabbed his biceps and pulled him back. Nightwing gritted his teeth in rage. He didn't give Slade any warning before he swung around and slashed his claws down on Slade's hand. The mercenary grunted as the claws tore through his flesh and let go.
"Fuck", Slade cursed, "You know how nasty your claws are?"
Nightwing turned around. He was tired of this.
"Fine, kid", Slade's hand was dripping with blood, "I deserved that one. But what do you think you are doing?"
"Leave", Nightwing opened the door.
Slade scoffed: "And what are you going to do when someone like the Conductor shows up? There are people out there hunting for you."
"I hide", Nightwing said, "And if necessary, I fight."
"They'll get you eventually, kid."
"And stay here is better?"
"You want the Conductor to get you?"
Nightwing shuddered. Just the thought of the Conductor was frightening. It had been one of the most invasive things Nightwing had ever experienced. Having his mind twisted, his body powerless and turned against him. The Conductor could make him do anything and he would make Nightwing enjoy it.
"Think about it. I know you don't care about yourself. But what about all those Talons the Light is trafficking? Donna Troy? You want to turn your back on them just because you are a little bit angry at me?"
"A little bit?"
"I know you, kid. You won't leave them and your best chance at freeing them is staying with me."
Nightwing gritted his teeth. His claws curled towards his palms, but the gloves were too thick to be easily pierced.
"Fine", Nightwing said, "You manipulate me again. You win. But we do this right. I need make Luthor trust me completely."
Nightwing knew that he needed to kill someone eventually for Luthor to trust him. To show that he hadn't been declawed. Nightwing wouldn't kill though so he needed to get in front of it. Stage something on his own terms. Something impressive enough to deceive even Luthor.
Slade grinned. He looked so smug that Nightwing wanted to punch him.
Nightwing forced himself to stay professional: "Which secret identities Luthor know? He know Batman. Know everyone else, too?"
"I know which identities the Light knows. Batman, Superman, the Lanterns-"
"He know Flash secret identity?"
Slade stayed quiet.
"You know Flash secret identity?"
Slade gritted his teeth: "I don't."
"What about Kid Flash?"
Slade scoffed: "Why should I care about Kid Flash's secret identity?"
Nightwing bit his lip, thinking: "Perfect."
It was risky and still vague. But it might work out.
"You got a plan, kid?"
"Not sure. I need know what Kid Flash think", Nightwing said.
"Kid Flash?", Slade sounded unimpressed, "The annoying speedster? I didn't even know he could think before talking."
"Yes, Slade", Nightwing rolled his eyes, "One of the greatest heroes I know. We need his help."
Slade scoffed: "There really is something wrong in your head if you think Kid Flash is one of the greatest heroes you know. Didn't he date Sportsmaster's daughter, too?"
Nightwing tilted his head.
"Villains gossip", Slade shrugged, "The consensus was that Artemis could do better, by the way. Nice of you to pick up her scraps. You can do better though."
Nightwing looked at Slade incredulously. The audacity of this man. He was infuriating. And didn't he pride himself on being professional? Or was that just talk? Luthor had been right in calling Slade a drama queen.
"Nope.I not talk with you about this", Nightwing turned around, deciding to go to Slade's walk-in closet and get one of the many burner phones to salvage his sanity, "And if you talk bad about Flash one more time, I claw off your face. Don't act like we partners. We stop be partners the moment Luthor reveal that you leak my past."
"It's old news, kid. You almost cut off my hand in retribution. We're even. Get with the times", Slade sounded annoyed.
Nightwing ignored him. He entered the walk-in closet (it was a walk-in closet no matter what Deathstroke said) and ripped open the drawer where the burner phones were. Nightwing angrily rummaged through them and gripped a random one.
He would never get over this. Today had taught him a valuable lesson: Deathstroke could never be trusted.
Jason took a deep breath to calm himself down. He was on a small yacht on its way to the island of Nanda Parbat. Apparently, a trafficking operation disguised as a tourist cruise tour. Charming.
The note Jade had given him, had led him to a number of people. All had simply nodded when he had told them that Cheshire had sent him. The boat's captain was the last one in that convoluted list of people. This was it. Jason would encounter his destiny soon.
"We're close to Nanda Parbat", the captain said with a thick accent, "You're on your own once you're there."
They were approaching an island that was coated in fog. It was covered in a mountain full of jungle.
"Understood", Jason said, "Thank you for your help."
The man nodded and continued maneuvering. He stopped the boat at a rocky beach.
"You sure about this?", the man asked, "I've brought number of people here and most haven't returned."
"I'm completely sure", Jason gritted his teeth at being questioned again.
"Whatever", the man shrugged, "Good luck."
He was about to turn the boat around when the door to the cabin opened. Jason tensed, pulling a knife.
Someone stepped out. Themis. She must have continued to follow Jason and hidden in the cabin. How had she done this? Jason must have underestimated her again.
"We're there?", she asked.
"What the fuck are you doing here?"
"You're not the only one who wants to train with the League of Shadows", Themis turned to the boat driver, "Thanks for your help, man. Really appreciated."
The man frowned in confusion. He simply shrugged though and left.
"Let's get to that compound", Themis grinned in determination.
Jason crossed his arms. There wasn't anything he could do to keep her away. This girl was like a bloodhound who bit into what she wanted and didn't let go. Jason wondered though if this bloodhound was dangerous.
Wally almost dropped his phone when he got a message from an unknown number telling him to come in costume to an address near Metropolis.
'I have plan. I explain.'
Wally frowned. It must have something to do with Nightwing's undercover mission. He hadn't expected Nightwing to involve him. Wally had retired for a reason. Metropolis wasn't far for a speedster though and Wally hadn't seen his boyfriend in weeks.
So, Wally went to his dorm room and ensured that his roommate was out. Classes hadn't started properly yet, but Wally was taking some summer classes to refresh his memories after a long break from school. Wally put on his costume and hurried to that address.
It was a small, unremarkable house with a porch in the middle of nowhere. Wally stopped on the doormat and knocked. He heard hurried steps. Nightwing ripped open the door. Before Wally could take the sight of his boyfriend in, Nightwing had flung himself at him.
"I miss you", Nightwing kissed Wally's cheek.
"I missed you, too", Wally felt a bit baffled.
It was strange to hold Nightwing close again after they hadn't seen each other for weeks. A time where Wally hadn't heard anything from Nightwing and Wally had been worried if Nightwing was still alive or not. But he was here. Alive and well and looking at Wally with longing golden eyes, which Wally was a total sucker for.
"You have a new outfit?", Wally looked down at Nightwing, noting the Talon-uniform with the orange highlights – and the clawed gloves.
A lot must have happened in those weeks.
"It for my cover", Nightwing's face stayed carefully blank, "I go by Talon again now."
Wally's stomach twisted at the thought. It wasn't the first time that he asked himself whether Nightwing was putting too much on his plate.
"Are you sure this is a good idea? Going by Talon again? Playing the villain?"
"You not hear my plan yet", Nightwing smiled.
It was a tense smile attempting to distract Wally.
"Come on", Nightwing said.
"Is Deathstroke here?"
"He wait."
"Delightful", Wally muttered.
The house was far more modern on the inside than the outside suggested. It was a sterile fortress with bullet-proof windows and electronic locks.
Nightwing led Wally to a small living room. Deathstroke was sitting in an armchair in full uniform. Wally couldn't see any weapons, but he doubted that Deathstroke didn't have any.
"Kid Flash", Deathstroke didn't bother getting up.
He looked like calmness personified – as if he controlled the whole room. He probably did.
Wally didn't have any illusions. He noted though that there were still faint gauge marks on Deathstroke's hand. They matched with the dried blood that clung to Nightwing's new claws. Wally frowned. He wondered what Nightwing's and Deathstroke's partnership was like.
Naturally, Wally didn't trust Deathstroke one bit. He had seen what the mercenary had done to people over the years. A whole slew of extortions, assassinations and torture. Deathstroke did anything for money, no hard lines.
Still, Nightwing had this weird respect for Deathstroke. In that Court freezer, the mercenary had signed Nightwing the final advice on how to defeat Cobb. And Nightwing had used it and won. The idea was still surreal to Wally. Maybe there were things about Nightwing he could never understand. Deathstroke understood them. Jason did. Artemis did. Wally didn't.
"Deathstroke", Wally simply answered, too impatient for a pissing contest.
Wally sat down on the couch, Nightwing next to him. The speedster ignored the mercenary for now.
"You have a plan?"
Nightwing nodded and told him.
"You want me to fake my death?", Wally sounded incredulous.
Nightwing bit his lip: "Only if you want. We find other plan if you not want."
Deathstroke visibly rolled his eye: "Is the other plan that we make it real? Otherwise, I'm not interested."
"Shut up, Slade", Nightwing glared at Deathstroke.
Yep. Wally had definitely missed something. He opted to ignore it for now.
"All of this is insane", Wally gestured, "You working with Deathstroke – infiltrating the Light. Faking my death. Do you know how devastated the League and the Team will be?"
"I know", Nightwing said, "I think about it. I think about everything."
Wally found himself lashing out, the last few weeks of tension and worry getting to him: "Well, you should have thought some more because this plan is stupid."
Nightwing froze, looking at Wally with wide eyes.
Deathstroke leaned forward: "Hold your horses, Flashboy. It's not a stupid plan just because it's too cold-blooded for you. It's quite brilliant actually. There's nothing that gets Luthor to trust Nightwing quicker than killing someone from his old team – especially if that someone was his supposed boyfriend."
"It's also a plan that includes all my family and friends mourning me", Wally glared at Deathstroke, "I get that you wouldn't care about that since no one would miss you – but I do."
"What are you implying, Flashboy?"
"I know about your three kids, Slade and how none of them want anything to do with you. And about your ex-wife. So, shut your mouth. You have nothing to talk about when it comes to loved ones."
"You are so dead, Flashboy", Deathstroke stood up and pulled a knife from somewhere, "You c-list hero don't get to mention my kids."
Nightwing jumped up, glaring at Deathstroke: "You not touch Flash."
"He should have thought about that before he brought up my kids", Deathstroke said.
"I can do it again", Wally felt bold suddenly, maybe foolish, "And I don't know what kind of creepy fascination you have with my boyfriend but he's not gonna fill that empty spot in your house. He's not Joey."
"I never took him for Joey", Deathstroke's voice was low, dangerous, "I know he's something else."
Wally narrowed his eyes. Something else? What was that supposed to mean?
Deathstroke's hand shot out. Wally saw the knife flying. He was about to dodge to the side when Nightwing's hand intercepted the throw. Nightwing didn't flinch when the knife pierced his glove and ended up in his palm.
"Sit down", Nightwing gritted, "Both of you."
"You should stop shielding him, Bird. See if he can fend for himself."
Nightwing's other hand shot out, his claws lingering near Deathstroke's throat: "And you should stop threatening my boyfriend in front of me."
"Then, he should stop-"
"I beat you last time, Slade", Nightwing's voice was a warning.
"It was 50/50."
"50 is as good odd as any."
They glared each other down for another moment. Then, Slade sat down.
"Be glad that your boyfriend is here to protect you, Flashboy. Next time, you won't be that lucky", he hissed at Wally.
Wally scoffed and sat down: "Come at me, you bastard. I'll kick your ass."
Deathstroke scoffed: "Cute."
Nightwing sat down with a warning look between them. He pulled the knife out of his palm and put it into his boot.
"Plan", Nightwing said, "What about it?"
"It's insane", Wally softened his voice, "Just come with me. Fuck this undercover op."
Nightwing tilted his head: "I not can. I need save these Talons and Donna Troy."
"Why you? This is obviously triggering for you. Look what you are wearing. And hanging out with Deathstroke? I don't like this."
"I not, too", Nightwing said, "I know not trust Deathstroke. He dig up info about my past and give to Luthor for leak."
Wally glared at Deathstroke again. Of course, the Light had been behind the leak. This wasn't surprising at all. The confirmation was just sobering considering that Deathstroke was Nightwing's kind-of ally now.
"You do all this to get him into your fucked-up mission?", Wally raised his voice again, "You destroyed his life."
"I allowed him to finally go after his full potential."
Nightwing snorted: "Not pretend you do this for me, Slade. You need a partner for this, and you manipulate me, so you get one."
Deathstroke shrugged: "Maybe I reached multiple objectives with one move."
"Come on", Wally reached for Nightwing's hand.
It was coated in black blood.
"Let's leave all this", Wally looked at Nightwing intently, "Come with me."
Nightwing tilted his head, looking at Wally with longing, golden eyes again: "I not can. I need finish this. No one else care."
"That's not true. The League is investigating the Talon-trade."
"But it not as high priority for them as it should be."
"They're doing their best."
"They do their best when they tell us leave Qurac?"
Wally bit his lip. He hated it but Nightwing was right.
"They are hold back by laws - rules. I not. That why I need be here and do this. League not can do everything."
"And you can do everything?"
"I can do things heroes cannot. I have Luthor attention now. I can get him trust me."
"You are a hero."
Nightwing shook his head: "I a Talon. And I need protect other Talons."
Wally ran his hands through his hair: "I get it. I get why you need to do this. I just can't do this to my friends."
"I understand", Nightwing said, "I think of other things. Maybe Artemis do it."
Wally was about to interject. Tell Nightwing that it wasn't any better if Artemis faked her death. Probably even worse because Artemis would need to go into hiding completely. The Light knew her name. She couldn't just go to college in plain sight, protected by her secret identity.
"And you wouldn't do it for your boyfriend?", Deathstroke asked, his tone a clear challenge.
"Slade", Nightwing said, "Flash say no and we need accept. We find other way."
Deathstroke snorted: "How about you tell him what the Conductor did to you? Get his blood boiling a bit. That should make him more cooperative."
"No", Nightwing sounded definitive.
Clearly, he didn't want to talk about this topic. Wally couldn't let it go though.
"Who is this Conductor? Did he hurt you?"
Nightwing sighed: "It nothing."
"The Conductor is the Light's new priced lapdog. He has very weak mind control powers. So weak that most people don't even feel them", Deathstroke said.
Wally hated where this was going.
"Talons do though which makes the Conductor perfect to control the Talon-trade. And the Conductor dug his dirty hook into your boyfriend's mind and made him do what he wanted-"
Nightwing's claws dug into his palms. He looked visibly upset.
Deathstroke just ignored him: "You should have seen how your boyfriend hung off him. I think the Conductor was into it."
Nightwing made an angry noise. He opened his mouth but nothing came out.
'Stop', Nightwing signed, 'I not want you talk about this.'
Wally couldn't believe what he was hearing. How couldn't he have known about this?
Deathstroke continued without any sign of stopping: "The Conductor was about to take your boyfriend and sell him off to the highest bidder. Nightwing would have done everything that creep wanted. Nightwing was looking at him all heart eyed. You should be happy that I stepped in and got your boyfriend away from him. Or he would be lying in some cage now on his way to a rich buyer. Or maybe the Conductor would have kept him for-"
Nightwing cut Deathstroke off with a noise that sounded more desperate than angry.
"Is Deathstroke telling the truth?", Wally needed to know.
Nightwing jumped up. Glaring at both of them.
He signed: 'Just continue talking. What I say not important anyway."
Nightwing hurried to the exit. He slammed the door behind himself.
Wally felt torn. He needed to comfort Nightwing, make sure he was okay. But he also needed to know everything.
"You got him away from that creep?", Wally asked, "How did this even happen? I need to know everything and don't bullshit me, Deathstroke."
Deathstroke looked smug: "I knew this would get your blood boiling."
Deathstroke told him every detail from the beginning. And Wally caught his feet vibrating out of anger. Kid Flash didn't kill but he would completely lose it if he saw the Conductor now.
Deathstroke said: "Nightwing isn't safe as long as the Talon-trade is going on and the Conductor is out there."
"Nightwing can't resist him?"
"He can't. No Talon can. Their brains turn to mush around this guy. Nightwing can't even hide from him. The Conductor could sense the fractures in Nightwing's mind even through the disguise."
Wally closed his eyes. He hated to admit how much sense Deathstroke made.
"The League has barely any idea how far this trade goes. There are hunters who specialize in taking down a Talon. They are trained to spot them and exploit any weakness a Talon has. And young Talons have very strong weaknesses", Deathstroke said, "Do you get it? Nightwing is safest with me."
"You aren't doing this from the goodness of your heart, Deathstroke."
"I'm not. I never pretended to. Nightwing is right. I manipulated him to come to me. And my plan worked out beautifully. Still, I wouldn't have gone through all this hassle if I didn't need him."
"One hand washes another."
"Describe it how you want", Deathstroke said, "Your boyfriend is in a precarious situation, and you are making his life significantly easier if you go along with the plan. If Luthor has just an idea of suspicion, he will execute Nightwing on the spot. And you know Nightwing. He'd rather die than kill someone again."
Wally's thoughts were racing. Deathstroke was right. The damn mercenary was the reasonable one here. Wally didn't want to lie to the Team and the League, but it was a lesser evil than letting Nightwing walk into a mission with terrible odds where he was likely to get killed. Nightwing needed any help he could get. And Wally couldn't sit still if he was in the position to give it.
"Nightwing won't stop", Wally said.
"He's stubborn."
"Damn it", Wally sighed, "I can't believe I'm doing this."
"You came to your senses, Flashboy?"
Wally stood up. He zipped out of the house. Nightwing was sitting on the edge of the porch, his legs pulled to his chest. He looked at the neighboring fields with an empty gaze. Wally felt terrible suddenly for not going after him immediately.
"Hey", Wally said.
Nightwing ignored him.
"I get that you are angry."
No answer.
"I'm sorry", Wally said, "I guess I just needed to know."
'You worry I not loyal?'
"What?", Wally didn't understand.
'I want be closer to him when he in my head.'
"Because he was in your head", Wally had to keep his voice calm.
He didn't want to create the impression that he was angry at Nightwing. Nightwing wasn't at fault for what the Conductor had done to him. This wasn't about Wally being possessive. This was about Wally being worried.
"He made you do what he wanted. He controlled you. None of this is your fault. It's his for being a fucking psychopath."
'Then why you want to know so much?'
"Because I wanted to know if he hurt you", Wally said, "I was worried."
Nightwing hummed. Still staring at the field with glassy eyes.
"Can I hug you?", Wally asked.
Nightwing nodded. Wally wrapped his arms around him. He was relieved when Nightwing leaned into him.
'I cannot resist him. I have this hook in my head. The Court put it in and I not can get it out.'
"Deathstroke told me. What about Ms. Martian? Or Martian Manhunter? Can't they teach you some tricks?"
'I already have lessons with them. Apparently not help.'
Wally closed his eyes in defeat. It was all so unfair.
"I'm in on the plan. You're fake-killing me on Monday", Wally tried to lift Nightwing's spirits.
'Wally', Nightwing's gaze softened, 'The Team and League heartbroken. Especially Artemis. Will hurt her so much.'
"Yes. I hope she understands once we explain it to her."
'I hope.'
"It's the price we have to pay for the mission", Wally's voice felt heavy.
'But you want leave and I pull you back in. I feel bad. It was bad idea.'
"See it as a boyfriend-service."
'You do too much for me. I try be supportive boyfriend about you retire and go college but I screw up again. Now I pull you back into trouble. I think I trouble-magnet.'
"I found it very supportive when you jumped in front of Deathstroke and took a knife for me."
'I protect you.'
"See? And I protect you. That's how it works. We're a team."
'Team.'
"Yeah", Wally said, "At least, it doesn't get boring with you, trouble-magnet."
Nightwing elbowed Wally.
"Assaulting me? How unsupportive of you", Wally joked.
'I assault you next time we alone and Deathstroke not a room away.'
Wally grinned: "Can't wait for it."
They sat in silence for a while. Nightwing put his arm around Wally's shoulders. Wally put his head on Nightwing's shoulder soaking in the harmony before the inevitable disaster.
"I don't think you could lead the quiet life anyway", Wally said, "You are a hero through and through. And I don't care that you don't believe it because I do. Also, you are far too weird to just go to college like a normal guy."
Nightwing tilted his head: 'And who unsupportive now?'
"I never said it was bad. I like it", Wally stood up and held out his hand to Nightwing, "Come on. Let's plan my murder."
Nightwing scoffed: 'If I hero, then you less normal than you think.'
"Me? Normal? I'm extraordinary. You see how sexy I am? I dated all the hot assassin-babes on the Team."
'You unbelievable', Nightwing took Wally's hand and made him stumble forward.
"Hey", Wally protested.
Nightwing was already back in the house. He turned around with a cheeky grin, signing: 'Keep up, Flash.'
Wally would. He zipped next to Nightwing.
"It's Kid Flash by the way – in case you forgot."
'I not forget. I just refuse call my boyfriend Kid Flash.'
"Don't make it weird."
'I always make it weird.'
"Did you two kiss it out?", Deathstroke sounded disinterested when they finally entered the living room.
Wally didn't dignify the question with a response. He had learned today that Deathstroke was a petty, little shit whom no one should pay attention to.
"We have my murder to plan", Wally said.
"Finally, something fun", Deathstroke said.
AN: Did I promise too much? *rubs hands in glee* Jason is going to meet the League of Shadows next chapter and some characters I've been excited to introduce. And Themis is tagging along because Jason can't get rid of her. Also, I live for Jason and Jade bonding over their heroic siblings. I was so happy to bring Jade bit even for just a bit. I love her so much.
And Nightwing is up for (fake-)murder. Poor Artemis. She's not gonna take this well. :,(
Reshuffling the events of Young Justice Season 2 has been interesting.
Anyone else getting Dad-vibes from Deathstroke this chapter? Him being like: You can do better than that speedster, Nightwing. (In his petty way.)
Also, Deathstroke getting insulted for being a petty shit is my favorite new genre. I had Nightwing, Luthor and Wally insult him this chapter. He deserves it though.
Leaking our boy's past? Not cool. And who is this associate in the long line of people who were behind destroying Nightwing's reputation? You gotta commend Luthor for keeping his hands clean.