An Apprentice's Future

By: Malaizjan Dejesus & Reina Grayson

Author's Note: This is the climatic installment of the Batman Beyond Saga. Everything is coming together and this is the crossover fic. If you're a fan of either this series or Young Justice, than you will enjoy this! I am going to list the theme songs to various DC tv series and most of the theme songs can be found on Music of DC Comics: 75th Anniversary, which is available now, and the YJ Theme song is on its own album titled: Young Justice, which is also available. So if you don't have them, I suggest you go and buy them both!

Also, I had lots of help with this story. Reina Grayson deserves half the credit in getting 80% of this fic done. Part of this was written by Reina herself. There is some swearing but I think it's like 2 words. Just a warning…

Chapter 16

Music Playing: Batman the Animated Series Theme Music

Back in the Future…

Serenity let out a small whimper, and Dick picked up on it right away.

"Ser?" he whispered cautiously.

"Dick…something's wrong…" she whispered back.

Jason heard them both. "Hey," he whispered.

"Yeah?" Serenity said, her voice laced with pain.

"Pass this to him. He's better at picking locks than me." Jason used his hand to past the lock pick to Serenity, who passed it to her other hand and then to Dick.

He held it tightly. "You still can't pick locks?"

"Bite me. Besides, your wife needs to get off her feet."

Tim eyed the opening in front of them. Someone came into view; someone hidden by a cloaked. "Heads up."

The person looked around before dropping the shield. Then they lowered the hood.

Dick raised an eyebrow.

It was Spoiler.

She went to Dick right away, acting as if she was doing a check on the shackles. Instead, she loosed the chains. Then Spoiler checked on Serenity. "Hold on." She left the cell and minutes later, if the dragging wasn't an indicator, dragged a bed into the cell and placed it between Serenity and Dick. "Okay. Here's the deal-I don't like to see pregnant heroes suffer for no reason. So I have to release one shackle so I can shackle you to the bed. I'll keep the chain loose so you can move. But fight me and I'll have to keep you standing."

"I didn't take you for a softy, Spoiler," said Jason, taunting the new generation Spoiler.

"I just have an issue with this. They want Nightwing to transfer control of Watchtower to them. But he's not going to cooperate if his wife is in pain." Spoiler watched as Serenity nodded. And she undid the left arm and guided the heroine to the bed and shackled Lady Merline again, but she had some slack in the chain. She then reached up to the collar that suppress her magic and with a lock pick maneuver, unlocked it. "Don't make a move just yet."

"What the hell!?" cried Drow.

Spoiler turned around. "Look, you want those codes? Then be nice to his wife. Which is what I'm doing. You're an asshole anyway." Spoiler stomped over to Drow and met him eye-to-eye. "You want to say something now?"

"Whatever. Guess you would know how to get people to cooperate. Darkin said you did." Drow turned to walk away but he eyed Serenity with interest.

"If you even THINK about that, I will castrate you," Spoiler said.

Drow was quick to leave.

Back in the Past…At Wayne Manor…

Vincent tossed in his sleep, the sheets getting tangled in his legs, him sweating as he whimpered.

"Time to die, Tigress," said Deathstroke, swinging his sword at the retired heroine.

Tigress countered the sword with her bow and struck Deathstroke in the jaw. "You're not getting my son, Slade!"

"Dear girl, I always get what I want." Deathstroke then attacked in a series of punches and kicks that Tigress was barely able to counter. Then, he swept her legs from her and as she fell back, he stabbed her in the heart.

"MOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOMMM!" Archeron screamed as she gurgled on her breath and died as she hit the ground.

"You're next boy. The legacy of all archers will be to die at my hands." Slade turned to meet Vincent's onslaught of moves that could have only been learned from a member of the Bat family. Slade was having a hard time countering but when a small opening came, Slade struck a chop to his ribs and Vincent backed up. A spinning kick to his face knocked Archeron on his ass.

Then the sword came at his head-

Vincent jumped up in the bed, panting. "Mom…" he whispered.

Meygan was there in a moment's time, using her dark vortex to get there. She went to the bed and pulled Vincent into her arms. Since she was still in her full costume, she only had to be mindful of her face brushing his skin. "It's ok, I'm here."

"Meygan…" Vincent knew he was safe. It was how calm she was around him. "My mom…"

"She's safe, Vincent. Uncle Wally has her. Nothing will happen to her. Promise." Meygan knew she had to keep Vincent from probing her true intentions. She had to leave in 2 hours anyway.

But for the moment, her little brother needed her. And she was willing to comfort him. Meygan knew it would be the last time she could.

"Meygan, why are you sad?" Vincent asked, his voice muffled in her shoulder.

"You had a bad dream. I try to keep you from having those," she whispered.

Vincent seemed to accept that explanation.

In the Bat Cave…

The Batmobile roared back into the cave, the waterfalls that power the cave parting to allow it and the 3 Bat Cycles to return. Terry was on Robin's Bat Cycle. Everyone parked their vehicles and Nightwing, Batman (Terry) and Batgirl raced over to the Batmobile, ignoring their own minor injuries, to help remove Tim from the Batman's (Bruce's) car.

The hood slid back and Bruce leaped out of the driver's side of the car and raced around to gently pick up Tim. There was a small moan from the 3rd Robin as they all ran to the Med Bay area.

Areina jerked awake as she heard the running. She looked to her mother, who was sleeping. So she stood up as Bruce entered the Med Bay, and lowered Tim to the other bed. "What happened?" she asked, yawning.

"Bane." That was all Bruce said.

Tim was in trouble, there were cuts all over his small body and even some coming out of the corner of his mouth. Areina knew they couldn't lose another Robin, so she flew to get the ONE person that could save him.

"Where's she off to?" Batgirl asked.

"To get a miracle," Terry remarked as he pulled off his cowl and smiled.

The past Bat family was confused, but right now they had to tend to the 14 year old hero. Bruce had gone to get the first aid kit and started cleaning up Tim's wounds.

Within the Manor

Areina ran into Alfred and found out which room she needed. The second generation fire controller was there quickly and knocked. A soft 'come in' was heard and Areina entered.

"Areina, what's wrong?" the youngest Greyson child asked as she saw the worry on her cousin's face.

"Tim's hurt really badly, Molly; the way it looks there could be internal bleeding," Areina answered.

"Alright, let's go," Molly said as she jumped out of bed and was in front of Areina with a speedster's time.

The two Grayson girls headed down to the Batcave and Molly was at Tim's side in no time. She placed her hands on Tim's chest and started chanting. A faint golden glow came around her and transferred to her future uncle. Bruce, Dick and Barbara watched in awe as they saw the cuts heal, but even after that the glow didn't go away.

"How?" Barbara asked.

"Can't say much but Molly has magic and she's already training to be a doctor by using said magic," Areina said.

"She was able to reattach Andrew's wings; and she's even healed me before," Terry stated.

The past Bat family was amazed; such a young girl with this kind of power. Inside Dick was swelling up with pride that his girls were so strong, and now he was curious about his son.

"You guys can sit down for a bit; it's going to be a while, even with my magic." Molly said, never taking her attention off of Tim.

The five of them went their separate ways and Areina returned to her mom's side. Bruce went to check the Batcomputer while Dick and Barbara went to change into something more comfortable. Terry went looking around the cave to see what had changed from now to his time.

One Hour Later

Areina had looked over at her cousin and Tim every so often, but just as she looked again she saw that the golden glow was fading from Molly and Tim.

"Alright everyone; I'm done," Molly said cheerfully, and the family came back around their youngest.

"How bad was it, Molly?" Terry asked; having seen what all Bane did to the third Robin.

"Six broken ribs; internal bleeding…you were right Areina; a punctured lung from one of the ribs, and I found a slight concussion. What happened to him?"

"Bane got a hold of him and used all his strength," Bruce said.

"I was able to distract him while Terry got Tim out of his grip," Dick said.

"Then once Tim was safe, I went and just let loose on Bane," Terry added.

"He should wake up in the morning, but just keep an eye on him alright," Molly said and then she yawned.

"Sorry I woke you Molly, but I knew you could help him," Areina said.

"It's alright, now if you'll excuse me, I'm heading back to bed," Molly told them and everyone nodded, but not before Bruce walked over and hugged his youngest granddaughter from the future.

She then headed out of the cave and everyone turned to the future heroes.

"So, Terry; why did you say Areina was getting a miracle?" Dick asked.

"Miracle is Molly's codename. As you saw she can work miracles with her magic when it comes to healing people," Terry answered.

"Wish you guys could stay in our time." Dick said, making a joke.

"We've already screwed things up enough, but at least Tim will live, AND be back out in the field tomorrow night," Areina said.

Something just came to Bruce, and he had to ask. "If Molly can heal, how come she doesn't heal Meygan?"

"From what I know, with Mona around, Molly's healing magic can do more harm than good. Meygan's injuries take time to heal with her own demon powers. She just hasn't had enough time to heal up from the fight on Watchtower…..OUR Watchtower," Areina told her future family.

"Then…about Mathen…" Dick started.

"He's like you Uncle Dick. And he took your codename because you're technically retired," Areina said with a smile.

"Him? Retire?" Barb said with a haughty laugh. "Not likely."

"A family can do that to a hero," Bruce said, understanding at last. Something strained his relationship with Dick and some of the pieces were falling into place.

Terry made his way upstairs to his temporary room. Fighting Bane took a lot out of him, and now he appreciated the villains in his own time. He took off his face mask before entering his room.

As he closed the door, something didn't feel right. He felt like he wasn't alone. "Whoever's there, say something or I start attacking."

"Wow…"

Terry turned slowly, to see who said that.

"So you're the one asking about me? I thought Alfred was trying to get me in trouble with tall, dark and brooding. But you…ME-OW."

"Catwoman?" he asked. She was dressed in all black, with a full face mask. But he saw the cat-o-nine-tails whip hanging at her side.

"That's me." She jumped off the window ledge to land every so quietly on the carpet. "You must be the future Batman Alfred told me about. You had questions."

"Guess I'm just as curious as a cat."

"Curiosity killed the cat," Selena retorted.

"But not you…Selena."

Catwoman's eyes widened slightly. "Well played…Terry."

"I try. So tell me. Why would the old man keep you a secret?"

"Why does he dress as a bat and fight crime?"

"Why do you steal?"

Selena laughed softly. "I like you."

"I can't say the same yet. Are you going to give me real answers or should I yell for him?" Terry asked.

"To the point…you are like him." Selena sat on the edge of the bed; it was as close as she dared to get to Terry. "Fine." She let out a heavy sigh.

"Do you love Bruce?" Terry asked.

Selena's eyes widened. "I love to unravel him. To play…I like to tease and maybe I would join his side for a bit. So you take what you can. That's all you wanted to ask? I have better things to do."

"Selena, I'm…sorry. I know about Talia. But you, he keeps a tight lip. I'm just trying to learn why."

"Sorry kid. But if it's not that obvious to you, then you shouldn't be Batman." Selena got up to leave. "Now if you would excuse me; I got a necklace calling my name."

"Selena…why? Why would you…play with him?"

Catwoman looked back at Terry after she got to the window and opened it. "He was the only one who ever got me…who ever understood me. And I understood him. There's no bullshit between us. And I think that's what makes us work. Oh, by the way, his blood's in you." She then leaped out of the window.

Terry ran to it but when he got there, she was already gone. "I need to learn that." He wasn't sure about what she meant by the last line but she was odd. But Terry believed he understood her too.

Meygan made her way downstairs, to the Cave to see her Aunt Reiena one last time. She said her goodbyes to the others already, but they didn't know. Eolus and Mona were having a private moment before Eolus went to the Wayne Graveyard.

She made her way down the stairs and went to the Med Bay area, smiling as Tim, Areina and Reiena were all sleeping.

'Goodbye,' she said mentally. 'Be safe.' Meygan felt Bruce at her back and she turned slowly to see him watch her. She moved away from the Med Bay to meet him at the computer.

"You're thinking hard," he told her quietly, accusing.

"So?" she replied, her tone flippant.

"Let's do this upstairs." Bruce didn't look to see if she would follow, he made his way up the stairs and to his study.

Sighing, Rave followed. Part of her wondered why she'd bother.

She followed him to his study and closed the door behind her.

"Your accident. How did it happen?" Bruce went to his most burning question.

"None of your business."

Bruce glared at her. He was still in costume, and he bore into her.

"You don't scare me. NO ONE does, not even Great Uncle Clark." Meygan put her hands on her hips.

"You should be."

"Sorry. Dad's WAY scarier than you."

"Why this hostile attitude toward me?"

"You're the one who has it first. And if I told you, it'll wreck history."

"Weren't you the one that said 'Screw the Timeline? That Kid Fate could fix it'."

Meygan face palmed herself.

"Tell me."

"Go play with Mr. Freeze."

"Meygan...If Kid Fate can fix the timeline,then you can tell me." Bruce said, losing the Dark Knight attitude; he was trying to be the grandfather that Meygan never had but Areina did.

"No."

"Meygan, it wasn't an accident, was it?" he asked quietly.

"What happened, happened. There's no reason to wish differently. I love my life."

Bruce had enough of her attitude. "You can't touch anyone and vice versa; Vincent's injuries become your own and you don't wait till you're properly healed before going into another fight. All of this shows me that you're ASKING for death with every mission you take on. Tell me why no one from your generation will say what happened to you," Bruce said, bringing a bit of tone back to his voice.

The temperature dropped very quickly, to single digits. Even through his insulated suit, he felt that cold. Her eyes went red, the blue of Dick's eyes gone. "How. Dare. You." Each word held her anger and hurt in them. "You want to know why I'm hostile toward you? YOU didn't want my parents together. All you wanted was my dad to take your place, and he retired to have a family…Fine, I DIED. Slade killed me. I died protecting my dad and brother. And Aunt Raven brought me back. I can't die...I. Can. Never. Die." Tears were in her red eyes.

Bruce was about in tears himself; Deathstroke the Terminator was still causing trouble 25-30 years from now and STILL after Dick. "Meygan, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to push you so far. I know that Terry is a good replacement, but I'm sure that I will still ask Dick to be Batman at some time. I wish I could have protected you when it happened," Bruce said and he went to hug Meygan.

She didn't fight it as she knew he was telling the truth.

As he held her, Meygan just cried. She unleashed all of her tears that had never been shed. The temperature in the room went back to normal. "I never...asked...to come...back..." she said through those tears. "All I want...is to feel...I'm always numb. Always..."

"If it makes you feel any better; I'm numb to things as well."

Meygan said nothing, for something odd was happening within her. There was a shift, as if the missing link within was no longer missing. A light bulb had gone on, and she understood at long last. She felt warm. For the first time in years, she was warm.

Safe.

Protected.

She knew what to do now. The answer was inside the whole time.

And who would have thought that her grandfather, Bruce Wayne, was the one to help her get there.

"My mom...it isn't Barb," she said when the hug was released.

"Zatanna?"

"Same profession in a way; but no, not Zatanna. She's dad's soul mate and he'll know it when he meets her," Meygan said, looking into her grandfather's eyes.

"I take it Reiena has an issue with her."

"That's what mom says...an issue at first, but mom earned Aunt Reiena's respect." Meygan turned to leave.

"Whatever you're planning...know that I will protect your team."

"I know you will...You, Terry, and Areina."

Meygan opened the door. She left without looking back. She vanished into a vortex and ended up at the Wayne Cemetery. Eolus waited with a sour look. "Sorry."

"I thought you had cold feet."

"Me? Never." She then stared intently at Eolus. "You'll look after Mona, right?"

"Yeah. Scout's honor."

"Where are you two going?" said Vincent, startling Eolus but made Meygan sigh.

"We're going back home. Just the two of us. We're out of time."

"A vision?" Vincent asked. Brian stood next to him, furious.

"I have to go so it doesn't happen. We're out of time."

"Why!? Why must you do this?!" Vincent asked his sister.

Meygan at long last admitted the truth: "I'm Afraid to lose what remains of my family. This team is my family. If anyone should do this fight, it's me, and only me. And if I step over the line, Eolus can stop me."

The soon to be step brothers were Shocked.

"If I fail, you two are going to have to lead the others into the final fight."

"Meygan…" Vincent said but he got cut off.

"No. There is no debate on this. We need to go. Hold down the fort." Eolus went into the portal first. Then Meygan left behind him, the vortex closing, ending the conversation.

**What is Meygan's plan? Why did she go back alone? Find out in the next 2 chapters! **