Invaded

Chapter Five: Beneath

Author's Note: Enjoy!

Star City

February 19

12:23 AM PDT

Nightwing exhaled sharply, standing from his crouching stance on the ledge of the building. I pinched the bridge of my nose, annoyed; we stood in silence, staring tiredly at each other.

"Do you think the information Red gave you is true?" Nightwing questioned, toying with the flash drive in his hands. Although it had been over a month since Red Arrow had delivered the information, Nightwing and I were just now delving into it.

I nodded, explaining, "Deathstroke personally delivered a message to me."

"Saying?" Nightwing probed.

"To mind my business," I said.

"How do we know Red wasn't fed false information? It wouldn't be the first time Deathstroke's messed with our heads," Nightwing said.

The downpour of rain had not only made a muddy mess of the ground, but impaired by seismic senses. I pushed my wet hair away from my face, squinting as I attempted to scan the thick and dark forest.

"I know you're here, Deathstroke!" I shouted. Deathstroke's sadistic cackle echoed loudly all around me; I turned, desperately searching for the source.

As lightning cackled above us, Deathstroke emerged, wielding his katana blades. He sprinted, moving almost inhumane with talent as he neared me. I extended my arm, aiming a large, uncontrolled energy orb at him.

"Ashley!"

My eyes widened as Deathstroke vanished into thin air. Wally appeared in front of me, gripping my shoulders. I whimpered, confused; Wally's grip tightened as he shook me hard.

"Ashley!" Wally shouted again, louder. Wally eyes were wide with worry.

"Deathstroke…" I whispered, "He… He was here…."

Wally slowly reached for my wrist, lowering my hand, explaining, "No, he wasn't. Our run in with Scarecrow…"

"N-No…" I whimpered, glancing around confused, "Deathstroke…"

"It's okay," Wally promised me, embracing me into a tight hug, "You're safe now."

"Why couldn't he just stay dead?" I grumbled with a sigh.

"What if he wasn't dead to begin with?" Nightwing theorized.

"Phe! 'Wing! The Starry Gala at the Sato residence is currently under attack! Get there now!" Black Canary shouted. Nightwing gripped the handle of his line launched, aiming at a nearby building.

"Any hostages?" Nightwing asked.

Sato Residence, Star City

February 19

12:49 AM PDT

Renegade spun her metal staff above her head as she circled the room, watching me.

"Your martial arts skills are impressive," Renegade complimented. It was obvious she was using a voice distorter to mask her actual voice.

"You fight like you've been trained by the League of Shadows," I noted, attempting to control my breathing.

Renegade hesitated, momentarily caught off guard before regaining her composure.

"Are the others trained by the Shadows too?" I persisted.

"What others?" Renegade questioned, gripping her staff tightly. Although Renegade was skilled in all physical aspects, she lacked the psychopathic qualities her mentor possessed. This was her weak spot and I intended on exploiting it.

"I know about your team," I revealed before asking, "Are they a part of the Shadows too?"

There was a brief moment of silence before Renegade sprinted towards me; she swung her staff with intensity yet lacked the elegance Deathstroke possessed.

I raised my fist, blocking the staff using my orbs. A massive shockwave erupted; I gasped as my body jerked back, slamming into the furthest wall like a ragdoll.

I groaned, rubbing my aching head before wiping the trickle of blood that oozed from my nose. Slowly, I rose to my feet, watching Renegade do the same.

Ignoring the ache in my body, I sprinted to Renegade. I ignited an orb around my right fist; swiftly, Renegade stabbed my orb with her staff.

A blinding flash of red engulfed us before a painful surge of energy ruptured through my body. I cried out as the orb ruptured and disintegrated my gloves and sleeves as I jerked back from the force of the second shockwave.

Renegade slammed into the wall behind her before collapsing unconscious.

I rolled on the glass shard covered floor, slowly coming to a stop. I wheezed, pressing the insignia on my chest to trigger my beacon signal as black spots clouded my vision.

Mount. Justice

February 20

08:23 AM EST

I inhaled sharply, fluttering my eyes open; the lights were purposely dimmed for my comfort. I grimaced at the smell of sterilized hospital equipment that filled the med-bay.

I groaned, slowly sitting upright to inspect my wounds: my left arm was coated in a light green ointment while my entire right arm was encased in white bandages.

The glass doors of the med-bay slid open as none other than Wally entered. A look of relief washed over him as he greeted me.

"I'm glad you're okay," Wally admitted, shoving his hands in his pants pocket.

"Not that I'm not glad to see you," I paused, swallowing hard to ease my dry throat, "but what are you doing here?"

"I'm still your emergency contact," Wally explained, visibly uncomfortable.

By the look on his face, I could tell we were entering uncharted territory. Since our breakup, Wally and I hadn't spoken. In fact, we've been purposely avoiding each other. It was easier to pretend we weren't in love with each other if we didn't interact with each other. Childish yet very effective.

"Right, sorry," I apologized, "I'll change it as soon as I'm discharged."

"There's no need to change it," Wally assured me, adding, "You're still my emergency contact, too."

I leaned back into my bed, wincing slightly.

"How's your arm?" Wally questioned, glancing at my bandaged appendage.

"Glad it's still connected to the rest of me," I chuckled lightheartedly.

"You should be glad. You were reckless," Wally scowled.

"How was I supposed to know this was going to happen?" I challenged him.

"Because there were two explosions," Wally answered, glaring at me; I remained silent, clenching my jaw.

"I can't—" Wally cut himself off with a sigh. He pinched the bridge of his nose as he gathered his thoughts.

"I can't keep doing this. Pretending like I don't love you or that I don't want to be with you," Wally whispered.

"Wally, I…" I trailed off, unsure.

"But I can't keep waiting for you," Wally continued, "I can't come second to the job. Not anymore."

"No one told you to wait for me," I muttered, glaring at the speedster.

Wally's angry expression softened as he processed my words. "You're right, Ash. No one told me to wait."

Wally leaned down, kissing my forehead. He lingered momentarily, almost as if rethinking his decision before pulling back.

"I'll always have your back— that was part of the deal. But I have to move on from this—from us. Please be safe, Ash," Wally said before exiting the med-bay altogether.

As much as I hated to admit it— Wally was right. I had been very reckless during my fight with Renegade. Deathstroke's reappearance shook me to my core enough to make me sloppy. It was unacceptable and overall dangerous.

Yet, as much as I tried to ignore it, seeing Wally really bothered me. I hadn't realized how much I actually missed his company until I had it… and lost it again.