Be Wary of the Pitfalls

"Ok ok ok if you don't stop, I will burn these pancakes!"

"You don't have to make them, Zee. I'm enjoying my meal right here."

It was early morning in apartment 8A at the Arconia. After spending the night (and a bit of the morning) at the Nest making up, Dick and Zee finally went home and started breakfast. However, they were still in a bit of a "good vibes" mood, so while Zee stood by stove trying to make pancakes, Dick hugged her from behind and teased her like the bully he was.

"Look at it as a challenge in multitasking," he growled nipping at her ear.

"At the very least could you help me get the plates?"

"Copy that."

To her surprise, Dick held her waist tightly and picked her up away from the stove.

"Dick Grayson! Ahahah!"

Despite her kicking and flailing, Dick held her tightly and firmly as he carried her over to the nearby cabinets.

"There. Now you can get the plates from the cabinets."

"You're lucky I turned off the stove before you picked me up. Otherwise, we'd be eating cancer for breakfast!"

"Hey now! You asked me to help get the plates. I helped!"

"Uh huh sure. Lemme rephrase. You can help by taking these plates and sitting your pretty butt down at the table."

"Curses. Foiled by explicit instructions," Dick fake scoffed as he grabbed the plates.

"Well implicit instructions weren't working. Sometimes you have to take the direct approach."

"I concur…"

After putting the plates down, Dick once again picked Zatanna up and set her down on the counter facing him.

"Dickkk! Breakfast!"

"Don't mind if I do."

He leaned forward pressing his lips onto hers. Though startled, she welcomed him lovingly wrapping her arms and legs around him. His hands gently caressed her sides with his fingertips drawing shapes underneath her tank top on her skin. Her own hand rested on his bare chest feeling every contour of his sculpted muscles. Dick broke off the kiss to lightly nip at her neck again before getting on his knees. After removing her shorts, he pressed his face forward got straight to work….

Eventually, the two lovebirdies were able to sit down and have a proper meal. The pancakes weren't burnt, but they did sadly get a little cold. Dick and Zee were distracted after all.

"Hear back from M'gann and Conner yet about the mission?" Zee asked.

"They should be Zeta-ing back this afternoon. Hopefully we can get a better handle on this Krolotean situation. Did you know they got Bibbo?"

"Nooo!? Bibbo?"

"Yea! Beetle and Bumblebee nabbed the fake one at the diner, with the help of real Bibbo of course."

"What did the Kroloteans want with Bibbo? He just runs a diner."

"Beats me. I guess we'll find out later today."

"Recognized: Adam Strange A-1-1, Miss Martian B-0-5, Superboy B-0-4, Beast Boy B-1-9"

"Ooooo lookie lookie Nightwing! A new alien souvenir!" Garfield waved a torn Krolotean band around.

At the Erdel Initiative in STAR Labs' Taos facility, Nightwing, John Steward, Captain Atom, and Wonder Woman waited to receive Zeta team from Rann. Despite Gar's enthusiasm, M'gann held him back to get to business.

"Zeta squad, report," Nightwing ordered.

"Our mission to neutralize the Krolotean Zeta platforms on Rann was a success," M'gann updated.

"I've also brought back specs from Rann to create a Zeta shield to prevent more aliens from beaming to Earth from off world," Adam added.

Impatient, Gar interrupted the Zeta tech talk draggin M'gann to the center of the room.

"M'gann, tell them about Rimbor! The missing sixteen hours!" he pleaded.

Everyone's eyes widened with Nightwing nodding towards M'gann to elaborate. Nodding back, she connected everyone's minds and created a mental image of the events from eight years ago.

"I successfully interrogated a Krolotean general on Rann who had paid off a member of the Rannian Science Command to allow the Kroloteans to land a secret base in the Rannian jungle. Once there, the Kroloteans stole Zeta tube technology from Adam's Strange's friend, Sardath. They landed another ship in New Orleans and used the Zeta platforms to beam a few hundred Kroloteans to Earth. They built more platforms and brought in more Kroloteans and began abducting and replacing humans. Perhaps a part of an invasion strategy. Still unclear," M'gann explained.

"But why Earth? And what about the missing 16 hours?" Diana asked.

"Well, when Vandal Savage had the league under his control eight years ago, he sent six leaguers, Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, my uncle J'onn, Green Lantern, and Hawkwoman, to a planet called Rimbor. There, you and the others spent 16 hours on a rampage terrorizing everyone there on sight. You all announced in several alien languages that you were the Justice League from Earth and that the rest of the galaxy should beware. That's why the Kroloteans came to Earth. The League itself brought Earth to their attention."

The room fell silent as neither Leaguers nor Team members knew what exactly to say.

"I-I have no memory of this…" Diana shook fearing whatever mayhem she caused on the innocent in Rimbor.

"It's not your fault, Diana," Nightwing came over hugging her, "You were all mind controlled. This is all Savage and the Light's fault."

"…..thank you, Dick," she whispered in her ear leaning against him for support.

"John, how come the Green Lantern Corps never mentioned any of this?" Captain Atom asked.

"I'm not sure. Rimbor isn't my sector. But I'll be sure to get to the bottom of this!"

"You do that! In the meantime, we've got a Krolotean invasion force to track down on Earth."

Nightwing stiffened slightly and perked his ear up a bit after hearing what Captain Atom said, a shift that did not go unnoticed by Diana.

Back at the Hall of Justice, Nightwing, Superboy, and M'gann entered the interrogation room behind the one-way mirror to meet with Batman.

"You didn't have to come with," M'gann told Conner telepathically.

"I think I did," he scowled back.

Nightwing looked back and forth awkwardly as the former lovers glared at each other.

"Zee was right. Being left out of telepathic conversations is rude!" he stated breaking up whatever fight Conner and M'gann were having.

"Right, sorry," she apologized, "So this is the Krolotean Robin, Beetle, and Lagoon Boy captured?"

"Your uncle has been interrogating him for days, but simply achieving psychic translation has been proven quite difficult. In the meantime, all heroes have been hunting down Kroloteans masquerading as humans. But all have escaped capture."

Tuning out what Batman was saying, M'gann activated her powers turning her eyes blue. She began aggressively probing the Krolotean's mind. The captive alien turned his head to face her through the false mirror. Conner was listening to Batman's update before finally noticing the change in M'gann's demeanor. By the time he looked out into the interrogation room, the Krolotean had convulsed, seized, and then collapsed unconsciously with drool dripping down its mouth. Immediately, J'onn turned to look at the mirror as well. While stoic, his face showed clear concern.

"The Kroloteans have an emergency rendezvous point and have standing orders in case of discovery to evacuate there," M'gann announced to the room.

Without saying a word, Conner stomped out of the room. Batman and Nightwing looked at the catatonic Krolotean before sharing a glance at each other. Silently agreeing to follow up on this later, both turned back to M'gann.

"Where?" Nightwing asked.

"The base is inside a volcano on Malina Island."

"I'll talk with Wonder Woman, and we'll assemble League forces. Nightwing, organize your Team. We move out in two hours," Batman ordered.

Though M'gann left, Nightwing stayed behind. Father and son stood silently maintaining eye contact. A few minutes passed before Batman crossed his arms and squinted his eyes into a glare.

"Look I'm learning about this just like you are!" Dick finally spoke first.

"Martian Manhunter did mention that M'gann's power far exceeds his own after that failed training exercise years ago…..I don't like this."

"I don't either. How should we go about it?"

"I'm not quite sure just yet. For now, we need to focus on the Kroloteans"

"Agreed."

Over the South Pacific Ocean, a cloaked Bioship zoomed across the water. Coming up on the horizon was Malina Island housing an intricate Krolotean base inside the active volcano. Batgirl was at the helm while Batman took point. Nightwing and Robin sat to the sides.

"So, Bioship still won't let you pilot her huh?" Robin asked.

"Look it was a traumatic experience for everyone involved alright…" Nightwing groaned.

*BEEP BEEP*

"Apparently she can still feel the tingles from where that laser beam hit her…" Batgirl smirked.

"I can only do so much apologizing! I've waxed her hull like five times this past week!" Nightwing exclaimed.

*BEEP BEEP*

"You missed a spot."

"Team, focus!" Batman ordered, "we need to gain as much intel as possible about the Kroloteans before we hand them over to the Green Lantern Corps. Stealth is key."

"When has stealth not been key when we're the leadoff hitters?" Nightwing asked.

"A better question would be how long will it take before stealth gets thrown out the window and all hell breaks loose?" Batgirl retorted.

"Uhh in my experience like four minutes," Robin chimed in.

"Can we please just focus on the mission?" Batman grumbled.

"Copy that, Batman. Approaching drop zone."

As Bioship got close to the island, Batman and Nightwing deployed first both gliding towards the unsuspecting Mantamen. Nightwing landed first air kicking on soldier right in the helmet before putting a second in the headlock harmlessly incapacitating him. Batman followed suit aggressively punching another guard out. Robin dropped down and smashed his staff on the last guard as Batgirl gracefully glided down. With his hand signals, Batman instructed Nightwing and Batgirl to circle left while he and Robin went right. Inside, all Bats took note of the huge spaceship being constructed. Kroloteans were crawling all over the facility with more arriving by Mantaflyer. Down on the main floor, Kaldur clad fully in his Manta armor stalked about observing his surroundings. Suddenly he turned firing his helmet's laser right into the water forcing Aquaman and Lagoon Boy to jump out of the way. Looking up at the scaffolding, Kal fired another laser blast right at Robin who just barely got out of the line of fire.

"Ok that was less than four minutes," Batgirl mumbled to Nightwing who rolled his eyes.

All hell broke loose indeed as Batman jumped from his hiding spot and took out the Mantamen firing their rifles at Robin. As he tossed his batarang knocking out another soldier, Nightwing and Batgirl came up from behind taking out the ones going after Batman. Feeling outmatched, the Kroloteans unleashed their spider-like mechs onto the attacking heroes. Lagoon Boy bloated up and engaged one while Aquaman handled another. Nightwing and Batgirl moved like dancers fighting multiple guards on the crosswalk. After punching a guard, she bent over and let Nightwing roll across her back to kick a Mantaman in the face before she threw a batarang hitting three more. From below, Kaldur signaled his men to fall back and rush to the Mantaflyer.

"Nightwing to Delta. Enemy is attempting to escape. Requesting backup!"

*BOOM CRASH*

Immediately, a pair of heat vision lasers cut through the mountainside revealing Superman carrying Superboy followed by Supergirl, Wonder Woman, Wondergirl, and Zatanna. The volcanic base became a madhouse. Superman tossed Superboy across the room letting him pinball of multiple mechs. Diana and Cassie used their lassos to swing and rip apart more of those giant spider-like robots. Robin was running across the scaffolding as Mantamen fired multiple lasers at him. Some of the shots damaged the support causing the walkway to break apart and Robin to fall. Seeing this, Cassie immediately flew up and caught the Boy Wonder in her arms.

"Hey tough guy. You ok?" she asked.

"Uhhh hehe t-thank you," he stammered.

"Hey, wanna pull off a wombo combo?"

"Huh?"

With a wink, she held his arm and spun around launching the terrified Robin right at a group of Mantamen. Luckily, he picked up on the move and flipped to kick them all down like bowling pins. On the other side of the room, Nightwing smashed some more Mantamen with his escrima sticks. Two more were headed his way before a puff of smoke turned their weapons into handcuffs. Both men were shocked before Nightwing came in and knocked them out.

"Hi Honey! How was your day?" Zee teased.

"Hi Honey. It's been ok. Working late. You?" he bantered back.

"Same. So much to do at the office!"

The happy couple smirked as more Mantamen came charging at them. Sharing a glance, Nightwing reached out his hand to take Zatanna's gloved ones.

"Care to dance, milady?"

"Why, I would love to, good sir."

Pulling and swinging her around, Nightwing launched Zatanna right at the incoming guards. She kicked one in the face knocking the others down like bowling pins. Immediately, Nightwing pressed forward to clean up by bashing his escrima sticks on their helmets. Zatanna ducked as more Mantamen started firing lasers at her.

"Dleihs!" (Shield).

With all their focus on breaking Zatanna's shield, none of the men even noticed Nightwing flipping over and landing feet first on their comrade. By then it was too late as he began punching and kicking all the surrounding guards. One of the men opted to escape rather than fight, so he ran away. Not wanting to lose track of him, Nightwing flung his escrima stick in his general direction. The escaping soldier ducked letting the stick zoom past his head.

"Ha! Missed me!" he taunted.

"Wasn't aiming for you," Nightwing smirked back.

"Huh?"

*WHAM*

Tightly grasping the escrima stick, Zatanna smashed the running soldier's helmet knocking him out cold.

"Batter up," she smiled.

"A pretty mean swing for a pretty sexy lady," Nightwing approached to retrieve his equipment.

"Thanks for your help back there. I thought I was going to be pinned down by laser fire."

"Of course. I don't like it when so many men have their attention on you," he teased.

"Well I can't help it. I'm rather captivating," she kissed his cheek.

From the corner of his eye, Nightwing spotted Lagoon Boy and Aquaman engaging Kaldur. King Orin snuck a sucker punch in as Kal was distracted by a raging bloated Lagoon Boy. The blow knocked him back and knocked his helmet clean off. Getting up and dusting himself off, Kaldur sent a stoic glare to his former King.

"K-Kaldur'ahm?" Orin stood in shock.

For once, Lagoon Boy was speechless as he deflated. Confusion and the sting of betrayal permeated across all the heroes as they realized who Black Manta's newest apprentice was.

"Kal?" Conner landed on the ground near him, "What are you doing here?"

"I am here to do my duty, for I have been shown the true path of the Light!"

"Kaldur you're speaking nonsense! You're not a villain! I don't believe it!"

"Believe it, Zatanna! This is my true calling. I live to serve my true father, Black Manta!"

"Kaldur'ahm…"

"Oh now you wish to speak, my King?! Where was this gumption when you were hiding my true parentage from me!?" Kaldur growled angrily.

"Kal this isn't like you! How could you betray us?" Conner asked.

Suddnely Kaldur's eyes widened with fury. He reached behind his back to activate his water-bearers to create blades.

"YOU DARE QUESTION ME!?" Kal screamed, "AFTER ALL OF YOU LET TULA DIE!"

By now, Nightwing had jumped in front of the crowd to face Kal directly.

"Tula knew the risks of the mission, Kaldur! She had been infected by the virus. We had no other choice!"

"It would have never come to that had someone more competent been leading us," Kal bit back with venom.

"Kaldur, I'm so-"

"NEPTUNE'S BEARD," L'gann interrupted Nightwing, "Don't coddle this traitor. He has joined forces with our King's greatest enemy!"

"Some King…"

"C'mon Kaldur. Come back to us. We're your friends!" Zatanna pleaded.

"…..Blood is thicker than seawater."

From Kaldor's shoulder, a small rocket launcher popped up and fired an explosive at the heroes. Luckily, Superman stepped forward in time and took the blow. A large cloud of smoke appeared and by the time it cleared, Kaldur had disappeared. When he reached the lower levels, Nigthwing, Conner, and Zatanna followed very closely behind.

"Well this is quite the reunion," Kal smirked.

"We're not leaving here without you, Kaldur!" Conner growled.

"You're not thinking straight! You need time to grieve properly!" Zatanna again pleaded.

"On the contrary. I've never been more clear headed in my life."

"We're bringing you back with us, Kaldur. You can come with us consciously or unconsciously," Nightwing threatened.

"Fine," he answered deactivating his water-bearers, "You can either take me down, or save everyone from this bomb behind me."

He shifted to reveal a large black shield-looking device attached to a support beam. Nightwing stood in shock. In fact, it was the first time Zatanna felt genuine surprised from him all night…

"I am told the yield is quite impressive," Kal taunted.

"Arghhhhh!" Conner screamed rushing towards his former friend.

With quick reflexes, Kal blocked Conner's punch, grabbed his neck, and shocked the half-Kryptonian with a taser. Nightwing and Zatanna sprinted towards the two before Kaldur sent Nightwing a knowing glare.

"You have two minutes," Kaldur said before diving into the water escaping.

"Nightwing to all points," he announced in the comms kneeling in front of the bomb, "We have a bomb here in the base. Alien tech. I can't disarm it. I repeat I can't disarm it."

"Zatanna, zap it away somewhere!" Conner said.

"I can't. There's a detonation rune on the bomb. Any inkling of magic touches this thing, it blows," she explained.

"Then I'll move it!"

"Negative. There must be pressure and motion sensors too. Our best bet is to evacuate. All squads, evacuate to Bioship now!" Nightwing ordered.

With that, all forces both heroes and Mantamen fled the premises. As Lagoon Boy entered Bioship, he was shocked to find two Kroloteans at the helm.

"NEPTUNE'S BEARD!" he cried out as the rest of the squad boarded.

Both Earthlings and Kroloteans awkwardly stared at each other for a few beats. Batman finally stepped forward extending his hand.

"Ahem," he grunted.

"…..HELLO MEGAN!" one of the Kroloteans face palmed their head, "I knew we forgot something!"

In that instant, the Kroloteans shifted into M'gann and her Uncle J'onn.

"Great work Alpha Squad," Batman nodded while taking a hard drive from J'onn.

"Miss Martian, get us out of here!" Nightwing ordered.

"Wait!" Conner interjected, "Where's Superman?!"

"No time!"

"Nightwing, we have to go back!"

"Superboy, Superman is an invulnerable full Kryptonian. None of us are. We have to move, NOW!" Batman ordered.

Reluctantly, Conner nodded allowing M'gann to pilot Bioship over the ocean. Moments later, a huge explosion rocked the sea as Malina Island burst into flames. The shockwave was so vast, it was actually catching up to Bioship even at top speed. The force rattled the ship a little knocking Conner into the wall. Zatanna was flung in one direction but luckily landed right on Nightwing's chest. Unfortunately he took the brunt of the hit knocking his head against the wall.

"Arhghgg," he groaned.

"Baby, you ok?" Zatanna asked with concern.

"Ahhhh I've been through worse…"

When the waves settled down, Bioship landed near an unconscious Superman to let Aquaman recover the fallen Kryptonian.

"Well that was unexpected," Cassie spoke up.

"The Kroloteans looked like they were building a new ship," M'gann added.

"Were they escaping?"

"Without their Zeta platforms, there had no other way off world," L'gann said.

"Wait but then what was Kaldur doing there? Was he helping them escape?" Cassie asked.

"Or was it a trap…" Conner grumbled.

"The bomb was clearly alien in origin and had magic imbued on it. There's definitely a third party involved if the Kroloteans knew nothing about it," Nightwing added to the conversation.

"Yea. And it was some pretty high level magic too! That can't be a coincidence!"

"Zee's right. Where could it have come from?"

"…..I have a feeling you'll be able to find out soon enough," Batman sent a knowing side eye to his former protégé.

Mount Justice: Midnight EST

Along the beach outside the Team headquarters, the six Justice Leaguers who spent sixteen hours rampaging on Rimbor gathered with their proteges and friends. Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, John Stewart, J'onn Jones, and Hawkgirl all prepared to say their goodbyes before they head off to trial in intergalactic court.

"I wish I could go with," Cassie groaned.

"I doubt your mother would approve. Besides, it's only the six of us who need to face this trial You're needed here on Earth," Diana reassured.

"But what about training?"

"You'll be in good hands with Nightwing. Trust me. He's the best."

Over with Superman, Conner stood by stoic like a stone trying to hold in his emotions. Kara however was the opposite letting tears flow freely down her cheeks.

"How long will be gone?" Conner asked.

"However long it takes to clear our names," Clark answered.

"It's not FAIR!" Kara cried out, "You were brainwashed! Mind controlled! That has to account for something!"

"Well, that's what we're hoping for. Icon will do his best to represent us in this matter."

Over by the Batfamily, Batman stood firmly in the sand facing Batgirl, Robin, Nightwing, and Zatanna. Neither side really moved as they all remained frozen unsure of what to say.

"Be careful, alright?" Nightwing finally broke the ice.

"…..Was about to say the same to you three," Batman smirked, "Honestly, I fear we leave the more dangerous task here on Earth."

"We'll manage."

"I know you will…That's why I'm leaving Batgirl in charge."

"….wait what?!" Nightwing stood in shock.

"Hehe loser!"

"You gotta be kidding me…."

"Oh how I've always wanted to order around this perfect butt!" Batgirl snickered.

"Excuse you! This perfect butt is MINE!" Zee interjected territorially.

"You can be my second-in-command ranking higher than Nightwing!"

"…All Hail our new leader, Batgirl!"

"Zee?!"

"Ugh…you see what you've done?" Robin groaned.

Everyone paused their arguments to see Batman still smirking. One by one realization hit them that Batman of all people actually made a joke.

"You're getting soft in your old age," Nightwing teased.

"Soooo Nightwing is still in charged…."

"No beating out the favorite son today, Batgirl."

"He's certainly my favorite son," Zee kissed Nightwing on the cheek, "And besides. I'm already the boss of him anyway."

"Time to go!" Lantern announced.

Finally stepping forward, Batman kept firm eye contact with Nightwing. Sensing a big father son moment, Zatanna stepped away to give the boys some room. The former dynamic duo shared a firm and tense handshake before nodding their goodbyes.

"I trust you'll make the right decisions, Dick. The choices you make have to accomplish the mission…but must also be in the best interest of your team."

"Right. Of course, Bruce."

Zatanna's eyes darted back and forth noticing some odd tension within Dick's heart. Before she could ponder about it further, Diana had come over and taken Bruce by the arm.

"Come now. The Batman being all sappy with his family," Diana teased.

"Amazons and their emotions."

"I'll have you know I was a warrior first!"

"Mmm hmm."

"Oh God, and I thought me and Dick flirting was bad….Just go clear your names already!" Zee mocked barfing.

With that final shooing, Batman and Wonder Woman joined the rest of the Leaguers aboard one of the Javelins. With a final nod, John used his ring to envelop the ship in a Green bubble and took off towards the stars leaving behind Captain Atom and the rest of the Team.

Arconia: Apartment 8A

Too exhausted to really do anything else, Dick and Zee quickly showered before jumping into bed. Dick laid on his back while Zee curled up next to him resting her head on his shoulder. Lazily, she started drawing circles around the scar over his heart. Sensing her distress, he ran his fingers through her hair trying to soothe her.

"Is everything really going to be ok?" she asked, "We're down a lot of heavy hitters."

"We'll manage…we have to."

"Hmmmm. That doesn't sound super reassuring…"

"We just have to be smart. Figure out our strengths and use them to our advantage."

"Yea…..you think Kaldur would…I mean.."

"Hmm?"

"You think he'd reveal all our secrets? Y'know everything about the Team and the League?"

"I-I find that hard to believe."

"Well yea, but I also thought it'd be impossible he'd switch sides on us. It's like I don't even know him anymore…"

"He's been through a lot. Losing Tula hurt him deeply."

"Right. I remember….Baby can I ask you something?"

"Anything, Zee."

"…..you didn't seem too surprised when Kal was revealed to be working with Black Manta. Weirdly your heart felt…..calm."

Not wanting him to squirm his way out from answering, she wrapped her leg around his waist and gripped his side with her arm. She shifted so her chin was now resting on his chest as her eyes kept strong contact with his. To Dick's credit, he didn't waver once.

"I had an inkling he had switched sides," he answered.

"Oh?"

"When we talked after Tula's funeral he was very very distraught. Like DIS-traught. A lot was revealed to him. His father was Black Manta and Aquaman kept that knowledge from him. Kal was hysterical and angry. We didn't leave on good terms. I hadn't seen him since, but it worried me if mentally he'd gone off the deep end."

"Hmmm," she cooed with her finger tracing his heart scar, "And you didn't think to share these suspicions with anyone?...or me for that matter?"

"Well, I wanted more information before creating mass speculation. I didn't want you to worry."

"That's becoming a concerning pattern, Mr. Grayson: you trying not to make me worried…"

"I just uhh I wanted to protect you. That's all."

"Dick, this is a give and take relationship as I've said over and over again. If something is bothering you, please tell me. And we'll work it out together."

"In my defense, I had my suspicions about Kal well before you held me and my penis hostage at the Nest."

"…..You're not helping."

"Sorry."

"Just no more secrets, ok?"

"Of course, Zee….I would never lie to you."

AN: Hey everyone! I'm sorry this rolled out super slow. I've been going through some things IRL and it's caused some writer's block and general lethargy. I'm trying to do better. I'm also sorry this follows the episode "Alienated" a little too closely. I'll do better in the future to diverge from the canon events. Trust me when I say...I do have a plan where things kinda go off the rails a bit. Thanks again for all your support. I hope you all enjoy the chapter!