AN: This chapter is HUGE. In word count (almost 12.000 words, strap in, folks) and in meaning. This is the biggest chapter I've ever written. There is so much plot and character progression happening here. I know I promised you Jason for this week, but I had to cut his part because it would have screwed up the pacing. It's better to focus on the big confrontation in this chapter (and its fallout). There will be a lot of Jason though next week. I love my boy and he's embarking on an exciting plot line.
Now, enjoy the ANGST.
Warnings for: Some self-harm, body horror and discussion/implication of sexual coercion. (Nothing graphic happens in the sexual domain but I thought I'd warn you.)
RubyWarriorGirl730: Momentum for Nightwing indeed! His plot is moving forward. Wally is gonna feel so terrible. Just like poor Artemis did on the show. The things he does for love.
About Artemis, you'll see this chapter… Prepare for pain, people. *hides*
Guest: Artemis certainly will go on her own journey… It may have some element of M'Gann's if you think about it – which is interesting. You'll see in this chapter!
14. Plans
Artemis zetaed to the Mountain in morning. She was eager to get some training in and shake off a night filled with terrible dreams. Artemis often had nightmares but they had intensified ever since Nightwing's disappearance. She kept making up horror scenarios in her head about what he was going through and mixing them with her own horrific past.
M'Gann had made careful attempts of reaching out to her but Artemis had blocked her off every time. Artemis couldn't talk about this with M'Gann. The Martian was a very close friend, but they didn't share this understanding that Artemis shared with Nightwing or the history she shared with Wally. The team dynamic was in tatters ever since half of it was gone.
Artemis beelined for the kitchen, aiming to get herself a water bottle for her workout, when she heard laughter. Conner and M'Gann were already up, apparently having a good time.
Artemis grappled with herself. She wasn't eager for company and she didn't want to drag Conner's and M'Gann's mood down through her sour state. But she needed that water bottle. Artemis' training was intense nowadays. She had already destroyed two sandbags this week and it was only Wednesday.
So, Artemis decided to enter. M'Gann was in the middle of flipping a pancake. Conner was watching her closely. The flip was perfect.
"I win", M'Gann winked at Conner.
"You can't use your powers", Conner protested, "You're such a cheater."
"I'm not cheating."
"You totally are."
"Am not."
Artemis creeped towards the cabinet, aiming to get that bottle silently with what Wally called her 'ninja-sense'. She suspected that Wally found it hot because he also complimented Nightwing on being a ninja. Wally was so predictable.
Artemis should feel insulted by her ex flaunting his new relationship so openly in front of her, but she didn't believe that Wally was flaunting – he was just so ridiculously happy. Coupled with Wally and Artemis having called it off amicably and Nightwing being such a genuine friend who had embraced Artemis with open arms, she couldn't be bitter. She would accept those two being corny with each other in front of her – her best friends.
Also, Artemis enjoyed the power she had to make Wally squirm when she and Nightwing teamed up against him. That would never get old.
Artemis' ninja powers must be failing her because M'Gann said: "Hey Artie. I didn't see you there."
Artemis turned to them. It was awkwardly quiet. The pan was on the stove, the pancake sizzling away.
"You have a good night?", bless M'Gann and her attempt to make small talk.
"Yeah", Artemis lied, grabbing that water bottle she was going through so much trouble for.
"Great", M'Gann said.
Awkward silence again. M'Gann and Conner looked at each other. Probably having a silent conversation. Artemis could see the pity and guilt in their eyes.
"You want a pancake?", Conner tried to be helpful, "We made far too many."
"Nah, I have to get my practice in. I don't want to get rusty in my marksmanship", Artemis said, "Maybe later."
"Marksmanship?", M'Gann asked, "Maybe Nightwing wants to-"
Conner looked at her – a warning.
M'Gann covered her mouth with her hands: "I'm so sorry."
"It's no big, M'Gann."
Artemis concealed the pang in her chest with a fake-smile. M'Gann had reminded her of all the early mornings where she had entered the training room to find Nightwing already there. Their sleepless Talon had often trained in the night for lack of anything else to do. He'd been Artemis' perfect training partner – especially in nights or early mornings where she wanted distraction from her own nightmares.
Artemis smelled a slight burn in the air: "You might want to take care of that pancake."
"Ah shit", M'Gann cursed as she lifted the pan into the air telekinetically.
Artemis took the opportunity to get out of there. She couldn't stand M'Gann's and Conner's pitying and guilty gazes. Artemis had never minded being around overly cute couples when there had still been other people in the team to hang out with. Now, it was just sad and awkward and made Artemis feel like a loser. She had never felt so isolated ever since she had joined the Team – not even during that awkward time when she and Wally had recently broken up.
Artemis entered the training room and took out a bow and arrow. She lined up a row of dummies with targets on their bodies – the non-lethal areas. Artemis had been trained with these dummies to become less lethal after joining the Team. And Nightwing had gone through the same.
Artemis put down the bow and arrow and approached the dummy. There were marks in its surface. Artemis traced them. Little holes in the form of Artemis' arrowheads and thinner ones in the form of Nightwing's Batarangs. Batman hadn't allowed him to train with knives – which Artemis had always found stupid. A Batarang could be just as lethal as a knife. But maybe it was about the feeling.
Nightwing and she had made a competition out of it. Seeing who could be more accurate in avoiding any lethal areas. Artemis had won most of the times, especially in the early months. It had been cleansing though. A joined deconditioning and a giant middle finger to those who had tried to turn them into weapons.
Artemis looked at the dummy: "They did something to you. No way this was all a lie."
Artemis tensed, the images from her dream coming up again. Nightwing being all alone. Getting tortured by Deathstroke. Deathstroke making him lose his mind to bring Nightwing's conditioning back up and turn him against the League. Deathstroke's face turned into Sportsmaster's face-
No.
"I'll get you out of there", Artemis promised the dummy.
And then she felt stupid because she was talking to a dummy. Artemis shook her head and put the bow and arrow away. Marksmanship-training wasn't happening today. So, she focused on letting out her anger on a sandbag again, imagining it to be stupid Deathstroke or stupid Sportsmaster.
Artemis' fist hit the sandbag and broke through the material. Sand seeped out.
"You know I'm paying for all of this?", Batman stood in the doorway.
Artemis swung around, still breathing heavily.
She frowned. Batman joking was still a strange occurrence, but he had become more open around her ever since they had survived the hell that was the Court together. Batman knew how close Artemis was to Nightwing. And the Dark Knight seemed to approve of their friendship.
Artemis didn't know how to answer. So, she opted not to. She still felt a slight irritation every time she saw Batman. He had turned on Nightwing far too quickly and had convinced most of the League that Nightwing had gone rogue. Artemis refused to believe it. Her friend was still out there. He either wasn't himself or he was feeling so hopeless that he felt like he didn't have a place anymore in the League.
"You need to save your energy", Batman said, "I have intel about a meeting tonight from an Intergang-operative I interrogated."
Artemis ignored him. She didn't have much energy for missions nowadays.
"It's a meeting between Intergang and Lex Luthor. Deathstroke is the guard dog tonight."
Artemis halted. Her thoughts racing.
"Deathstroke?", Artemis turned to Batman.
"Nightwing is likely to be there."
Artemis heart raced: "We need to get him away from them. See what they did to him."
Batman's jaw tensed: "I wish your hopes were realistic, Artemis."
Artemis scoffed: "Since when do you give up so quickly? He's your son."
"He never was. He did what Deathstroke ordered him to do which included getting close to me."
Artemis balled her fists, fighting against the urge to scream into Batman's face.
"We'll see tonight", Artemis said, "We'll get him and then we'll free him from whatever brainwashing they put into him."
Batman stayed quiet, his cape swooshing after him as he left the room. Artemis followed him to the mission room. She wiped the sweat off her forehead. There was a pleasant burn in her arms after having worked off her anger the entire morning. Too bad that the anger never went away.
Artemis halted when she saw the commotion in the mission room. The whole original Team was there – and Artemis meant the whole original Team. Kaldur greeted her with a stiff nod. His face wore this severe determination – what Artemis called his leader-mode. Artemis nodded back. Conner and M'Gann were whispering to each other.
Most unexpectedly, Wally was there. Or Artemis should have expected this. Wally would always come back when Nightwing needed him – even if that meant putting the tights back on. The speedster seemed nervous as he fiddled with the tips of his gloves.
Artemis beelined for him and pulled him into a hug. She hadn't seen him in weeks. She hadn't even been in contact with him after Nightwing's disappearance. Artemis felt bad for it, in hindsight, but her plate had been too full to comfort a heartbroken Wally.
Wally clung to her, his arms shaking. He seemed desperate.
"You came out of retirement?", Artemis asked.
"One last time - for him", Wally said, "I don't know what we are now. I'd like to think that he's still my boyfriend. I'm definitely still his. If he's in there, I have to save him. If there's just a small chance."
"He loves you, Wally", Artemis said, "What you have isn't fake."
"Thank you, Arty. I'm sure your friendship wasn't faked either. He adores you. Sometimes, he wouldn't shut up about how great you are."
Artemis chuckled: "He has a way of building up your ego."
"Why do you think I'm dating him?", Wally joked.
"Your ego doesn't need building-up."
For the first time in weeks, Artemis allowed herself to feel hope. Bantering with Wally felt right – normal. Like it had been before the Team had fallen apart and Nightwing vanished. They needed him to come back, make the banter complete. It was strange how easily Nightwing had slotted into Artemis' and Wally's year-long friendship. There was a Nightwing-shaped hole now between them.
The door opened. Artemis tensed when Wonder Woman entered.
Her face was grim as she turned to Batman: "You didn't start without me?"
"No", Batman's face stayed unmoving, "I knew you would want to be here for this, Wonder Woman."
Wonder Woman took the Lasso of Truth from her hip, pulling it taunt between her hands: "I wouldn't miss the opportunity to interrogate him."
Besides Artemis, Wally tensed. He fiddled with the tips of his gloves more intently now.
"Shouldn't we try talking to him first?", Wally said, "The Lasso is a pretty severe measure."
Wonder Woman's face softened when she looked at Wally: "I understand your need to protect your loved one, Kid Flash, but please understand that I have to protect my loved one as well. Donna is out there, and I need to know if Nightwing knows where she is."
Wally visibly swallowed: "I understand, Wonder Woman."
Diana's face turned back to her grim expression: "Let's create a battle plan for tonight."
Wally seemed tense for the whole meeting, anxiously glancing at Wonder Woman now and then.
Nightwing sat in the passenger seat next to Deathstroke. They were on their way to Lexcorp again. Nightwing had rarely been this tense. He pulled on the collar of his suit feeling a deep need to rip it open to be able to… what? Breathe better? It was ridiculous. Nightwing was being irrational.
"It's your plan, Bird. You better keep it together", Deathstroke said, as supportive as usual.
"I will", Nightwing said.
A Talon fulfilled a mission when it got it. This mission wasn't different just because Nightwing had planned it himself - which was unbelievable. Since when did Nightwing plan missions? Why had anyone trusted him to plan a mission? Nightwing didn't plan missions. He was given missions and if the mission failed, it was Nightwing's fault for not being good enough.
Master planned missions. They were infallible. Talons weren't.
"Relax, kid", Slade said, "You're not killing your boyfriend for real though this would make things significantly easier for us – just a suggestion."
Nightwing bit his lip, feeling some of the pressure in his chest release when he could taste black blood. Black Canary was right. He had a self-harm problem, and this was a bad moment to admit it because Nightwing had to keep it together because if he didn't keep it together and screwed this up, he would-
"I not can do this, Slade", it burst out of Nightwing.
Slade gave him a side glance. He looked like he wanted to make a sarcastic comment. But he just sighed and stopped the SUV on the side of the road. Nightwing blinked, feeling dumbstruck.
"And why do you feel like you can't do this?", Slade asked.
Slade's voice was strained, as if he forced himself to sound understanding when the sarcastic remark was already lying on the tip of his tongue waiting to spill out.
"It my plan", Nightwing muttered.
"Yes, it is. Is that a problem?"
Nightwing dug his claws into his palms. He needed more release. The pain in his lip wasn't enough anymore.
"It- it not in my nature. Plan things."
Slade scoffed: "Didn't you scream at me last week that the nature-argument is bullshit?"
"I do", Nightwing lowered his gaze.
He couldn't look at Slade. Normally, Nightwing would talk about this with Bruce or Jason. Artemis or Wally. But they weren't here to help Nightwing through this. Only Slade was.
"B- But maybe I wrong and they right. Maybe I not smart enough for plan things and screw things up for everyone."
Nightwing focused on his feet. He felt stupid for showing this much vulnerability in front of Slade. It was like giving Deathstroke a dagger to kill Nightwing with. Slade would use this to manipulate Nightwing down the line.
But Nightwing had been stupid enough to hand Deathstroke this dagger because his weak, screwed-up brain couldn't handle this situation and had decided to fall apart on him. So, Nightwing needed someone to build him up again. Too bad that the psychopathic mercenary was the only choice.
Slade said: "Look at me, Kid."
And Nightwing did, examining Slade's face for any sign of malice. He couldn't find any. Slade looked surprisingly sincere.
"I've met a lot of idiots over the decades. You are a foolish, little idealist who makes things harder for himself than they need to be, but you aren't an idiot. You know what you are doing. You wouldn't be alive today if you didn't."
Nightwing pulled his knees to his chest. The issue was though that Nightwing wasn't alive. He was a walking corpse. He had lost, the moment the Court had killed Dick Grayson.
"If we listen to the nature-people, then you aren't even a person."
Nightwing flinched. It always went to his core. Having his personhood questioned. Maybe Nightwing was a screwed-up mess with an overflowing closet of corpses, but he still had feelings and thoughts. He wasn't nothing. An object couldn't have the amount of trauma he carted around every day.
Nightwing muttered: "I am a person."
"See? They are wrong in the most basic groundwork. So, they are also wrong about you being unable to plan things."
Slade started the car again, as if he had decided that the discussion was over now.
"You really think so?", Nightwing asked.
"If I wanted a mindless weapon, I could have just bought me a gun. Instead, I went through the annoying process of leaking your past and planting the seeds in your mind to get you to come to me. Far more tedious than just going to Wallmart."
"I still hate you for that", Nightwing muttered.
Slade grinned: "Sure you do, Kid."
"I do", Nightwing insisted.
It felt futile. They both knew that Nightwing didn't hate Slade – even if it would be his right to do so after the leak. Somehow, the mercenary had a way of making Nightwing not hate him despite of being a complete bastard.
Nightwing looked at Slade. Trying to read the mercenary. But the mercenary was unreadable. Nightwing knew what Slade wanted from him by now, but he never knew what Slade thought of him.
Nightwing's burner phone buzzed. He looked at it and frowned.
A message by an anonymous number. Bruce. Nightwing tensed when he read it. He could already feel his plan getting far more complicated.
"What's going on?", Slade asked, his voice business-like again.
"It from Batman. Wonder Woman join mission, too. She angry and she want interrogate me."
"Your old Team, Batman and Wondy? It's going to be exciting."
"You not worry by this? We not can fight Wonder Woman."
Slade scoffed: "You mean you can't fight Wonder Woman because you are her target – not me. I can watch from the side-lines and enjoy the show. Getting destroyed by a Goddess should beat some of that attitude out of you."
Nightwing pulled his legs against his chest again. He was so screwed. So utterly screwed.
"Don't worry. I got Wondy covered", Slade said.
And what did that mean?
"Slade", Nightwing's voice was a warning.
"I won't kill her. Believe me I tried. Nothing can keep that Amazon down. You have to distract her."
"What you do?"
"You won't like it, Kid, so I won't tell you."
Nightwing tilted his head, his thoughts racing. His anxiety was spiraling again.
Oh God. Wonder Woman would be pissed at him after Nightwing had killed Wally. And the Lasso? That Lasso was magic. Nightwing would crack like an oyster under its influence. He couldn't withstand the Conductorwho was at the bottom of the power hierarchy. That Lasso was made by the Gods or something.
This wasn't good. This would most likely end in disaster. But Nightwing was the one who had planned this disaster-waiting-to-happen so now he needed to execute it. He was a Talon on a mission – and he wasn't allowed to fail.
Nightwing smashed the burner phone in his hand and threw it out of the car. He wouldn't make the beginner's mistake of keeping a phone on him.
"I can do this", Nightwing's voice was dripping with anxiety.
He was so stupidly in over his head. This wasn't funny.
Slade sounded amused: "You know how entertaining you are, Kid? That's why I like keeping you around."
Nice that at least one of them got enjoyment out of Nightwing's imminent mental breakdown.
They reached Lexcorp. Nightwing fell in behind Slade the moment they exited the SUV. The familiar role calmed him down. It was comforting to follow behind Slade and let him do the talking.
They had perfect timing. Luthor exited the elevator in front of them – wearing a shiny, expensive suit.
"Cutting it close, Deathstroke", Luthor's unimpressed gaze landed on Slade, "I was on my way down."
"I had to take care of business on the drive here", Slade's voice was dry.
Nightwing felt guilt at his breakdown having slowed them down. So stupid. He should be able to keep it together by now after a year of healing and therapy. But he was still a mess and he felt like he had been regressing in the past weeks – ever since the leak.
Luthor ignored Deathstroke, the atmosphere between both icy. He strolled towards the exit. Deathstroke followed him and Nightwing followed Deathstroke.
A limousine was waiting on the sunny Metropolis street. The chauffeur exited the car and opened the door to the backseat for Luthor. Luthor sat down on the backseat. Slade followed. Nightwing stood on the curb unsure what to do. He had never driven in a limousine. He didn't know where he was supposed to enter - if he was allowed to enter.
When in doubt, wait for an order.
"Sit down", Luthor said.
And Nightwing did. He forced his face to stay blank while he sat down next to Luthor. Slade was across from them, having taken the only seat against the direction of the driving. His thinly veiled protest at being close to Luthor. Slade was such a child sometimes.
"What is this meeting with Intergang about?", Slade asked.
"New technology that may be useful to acquire."
Not unexpected and very vague. Intergang smuggled the most dangerous tech they could get their hands on.
"Not much to go off on", Slade sounded annoyed.
"More than you need", Luthor said, "The nature of my transactions do not concern you, Deathstroke."
"I am still part of the Light", Slade dropped any pretences of courtesy.
"Still", Luthor's eyes shone with amusement.
"I have the gun, Luthor", Slade said, "You should show some more respect."
"Talon", Luthor said, "I assume it is already part of the Court programming, but you are to shield my body from any attack."
"Yes, Grandmaster", Nightwing said.
The order had been redundant indeed. It had long been programmed into Nightwing to sacrifice himself for his master's safety. What else was the healing factor for than being completely expendable?
"I wonder whom of you I should be more careful of", Luthor said, "The mercenary who's been wanting to slit my throat for months or the Talon who infiltrated the Justice League but is supposedly on my side. Are you a good actor, Nightwing?"
Nightwing didn't react. He noted the use of his real name. Luthor was testing him, and he would keep testing him. Nightwing wouldn't crack though. He was used to the Court members taunting him. Many of them had enjoyed doing it. Nightwing hadn't cracked then. He wouldn't crack now.
"Unclear orders, Grandmaster. Apologize for fail understand", Nightwing tilted his head to indicate confusion.
Luthor hummed: "At least, you don't talk back. Already puts you higher in my books."
They reached the warehouse after a while. More high-end than Nightwing was used to. Or maybe every warehouse outside of Gotham was just more luxurious than the Gotham ones.
They exited the car and entered the warehouse. Intergang was already inside. Whisper A'Daire and four goons. A crate stood in front of them.
Nightwing was a bit underwhelmed at one meager crate apparently being the subject of this exchange. He stayed behind Luthor. Acting as if he had been ordered to protect an Owl. Protecting Luthor was the same so Nightwing allowed the familiarity to seep in.
Luthor exchanged a few cold pleasantries with Whisper. She kept looking at Nightwing. Nightwing's face stayed blank.
"So, the rumors are true?", Whisper asked, "The Bat's little partner was a plant."
"That's what I'm still testing", Luthor said, "I'm here for business though."
"You wanted to check the merch yourself Luthor?", Whisper asked.
"Delegation always results in a loss of competence. Something I cannot afford for my current project", Luthor said.
"Well, it's all there", Whisper said.
Luthor approached the crate and ordered Nightwing to open it. Nightwing hefted it open with his claws, revealing a pile of tiny computer chips. There was something attached to them that Nightwing could only describe as mechanic spider-legs. Nightwing stepped back, with a lowered head. Talons stayed invisible when they were not needed.
Luthor picked a chip out of the box and inspected it. He took out a magnifying glass and took his time in examining every inch.
"It bites itself into the neck", Whisper said.
"I can see that", Luthor put down the magnifying glass, "Everything in order."
"50 million then", Whisper said.
"I don't think so", Luthor said.
"A deal is-"
"-a deal. You should have rembered that A'Daire. You agreed on an exclusive contract with the Light and still sold to our competitors. I'm taking the goods without payment as compensation. You should be thankful that I am this merciful and that our business relationship can continue."
"Forget it, Luthor", Whisper glared at him.
She pulled a gun. Nightwing moved. He flipped in front of Luthor and threw a knife at Whisper's hand. Whisper screamed as the knife entered her hand. The gun clattered to the ground.
Nightwing vaguely noted pain in his chest. Whisper's bullet must have hit him. He had taken a bullet for Luthor. Something he had never expected to do.
Nightwing went into a fighting stance, glaring at the goons. They seemed nervous suddenly at seeing their leader going down. Their eyes were glued to Nightwing's chest where the bullet was cluttering out.
Nightwing decided to go full Talon and snarl at them. He hadn't done that in a while, having lost his more animalistic tendencies during his time with the League. It had the desired effect thought of making the Intergang-crew shake in fear.
Deathstroke pulled his gun.
"Stand back, Deathstroke", Luthor said, "I want the Talon to kill A'Daire. Let's see how loyal it really is."
Nightwing's chest felt tight. He couldn't hesitate. It had to look real. That was exactly why Nightwing had set this whole situation up. The heroes were here. They would step in before Nightwing killed A'Daire for real. He just had to make it look convincing in the meantime.
"Lex Luthor has sentenced you to die, Whisper A'Daire", Nightwing pulled another knife.
His mind felt alert suddenly. As if a part of Nightwing that had laid dormant, woke up again. Nightwing had spent the last year suppressing it to seem normal – like someone who could be a hero. But maybe this part of him could help him now. Nightwing just had to keep a tight control on it.
A'Daire stood up. She looked at Nightwing with wide eyes. She pulled the knife out of her hand. Her arms were shaky, and blood was dripping down her hand.
A'Daire's face screamed desperation. The final stand of someone who knew that they would die. Was Nightwing's reputation this extreme? Nightwing hadn't realized. Those leaked videos had done a great job of pulling Nightwing's reputation into the dirt and making everyone scared of him – even super-criminals.
A'Daire lunged at him with the knife. Nightwing evaded with a cartwheel, holding out his arm to make her trip. Whisper lost her footing. Nightwing's leg shot out, hitting her collarbone with his foot. He could hear the bone crumbling as A'Daire screamed in pain and collapsed to the floor.
Nightwing walked towards her. He grabbed her by the hair to pull her head up and to be able to reach her throat. Come on heroes. Nightwing couldn't delay this. Talons were efficient. A hesitant Talon was a compromised Talon. And compromised Talons got disgraced and beheaded.
Nightwing's knife neared her throat. He kept his hand steady. He focused on how familiar this movement was. A routine long unused. Come on heroes.
There. Nightwing could hear it. The faint whooshing of a cape. He tilted his head and threw the knife at M'Gann's camouflaged form. She screamed in surprise as she barely stopped the blade telekinetically.
"You fools", Luthor screamed at the Intergang-people, "You let this meeting leak to the heroes?"
Nightwing felt bad for this, but he needed to play dirty against his team to seem convincing.
And M'Gann was the first person to take out. Nightwing was powerless against her telepathy, and she would discover his ruse immediately if she entered his mind.
So, he took an explosive disc from his belt and threw it at M'Gann. She avoided the disc narrowly, but the heat of the flames made her drop to the floor in exhaustion.
"Get Luthor out of here, Talon", Deathstroke stepped in front of them, "I'll take care of the junior Justice League."
Nightwing pulled two knives and shielded Luthor as they made their way towards the exit. The exit was close. They would be out soon-
A boom shook the warehouse floor. Wonder Woman had landed in front of them. Luthor shrunk back, expecting Nightwing to shield him. From Wonder Woman. Yeah right. If Wonder Woman wanted Luthor, Nightwing would be an annoying little obstacle in the way.
"Keep her away from me, Talon", Luthor ordered, his voice petulant.
"Yes, Grandmaster", Nightwing kept his voice neutral – hiding the anxiety that was coursing through his body.
Wonder Woman didn't kill, right? She would just slap him around? Nightwing could do that. He had withstood a lot of pain in his life. That pain had never been inflicted by a Goddess though. Yeah. This would hurt.
"Where is my sister?", Wonder Woman took the lasso off her belt and swung it at Nightwing.
He narrowly evaded with a cartwheel. Oh shit. Nightwing hoped that Slade's mysterious plan worked. Otherwise, Nightwing was screwed. Well, more screwed than he was already.
Wonder Woman lunged at Nightwing. She was so strong that the concrete cracked under her feet. And she could fly.
Nightwing threw a knife at her. She deflected it easily with her bracelets. Wonder Woman kept coming at him and Nightwing found himself on the defensive. He got one punch in on her face, but it seemed to barely faze her.
Naturally. Nightwing's strength was enhanced but he was only slightly juiced up in that department. He was weaker than Deathstroke and definitely weaker than a woman who possessed the power of the Gods.
He had a tiny sliver of hope though because he had at least evaded her punches until now. It was over if she got a punch in.
Nightwing slashed at her and actually caused a shallow cut on her biceps. He frowned. Right. Wonder Woman had a villain called Cheetah. Maybe the claws weren't completely useless against her. Maybe enough to buy him some time for Slade to enact his plan.
So, Nightwing kept slashing at Wonder Woman while she lunged at him with powerful punches and kicks.
He got one cut in on her cheek. Another one on her shoulder. Something that Nightwing was already proud of. It was over though once Wonder Woman kicked Nightwing in the stomach with full force.
Nightwing could hear all of his ribs cracking at once as the kick threw him back into a pillar. His head collided with the concrete and he saw stars as he landed on the floor. Nightwing laid there for a moment, feeling like he got run over by a train.
Nightwing's chest jerked as his ribs struggled to reset themselves. He had never had all of them broken at once. It wasn't a sensation he wanted to experience again.
He tried to push himself up again. Grit his teeth through the pain but his torso just seemed to collapse under him in protest.
Wonder Woman landed in front of him, concrete smashing under her feet again. She grabbed his head by his hair to pull him up and wind her lasso around him. Nightwing knew it was over if she managed to do that. He needed to buy time.
He didn't know what was going on with Deathstroke, but he must have his hands full with fighting the whole team and Batman. There was certainly gunfire within the warehouse and the sound of a katana meeting resistance. No. Slade was occupied. Nightwing had to hold out by himself.
So, Nightwing internally prepared himself for the pain. His claw shot out and Nightwing cut out his own tongue, spitting it onto the floor. Also, a familiar sight. At least, he couldn't talk now.
Wonder Woman looked at him in shock. Nightwing couldn't stop there. He gauged his claws into his left shoulder and cut at his arm. It hurt like hell and made Nightwing's eyes tear up, but it would keep him from being able to sign. Nightwing full-on cried as he severed his own arm from his body.
Nightwing's severed arm dropped to the floor and Nightwing avoided looking at it. He had cut off parts of his body before. He had blinded himself, deafened himself. Cutting off his whole arm? That was pushing it even for him.
The pain was maddening. Nightwing's head felt clouded and black spots were dancing in front of his eyes. Dying would be really nice now. Nightwing could come back once his arm had grown back and Deathstroke had dealt with Wonder Woman.
The Amazon looked at the severed arm with visible disturbance. She shook her head, ripping herself out of her stupor. Wonder Woman slung the Lasso of Truth around him. Nightwing expected more pain but he didn't feel anything. The Lasso felt warm around his body.
"Where is my sister?", Wonder Woman glared down at him.
The pain burned suddenly once Wonder Woman had asked a question and Nightwing screamed with grotesque sounds as his mouth had no tongue to create the sounds.
"I not know. With Luthor", Nightwing sputtered out, but it was only gibberish.
Nothing for Wonder Woman to understand. Her face darkened. She looked deeply unhappy.
Blood ran down Nightwing's chin. His body was constantly jerking as it struggled to heal all the damage. The tongue would be the last thing to heal. His body would heal the most vital parts more quickly. The missing arm and the ribs first. It would take a few minutes.
Come on Slade. Hurry up.
"Did you betray us?", Wonder Woman asked.
The Lasso flared up again and Nightwing couldn't stand it. It felt like the Lasso was trying to burn all the corruption out of him. And there was so much in him to burn.
Nightwing fought against the urge to shake his head. Instead, he sputtered out: "I not do. I undercover in Light."
But there was nothing to understand again. The burning of the lasso subsided again.
Nightwing had answered truthfully. Wonder Woman just didn't understand what he was saying. He had tricked her – at least for a few minutes. His desperate, Talon-like instincts were saving him in this situation. Nightwing didn't know what to make of that. He had spent the last year desperately trying to rid himself of any signs that he was a Talon. Bruce had encouraged it, making Nightwing feel ashamed for his fingertips still feeling empty and for his inability to throw away his old Court knives. Foe the attachment that Nightwing still felt for Cobb.
Bruce had made Nightwing feel ashamed of himself. He probably hadn't intended to, but it still had been the effect. He had acted like Nightwing needed to lose any Talon-traits to learn how to be a hero. But maybe his Talon-traits weren't all bad. He had developed them to survive, and they were helping him survive even now.
Maybe Slade had been right and leaving the League wasn't all bad. They hadmade him feel this shame, even though Nightwing loved them. Slade never made Nightwing feel ashamed for his Talon-traits. No. He encouraged them. He had told Nightwing to be a predator, not prey. To stop holding back. He had gifted Nightwing his new claws.
But Slade also liked Nightwing to have a mind. Slade let him plan things. He let Nightwing talk back and bantered with him as if Nightwing was a real person to interact with. He trusted that Nightwing could do things. He didn't shield Nightwing as if he feared that Nightwing was too fragile to meet a challenge.
It was as if Slade wanted Nightwing to take the best of both – to make something that was uniquely his. The mercenary was a bastard, but Nightwing couldn't help but feel seen by Slade. Nightwing didn't like that thought. It wasn't very heroic, and it felt more than a little bit desperate. But Nightwing had never been a hero anyway.
It had to be the Lasso. The Lasso revealing the truth that Nightwing had long refused to see.
Wonder Woman's said: "Fine. We'll wait until you can communicate again. But you'll tell me the truth."
Nightwing knew he would. His arm was regrowing. It was almost at the elbow already. Only a question of time.
"Donna always wanted to be a hero. I never let her because I wanted to protect her", Wonder Woman said, "She must have tried to save the Talons that day, but she was captured while doing it. She was trying to protect people who are in the same situation as you. Why did you do this to her?"
"I not do this to her. I do this for find and protect her and all the Talons. I sorry that you miss your little sister. I miss my little brother, too."
Wonder Woman looked frustrated when she didn't understand anything. Nightwing understood how she must feel. He would be just like her if he suspected someone of having harmed Jason.
Wonder Woman looked at his severed arm: "I feel sorry for the child that was killed to make a monster like you."
And wow. Being called a monster by Wonder Woman herself. That hurt. Nightwing felt tears in his eyes from the injuries, the strain of the Lasso and the pressure of having to keep this deception up.
Slade, please.
"Hey, Wondie", Slade's voice was a godsend.
He lunged at Wonder Woman with a powerful kick. She had to dodge, making her let go off the lasso. Slade held up something. A detonator.
Wonder Woman froze.
"That's right. This is a far-distance detonator I planted at a bridge in Washington DC. Your city, right?"
Nightwing frowned. Deathstroke had to be bluffing, right? Deathstroke wouldn't do this behind Nightwing's back – hopefully. Nightwing forced his face blank again. As if it didn't bother him that Slade was possibly threatening hundreds of civilians. He couldn't blow his cover over this.
Please let this be a bluff. Please let this be a bluff. Please let this be a bluff. Nightwing wouldn't forgive himself if this wasn't a bluff. This would weigh on his conscience forever.
Especially because the Lasso had just revealed that Nightwing had this weird attachment to Slade. How could he ever hope to be a hero if he felt attachment towards someone who casually killed dozens of people? How could he ever be a hero if he worked with someone like that?
"Don't do this, Deathstroke", Wonder Woman's voice was a warning.
The other heroes also froze. They looked banged up from their fight. There was a deep cut of a katana over Kaldur's chest, and he was swaying slightly.
Deathstroke freed Nightwing from the Lasso. Nightwing's arm was regrowing at the wriest now.
"Too bad, Wondy. I already pushed", Deathstroke said, "At the moment, the poor people of Washington DC are suffering. You should be quick enough to save some of them."
Wonder Woman looked at Nightwing. Hesitating.
"One life – even if it is the life of your sister weighing more than that of hundreds of civilians? I'm shocked, Wondy."
Wonder Woman shook her head as if she was reorienting herself.
"You will pay for this", she looked at Nightwing and Deathstroke before she flew out of the warehouse as quickly as she could.
Off to what Nightwing desperately hoped had been a bluff. Nightwing stood up. The pain as his hand jerked in the middle of regrowing was still excruciating. But he kept his face blank and pulled out another knife. He looked at Deathstroke as if he was looking for direction.
"Where is Luthor?", Deathstroke asked.
Nightwing tilted his head towards the exit, his tongue still missing. Lex had been smart to get out. Of course, he had. Same as the Intergang-crew. They had taken the opportunity and run.
"We're leaving", Deathstroke looked at the heroes, "You better let us leave if you know what is good for you. I won't hesitate in setting him onto you."
Nightwing bent down and ripped his glove from his discarded arm. He put the glove into his suit, ready to put it back on once his hand had grown back. Nightwing wasn't about to leave his new claws behind. He loved them already and felt incomplete without them.
Artemis's gaze was glued to the stump that was Nightwing's regrowing limb. She seemed shocked by the sight.
Artemis couldn't take her eyes off Nightwing's regrowing limb. She couldn't imagine how painful it must have been. Nightwing had cut off his arm to what? Protect the Light's secrets? Artemis refused to believe that he had done this off his own volition.
Cutting off his own arm was a very extreme measure – a very Talon-like measure. Nightwing hadn't shown this disregard for his own body in months ever since the Team and Batman had taught him that he mattered. That his pain wasn't insignificant just because his body healed from almost anything. Seeing him regress like this hurt and Artemis couldn't stomach this. Nightwing was forced to do this in some way. It was the only explanation for the return of his Talon-like habits and the blankness on his face.
Artemis raised her bow, targeting at Deathstroke: "What did you do to him? How are you controlling him?"
"I'm not controlling him", Deathstroke said, "He just obeys like he is conditioned to. He needs it. That's what you heroes don't get. A Talon is a tool to be used. You can't teach them not to be a tool."
"Bullshit", Artemis spat at Deathstroke, "He's my friend and you'll pay for what you did to him."
Artemis lunged at Deathstroke, shooting arrows at him. Deathstroke dodged them with a flip. He rained a blow down on Artemis which she had to block with her bow. It snapped.
Artemis tensed. Not good.
Deathstroke screamed at Nightwing: "Fight them. And don't dare holding back."
Nightwing jumped into action, lunging at Conner. Artemis could barely pay attention to it, too focused on Deathstroke. She avoided another one of the mercenary's blows. They were powerful. Artemis knew her bone would snap if she was hit by only one of them.
Artemis used the broken end of her arrow like a stake and pushed it into Deathstroke's chest. It pierced his armor and made him grunt in pain. Artemis used the opportunity to rain down more blows on him. She was pissed, and Deathstroke would face her wrath.
Artemis pulled out a Sai – a gift from Jade – and attacked Deathstroke with it. But he seemed to have gotten his bearings back. A nasty fist hit Artemis in the face and made Artemis see red. Her nose must be broken.
Deathstroke lunged at her with his katana, ready to deal a killing blow. Artemis rolled to the side, the blade digging into the ground next to her right ear.
Batman jumped in, engaging Deathstroke while Artemis regained her bearings.
"You and Kid Flash focus on Nightwing", Batman said, "Superboy, Aquaman and I take Deathstroke."
Artemis glared at Deathstroke one last time and turned to Nightwing. Despite his hand still regrowing, he was attacking Conner with ferocity and calculation.
"Come on, man. Snap out of it", Conner narrowly dodged a claw-swipe, "You don't want to kill your friend, right?"
Conner didn't seem convinced. It looked like Nightwing wanted to kill Conner. Conner seemed to have noticed, too, as he tried to land hits on Nightwing. The assassin was too quick though. Flipping over Conner and using his shoulders as a springboard.
"CONNER. Watch out", Artemis screamed.
Conner was about to turn around when Nightwing stuck a knife into Conner's back. The clone screamed in pain. He lashed out, hitting Nightwing in the face. Nightwing was thrown back but managed to catch himself in a flip and land in a crouch.
Nightwing tilted his head when he noticed that his hand had finally regrown, taking the clawed glove out of his suit and putting it back on. Not good. Very bad.
"Are you ok, Conner?", Artemis asked.
"It's OK", Conner groaned, pulling the knife out of his back with a shaky hand.
"Batman wants you to help him with Deathstroke while Kid Flash and I take care of Nightwing."
Conner sighed in relief: "Be my guest. Anything but those claws. They are so annoying."
Artemis nodded in sympathy at the scratch marks on Conner's face and the tatters that remained of his shirt. He looked like he had fought a paper cutter.
The clone joined Batman, Aqualad and Deathstroke in their fight. Meanwhile, Artemis turned to Nightwing. He was still crouching in his position. She couldn't see his eyes behind the lenses of his mask, but his face was expressionless.
Where was Wally? Artemis had expected him to be all over this.
"Come on. Talk to me", Artemis said, "What is going on with you?"
Nightwing didn't talk. Instead, he cartwheeled at Artemis and threw a knife at her. Artemis dodged. Fine. Two could dance this dance. Artemis took an ice arrow out of her quiver. She didn't have her bow, but she could still stab him with it. Nightwing went on the defensive while Artemis desperately tried to immobilize him with an arrow. If they could just talk.
"We can solve this. I can help you. Just hold still."
Nightwing didn't. He crouched and swiped his claw at her lower legs. The cut burned and made Artemis trip. She was glad that it was shallow. Nightwing used the opportunity though to get to her quiver and take out all her ice arrows. He clawed at them and broke them into pieces. Artemis' most useful weapon was gone now.
She watched him. Nightwing was more Talon-like, moving like a silent predator. But he wasn't puppet-like as he had been during the fight in Bialya – the fight where the Court had brainwashed Nightwing for real and they had had to snap him out of it.
Nightwing was fighting too smartly to be brainwashed. These weren't just blind instincts.
It dawned on Artemis: "You aren't brainwashed. You are acting with a degree of intention."
Artemis' stomach clenched. She had hoped that Nightwing was brainwashed. It would have been the easiest in a number of terrible options.
"So, you left of your own volition", Artemis said, "Why? Are they blackmailing you? Did you feel like you didn't have a place anymore in the League?"
Nightwing's face didn't show any reaction. She had hoped that he would give her silent indication that he was under emotional duress. Artemis could help him if that was the case. But he gave her nothing. He was acting like the emotionless weapon everyone made him out to be.
"Come on", Artemis felt desperation creep into her voice, "Give me something. Anything so I can help you."
Nightwing lunged at her again. Artemis found herself on the defensive. She barely dodged a claw that would have cut off her arm. Artemis gripped one of her Sai and dove it into Nightwing's stomach - twisting it around. It barely slowed Nightwing down.
"Come on, Wally", Artemis muttered.
This wasn't working. There was no sign of her friend in there. Nightwing acted as if there had never been anything meaningful between them. These weren't the actions of a friend who had left the League out of desperation.
It made no sense for Nightwing to attack Artemis in this way even if he was disillusioned with the League. Artemis had always attempted to protect Nightwing from the League and Nightwing knew that. No. This behavior made no sense if Nightwing had ever considered her a friend.
So, maybe he never had. Maybe Batman was right and Nightwing had been a Deathstroke-plant from the start. But Artemis refused to believe that despite the evidence in front of her eyes.
She needed Wally. Maybe his boyfriend was the only one who could get Nightwing to see reason – if Nightwing had ever really been Wally's boyfriend. No. Artemis refused to believe that this all had been a lie. It couldn't be.
Nightwing tilted his head, as if he was listening. He flipped to the side to avoid Wally who had suddenly appeared there.
"What is the status?", Wally asked.
"I don't think he's brainwashed. He's acting with too much intention", Artemis said, "Where were you?"
"Hoped to catch him off-guard", Wally gritted out, "Didn't work."
Wally raised his hands: "Babe. There is no need to fight. Artemis and I only want to protect you. We want the best for you. We always do."
Nightwing snarled at Wally.
Wally didn't seem bothered: "You're still cute even like that."
Sometimes, Artemis wondered if Wally had a death-wish. Nightwing froze, watching. Still tense. Still dangerous.
"Come on, Sweetheart", Wally said, "Our anniversary is soon. One-and-a-half years of us officially dating. And I even remembered it. Artemis can tell you how bad I am at remembering dates. Don't you want to see what I planned for it?"
Nightwing lowered his hands. He tilted his head to the side. Artemis felt hope bloom in her chest. Maybe Wally's presence would do something.
Nightwing's voice was quiet: "One-and-a-half years not anniversary, Flash. You need wait two years."
"I can celebrate that my little ninja is in my life whenever I want to."
It was cheesy but it was so them. And it seemed to work. Nightwing's aggressive stance melted away.
"Good", Wally smiled, "You are doing so good. Just calm down. Artemis and I are here to help you. You know that we won't hurt you."
Nightwing's face stayed blank, but he put the knife away. Wally's smile widened. Artemis didn't dare move. Didn't dare break whatever magic Wally was working right now.
"Three things you can see", Wally asked, "Come on. Do it for me."
To Artemis's surprise, Nightwing answered with a quiet voice: "Crates. Team. Flash red hair."
"Good", Wally praised, "Three things you can hear."
"Your voice. Birds. Fight."
Maybe Artemis had been wrong in her assessment. Maybe Wally had seen signs that Nightwing was in the midst of a mental breakdown. Wally was certainly calming Nightwing down.
They continued the exercise until the end. Nightwing slung his arms around his body. He didn't look like a predator anymore. No. He just seemed lost.
"I love you", Wally said.
"I love you, too, Flash", Nightwing muttered, "I miss you very much."
"Can I hug you?"
Nightwing nodded slowly. Artemis found herself calming down with them. They had solved this. Their friend was back. Artemis and Wally had been right to fight for him. Just the idea of Nightwing betraying them was insane. The person Artemis had gotten to know would never do that. Not after everything they had gone through together.
Wally approached Nightwing and pulled him into a hug. Nightwing melted against Wally, hiding his face in the crook of Wally's neck. Artemis found herself smiling. Her intuition had been right. Those two were real. Nightwing had been genuine. They just needed to find out what had gotten him to this point and fix it.
Artemis looked at the other side of the room. Batman, Aqualad and Superboy were keeping Deathstroke busy. Wally had pulled Nightwing back from his mental breakdown. They could do this. They could solve this.
Nightwing looked up, his gaze meeting Artemis'. His face was still blank. Artemis tensed.
This wasn't right. Nightwing shouldn't look like this upon being reunited with Wally. He should look happy or sad – anything but emptiness.
Artemis screamed: "KID FLASH-"
It was too late. Nightwing's claw shot out and Wally stilled. Artemis froze. She only saw Wally's back, but Nightwing must have buried his claws in Wally's stomach. The speedster spasmed and stumbled back.
Artemis gasped when she saw the blood on Wally's stomach and his ripped costume. It was so much blood. Wally looked at Artemis in shock, his eyes turning glassy behind the goggles. Then he dropped to the floor in front of Nightwing's feet.
Nightwing tilted his head, at Wally's trembling form. He pulled out another knife and leaned forward.
"W- Why?", Wally sputtered out.
Nightwing's face stayed blank as if he didn't understand Wally's question.
"I th- thought you lo- loved me."
"Talons not love", Nightwing's voice was matter-of-fact, emotionless.
The warehouse was quiet now. The fighting had ceased. Everyone looked at the scene in complete shock. Artemis found herself frozen.
Wally's eyes dropped shut. Nightwing leaned forward and pulled off his glove. He put a hand over Wally's mouth as if he was feeling for breath.
"Kid Flash dead", Nightwing stood up and put his glove back on.
He turned to Deathstroke: "More orders, Handler?"
Deathstroke smirked: "You did good."
Nightwing nodded and put his hands behind his back. He fell in behind Deathstroke. Artemis couldn't believe what she was seeing. This couldn't be real. This was a nightmare.
Conner balled his fists and glared at Nightwing: "I'll kill you, you fucking traitor."
Nightwing tilted his head and pulled out another knife. His mannerisms had been endearing once. Now, they just made Artemis rage. She had never hated someone so much.
Nightwing's claws were dripping in Wally's blood. It made Artemis sick.
She had killed one person in her life – a murder she regretted until today. Nightwing's head could very well be the second – and Artemis wouldn't regret it. No. This traitor – this emotionless sociopath who had made them like him – didn't deserve any empathy anymore.
Maybe Dick Grayson had been a victim once. But Dick Grayson was long dead. Instead, there was this thing in front of them. A weapon that wore Dick Grayson's face. A weapon that needed to be destroyed.
Deathstroke turned to Batman: "Call back your pets or I'll have mine kill more of yours. You know that he'll do it."
Even Batman looked devastated. His jaw looked so tense that Artemis was worried that he would bite through all his teeth.
"Stand back, Superboy", Batman sounded defeated.
"But-", Conner growled.
"I won't have another murder on my conscience. Not because of my mistake."
Deathstroke cackled in delight: "What is up Daddy-Bats? Don't you want to save your son?"
Batman closed his eyes, taking a deep breath.
"I'm mourning who I believed to be my son", Batman looked at Nightwing's expressionless face, "I guess I'm mourning someone who never existed."
Artemis felt sick. She just felt sick and utterly tired suddenly. She wanted to go home and sleep for the next few years. Her friend – her ex-boyfriend whom she still loved so deeply – was dead. Her best friend had never existed. It wasn't fair.
"He is good at the vulnerable act", Deathstroke said, "Couldn't believe it myself when I saw it. Cobb must have trained him in spy work. Or it was still in him from being a performer once. In any way, It paid off for me. Best investment I ever made."
Deathstroke confirmed it. Nightwing had entered their team as a mole. All this vulnerability she had seen in him? All an act designed to make Artemis care for him. Was he even a person after all? Or was he just trained to simulate emotions to lure in his victims?
Stupid. Artemis had been so stupid. Wally's death was her fault. She had detected that Nightwing hadn't been brainwashed. Why hadn't she stopped Wally from getting close? Why had she been so stupidly hopeful? Wally had paid for his kindness – his love -with his life.
"Come on, pet", Deathstroke said, "Let the heroes lick their wounds."
Nightwing put the knife away: "Yes, Handler."
Deathstroke grinned. He dug his hand in the back of Nightwing's neck, pulling him with him. Nightwing didn't show any reaction. They left the warehouse.
Artemis hurried to Wally's side, dropping to her knees. There was so much blood. Artemis didn't want to see it. She felt for Wally's pulse. There wasn't anything. Wally was dead. Wally was dead. Wally was dead.
"Get her out of here, Aquaman", Batman said, "I'll take care of Kid Flash."
A warm hand ended up on Artemis' shoulder.
"Come on", Kaldur's voice was soft, comforting, "You shouldn't have to see him like this. None of us should. We'll remember him like he was when he was alive. One of the most caring people we knew."
Artemis allowed Kaldur to pull her up. She felt herself breaking apart completely, as tears streamed down her face. Kaldur put his arms around her and led her to the exit. His chest was shaking. Artemis looked up. Through her tears, she could see that Kaldur was crying, too. His careful leader-persona had slipped away. Their team had been torn apart tonight and they all knew it.
And Wally was dead. Murdered by whom Wally had thought was the love of his life.
Wally's death was Artemis' fault. She had always been the rational one in their friendship. She was supposed to keep Wally from his dangerous impulsive decisions. Tonight, Artemis had been impulsive herself though because she had hoped for her best friend.
She wouldn't make that mistake again. She wouldn't allow emotions to cloud her judgement again.
Artemis had worked years for her redemption. She had been proud of turning to the good side. But maybe it hadn't meant anything after all. Maybe it had been as much a lie as the Batarang-marks in those dummies.
The League hadn't trusted Nightwing for good reason. Maybe Artemis couldn't be trusted either – for good reason. Maybe her redemption had been conditional on a team holding her back. Now, that team had been torn apart from the inside by a traitor. What did redemption mean if Artemis couldn't be hero enough to protect her team?
Artemis certainly felt murderous rage now. She couldn't let Nightwing discard Wally – beautiful Wally – like trash and get away with it. This sociopath - who had taken Wally's love and strangled him with it – deserved punishment. Artemis hadn't protected Wally in life, but she would avenge him in death.
She would hunt Nightwing down and end him. This was between assassins now.
Nightwing allowed Slade to lead him out of the warehouse. He felt numb after this confrontation. The pained expressions of his team were burned into his inner eye. Their grieve. Nightwing had done this to them. He had hurt them in such a deep way.
But there was nothing he could do now. He was in now. He had done what he needed to fulfil his mission.
Wally had positioned himself intentionally with his back to Artemis so she couldn't see Wally's stomach. Nightwing had shallowly scratched open Wally's costume and the blood package under it. Wally's acting had been perfect as he had dropped to the floor. It had felt so realistic that Wally's betrayed gaze would stay with Nightwing for a while. Finally, Nightwing had pushed a pill into Wally's mouth when he had pretended to check Wally's breath. It had slowed down Wally's heartbeat.
Bruce would make sure of the aftermath. Getting Wally's corpse to the Watchtower and giving him the syringe that brought him back to normal. Bruce would also keep the other heroes from looking that closely. The funeral would be closed casket to avoid the gruesome sight of Wally's corpse. And finally, Wally would go back to Fawcett to continue his college life.
Wally's parents were the only ones who were in on it apart from Nightwing, Wally, Bruce and Slade. They would pretend to grieve. No one from the Team or League had any reason to go to Fawcett to check if Wally West was still alive and living it up at his university.
And the villains had no idea who Kid Flash was. Bruce had even been so thorough to create a fake secret identity for Kid Flash in case Luthor still asked Nightwing about Wally's identity. The plan was solid, and they had executed it perfectly. Why did Nightwing feel so horrible then?
"You look like your boyfriend just died", Slade said, as they creeped through the streets, "Oh wait, he just did."
"You so funny, Slade", Nightwing rolled his eyes.
"We're in public. You aren't allowed to talk back to me. And you better keep it together. We executed this perfectly and I won't let you screw it up with your little feelings."
Nightwing sighed, focusing on his mission again. He was eager to get back to the safehouse and lick his wounds.
Instead, a limousine drove up to them and the door opened. Nightwing went rigid, going back into his Talon-persona. He couldn't screw up now by showing any sign of his troubled emotional state. Deathstroke sat down inside the vehicle, Nightwing followed.
Luthor was in the backseat, no sign of any dishevelment on his impeccable suit. His attitude seemed different. More curious. He didn't take his eyes off Nightwing and Nightwing forced himself to stay completely motionless.
Luthor said: "I had cameras installed in the warehouse. I reviewed your performance, Talon."
Nightwing tensed. Had Luthor noticed anything amiss?
I'm very happy with your performance, Talon", Luthor smirked.
Nightwing needed a moment to answer, having expected the worst: "Thank you, Grandmaster."
"First time out and you kill one of the little heroes for me", Luthor sounded pleased, "Something Deathstroke hasn't achieved for us in years."
Slade made an annoyed sound at Luthor's comment. Luthor didn't pay him any mind, his eyes glued to Nightwing. Luthor's interest was creeping Nightwing out. He fought the urge to shuffle uncomfortably in his seat.
"And Kid Flash even", Luthor said.
"He was stupid enough to get close", Deathstroke snickered.
"Tell me Nightwing, what was the nature of your relationship with Kid Flash?", Luthor's eyes shone in curiosity.
"Deathstroke order me get close and I do."
"Flashboy was the easy target. That boy went after anything pretty that moved", Deathstroke threw in.
Nightwing ignored his instinct to defend Wally.
Luthor raised an eyebrow: "And you felt no emotional connection to him? Despite engaging in intimate activities with him?"
Nightwing forced his hands to stay open instead of having his claws dig into his palms. This was moving into territory Nightwing didn't want to talk about with Lex Luthor of all people.
"No. My loyalty is to Light – my masters. Deathstroke order me be with Kid Flash and I do. I use connection tonight for lure Kid Flash close and fulfil mission. Grandmaster not pleased?"
"Oh, I'm very pleased, Talon. Who knew that a Talon could work as a honeypot?", Luthor's eyes shone greedily.
It scared Nightwing.
Slade snickered: "They have no shame. They do everything you want from them. Kid didn't blink when I told him to whore himself out."
"Fascinating", Luthor's thoughts were racing, already building new plans with this information, "Court-conditioning is surprisingly effective. Too bad that all their specialists are dead."
Luthor turned to Deathstroke: "I must admit I am impressed Deathstroke. Despite our differences in the past, you brought me a useful tool here."
"I knew he would be to your liking. He was wasted with the heroes. He is more useful as our operative."
"Indeed", Luthor said, "It went impressive lengths to defy Wonder Woman's lasso. You don't spill secrets, do you, Talon?"
"No, Grandmaster."
"It may be useful for a project of mine. I want it available for me this Friday. I'll send you the address where I want you to bring it, Deathstroke."
"Bring it?", Deathstroke asked.
"Right. Your services won't be needed for this project, but you'll be generously compensated. Do you have a problem with that?"
"No", Slade looked like he wanted to smash Luthor's face in.
"Perfect", the limousine stopped at the curb of Lexcorp.
The chauffeur opened the door. Deathstroke exited first.
Luthor turned to Nightwing: "I'm ordering you as your Grandmaster not to mention any of our activities to your handler."
"Yes, Grandmaster."
Luthor exited the car, not sparing them any glance. Nightwing fell back in behind Deathstroke who was quietly seething.
They parted ways with Luthor without further ado. Nightwing and Slade reached the SUV quickly. Nightwing was glad to let some of his exhaustion show as he slumped against the tinted window.
Nightwing closed his eyes. He was so exhausted from all this. Luthor and Slade talking about Nightwing's relationship with Wally in this way had been the cherry on top. It had twisted something that was precious to Nightwing.
Wally had been the first person Nightwing had been intimate with. And Nightwing had been frightened of letting Wally get close and having Wally take too much. He had been used to people taking what they wanted. And the possibility of being hurt this way while being so intimate, had been terrifying.
But Wally had always been so sweet and caring. He had only taken what Nightwing wanted to give and he had given so much in return. That was the thing about Wally: Wally always asked. And Nightwing enjoyed being with Wally. Being so close with him and trusting him completely. Wally cared about making Nightwing feel good and Nightwing liked to make Wally feel good in return – without any of the usual pressure that Nightwing felt in almost every other part of his life. It had been liberating.
Luthor and Slade had talked about it as if it had just been another way Nightwing had been used. And the idea of being forced to- No.
"I not a honeypot, Slade", Nightwing pulled his legs to his chest, "I- I have boundaries. I not do this."
Slade looked at Nightwing in surprise.
"I not", Nightwing glared at Slade, "I do a lot for this mission. I do a lot for this mission today. But not do this."
Nightwing raised his body and crossed his arms, trying to look assertive. He probably looked ridiculous.
"You never tried to set boundaries before with me, Kid."
Nightwing bit his lip, feeling some relief at it getting split open: "Well, I do now. I not do this."
"Relax", Slade moved the car out of the parking spot, "I won't make you do this and if Luthor proposes it, I'll lead him into another direction. I just played along with him because it came up."
Nightwing frowned. He had expected Slade to expect Nightwing to do anything that didn't involve killing.
"I thought you say I not have any dignity", Nightwing said.
"Jesus, Kid. That doesn't mean I'll let Luthor treat you like a toy."
Nightwing tilted his head. Confused. He continued to chew on his lip.
"You promise?", Nightwing asked.
He knew that he wouldn't be able to say no if Luthor proposed something like this. He would blow his cover if he refused – if he just hesitated. And then he would be killed by the blue guns. Nightwing depended on Slade to act as a safeguard between Nightwing and Luthor.
"Yes. I promise that I won't allow Luthor to force you to do anything like this."
Nightwing felt a need to say thank you. But he bit his lip before it could slip out. He shouldn't have to thank anyone for having them respect his boundaries. Something Wally had taught him.
Slade didn't say anything else. Instead, he turned on the radio as they exited the garage.
Nightwing allowed himself to relax a bit. He was glad that Slade wasn't making a big thing out of this. Nightwing had showed Slade too many vulnerabilities today but strangely, the mercenary hadn't dug into them. Maybe those fruits were hanging too low even for Slade.
"You see what I'm dealing with every day?", Slade grumbled while he drove out of the garage, "Luthor is eager to kick me out. And negotiations with Shiva and Cain must be going bad because he seems to have his eyes set on you."
Nightwing jerked up: "Me? Replace you? But I-"
Nightwing didn't even know how to end this sentence. Enforcer of the Light? Wasn't this a… kind-of important position? Definitely not anything that Nightwing could do.
"You may not be aware of it, kid, but all those leaked videos have given you a hell of a reputation. People are scared of you, Bird."
"I not want them be scare of me."
"And you are exactly what Luthor has been looking for. An obedient, little puppet that won't stray, doesn't ask for anything but will do anything. They hoped to get that with Cobb. But he was a Talon with aspirations. Unlike you."
Nightwing got a headache from all these Light-politics. He rubbed his temples.
"Good know that I valued for my sparkling personality."
Slade snickered: "I value your sparkling personality. Though it annoys me 99% of the time."
Nightwing found himself smiling.
"You did good today. You get your one compliment per year."
"Slade", it just came back to Nightwing and he felt ashamed for having forgotten about it for so long, "You not blow up a bridge in Washington? It just bluff?"
"You think I have a bomb ready to go in Washington at all times?"
Nightwing tilted his head. This was a Batman-level of preparation – just in evil. He expected Slade to be prepared for anything.
Slade chuckled: "Never mind. I totally could have a bomb ready to go anytime. Wouldn't be out-of-character."
"Slade."
"Don't look at me like that, Bird. There was a time in my life when I would have blown up all the bridges. But I guess I've mellowed out a bit over the years. It's hard to enjoy life if it consists of nothing but an endless circle of violence. There was no bomb. I tricked Wondy."
Nightwing relaxed into his seat.
He found himself thinking. Mostly about what Wally had screamed at Slade the other day. About Slade's lack of loved ones.
"What you have outside of violence?", Nightwing asked.
"What are you implying?"
Nightwing bit his lip: "Your house so empty, Slade. There nothing there. And I not see you meet people you care about."
"It's a safehouse, Bird. It being impersonal makes it safe."
"All your houses safehouses, Slade?"
"It's none of your business."
"Maybe not", Nightwing shrugged, "But I curious. We work together for weeks now, and you not meet your kids once? Not you miss them?"
"My kids all hate me. I'm a terrible father."
Nightwing bit his lip.
"What, Bird? Are you not going to tell me that I'm wrong?"
Nightwing opened his mouth and closed it again.
Slade scoffed: "Kick a man while he's down. That's what I get for being nice to you for once."
"You do terrible things to me."
"I'm not your Dad", Slade said, "The Bat has the honor of having to parent you. I can kick you around as much as I want."
"No. You not my Dad", Nightwing agreed, "But you do terrible things to people around you all time."
"I'm the bad guy, Kid. Maybe your eyes should be pink because you have this habit of seeing life through rose-coloured glasses."
Nightwing shook his head: "You bad person but you kind sometimes in ways other people not. Lasso help me see."
"Kind? Me?", Slade scoffed, "I'm eager to hear that explanation."
Nightwing nodded: "You never take my signing away. And you never act like I mindless. You make me believe sometimes that… maybe I can make my own decisions. Not even Bruce made me feel that way. I love Bruce but he is a control-freak. He always keep me close for make sure that nothing happen to me. That he can protect me. You let me… do things by myself. But you-"
Nightwing thought about Slade's promise, muttering: "You protect me when I need it."
Nightwing looked at his feet. He sneaked a glance at Slade. He couldn't read the mercenary. The mercenary was unreadable.
Slade stayed quiet – no sarcastic comment this time. He stayed quiet for the rest of the drive.
AN: This was the biggest chapter I've ever written. Hope I didn't promise too much.
Poor Artemis, man. Nightwing continues to be screwed because now she is raging at him. A matter between assassins indeed… I find it interesting to explore the idea of Artemis regressing a bit in her redemption. I like to think of it being a constant struggle and not just a linear path. Her losing much of her support system certainly could do it to her.
And Nightwing just went for it this chapter. Our boy got destroyed by Wonder Woman (who wouldn't be?) but he still managed to trick her by having no regard for his personal comfort at all. :,(
He had an interesting revelation under the influence of the Lasso though. And he managed to make Slade speechless with it.
Wally and Nightwing, man. The way they staged this was so tragic. It was the classic 'Let's get him back with the power of love' turned horribly wrong. Someone give them an Oscar after that performance. :,(
Also, I'm so proud of Nightwing for setting clear boundaries. This has become a bit of a theme in this story. Nightwing speaking out about what he wants and setting his own goals instead of just trusting someone else to know what's good for him. It's always amazing to see how far he has come. I doubt he would have been able to do what he did this chapter even at the beginning of this story.
The bar is still very low, because we are talking about basic human decency and boundaries here, but we are so proud of you, Nightwing. *cries tears of pride*