So I am not sure if my last chapter just sucked that much or if there is something wrong with the site. I received the reviews but there was no change in the views of the chapter. Strange. Anyways, here is the next chapter of my story. There is a little violence but nothing too harsh and the end of the chapter gets a little sad :( Also some time jumps in here so if there is any confusion please let me know and I will make sure to clear that up for ya. Hope that for those that take the time to read this enjoy!

Disclaimer: I do not own Young Justice.

Chapter IX

Date and time unknown…..

Waking up to a dark, damp and searingly hot place was never a good way to start the day, or night. Well…whichever it was exactly. The last thing Aaliyah remembered was the creature or man, which had climbed through her bedroom window. He had such a cold and dark demeanor and moved too quickly for Aaliyah to react. She felt pain in her left side, it had happened so fast that she barely had time to register it. It didn't last long before she felt a warm wet sensation on her left side and then, nothing. The darkness was all consuming and malevolent in all ways it was thought to possibly be. It never ended and seemed to swallow anything and everything that was, or could have been there. However, as frightening as it would have been for most, Aaliyah found great relief in it. She felt as if a pair of warm arms had been wrapped around her body protecting her. It was a strange feeling but she didn't want it to end, it was so comforting and gentle.

"She doesn't seem to be having the reaction you had hoped for." A low cackle rang through Aaliyah's ears and her eyes slowly opened. It was still fairly dark but somewhere in the space she could hear voices. They echoed around her and sent chills down her spine as she tried to focus.

"It is unfortunate. I gave her the highest dose of it I have. Perhaps it is time to try my newest creation?" Another low voice said with distaste.

"Or you could just let me have her. I have been dying to play with her since you brought her here." The other voice was slightly higher and a dark humor spilled from it as it continued. "I am sure that I can get a better reaction." Another loud cackle rang through the air before it was cut short by the other voice.

"No." It said darkly.

Aaliyah was fully awake but still could see very little as she listened to the exchange. She could picture the other one pouting at this point after being told they couldn't "play" with her. A shiver ran down her spine again as she thought about what could be going through the head of that one in particular.

"Hmm. What is your interest in the girl exactly? I have been wondering that too." The other voice finally asked after a long pause.

There was no answer, only a low growl, probably from the one that had asked the question and received no answer. As the two voices silenced, Aaliyah sat up slowly but had to quickly muffle a scream that threatened to escape her. Her left side was throbbing and a shooting pain ran throughout her entire body. The movement had reminded her of the pain she felt before she had slipped into the darkness; a place that she desperately wished would consume her once again. One hand was held over her mouth while the other was placed carefully over the area where the pain generated. She could feel that her shirt was wet and cold but could also feel warmth, probably from newly oozing blood. That was the only thing that she could think of that would have made her shirt wet considering that the floor under her was dry.

The sound of shuffling caught her attention and she looked around before her eyes made out a silhouette. On instinct she started to push herself backwards away from the figure when her back eventually came into contact with a wall. The cold stone was the only thing keeping her from creating more distance between herself and whoever was now making their way towards her.

"Ah, I see you are awake." The low voice flowed through the air like poison and Aaliyah immediately recognized it.

"You-" Her voice broke as she tried to speak, her throat extremely dry and protesting the sound that was trying to escape. She cleared her throat a bit and continued, "You are the one that broke into my bedroom." She stated, her voice low.

The only answer she received was a low chuckle. Aaliyah narrowed her eyes and tried her best to see the person that now stood about three feet from her. A hand reached forward and brushed against her cheek, Aaliyah jerked her head back hitting her head on the cold stone wall. For a quick moment her mind raced to the fact that the wall was cool to the touch as well as the floor, whereas upon awakening she had felt extreme heat. She thought back to the sensation and thought about her injured side. Perhaps that was the cause of it. Another sensation on her forehead had her pulled from her thoughts and she jerked her head to the side this time avoiding another collision with the wall.

"It would seem that I was right about you. You are not like the others I have experimented on. Your results are inconclusive. I will return with my latest creation." The man walked away just as quickly as he had appeared. Aaliyah curled her knees to her chest ignoring the burning sensation on her side from the movement.

"So…they have been experimenting on me?" She whispered to herself as she wrapped her arms around her knees. She winced when the pain worsened but she continued to hold the position. "I know I am different but…." Her voiced cracked this time from the emotion that was boiling up inside her. It was at that time that she realized that she was not chained to anything and a small spark of hope hit her. If she could just find a way out then she could figure out where she was, hopefully. A small smile broke out across her face and she stood from her place ignoring the pain and tried to make out all the figures in the room. She felt along the wall for a door but to her surprise she found nothing, no door, no window and no means to escape. All hope immediately leaving her as she slumped to the floor again.

"Where am I?" She asked as she looked around again. Her heart sank as she thought about everyone back home. What would they be doing? Would they be looking for me? Mom, dad, my friends… her eyes began to water as she thought about them. Then her mind thought of a certain person, Wally.

It was at that moment a small sliver of light landed in the room illuminating it slightly. She looked up and her eyes widened when she noticed that she wasn't in a room, not really. It was more like a small basement covered in stone with bars covering the top of the room. An area of the bars looked different and that is when she noticed a small lowering device that blocked off the area the bars did not cover. So that was how they were getting in and out of here. She thought.

No sooner than she had noticed the device did it start to lower. It moved silently which is why she figured she hadn't noticed anything to begin with. The figure that was on it made her face pale and her body tense, with the help of the light she was able to make out who it was with ease. There was no mistaking it; the sinister grin, trademark green hair and purple suite, demented cackle that followed as the device came to a halt at her level.

"Joker." Aaliyah said with a stern tone. She did not want to show just how frightened she was at the time but didn't believe the outcome of this situation was going to be altered by false bravery.

A wide, face splitting grin formed on his face as he walked closer. Aaliyah looked up as he got closer to maintain eye contact as best she could. At this point and time she knew fool well that no amount of bravery, real or not, was going to help her. She faltered in her stance as he drew closer and he took that chance to swing his leg making contact with her left side. A bloodcurdling scream rang out as Aaliyah slumped to the ground holding her side. The pain was excruciating and she could feel a large amount of what she expected to be blood oozing from the area.

A loud cackle rang throughout the room, "Just figured that while the cats out I would get my kicks in…" he paused and bent down to grab Aaliyah roughly by the throat pulling her up from the ground. She let out a painful yelp as the movement jarred her injured side once again. "Pun intended." He smiled wide with narrowed eyes. "Now, try not to get blood on my suit. This one is my favorite." He laughed manically as he threw Aaliyah back and she collided with the cold stone wall.

Her breathing was heavy and labored as the pain wracked her body rendering it immobile. The Joker, of course noticing this immediately took advantage of the situation. It felt like an eternity before the beating stopped, unfortunately the pain was more severe than before and Aaliyah was almost positive she was covered in blood. She lay in a heap on the floor trying to will the pain away but of course that was useless as another sharp wave of pain ran through her. Every breath hurt and she was more than positive she has a broken rib, or ribs.

Once the Joker was finally gone Aaliyah sat up as best she could from her position on the floor, having to lean slightly on her right side to alleviate some of the pain. "Stupid." She whispered. The small sliver of light disappeared and once again she was surrounded by darkness.

"It would have happened regardless. He approached you with all intentions of inflicting as much pain as possible."

Aaliyah's eyes widened and she started looking around quickly. The sound of something moving, something small caught her attention and she strained her ears on the sound. Light pressure was felt on her right leg and she jumped slightly resulting in a hiss of pain.

"How did you get in here?" Aaliyah asked as she focused on her breathing.

"The shadows can do more for you than merely provide comfort child." The bird spoke.

This would normally be a situation in which Aaliyah would raise an eyebrow and start arguing with the infuriating creature, however right now she was just happy to have the company.

"You are injured." The bird stated simply.

"Figured that out all on your own huh?" Aaliyah tried to joke. The bird did not respond and Aaliyah took the chance to speak again. "So, can you show me how to get out of here before they kill me?" She gripped her side tighter as the flow of blood seemed to increase.

"I can…but that would require something of you." The bird said slowly.

"Okay, what is it?" She asked as she bit through another fit of pain.

"Your life." A raspy masculine voice answered from beside her. The shock of the answer and the familiar voice cause another more severe fit of pain to hit her. A loud hiss slipped through her teeth as she leaned forward and gripped her side firmly.

"You can't be serious." She said through clenched teeth.

"You are not far from it now child, if your injuries go untreated you will perish sooner than you think." The bird spoke up. "If you somehow managed to live through this you would meet your end eventually. I am sure these that hold you do not plan on letting you keep your life once they are finished with you."

Aaliyah narrowed her eyes and turned to see the bright blues she remembered from before, "So nice of you to come to your daughter's rescue." She spat sarcastically.

"I would not refer to this as a rescue since my offer entails your death." He spoke emotionlessly. "To rescue would mean you would leave with your life."

Aaliyah growled, "Yeah, thanks for clearing that up for me."

"What is your decision child?"

The decision was obvious to Aaliyah, she wanted to live but either way she was probably going to die and she knew that. "What about my family? My friends? My life?"

"Do any of them know about you?" He asked.

"No." Aaliyah answered looking in his direction again.

"Then it will remain that way if you choose to take my offer." He stated simply.

"So I'm not allowed to see them before my death?" Her eyes narrowed and her temper began to flare.

There was silence before the bird finally spoke up again, "There is another option."

With everything that has happened so far Aaliyah was a little hesitant to ask. She looked to where she figured the bird was on her leg, "What is it?"

"If you choose to deny my offer then I can offer to heal you instead. I am not one to heal but I know of someone. You will have to learn your abilities on your own for now, however once you make progress you are to seek me out. That you will have no option for." He said evenly not missing a single beat and the idea of it struck Aaliyah as more reasonable. Although she would probably have to endure her current situation longer than she had hoped, she would at least get to keep her life, for now.

"If that is another option then why wasn't it offered first instead of my life?" She asked.

"Death would be simpler; focus would become clearer as your body would not be fighting with your current injured state. If you choose to live then learning would take more time as your body would have to." He answered. "In conclusion it is a way to refresh the body and mind."

"Seems like a harsh method." She retorted. "Why can't you just take me with you anyways?"

"You are of no use to me in this state; it would not be a wise choice on my behalf." He answered. "Your presence is only acceptable if I am able to train you."

"You're a great parental figure." She hissed.

"What is your decision?" The bird asked.

"I will take the second offer. Heal me and I will work on my abilities and find you once I can." She answered without hesitation.

"Very well." He spoke. A few minutes of silence passed when a purple mist appeared, piercing the dark and flowing over Aaliyah's body. The intense waves of pain began to subside and soon there was nothing. She moved slowly just in case another attack of pain erupted but there was nothing. Aaliyah smiled and let out a breath of relief, the pain was gone.

"Just know," He started and Aaliyah turned to look into those cold blue eyes, "this decision is final and cannot be undone. Once you are ready, no matter the time spent honing your abilities, you will be in my possession for one year."

Her eyes widened, "A year?!" She whispered harshly.

"Yes." He answered calmly. "This is not an option, one year, that is final. My servant will assist you this time before you are to return to me." The blue eyes disappeared with the final statement and Aaliyah was left with the bird and her thoughts.

With a low groan she spoke, "So what do I need to do to get this process going?"

"Meditate." The bird stated, "It is necessary to focus. Without focus you will fail to reach your true self. You must delve deep within yourself to find what is locked away and focus on releasing it."

As much as she wanted to protest that meditating was going to be a waste of time she didn't, Aaliyah settled for doing as she was told for once and focusing.

The bird had been Aaliyah's eyes on the outside while she had been locked away. She had soon learned that after several months of tirelessly searching she was presumed dead. A funeral apparently had been held for her, an engraved tome stone lay atop an empty grave. It was no surprise to her that it had come to that but it was frustrating, she was very much alive.

It had been close to nine months after the "funeral", according to the bird and Aaliyah was making minimal progress finding this hidden energy within her. She had figured out how to heal herself, this frustrated her captors to no end but it had its benefits. The amount of abuse her body had become accustomed to was beyond what she had originally thought possible. Every day the Joker would pay a "little visit" and leave her with multiple bruises, lacerations, possible broken bones and do it all with a smile. It was sickening and he was definitely on the top of her revenge list once she got out.

Once he left she would focus her energy to the areas of pain and within minutes the wounds and internal injuries were no more. This would anger him once he returned to find her perfectly fine and no evidence of the prior abuse. It was a small victory for her but she took what she could get.

.

"Dang it." She growled as she lost focus once again. "Every time I think I am getting somewhere I lose it." She slammed her fists on the hard ground. "Can't you give me some hints or something?"

The bird sat silently on the ground next to her. It made no change in its position and no indication that it was going to speak. Aaliyah reached out and smacked the bird in the head and snickered when it ruffled its feathers in frustration.

"How many times must I repeat myself?" The bird asked in frustration. "The shadows are more than just concealment. They serve many purposes; all you must do is will them to your needs."

"Easier said than done." She mumbled but resumes her previous position. She focuses on the darkness around her letting it consume her.

"Once you have hold of the darkness, will it. It only needs to know your desire." The bird's voice became distant as the darkness continued to consume everything around her.

For the first time in what felt like forever she finally felt as if she had a grip on the shadows and could feel them twisting and bending to her will. It was strange and the feeling was frightening at first but soon it settled and she was able to think more clearly. A strange feeling overtook her body and she felt a sensation that she could not describe.

"I can sense that you have gained control, now what do you wish of it?" She could hear the bird's voice deep within her mind. She pondered on the question for a moment and with a single sentence she spoke.

"I wish to…" She thought for a second longer before finishing, "I wish to be home." The feeling of weightlessness hit her unexpectedly and she let out a small yelp. She felt like she was floating away into the deepest pit of the darkness and before she knew it she was on solid ground again. The smell of dirt and a hint of leather caught her attention and she chanced a look around. It was still very dark but a small shimmer of light could be seen peeking from under what looked to be a door.

Her first thought was, sweet a door! then her thoughts went to, but, the room, or rather hole I was in had no doors or windows. So what is this, is it a trick? She slowly reached out and felt the dry wood of the door and put a little pressure on it. The door creaked open and her eyes immediately widened.

"What? Is this real?" She asked in astonishment.

"It is and it would seem that you have finally connected with your true self. Perhaps not fully but you are much closer." The bird landed on one of the stall doors.

"But, just a minute ago I was still in that room and now I'm here." Aaliyah pointed around her at the barn that she now stood in. From the look of the light that was now filling the barn from the open door it was early afternoon. Aaliyah smiled brightly as she heard a loud snort from behind her. She turned around to see Ace standing at the pasture entrance towards the back of the barn. He began stomping his hooves in excitement and throwing his head back.

"My master will retrieve you this evening." The bird interrupted.

"So, I have a little time at least." Aaliyah said with a huff. She walked to the front entrance of the barn after petting Ace and saw that no vehicles sat in the driveway. "No one is home."

"Probably for the best."

"How is that? I can't tell my family, that mind you has actually mourned my 'death', that I am still alive?" She argued.

"It would be fine to inform them that you live, however how will you explain that your father will be taking you away for a year?"

Aaliyah halted in her steps and looked at the house with a hint of sadness. Even if the bird was completely right she didn't want to admit it out loud. The time she had left was limited and she desperately wanted to see her family before going away. With a loud groan she continued walking towards the house to then find the door locked. She searches the hiding place the spare key was usually kept and with a breath of relief found it. The door unlocked with ease and she walked in quietly closing and locking the door behind her. Not much had changed and that she was grateful for. Most of the furniture sat in the same place as before with the addition of a few new pieces.

The walk up the stairs had her heart racing and she wasn't exactly sure why. She got to her bedroom door and with a deep breath opened it slowly. A quick glance around the room showed that nothing had been changed. All of her belongings lay around the room collecting dust. Which brought up her next question, just what day, or month was it? She walked over to her desk and powered up the computer. It was running slow, probably from the lack of use so she opted to get cleaned up and change her clothes.

Nothing in her closet had been touched either and that she was even more grateful for. She grabbed some clothes as quickly as possible and made a mad dash for the bathroom. If anything, she didn't want to be there longer than she needed to be. She walked into the bathroom freezing when she caught a glimpse of herself in the mirror.

"What the?!" She screeched. She had figured that she would look pretty rough after being kept in that room for so long with minimal help with hygiene. They were nice enough to give her a tooth brush and tooth paste so her teeth didn't rot out of her head but as far as that, not much else. Of course, she expected her hair to be much longer but this change was completely shocking. "How did Ace even know that it was me?"

"He could sense it."

Aaliyah simply nodded as her focus was now fully on the face that stared back at her in the mirror. She ran a hand through her long hair, time was a factor but the strange part was the color. Her original dark auburn hair was now a deep dark violet. She was thin from lack of nutrition but seemed to have filled out more than she last remembered. A deep blush covered her cheeks as she looked at her body, "How long was I gone?" The question came out into a whisper. She lost track of time after a while so she had no idea just how long it had truly been.

Once she was able to compose herself she cleaned herself up and exchanged her ratty clothing for the cleaner set. She walked out of the bathroom in a daze and slowly made her way back to the computer. It had finally turned completely on and she was able to check out her current situation with a clearer understanding. The first thing she pulled up was of course the calendar year and month. Her mouth dropped and she nearly dropped with it upon realization.

"I have been gone for nearly two years?!" Her voice rose with every word and she spun around to face the bird that sat in the usual place on her unused bed. "Why didn't you tell me it has been that long?"

"You didn't ask."

"Seriously?" Aaliyah growl through gritted teeth, "Knowing this would have helped with a few things ya know? I'm still confused on the hair color but the rest makes sense now." She seethed.

The bird remained silent.

"You are such a pain." Aaliyah turned back to the computer and read that it was currently March 2012. "I'm 15." She said with slightly widened eyes. "Was taken at 13 and I return home 15." The disbelief was thick as she continued, "This is just messed up."

The sound of the front door opening and closing followed by voices startled her out of her thoughts. She spun around and stared at her bedroom door. Every muscle in her body wanted to react and run while at the same time she wanted to stay. The bird decided that for her when it flew to the computer and hit the power button with its beak.

"We must leave."

"Uh, um, right." She nodded slowly. After making sure the evidence of her presence was gone she walked into the closet and shut the door behind her. The darkness wrapped around her and she willed it to take her away. To her surprise she stepped from an alleyway that led to the streets of the small town of Happy Harbor. "How did I end up here? I didn't give any specifics."

"It must have been your subconscious mind."

The streets were pretty lively so the bird made itself scarce flying off in another direction while Aaliyah walked out of the alley onto the crowded sidewalk. She received several strange looks and a few smiles. Some took the time to say hello or even waving a friendly hand. Aaliyah could feel her long hair hitting her lower back as the wind whipped it around. Another thing she found strange, the length, it was far too long for such a short period of time. Well it felt like a short period of time in sorts so maybe it wasn't.

For some reason she found herself standing in front of the diner that she had come to love in the months that she had been there. She smiled and sat down on the bench that still sat in front of the building, her long hair cascading over her left shoulder. The deep violet was so weird to her and probably explained the strange looks she was getting from some of the people on the street. She ran her thin fingers through her long locks not missing just how soft it felt.

"Hey, um, mind if I sit?" A voice hit her ears and shocked her out of her distracted state.

She turned to answer the person who had asked so nicely when she froze. Her eyes widened slightly and her breath hitched, there stood one of the people she never thought she would get to see again. Due to her voice's betrayal she just nodded her head.

He smiled wide as he sat in the empty space beside her, "Hi, the names Wally."

Okay, well he obviously doesn't recognize me, she thought with a tinge of hurt. The combination of her body changes and her hair did make her look slightly different but it wasn't like a complete transformation. She still believed she looked a little like her old self but no one has seen her for just over two years.

Aaliyah smiled at him and nodded once more, "Hi, Wally." She hadn't noticed it until that moment but even her voice had changed, the thick accent was mellowed down sounding more light and airy.

"Aren't you going to tell me yours?" He asked.

Aaliyah giggle, seriously it's just like the first time I met him.

"What's so funny?" He asked looking a bit confused.

"Huh, oh, nothing. You just remind me of someone." She said with a smile now on her face.

"Really?" He grinned, "He must be pretty awesome then."

"The best." Aaliyah studied his features closely. He had changed a lot since she last saw him but the one thing that remained the same were his eyes. The emerald green was even brighter than she remembered, or maybe she was just paying more attention. His freckles were still there but they were beginning to lighten up. His smile was still his smile and her heart began to flutter as she continued to look at him.

"So, what brings such a beautiful girl to this part of town?" He sat forward leaning with his elbows on his knees his hands hanging limply.

"I'm not sure really. I was just walking and ended up here." She pointed towards the diner with her thumb. "What about you?"

"Friends. We meet here sometimes." His tone turning soft as he answered her.

"Oh." Aaliyah looked around and thought about getting up and walking away before he had the chance to ask or say anything else. Her fear of him finding out it was her or her blurting it out was eating away at her mind.

"Hey, want to hang with us?" He asked suddenly.

"Um, are you sure? I really don't want to get in the way." She held up both hands waving them in a dismissive manner.

He opened his mouth to say something else when a female voice interrupted him. "Hey Wally."

Aaliyah looked over his shoulder to see Megan standing with the few other people she thought she would never get to see again. Timing was either good or just plain mean at this point as the group stood there looking at both her and Wally.

"Who's your friend?" Megan asked curiously. She looked at Aaliyah with careful eyes and then back to Wally. Megan then smiled and waved her hands in front of her, "Never mind. Let's get inside then we can exchange introductions." She waved the two in as the small group walked in the front door.

Wally turned back to Aaliyah and smiled, "Well, looks like you are coming after all."

"But, I can't pay; I have no money on me." She tried for another excuse but was met with another counter.

"Don't worry, I'll cover it." He smiled brightly grabbing her hand and pulling her up and walking into the diner behind the others. "Ya know you kind of remind me of someone I knew too, always so stubborn." He breathed.

Aaliyah tried to resist but he was much stronger than her and pulled her along with ease. The group was seated at the tables just like she remembered the last time and had pulled two together to make room. For as busy as the streets were at the time the diner was empty. The only ones there were her and the others. She noticed it was the usual group with Megan, Conner, Artemis, Rob and Zee. All of them had changed slightly in appearance but she could tell who was who easily, so why was it so hard for them to recognize her? As familiar this situation felt, it was extremely uncomfortable. She noticed that Zee was looking at her very carefully and her eyes kept flickering towards the door. Aaliyah turned to look in the direction she noticed the girl's eyes going but saw nothing.

"Have a seat." Megan chirped.

"Here you can sit next to me." Wally spoke as he pointed to the empty chair next to him.

Artemis was the next person to speak up, "That chair is usually reserved for someone else."

Wally averted his eyes to the empty chair and his smile faded a bit before he spoke again, "It's fine. You can sit there." He smiled.

Aaliyah sat down slowly and noticed that once again Zee was watching her. She narrowed her eyes at the girl, never once did she recall having felt anything negative against her but this was getting frustrating. She hated it when people stared and she had gotten enough of that on the walk to the diner. "Problem?" She questioned accusingly.

"No." Zee answered, "You just remind me of someone that's all."

"Yeah? You're the second person to say that to me." Aaliyah said looking at Wally out of the corner of her eye.

"The little magician suspects."

Aaliyah's eyes darted towards the window but did not see the bird. She then looked across the table at Zee in time to see her eyes narrowing at her.

"My apologies child, I must keep out of sight. The one you suspect is indeed the one I speak of. She is the very same magician that you came into contact with two years ago."

"Say, we never got your name." Artemis broke through over the bird's explanation.

"Yes, what is your name?" Zee asked next with a stern look now on her face.

Aaliyah narrowed her eyes at Zee; she could feel the rest of the group's eyes on her but her focus was on the girl sitting across from her. "I never said it and don't plan to." She spoke with unnecessary harshness.

"Calm yourself child, your emotions could flare up your abilities. It is something that you do not need to happen." There was silence for a moment, "It would seem that he has come to retrieve you earlier than planned. I would take this opportunity to leave."

Her eyes darted towards the front door and immediately settled on the man standing just outside. He looked just as she remembered, the dark clothing, dark hair and piercing blue eyes. Zee followed her line of sight and spotted the same man. Her head spun back to look at Aaliyah whose attention was still turned away.

"I knew it!" She said in a harsh whisper glaring at Aaliyah. "Why are you hanging around that thing?"

Aaliyah slowly turned her head to Zee with an emotionless face, "He is my father." Zee's eyes widened.

"What happened to you?" Zee asked, her voice turning to that of concern.

"More than you need to know." Aaliyah said looking down at her hands as she picked at her nails.

"What? Wait what is going on?" Megan spoke up finally looking between the two other girls.

Aaliyah turned her attention away from Zee and looked at Megan. She smiles at the older girl, "I have to go. I'm sorry." She rose from the seat and turned to walk away.

The rest of the table remained silent as the man walked into the diner and approached Aaliyah. He did not speak; simply nodding his head he turned and walked back towards the entrance and out the door.

Zee stood up from her seat, "You're really going to leave with him? Father or not I can tell you there are better options for you."

"I made a deal I have no choice." Aaliyah looked at the girl with sad eyes and turned to follow her father.

She heard a huff before she heard Zee's voice again, this time completely halting her in place. "Aaliyah! This is stupid."

Aaliyah could feel the confusion radiating from the others as she stood there with her back to them. Her head hung low refusing to turn and face the questions she knew they would have.

"Aaliyah?" His voice made her heart wrench in her chest. She could hear the hurt and the confusion in his voice.

Turning slowly and with the smallest smile she could form she looked at the table of people she had called friends. Each one held their own version of confusion. It was not the way she was hoping to let them know that she wasn't dead but it was done and there was no taking it back now.

"I'm sorry Zee but if you are what I think you are then you should understand. I have to go there is no way that I can change that. Without his help I would have died the first night they had me." She spoke softly wrapping her arms around herself now completely thankful that the diner was deserted. "It was either I take his deal to end my life or let him heal me and find him after I had figured a few things out."

"How long?" Zee asked walking towards Aaliyah placing a hand on her shoulder.

"A year." Aaliyah answered in a whisper looking at the ground.

"Is there no way to convince you to let me help you?" Zee asked quietly.

"No." Aaliyah shook her head slowly.

Zee said nothing more as her hand fell from Aaliyah's shoulder. The two girls stood in their place for a moment before Aaliyah walked around the girl quickly and ran for the door. She ran as fast as she could to the nearest alley and ducked into it as fast as her feet would allow. The tears that she had been holding back were threatening to escape and she breathed deeply to compose herself. She leaned up and rested her head against the brick wall of the building that was supporting her. Her eyes closed as she focused on steadying her breathing.

The sudden feeling of arms around her jolted her senses and her eyes shot open. All she saw was a flash of orange and she was being held tightly against someone. She did nothing but stand in place as she felt the person's grip loosen and they leaned back. Her eyes meeting the emerald ones she had missed so much. Before she could react in any way his lips had crashed against hers and her head began spinning. She realized after the haze cleared that something as simple as a kiss could hold so much emotion and she kissed back with as much as she could. His lips felt soft but the kiss was anything but, it was urgent and demanding in a sweet way. She could feel her knees growing weak and she began losing her control. His arms wrapped around her quickly and pulled her back up supporting her weight between his body and the wall he had her pressed against.

They finally separated after a while breathing heavily. Wally leaned his forehead against hers and closed his eyes, "I really missed you." He said breathlessly.

"I missed you too." Aaliyah said gripping the front of his shirt tightly. She breathed in deep and opened her eyes, "Wally, I have to go." She could sense the presence of Malphas not far off and knew that he was waiting of her.

"Why?" He asked softly. This hurt side of Wally was hitting her hard and she couldn't stand to see it.

"I just do. It's time for me to return to the shadows for a while." She answered laying her head on his chest. "The shadows are where I belong apparently."

"The shadows hide a lot you know." He said as he rested his chin on her head.

"Sometimes the shadows expose more than the light is capable of." Her answer was true in her mind, especially with everything that has happened to her.

"…Maybe, but it can illuminate a new world to those who live in the shadows, " He started as he pulled her closer, "those like you."

Aaliyah smiled as she rested her head on his chest, "You can be really corny sometimes you know that?"

"Only for you babe." He said as he chuckled lightly.

She pulled away from him placing a soft kiss on his lips which he returned with a little more force. As they parted once again she smiled at him, "Until next time." The tall figure stepped out of the darkest part of the alley and stopped next to Aaliyah. Before Wally could answer, both Aaliyah and the man stepped back into the shadows and disappeared.

"I'll be waiting." He said as he put his hands into his pockets staring at the place Aaliyah had been standing.

I received a message from one of my viewers/reviewers Great i dea suggesting that I should name the bird that follows Aaliyah. I figured it would be fun to ask the readers to come up with some names and I will take any and all ideas for the bird's name into account. And as always please R&R!