"Is it just me, or does Dami look like he's been through the wringer?" Dick inquired as he strolled into the room on the morning of his return from his honeymoon. Immediately, as he couldn't help but notice the weariness etched into Damian's features.

Jason leaped to his feet in agreement, his excitement palpable. "Thank you! I thought I was the only one who picked up on it!"

Emerging from the shadows with a somber expression, Cassandra chimed in, adding to the growing concern. "He's got these heavy bags under his eyes... and I've heard him waking up in the middle of the night, screaming."

"Nightmares?" Tim probed, his voice tinged with suspicion, but Cassandra simply shook her head and signed, indicating 'Night Terrors.' Tim's eyes widened in understanding. "Damn. No wonder Alec and Mara are keeping a close eye on him."

Turning to their eldest brother for guidance, Jason asked, "What should we do, Dick?"

Dick sighed, a deep furrow forming on his forehead. "I think all the trauma he's been through has finally caught up with him. Right now, there might not be much we can do. He'll open up when he's ready, or he'll find someone he trusts enough to confide in."

Tim added some insight, his expression pensive. "He's been spending a lot of time with his friend An'ki. I heard they've extended his stay on Earth, and they seem to be planning something."

Cassandra signed clarifying, "They're working on Damian's control over the Grey Force. I caught them practicing the other day. And they've been discussing Kyle Rayner."

Dick's face lit up with pride. "So, Damian's finally taking the plunge. He's expanding the ranks of the Grey Lanterns. I can't wait to see what he'll achieve with it!"

Meanwhile, in the famous Nest, all of the Earth Lanterns were summoned by their youngest member. Hal, Kyle, John, Guy, Moore, and their newest members Simon and Jessica were looking at each other with curiosity. Damian tends to be quite stubborn about ignoring his lantern connection, mostly using the Grey Force in a passive form to keep his flames balanced. Other than to catch up and have a good time, Damian leaves lantern work in this galaxy to them. So, why was he calling them in an official way to the ship that became a beacon of home and hope to the lantern community? It just made no sense.

Their surprised doubled when Damian finally made his appearance. An'ki's presence came to no one's surprise, he was one of Damian's best friend and they all knew about his visit to Earth. Now, what Damian was wearing was what shocked them all. It was his Flamebird suit, but instead of the red and oranges that normally adorned his outfit, it was all white and black. Not to mention, it was powered by the Grey Force, just like their lantern suits.

This Flamebird outfit not only conveyed a striking visual presence but also symbolized the balance between light and darkness, with its striking black and white color scheme, exuded a sense of balance and contrast that was both visually captivating and symbolically significant. The sleek, form-fitting bodysuit was predominantly black, serving as a canvas for the contrasting white flame accents that adorned the suit's various elements. Starting at the chest, a striking bird symbol took center stage. The bird symbol was a harmonious blend of black and white, mirroring the yin-yang symbol's elegant duality. On one side, the bird's form was rendered in stark, bold black lines, its feathers and wings intricately detailed. On the other side, a pristine white counterpart mirrored the design, creating a seamless fusion of the two colors as they converged in the center. The bodysuit continued its interplay of black and white, with white flames weaving gracefully down the arms and legs, contrasting against the black backdrop. These flames were both fierce and elegant, adding a dynamic energy to the overall design. To complete the ensemble, Damian donned a sleek, white mask that covered his eyes, emphasizing his sharp, focused gaze. His boots and gloves were white, providing a practical and stylish contrast to the predominantly black components of her costume.

"Does this mean..." Hal started with a wide beaming smile. "Fuck yes! Take that Spooky! We've converted one of your kids!"

"Shut up," John Steward sighed, as Guy and John Moore high fived. "Children, I am surrounded by children."

Jessica leaned over towards Simon and whispered. "Do you have any idea what's going on?"

"None, but I am in The Nest and I am about to meet Flamebird!" Simon whispered back, eyes glimmering with excitement. "Do you have any idea how awesome this is? In Oa they can't shut up about him! He changed the dynamics of the lanterns, practically one handedly reforming how the lanterns work!"

As Simon and Jessica continued to gossip enthusiastically, Kyle stood up, his movements deliberate and purposeful, as he made his way toward Flamebird. The anticipation in the room was palpable, an electric current that seemed to thicken the air. As he closed the distance, he stopped only inches away from the teenager, and their gazes locked in a profound connection that transcended mere eye contact.

The tension between them was so thick it felt like it could be cut with a knife. It was as if the very universe held its breath, waiting for this pivotal moment to unfold. Flamebird's Grey Force and Kyle's Green Lantern Ring pulsed in harmony, their rhythms aligning as if they were heartbeats that had found a way to synchronize. In Damian's perspective, this synchronization had been a long time coming, ever since the day they had first crossed paths. It had always been Kyle's destiny to become a Grey Lantern.

With a deep breath, Damian summoned every ounce of courage within him. His hand moved purposefully to his chest, where the iconic bird symbol rested. With a subtle gesture, he ignited a blinding display of black and white lights that radiated throughout the room. The brilliance was almost blinding, leaving everyone temporarily dazzled by the radiant display. As the intense lights gradually dimmed, Flamebird stood before Kyle, holding a remarkable yin-yang necklace in his outstretched hand. The energy emanating from this necklace was palpable, mirroring the same cosmic resonance that their lantern rings possessed. It was a symbol of balance, unity, and profound strength.

Kyle hesitated for a brief moment, his expression reflecting the weight of the decision he was about to make. His emotions played across his face, turmoil and determination mingling in his eyes. Then, as if making up his mind in a resolute instant, he removed his Green Lantern Ring, which had served as a symbol of his former life, and replaced it with the Grey Lantern Necklace. The transformation was nothing short of remarkable. His iconic Green Lantern suit seamlessly transitioned into a Grey Lantern ensemble, and a profound sense of relief washed over him.

For the first time in what felt like an eternity, Kyle could breathe freely once more.

"Welcome to the club," Damian told him softly, before admitting with a sweet smile. "As scary as this was for me, it is nice not to be the only one."

Kyle's expression softened at the confession. For a long time, he had ressented the Batclan for keeping him away from Flamebird. He had known that the Grey Force had been calling gout to him since the moment he had met Flamebird. It was something that kept him awake at night, the pulll of cosmic forces is a powerful thing. However, in all his anger and frustration he had forgotten one very important point. Flamebird was but a child, put in a position of power no teenager should ever be placed in. Yet, he still bared the weight with grace and did his best to fulfill all his duties. How he kept such a balanced life without breaking, Kyle will never know. But if there was one thing the ex-Green Lantern was sure of, was that there was no one better to be the Guardian of the Grey Force, than Flamebird.

"I'll do my best to make you proud," Kyle promised. "But you will be a hard act to follow."

News Anchor 1 (Natalie Hayes): Good evening, ladies and gentlemen. We interrupt your regular programming for a truly remarkable and unexpected event. Kyle Rayner, the Green Lantern, has made his debut with his new suit right here in Coast City.

News Anchor 2 (John Anderson): That's right, Natalie. This is a momentous occasion. Kyle Rayner, who has been known as the Green Lantern for years, is now a Grey Lantern. This change has left many of us here at the news desk scratching our heads.

Natalie Hayes: Absolutely, John. Our on-site reporter, Sarah Mitchell, is there at the scene. Sarah, can you tell us what's happening?

Reporter (Sarah Mitchell): Thank you, Natalie. I'm here in Coast City's bustling city center, where a crowd has gathered to witness this unprecedented event. Just moments ago, Kyle Rayner, under the alias of Green Lantern, made a dramatic entrance as what we now understand is a Grey Lantern. Let's listen to some reactions from the crowd.

On-screen interviews with spectators:

Spectator 1 (Mike): I never thought I'd see the day when Green Lantern became something else entirely. It's mind-boggling!

Spectator 2 (Linda): What does this mean for the universe? Is there a new lantern color we didn't know about?

Spectator 3 (Paul): It's gotta be something cosmic, right? I mean, look at the colors – it's like yin and yang!

John Anderson: Indeed, Sarah, the colors are certainly intriguing. The change has raised a lot of questions. Is this a new lantern color or perhaps a merging of powers?

Sarah Mitchell: That's the big question, John. Some experts in the field of intergalactic guardianship believe that this might be a fusion of powers, combining the Green Lantern's willpower and the Grey Lantern's unique abilities.

Natalie Hayes: It's fascinating, Sarah. And what about Kyle Rayner himself? Has he said anything about this change?

Sarah Mitchell: Not yet, Natalie. Kyle Rayner is keeping mum about the specifics. He simply made the transformation and flew off into the cosmos without uttering a word. It's a mystery we're all eager to unravel.

John Anderson: Well, it looks like we'll have to keep a close eye on this unfolding story. The universe is full of surprises, and it seems we're in for quite an adventure.

Natalie Hayes: Thank you, Sarah. We'll be following this story closely, and we'll bring you all the updates as they come in. In the meantime, back to your regular programming.

"Some experts in the field of intergalactic guardianship?" Jason snorted, as they continued into a finance program. "I would really love to know more about these experts."

"A fusion of powers, combining the Green Lantern's willpower and the Grey Lantern's unique abilities." Dick chortled. "Do they even know what those unique abilities are about? They didn't even know about Grey Lanterns until today!"

"It caused a much bigger splash than we had expected," Tim commented distractedly, as he scrolled down his Wayne-pad. "There are already dozens of articles being posted about Kyle's change of colors."

"That's because until now Earth has been unaware of the fact that lanterns can change from one corp to the other," Damian hummed, thinking about how different this was compared to the other timeline. Guy Gardner had been the first lantern to change his colors, at least that humans knew about, from red to green. However, this time around Guy had sticked to the Red Lanterns and Kyle had become the first human-known lantern to change corps. "They did not know that was possible and now they want to know what that means."

Alec turned to his brother with a frown. "There's more to it, isn't there. Changing corps is not just about an emotional situation getting the best of them, like being filled with rage or fear."

Damian smiled mysteriously, from where he was cuddling Mara on the couch and snickered. "No, it is not. It is not an easy choice and not one made lightly. Even Kyle, who has been hounding me for a Grey Lantern Necklace, had to think it twice before making his final choice. There's much more going into that. "

"Like what?" Bruce asked, from his armchair.

Damian leaned back against the couch, his expression thoughtful as he began to explain the complexity of changing Corps to Bruce and Alec. "Well, changing Corps involves a lot more than just having a strong emotion. It's not like a switch you flip on and off. It's like... it's like deciding to move to a different country because you feel a deep connection to that place. It's not just about the emotion itself; it's about how deeply you feel it and whether it aligns with the essence of the new Corps. Imagine you're learning a whole new language, culture, and way of life. That's what it's like."

Mara furrowed her brow, trying to grasp the concept. "So, it's about completely immersing yourself in that new emotion and way of thinking?"

"Exactly," Damian affirmed. "And it's not just a one-time thing. It's a commitment, like getting married. Once you change Corps, you become one with that emotion, and it becomes a part of you. It's like choosing a path for your life, and it's irreversible. You can't easily switch back and forth between Corps because your core essence changes."

Bruce nodded, absorbing this information. "So, it's not just about feeling anger or hope; it's about embracing those emotions so deeply that they define you. It's a profound transformation."

Damian nodded in agreement. "That's right, baba. It's not something to be taken lightly. Kyle had to think long and hard before deciding to become a Grey Lantern, and that choice will shape the rest of his life. It's a journey of self-discovery and embracing a new identity."

Alec chimed in, beginning to understand the gravity of the situation. "So, it's not just changing colors; it's a fundamental change in who you are, like a caterpillar becoming a butterfly."

Damian smiled at Alec's analogy. "Exactly, Alec. And once that change happens, you can never go back to being just a caterpillar. You're a different kind of creature altogether."

As the conversation deepened, the group realized that the decision to change Corps was a profound and life-altering one, not to be taken lightly. They had thought it was one taken because vengange or greed, like many followers of Siniestro and Atrocitus had done. But there was much more into it. It was a transformation of the soul, a commitment to a new emotional path, and it irreversibly shaped the Lantern's identity and destiny.

"You were not just afraid of the Grey Force because of the power it possesses," Tim pointed out shrewdly.

Damian threw his head back and laughed at his brother's comment. "You've always been the smartest one in this family." In both timelines, Damian thought melancholy. "I was afraid about how much embracing this power would change me, but I realized that being a guardian and a lantern are different things."

"Different? How?" Cass asked gently.

"Well, in a way the Lantern Forces choose knights that are compatible but they might find a better fit elsewhere," Damian explained.

"Like Siniestro with the Yellow Force and Kyle with the Grey Force," Jason pointed out.

"Exactly," Damian nodded his head in agreement. "But guardians are chosen because they are a perfect fit... the force does not change us, not even a little bit, because we are already what they need. Which is why Force Guardians are rare to find." Damian frowned when he thought about it. "Or you can have fake guardians, like the ones Oa had for a long time. Luckily, that was taken care of. Because of them the Green Force got infected by the Yellow Force. That was not good. At all."

"Could the Grey Force get infected as well?" Bruce asked sharply, having noticed his son's wording.

Damian gave him a warning look at the tone, but did not say anything about it. Damian could see improvement and can give credit where's due. "No, it cannot. The Grey Force represents balance, there can never be too much or too little of something. As such, no infection can ever grow and prosper within it."

"That's good," Dick smiled in relief.

"Tell me about it," Jason snorted. "The last we need is a Flamebird running around with no conscious." Jason stopped when everyone was giving him shocked looks or glares, in the case of Bruce, Alec, and Mara. "What? I am just saying what everyone is thinking! That would be madness!"

Shrike and Respawn landed gracefully on the ground, their descent so soundless it was almost eerie. Flamebird, on the other hand, performed a few elegant aerial laps before touching down lightly, his golden wings casting a faint, ethereal glow. The dense forest enveloped them in pitch-black darkness, with only the subdued radiance of Flamebird's wings providing any illumination. The subdued lighting seemed to put the three siblings on edge, prompting Shrike and Respawn to draw their swords, Blackthorn and Honor, respectively. Tension hung in the air, thick as the night itself, until Flamebird finally joined them on the forest floor.

The trio exchanged meaningful glances, their determination evident in the determined gleam in their eyes. After a series of nods, they ventured forth into the unknown.

"Baba will kill us," Mara whispered, her voice laced with a mix of apprehension and lingering attachment to Bruce. It had taken her the longest to overcome her feelings of resentment toward their father. After all, Bruce had put the brother who had sacrificed himself for her in danger with his contingency plans. Yet, in the end, she had found it in her heart to accept him back into her life. She had come to realize that Bruce was only human, flaws and all. At the end of the day, he was still her baba.

Alec snorted softly, shaking his head in agreement. "We need to do this. We're not children anymore. We don't need protection; we need closure."

"And we shall have it," Damian affirmed as they approached their designated meeting point.

As they arrived, their eyes fell upon the two individuals who had tormented their childhood, the blood-related adults who had subjected them to unimaginable trials. It was Ra's al Ghul and Talia al Ghul.

Damian couldn't help but observe their attire with a hint of disdain. The green assassin robes adorned with ostentatious golden accents were a testament to their unwavering pride in being al Ghuls. Even after all these years of separation and the League of Assassins falling into relative silence, they still clung to their identity with unshaken resolve. However, Damian detected a subtle, almost imperceptible flinch in their demeanor as he greeted them with icy detachment. Perhaps, just perhaps, they had changed.

Talia's voice wavered as she whispered, her eyes filled with a mixture of emotion as she gazed at Flamebird's golden wings. In those eyes, one could see not only the pain but also an undeniable sense of pride. "Son," she murmured, her words a fragile tremor in the air, "you've grown so much... you cannot fathom how immensely proud I am of the man you've become."

Once upon a time, hearing those words from his mother might have filled Damian with boundless joy. But Damian was no longer the impressionable boy he once was. He had matured beyond the point of seeking her approval, or anyone else's for that matter. He cared not was Ra's, Talia, Batman, and even Dick, for the matter, thought of him. He had forged his own identity, earned his own pride, and was content with the person he had become. Recognition from his mother had become an unwelcome reminder of the darker paths he had once walked.

"I no longer care about any semblance of pride you may harbor for me," Damian responded, his tone cold and unyielding, causing Talia's entire being to recoil slightly. Mara and Alec, witnessing this rare display of their brother's steely resolve, exchanged surprised glances. They've known Damian held no love for their al Ghul family, but to have their normally soft-spoken and kind brother act so cold and mean... it was a shock to their system. "If anything, it brings me shame rather than happiness, for it signifies that I must have committed horrifying acts to earn your approval."

Talia struggled to respond, her gaze balking under the weight of Damian's words, which cut deeper than any blade. She had no defense against his unflinching honesty. Damian pressed on, his words laced with a bitterness born of long-held resentment. "Let me guess," he continued, locking eyes with Talia, "you're proud of the power I've amassed, the formidable foes I've vanquished, and the allies I've acquired. You may even believe I've wasted my time with charity work, engaging with those you deem beneath us. Isn't that right?" A glance at her eyes confirmed his suspicions. "Typical. You haven't changed in the slightest."

Damian's tone dripped with disdain as he cast his judgment upon her unchanged values. His siblings, still coming to terms with the stark transformation of their formerly soft-spoken and gentle brother, watched in disbelief.

"What do you want from us?" Damian demanded, the question hanging heavily in the air like an unspoken challenge.

Ra's al Ghul stood tall and unwavering, his pride apparent even as he faced the disdainful gazes of his blood family. Yet, behind that mask of stoic composure, a tempest of emotions raged within him. Guilt and pain battled fiercely for dominance in his conflicted heart.

"Is it wrong that I desire to see my grandchildren?" he replied, his voice steady, though it quivered beneath the surface. The weight of his past transgressions bore down on him, and he struggled to find the right words.

Alec couldn't help but respond with a trace of sarcasm, a shield he had developed over years of coping with his tumultuous upbringing. "Oh, how touching," he quipped. "I was just experiment 1209 to you, wasn't I? You made sure to remind me of that every day in the lab. It was only when my akhi came along that I was given a name."

Mara's voice dripped with disbelief and barely contained rage as she echoed her brother's sentiments. "Family?" she scoffed, her eyes blazing with fury. "Where was this familial concern when you cast aside my father for being a cripple? Or when you denounced me as an al Ghul for being his daughter? Or when you mercilessly TOOK MY AKHI'S LIFE RIGHT BEFORE MY EYES BECAUSE HE REFUSED TO CARRY OUT YOUR ORDERS?! TO TAKE OUT MY EYE!" Mara's scream was full of pain, distraught clear in her body language, as she barely contained herself from launging and attacking Ra's al Ghul.

In response, Ra's al Ghul lowered his gaze and let out a sigh of profound regret. "I am... sorry," his apology resonated through the forest, leaving the others stunned by the unexpected humility of the Head of the Demon. "I was no grandfather to you, and I was no father either. I can attribute it to the Pit Madness, but deep down, it was my own greed and fear that set me on this destructive path. I feared death, and I wanted to rule the world, and it led to my downfall. Despite all the power and wealth I accumulated, none of it brought me happiness. I even lost my family along the way."

Damian, Mara, and Alec exchanged uncertain glances, struggling to come to terms with the sincerity of the apology offered by their abuser. It was finally, Flamebird who stepped forward with his back straight and chin held high. "I do not care for your apology," he declared, his voice firm and unyielding. "It is too little, too late. You've caused us way too much damage to ever be undone."

Alec joined his brother, standing beside him with a cold, unrelenting glare aimed at Ra's and Talia. "I'll tell you what I told my biological father: the only family I've ever known is the Batclan. I have no desire to change that fact. Cease your attempts to contact me, or you shall face my wrath and my Honor."

Mara took her place beside her brothers, her voice shaking but resolute. "Take us out of the al Ghul line. The League has promise to change, it deserves to change. But we do not wish for that weight to befall us. We do not need it to weight us down and we do not deserve that either. It is not our job to clean up after you all. We will not clean up after you."

With that said, Flamebird took Shrike and Respawn's hands and launched them into the air. As they retreated they felts truly free for the first time, they've done it. They've conquered their fears and gotten closer.

Finally.

A/N: watch?v=QUQsqBqxoR4