A/N: I would like to thank you all for reading, and also for reviewing. You have no idea how much it means to me to get feedback on my stories. I was very surprised by how positive the reception for this story has been. I honestly didn't expect that many people to read it, much less actually like it, but it's by far my most popular story to date. I hope you enjoyed reading the story as much as I enjoyed the writing of it. Thank you kindly and please enjoy this short epilogue.

The Team was rightly shocked when the black-clad Nightwing came to Mount Justice, his movements hesitating and wary, as though unsure of his reception. He'd been gone so long that he appeared almost a stranger to them, but they at once welcomed him back into the fold.

Their number had grown slightly, and the latest members of the Team regarded what they viewed as a deserter with quiet disdain, for he was a stranger to them and they had no way of knowing what had befallen him to drive him out in the first place. It was not long before they got over their initial misgivings, for it was difficult not to like Nightwing, though he was quieter and had become even more reserved in his time away. He was devoted as ever to the mission, loyal to his teammates and far cleverer than the youngsters anticipated.

Nightwing divided his time between Blüdhaven and the Team most of the time. But now and then he would be struck by something, possibly nostalgia, which drove him to Gotham. And every once in a while he would seem to fade away altogether. At these times, he was visiting an old friend in a life very far removed from that which he enjoyed in Blüdhaven, Gotham or even in the presence of the Team. He was stoically devoted to all, yet belonged to none, his truest master was always the Mission. Whether this was for the best or not in the end, only history can say.

In Blüdhaven, he was yet known as Rick, though he no longer had any great reason to hide, for there was no danger in his being revealed to be Dick Grayson. He continued to work for Grant, and eventually purchased his warehouse, though under some other name entirely.

Cole continued to have contact with Nightwing from time to time, though never to the degree Gordon had with Batman. Leeson recovered in time and resumed his regular beat, to the joy of all his friends and co-workers. He'd grown a little wiser in that time, but then, so had Cole. Both now acknowledged the value and danger of having their very own vigilante, though they agreed that they preferred his presence to his absence.

Batman, to no one's great surprise, found himself a new sidekick, who went by the name of Batgirl. He later found himself adoptive parent to another young boy who deigned to name himself Robin, saying that it would 'just be weird if Batman had any other sidekick'. That, of course, is another story entirely.

Batman and Nightwing, though reconciled, had a different relationship thereafter. Never again did Batman give orders save in a combat situation, though he willingly offered advice, even when none was asked for. Nightwing, for his part, did not resent him this, and found his counsel beneficial most times. As promised, there was always a room for him at Wayne Manor, whenever he chose to drop by. He eventually did move back, at least for awhile. But that too is another story.

Though they saw no more of MinaTech, it was not the last time that they would encounter the slugs. Nor was it the last they saw of Black Death. But, again, those are different stories, for a different time.

For there is no true end to any story such as this, because there are always more heroes to come even as old ones fade away, another story after this one is through. Whether it is by fate, destiny, luck or hand of God, it is unarguably so. And thus, it is also true that another villain to will ever take the place of a fallen evil, and there will always and ever be another reason to Fear the Dark.

"The monster never dies"

-Cujo (Stephen King)