Chapter 24 - Call From Home

My writing has improved so much since I started this story. As I promised, the plot for the second arche begins in this chapter. I'm so excited to get the ball rolling. We've finally reached the 300 review mark, which is great, but we're only halfway to the goal I set when I started this story. If everyone reviews this chapter I'll take off the review cap and go back to posting everyday, but 320 reviews at least for an update.

Saturday, January 19th 12:00 PM - Richard and Kori's house

Normal POV

Richard sat on the couch, watching the news, which was ironically covering the Titans. Ever since appearing two weeks ago, the Titans had become a media sensation, some even referring to them as the teenage Justice League, which Nightwing didn't like. He wanted the Titans to be completely seperate from the Justice League, and he was taking measures to make sure that happend. For instance, every member of his team reported to him and only him. That was one of his requirments when he agreed to do this. They did not stand behind the Justice League, but beside them as equals.

Richard's gaze was brought off the television screen when his girlfriend plopped down beside him, a questioning look on her face. "Which one do you like?," she asked referring to wedding dresses in the magazine she was looking at.

He sighed and ran his hand down his face. When Kori wasn't in hero mode or at work, her biggest focus had been the wedding even though he had explained to her they weren't getting married for at least another year or two, which she wasn't to happy about, but she excepted it. "Kor, I really don't know, you can have anyone you want. Why don't you talk with Bee and Raven about this stuff?"

kori frowned at him. "Because you do not wish to discuss anything about our marriage, everytime I do the bringing it up, you say you do not care and tell me to go ask friend Bee or friend Raven. I am begining to believe you do are having the second thoughts, and do not wish to get married," she retorted, crossing her arms over her chest.

He urgently corrected her. "No, I'm definitely not having second thoughts. It's just that the bride and her bride's mades usually plan the wedding, and the groom just kinda goes along with whatever they want. When I say I don't care, I don't mean marrying you is not important to me, I'm just saying I'll get married in a cotton feild wearing nothing but a tie and sox." She fought not to smile at the ridiculusness of the mental image currently in her head. "It doesn't matter to me how or where we get married just as long as we do."

She smiled lovingly at him. He was really good at charming his way out of trouble. "I am sorry. Planning a wedding is alot of work and I wish for the day of our union to be perfect."

He wrapped his arm around her waist and pulled her into him, kissing her softly. "I know, but you have plenty of time to get everything the way you want it. Just set back and relax with me for awhile, and tonight I'll take you to dinner."

She smiled and nodded before laying her head on his shoulder. They sat there in comfortable silence for a long time, just watching television like a normal a couple, until Richard's phone began to buzz in his pocket.

He reached in with his hand that wasn't around Kori and took it out. Checking the caller I.D, he saw that it was Bruce calling, which a few months ago would have warned him that something was wrong, but now he and his father shared regular, almost daily coversations, so he didn't think anything of it as he answerd.

"Hey, what's up dad?," he answered casually.

"Dick, we have a problem," Bruce replied.

Richard sat up straighter. "What's going on?," he asked carefully.

Kori now took interest in the coversation, hearing the tone of Rihard's voice.

"The Watch Tower intercepted a message from the Vegan Sytem, likely Tameran. We caught it just before it played over national television," he informed.

Richard closed his eyes and hung his head, fighting to not let ever swear word he knew exit his mouth. He had been hoping this day would never come, but truthfully he had been waiting for it.

"Richard, what is wrong?," Kori asked.

"We got message from Tameran," he replied solemnly.

Kori instantly lost five shades of color and felt he heart quicken to a dangerous rate. Tears almost instantly gatherd in her eyes, well aware of what this meant. She had dreaded this every day since the moment she had fallen in love with Richard and now it was here. "It is time."

"I'm fowarding the message to the Nightwatch," Bruce said.

Richard stilled the swirling emotions inside of him. He had to be strong to ease kori. "Okay."

Saturday, January 19th 1:00 PM - The Nightwatch.

Nightwing typed something in on the super computer in front of him, an emotional Kori at his side, wishing he'd finish whatever he was doing so she could hold his hand.

When Nightwing finally stepped back from the computer she quickly clung to him, feeling as if she let go she would lose him forever. He wrapped his arms around her, holding her tightly, knowing she liked to be squeezed for some reason. "I promise you everything is going to be okay. I'm not gonna let anything ever come between us," he said in a soft tone as the Nightwatch intercepted the signal.

She nodded and calmed herself. Even though she wasn't far off from qualifying as emotional wreck on the inside, she had to appear strong for whover she was about to see on the screen. It was seen as weakeness for a noble or a warrior to cry on Tameran. Just as she straightend her back, a large man muscular man, standing well over eight feet tall, appeared on the screen. He blinked his eyes a few times, suprised to see the new Grand Ruler standing there.

"Grand Ruler Koriand'r, I was not expecting to have live contact with you," the huge man said in a Tameranian. The giant glanced at the stoic faced Nightwing that the she had her arms wrapped around. "Who is this?"

"High Councilmen Niro, this is Nightwing," she replied in the same language. Niro was an ex-General of Tameran, and was now seated on the high council. The high council advised the Grand Ruler during times of war, and made sure that Tameranian law was followed.

Nightwing glanced down at her, having heard his name. He guessed she was introducing him.

Kori continued. "He is a warrior of Earth, and is my chosen," she said proudly. It was usually frowned upon for a Tameranian noble to mate with an off worlder, but Nightwing/Richard was the best thing to ever happen to her, and she would not pretend to be ashamed of him just because that's what her culture expected.

Niro's eyes widend. "You have fallen in love with a human?"

She nodded. "I have."

"Grand Ruler, it is time to return home. The war is over and Tameran is victorius, but with your sister exciled and your parents dead, you are the only member left of the And'r family. You must except you dutys and return to marry Prince Karras. There is no place for this human."

Nightwing gritted his teeth in anger when heard Karras' name. He already knew where this was headed.

Kori's eyes narrowed. "This human is my husband to be, and he will not be disrespected," she said sternly. "I shall return to Tameran and honor my dutys, but Nightwing will return with me, and I will proclaim him as my chosen in front of all of Tameran. Anyone who finds issue with that shall be banished," she warned coldly, causing Niro to visibly swallow.

"He will challenge Prince Karras for my hand, and when he defeats him, I shall appoint a new Grand Ruler, someone who is much more capable and interested than I am. I will then return to Earth to live out my days with my chosen, and no one outside of my K'norfka will contact me."

"Grand Ruler, I mean no disrespect, but a human has no chance of survival in combat against a Tameranian, especially Prince Karras. This is a rather pointless quest."

"Nightwing may not be able to fly or posses our strength, but I assure you he is far from weak," she retorted. Kori appeared quite confident on the outside, but she knew what Niro was saying was true. Karras was a mighty warrior even though he was a warrior. She feared so greatly that Nightwing woud be killed, but she had to keep her composure.

Niro narrowed his eyes and gritted his teeth in frustration. How could she be so naive to believe a pathetic human could last even a minute against a Tameranian? Surely her time on Earth had made her mad, but even if that were the case, he couldn't say anything about it, or he could possibly be banished."Very well, we will send you coordinates to be at shortly. A ship will be there to retrieve you and your... chosen in an Earthen weeks time," he informed, gritting his teeth at the word chosen.

Kori nodded, an the transmition clicked off.

Nightwing turned Kori so that she was facing him. "What's happening, Kor?"

She sighed. "It is just as I expected. Tameran was victorius and I am being called home to take my place as the Grand Ruler, and to marry Prince Karras. A ship shall be here to transport us back to Tameran in one week."

Nightwing wordlessly nodded and made his way over to his chair. He needed to sit down. This was just so much to deal with.

Kori followed him, taking a seat on his lap. She reached her hands up and removed his mask, so that she could see his eyes. She studied them silently for a moment before speaking. "What are you thinking?"

"I knew this day was going to come eventually, but somehow I'm still not prepared for it."

Kori ran her hands through his black hair. "Neither am I." She was terrified to say the least.

"As long as we have each other we will be fine," he assured smiling lightly and kissing her.

"Yes, we shall," she ageed, but didn't sound overly sure. "I do have questions though," she said.

"Oh, what?"

"We shall be gone for at least three weeks, what about school? And what we are to tell our friends?," she asked.

"We'll let it leak to the media that we're going on a month long trip to Hawaii, that'll explain why we aren't at school, and I'm sure our friends already know," he responded.

"They do?," Kori questioned, cocking her head to the side.

"I bet Raven does. When Bruce called and told me about Tameran, my stress level went through the roof. I'm sure she picked up on that." Just then his phone rang, interupting the convesation.

Richard checked the caller I.D to see that it was indeed Raven. "Speak of the devil," he mummbled before answering. "Hey, Raven."

"We'll be over in twenty," was all she said before hanging up.

Richard stared at his phone for a moment before putting it back in his utillity belt.

"They know?," Kori inquired.

"Either that or she just has uncanny timing."

Twenty minutes later their friends marched into the Nightwatch watch one by one.

"We're going," Vic commented.

Richard looked at Kori. "Yup, they know." He then turned back to his friends. "No, all of you are staying here. Who knows what could happen, it's just to dangerous."

"And that's exactly why we're going," Raven replied. "I'm sorry I let the cat out of the bag, but I just couldn't keep something like this in at this point."

"Yeah dudes, we're totally not letting you go off to a different planet without us. I can't believe you didn't tell us this was coming," he added in almost a scolding voice.

"We were not sure if this day would ever come and it would have be sensless to worry you unnecessarily," Kori responded, feeling a little guilty. "It still is not wise for you to come, but I cannot stop if you wish to do so."

"Then that's it," Vic said. "We're going, end of story."

Richard's eyes narrowed. "Fine, but we go as heroes, meaning all of you will follow my lead. The cover story will be we're all taking a month long vacation to Hawaii."

Gar raised his hand. "I have a question."

"What?," Richard asked.

"For Kori," he clarified.

"Yes?"

"I'm just seeing if I understand everything. You are the ruler of a whole planet?"

"Yes."

"Then why can't you just say no, and not go back?"

"It is required of me, and it is my duty. If I did not return, I fear they would just come for me."

"Okay, so they want you to marry a prince or something, right?"

"Yes, it is required of the Grand Ruler to marry into royalty. My father married my mother for diplomatic reasons. They had a loveless mariage. They did not love each other... or their children." She glanced at Richard. "That is not what I want. I wish to love and be loved."

"So, you're not going to marry this prince guy?"

"No, I shall proclaim Nightwing as my chosen, and that shall give him the right to challenge Prince Karras for my hand. If Prince Karras is defeated I will no longer obligated to my dutys. I can chose a new Grand Ruler and return to Earth for the rest of my life."

Gar paused for a moment and Raven looked over at him. "You done?"

He tapped his chin. "Hmmm, what kinda foods do you have?"

"Now that's a good question," Vic added in. Obviously what type of foods Tameran had was the most important issue at the moment.

Both Bee and Raven palmed their foreheads simultaniously.

"Tameranian food is...," she paused, searching her brain on how to word it, "an acquired taiste." She honestly hadn't realized how bad Tameranian food was until she had Earth food for the first time.

"That's just a polite way of saying it stinks, right?"

She nodded. "Yes."

"Well, looks like we better bring our own food," Vic commented.

"That would be wise," Kori agreed. "I plan to bring ample amounts of musturd."

"How are we even getting there?," Bee asked.

"They're sending a ship for us," Richard chimed in. "It'll be here in a week." He glanced down at his phone in his belt."How about all of you go pick up some pizza, while I make a few phone calls?"

Vic nodded. "Aight man, I'm haungry anyway."

"Me to," Gar added.

"When are you two not?," Bee asked, causing both to shrug.

"Richard, this is one of those times you are upset and you wish to be left alone, yes?," Kori asked softly.

He smiled lightly. "No, I'm not upset, I just need to call Bruce back and discuss some things. Besides don't you need to go over some wedding details with Raven and Bee?"

She srunched her eyebrows. "Yes, I must discuss the dress with them, and also I am conflicted what flavor of cake would be best."

"Oh yeah, the cakes very important. You'd better get on that," he said, trying to coax her to go.

"Yes, you are right. I shall see you when we return," she replied, giving him a quick peck before walking over to meet her friends at the door to the Nightwatch.

Richard frowned, noticing she hadn't flown. He knew her emotions affected her flight, so that was a dead give away that she was upset.

Once they had made their way out, Richard put the mask back on his face and turned back to his super computer. He picked up his cell and called Bruce.

It only took one ring for his father to answer. "Well?," he questioned in his Batman voice, which meant he was all bisness.

"They're calling her to return home," Nightwing informed.

"You're going with her, aren't you?," Batman asked.

"Yes, I have to. I love her, and..."

"I know," Batman cut him off. "But I'm not letting you go alone, and I'm not saying that as your mentor, I'm saying it as your father."

"I'm not going alone, the rest of the Titans are coming."

"I've watched them, they're good, but they're not ready to react if all hell breaks loose," he said sternly.

"I trained them well," Nightwing retorted.

"I don't doubt that, but a little over two months of training isn't time to prepare them for this. Anything could happen, there is just to many unknown variables. You need someone who has years more experience than the Titans."

"Who do you have in mind? Speedy would eventually run out of arrows, Aqualad's useless with water, Wonder Woman isn't going to let Wonder Girl fly off to another planet, and I'm sure all the members of the Justice League are busy."

"I'm sending Flash with you," Batman replied simply.

"Wally? Why him?"

"You two work well together, he's by far the best choice."

Nightwing couldn't argue with that, he was his best friend after all. "Fine, but he's under my leadership."

"Of course, it'll be good for you to learn how to utilize the Flash's powers to benefit a team... I'm not gonna be Batman forever you know?"

Nightwing frowned. "Yeah, I know, but you're only thirty-four, you still got some time left."

"All I'm saying is that one day you're going to be leading the Justice League and it's wise if you start learning how to manage a team's strengths and weaknesses."

He sighed. "I'm hearing you loud and clear, but there are more pressing matters at the moment."

"When are they sending a ship?"

"Next week, we'll be gone for at least three weeks, and yes, I'm putting a tracker on the ship." He knew if he didn't voice that last part it would be Batman's next topic.

"Cover story?"

"Trip to Hawii along with my girlfriend and friends."

"Don't you mean trip to Hawii along with your fiance and friends?"

Nightwing's jaw dropped. "How did you... nevermind." He really didn't need to hear the 'I'm Batman' crap right now.

"When were you planning on telling me?," Batman asked.

Nightwing ran his gloved hands trough his hair. "Soon, but I wasn't in a rush because it's gonna be a long time before we actually get married."

"Then, why did you prupose?"

"Well umm, you see... I didn't actually prupose. I gave her a promise ring and she kind of interpreted it as a pruposal. It made her so happy though, so I just went with it. It's not like it matters either way."

"I see," was all Batman responded with. "I need to contact Flash, I will be in touch with you," he said before hanging.

Nightwing laid his phone down on his computer desk before leaning back in his chair and closing his eyes. He was under so much stress at the moment, and so many thoughts were coursing through mind that he was finding it very difficult to think straight, but he had to be strong for Kori.

He knew she was far more upset than she was letting on. He could see deep within her eyes that she was terrified, and to be honest, so was he. He wasn't scared of any man or Tameranian. No, the only thing that scared him was the possibillty of losing her, the girl that was the reason behind every smile on his face or every tear in his heart. But he was strong enough. He could handle it. He had to... for her.

Sunday, January 20th 1:00 AM - Richard and Kori's house

Normal POV

Richard had been highly observant of Kori the rest of the day. He saw the sadness and worry in her eyes that no one else did. He was aware of the forced smiles that no one else could possibly know her well enough to see. He heard the fake laughs. Saw that she only picked at her food when usually she could down ten Big Macs and still would be haungry. He knew just how not "the okay" she was no matter how many times she told her freinds that she was.

He planned to talk with her about it that night after everyone left, but she went straight to bed, not wanting to talk till absurd hours of the the night about things that she did that day or questions she had, not asking to cuddle, not forcing him to watch the girliest movie she could find. Yeah, she definitely wasn't okay.

He didn't go on patrol that night, deciding to lay down beside her instead. He watched her face for a long time, knowing she was having a nightmare by how tightly her eyes were shut, but thought it best not to wake her.

Sleep finally took him, and he was out for a good three hours before apart of him became aware that there was an empty space where her warmth usually was. His eyes shot open, and suddenly the sound of the shower running filled his ears. He rolled out of bed and walked over to the shut door of the bathroom. The shower indeed was on, but there was another sound blended in with it. He could hear sobs and quickend, rough breaths. She was crying.

He opend the door hurridly and what he found broke every piece of his heart. She sat in the floor of the shower, hugging her knees to her chest with her head leaning down on them, allowing the water to soak her. He grabbed a towel and slowly approached her. She was still oblivious to his presence, but when she heard the shower door open her head shot up to find him standing there, his eyes somber.

Wordlessly, he turned off the shower before dropping to his knees and wrapping the towel around her. He then sat down in front of her and pulled her into him, not caring in the slightest that he was getting wet. "Shhh," he whispered into her ear as he rocked her slightly back and forth. "It's okay."

"It is not the okay, and I can not pretend like it is anymore," she cried.

"I know you're scared, and it's okay to be, but everything is gonna be fine, I promise."

She shook her head, shutting her eys tightly as she did. "I cannot do this. I do not wish to be with you anymore."

His heart stopped. "What?"

She pulled away from him and scooted back against the shower wall. "I cannot be with you. If you die I will never be able to forgive myself." She knew they had agreed on this plan, but now that the time was actually here, she didn't know if she could go through with it.

"Kori, think about this," he began, putting himself in front of the door so she couldn't flee, "if leave me you will hurt me worse than anyone or anything ever could, can you really leave here knowing that?," he replied, a mixture of anger and despration peaking through in his voice

"It only would be temporary. Eventually you would do the moving on and meet someone else. You would be happy again," she said through sobs.

"There is no one else," he shouted, startling her. "If you think for one second that I would ever be able to recover from losing you then you're a damn fool. I need you just as much as you need me, and I love you more than I could ever even begin to say with words. Don't you understand that it would rip my heart to shreds if I lost you?" Tears escaped his eyes, and his jaw clinced tightly.

She had never saw him cry before. It was almost like a knife through her heart that she was the one doing this to him.

"Kori please," he pleaded, "don't do this. Let me fight for you."

She hurridly moved back into him, wrapping her arms around him and laying her head on his shoulder. "I am sorry. I am so scared you will die."

He held her as tight as he possibly could. "I promise you I will win Kori. I will find away. Believe in me."

They sat there late into the night, holding onto each other. Apologies were voiced, loving kisses were shared, slow, passionate love was made, cuddling was done, and promises were spoken. The love they felt for each other had never been stronger than it was in those moments. Kori knew she had to let him do this, and he knew he had to win in order to keep the one thing in his life that he couldn't bare to live without.