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"Random Subject Prompts"

Chapter 038: Dick Grayson/Nightwing

TV Show: Young Justice

Prompt: Necklace

Chapter Warning(s):

Author's Note:

KH*DG*KH*DG

~Tokyo Museum~

Dick looked down at the museum map, checking to make sure they were headed in the right direction and wouldn't miss any of the exhibits. He hadn't been to this particular museum since he was a young boy, and a lot had changed since then. New sections had been added, certain time periods had been expanded, and the technology was more state-of-the-art to give visitors a more hands-on experience. His inner tech nerd was having the time of his life.

"Hey, Kagome," he started then stopped when he noticed his companion was no longer by his side. With a quick scan around the room, he found the raven haired beauty in question standing near a glass case housing jewelry and other accessories from the Warring States Era of Japan.

Her amethyst eyes were glazed, intensely focused on a particular necklace that was strategically placed to show off its beauty and simplicity. The chain was delicate but the gem itself was shiny, almost luminous, and about the size of a marble. It was a pinkish-purple color that caught the eye as well as caught the individual's attention.

However, it was the aura that peaked Dick's curiosity. His brows furrowed in concern. That jewel… Something wasn't quite right about that jewel…

Trying to be subtle, Dick wrapped his arms around Kagome's waist from behind, effectively breaking the trance she was in. He laid his chin against her shoulder.

"That's a beautiful necklace," he commented. "Where's it from?" In reality, he wanted nothing more than to snatch Kagome up and take her as far away as he could manage. But he had to be smooth. It wouldn't be good if he made a scene or acted suspicious.

"It's from the Feudal Era of Japan," she answered. Her tone was strained, and Dick couldn't figure out why. Had the jewel managed to affect her somehow? He couldn't be sure. All he knew was that they needed to leave the area. "It's called the Shikon no Tama. The legend claims that it can grant the user any wish they desire."

Dick scoffed. "A jewel that can grant ultimate power? Yeah, like that doesn't spell trouble." Shivers were starting to creep up and down his spine. The longer he stayed near the necklace, the more trepidation he felt.

She continued as though he hadn't spoken. "The jewel disappeared over five-hundred years ago…" she trailed off then started again. "I can't believe it's here." Why has it reappeared after all this time? And here of all places? Was fate trying to pull her back into the game once more?

"You can't honestly believe this is the real thing. It has to be a replica." But he knew different. It was time to leave. Now. "Come on, Kagome. Let's go check out the other exhibits."

Kagome forcefully put the Shikon out of her thoughts. It wasn't like she could do anything at the moment. Her time-traveling days were long over. She hadn't even used her priestess powers in years. What could she possibly do surrounded by witnesses?

Smiling like nothing was wrong, she turned to face her boyfriend. "Yeah, let's go. I'm curious about what they added to the Egypt exhibit."

Dick just nodded in agreement, relieved that they were leaving that weird necklace behind. He would do his best to steer their path away from this section for the remainder of the day. He really didn't like the vibes he was getting from being near the jewel. Nothing good could come of it. It practically spelled trouble with a capital-T.

KH*DG*KH*DG

~Several Nights Later~

When he received the call about the museum's alarm being triggered, Nightwing had half-hoped that someone had stolen the Shikon no Tama and would take it far, far away from his city. Since his date with Kagome, she hadn't been the same. More closed off, less willing to share her thoughts. It definitely wasn't like her, and he was worried. The books she obsessed over were about the Feudal Era. It was as if she was searching for some type of answer. To what, he had no idea.

Silently entering the museum, footsteps light, breathing calm, Nightwing scanned the area for the intruder. There were reports of one individual identified as female, and appeared to be working alone. But he kept his guard up. By team protocol, he should wait for backup to arrive, but he was antsy. Something about this particular mission had his senses on edge.

Before he knew it, he ended up near the Warring States exhibit. Everything had looked secure until he noticed movement in the shadows.

"Who's there?" he demanded, fists lifting in defense.

The figure that stepped into the dim moonlight was obviously feminine and petite. Silky, raven colored tresses was pulled into a high ponytail, and the mask that concealed her identity was the feminine version of his own. She was dressed in black leggings that showed off long, toned legs, and a black, long-sleeved shirt that oddly looked like flexible armor. Combat boots covered delicate feet, which matched the black fingerless gloves on equally delicate hands. Slung over one shoulder was a quiver filled with arrows while the other held a long bow.

And dangling from her fingertips was the Shikon no Tama.

Nightwing narrowed his eyes. "Put down the jewel, and surrender peacefully." He'd rather not fight a woman, but he'd learned from experience that women were one of the fiercest fighters.

"Don't get in my way," the female intruder spoke, voice husky and too low to really make out specific characteristics. "You don't know what you're messing with."

"All I see is a thief. Trust me, I know exactly who I'm dealing with."

"We'll see about that." With that, she lunged forward.

Nightwing braced himself, but what happened next wasn't something he would have ever expected.

She produced a pink shield that effectively bounced him away from her. He slammed into the nearest wall, the breath knocked out of him. When he regained his bearings, he sprang back onto his feet and chased after the female intruder.

"Stop!" he called out, teeth gritted. Damn, he should have waited for backup. His only defense was that he hadn't expected to be attacked in that manner. That wasn't an excuse, however. Some of his team members had extraordinary gifts, and he shouldn't assume anything. He knew better.

Without looking behind, she produced a ball of pink light in one hand and tossed it over her shoulder. Nightwing easily dodged but it slowed him down enough that she managed to get a couple more feet ahead. He cursed.

"I said, stop!" Putting on a burst of speed, he gained back the distance he'd lost. She was fast and nimble on her feet, but he still had the upper hand.

Suddenly, she did what he'd ordered. She stopped running, turned to face him, and held up one hand, palm out. Nightwing released another curse, skidding to a stop before he rammed into her.

A bright, all consuming light flashed and blinded him. Using his arms to help block it, though he knew it was useless, he closed his eyes. "What the heck?" he exclaimed.

By the time the light dimmed to nonexistent, he knew she was gone. Still, he scanned the area and patrolled inside the museum and outside for a few miles, circling and keeping an eye out for anyone suspicious. But he knew in his gut she was gone.

And he had a feeling he would never see her again.

At least that crazy jewel is gone.

KH*DG*KH*DG

~The Next Morning~

At Kagome's apartment, Dick lounged on the couch with the news station on. He wanted to see what the reporters and police had gathered since his failed mission the other night. Video surveillance hadn't revealed much, but he may have missed something. It was unheard of but he was human, and last night had been… unexpected… in many ways.

"Tokyo Museum's representative has released a statement this morning that only one item has turned up missing after completing a thorough inventory," the news anchor reported, professional and poised. "Still, thanks to the quick response of Young Justice, the damage has been contained to a minimum. Tokyo Museum houses multiple, priceless artifacts…"

"What are you watching?" Kagome asked, sitting beside Dick and snuggling into his side. She breathed a sigh of relief as his warmth seeped into her chilled skin from the early morning air.

He wrapped an arm around her shoulders, pulling her even tighter into his side. "Just the news," he answered. "You know me. I want to stay up-to-date on what's going on, and where." It made his job as a superhero easier, for one, but he'd never revealed his secret identity to Kagome before. Not in all of the time they'd been together – and he planned on keeping it that way for as long as possible.

"Anything interesting?"

Shutting off the television, he replied, "Not really." His expression turned curious as he gazed down at the raven haired beauty. "I'm surprised you're not buried in one of your books."

The smile that appeared on her facial features was small and mysterious. "I don't need to go through them anymore. I found the answer and took care of it."

"Oh yeah? What kind of answer were you looking for?"

"Nothing for you to worry about." It was her turn for her expression to turn curious. "By the way, what were you doing last night? You came in so late."

Not able to come up with a good excuse, he quickly replied, "Nothing for you to worry about." He would put the necklace – more importantly, the jewel – out of his mind. As far as he was concerned, it was long gone. And he was more than okay with that.

KH*DG*KH*DG

In her bedroom, secluded in the back of her closet, Kagome lightly trailed her fingertips along the small, wooden box that currently housed the Shikon no Tama. The ofuda she had used to seal the jewel's presence glowed a soft pink color in response, and she breathed a sigh of relief. No one would be able to get their hands on it now, not while she guarded it.

"Hey, Kagome," Dick's voice called out, catching her attention. "Let's get going. The movie is going to start soon."

Smiling, she put the box back in its hiding place, calling back, "Be right there!"

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Celestial Law