The darkness was suffocating.
Raven floated in an empty void, her mind a storm of chaotic whispers and screams. Without warning, the void around her erupted into a fiery inferno. She spun, disoriented, as an alien invasion unfolded before her eyes, a massive fleet of warships tearing through the skies, their engines roaring like thunder. Entire cities were leveled as she heard the mechanical growl of a motorcycle revving up, and 2 insane, chilling laughs echoed across the burning landscape, one was high pitched and sounded like nails on a chalkboard, the other was deep and raspy as if it never drank in days. The sound filled her with dread.
Suddenly, the universe itself was ablaze, set aflame by an incomprehensible force. Raven heard chants—deep, guttural, and almost incomprehensible—alongside endless screams that shattered her very soul. The skies bled, cried, was oozing with red, the ground cracked open, and grotesque shadows writhed within the flames. 7 strange symbols were flashing in the sky.
Then, the fire abruptly extinguished, leaving only darkness.
The silence was broken by soft, anguished cries and groans. The sound seeped into her mind, making her feel as if the very fabric of life was unraveling. It was as if the darkness itself was trying to swallow everything, devour everything, take everything back. Suck the life out of her.
She strained to move, to scream, but her body felt frozen. And then, she heard it. An all too familiar voice.
Her father's voice.
"Well, well, well, child. Is this the great destiny you hope to escape? You know you cannot run from me."
The voice was a low, menacing rumble that seemed to echo endlessly, dripping with mockery and power. "The end is coming, Raven. I am coming for you. You cannot stop this. You can't prevent it. And when it does, you will embrace what you were always meant to be. You will bring me here. You yourself shall make me win."
His cruel laughter swirled around her, growing louder and louder until it consumed everything.
Raven woke with a sharp gasp, her chest heaving as cold sweat dripped down her face. Her hands trembled as she clutched the edges of her blanket, trying to steady herself. She was no longer in the void but in her dimly lit closet. Yet the remnants of the nightmare clung to her like a shroud.
"Friend Raven?" a soft, concerned voice broke through the haze.
Raven turned her head sharply, startled. Starfire was sitting on the floor in front of the closet door, her glowing green eyes wide with worry. "Are you okay? I heard you crying out."
"I'm fine," Raven muttered, trying to steady her voice. She shifted away, instinctively pulling the blanket tighter around herself. "Just…leave me alone."
But Starfire didn't move. Instead, she leaned forward, her expression full of compassion. "It is clear that you are not fine. Please, tell me what is wrong."
Raven glared at her. "I don't need your help. Just go back to bed."
Ignoring the sharpness in her tone, Starfire reached out and wrapped her arms around Raven in a sudden, warm hug. Raven stiffened, her instinct to push Starfire away flaring up—but the other girl's hold was firm yet gentle, filled with genuine concern.
"You do not have to speak if you are not ready," Starfire said softly. "But know that I am here for you, Friend Raven. Whatever burdens you may have been carry, you shall not be have to carry them alone."
The words broke through the walls Raven had tried to construct. Her tense frame relaxed ever so slightly, and though she didn't return the hug, she didn't pull away. For a moment, the nightmare felt distant, replaced by the quiet comfort of Starfire's presence.
"Thanks," Raven mumbled, her voice barely above a whisper.
Starfire smiled, loosening her hug but still staying close. "You are the most of welcome. Now, rest. I will be here if you need me."
Raven didn't respond, but as Starfire gently moved back to her own bed, Raven found herself feeling just a little lighter. For the first time in what felt like a lifetime, she didn't feel completely alone.
The morning sun blazed into the Young Justice cafeteria, its light and heat attempting to overwhelm the well air conditioned room.
Several large to medium sized tables are scattered with plates of various breakfasts as the team trickles in. Thomas sat near the end, slowly working through a mismatched spread of apples, oranges, oatmeal, and noodle soup with some vegetables. A small row of colourful pill bottles was to his left, Thomas constantly eyeing them in the gleam of the sun and the silver light shimmering from his lantern uniform.
Bart bounces in his seat across from him, his enthusiasm radiating across the room. Wonder Girl was wolfing down a mountain of pancakes, Beast Boy was was devouring a pile of hashbrowns, Raven sat in a corner sipping tea with a small pile of bread in front of her and other members were helping themselves to whatever meal they had.
At the far end of the room, Starfire sits with a plate of her signature chaotic meal: a bowl of milk with pancakes, maple syrup, burnt bacon, raw sausages, toast, raw eggs, egg shells, used tea bags, and other food items that were incomprehensible.
Nightwing sat in front of her burning his face in his hands as he had two trays of an ordinary breakfast in front of him, a giant cup of coffee in front of him and a tablet on his lap.
Thomas was about to dig into his noodles when a voice in front of him spoke. "Yo there Silvey! How's my little Lantern's morning?"
Thomas looked up to see Bart practically staring at him nose to nose as he beamed at him like a child. "Come on, dude! Just one little construct. You've been here for like half a day now and not one construct I have seen from you since you leveled Emerald Hills and gave some rich a-holes an excuse to 'look good' rebuilding their homes."
"I beg your pardon." Thomas said in an overly restrained voice.
"Come on now! Give me something fun—like a jet! Or a monster! Or, I don't know, a flying toaster!"
Thomas groaned, rubbing his face with his hand "Bart, I'm eating breakfast."
Bart bit his lip "Yeah, yeah, but you've got a ring! One that is limited only by the user's imagination! Breakfast can wait. Constructs can't!"
Thomas rolls his eyes, stabbing a vegetable and a piece of tofu in his noodles with his fork. After a moment, he sighs, giving in. "Fine. But just something small. I am still learning how to calm my emotions and thoughts…but fine…"
Thomas focuses, holding up his Silver Lantern ring. A faint, silvery glow appears as he forms a small helicopter construct. The whirring of its tiny blades fills the room as it hovers above the table. Bart's eyes light up with delight as he clapped like a maniac.
"Yes! This is awesome!"
Thomas made a weak smile "Relax, it's just a test. I'll use it to grab that glass of lemon juice." He said pointing at a cart where all the drinks sat.
The helicopter hovered over the table as a large hook appeared, then Thomas's glass was surrounded by a silver aura as the helicopter's hook seemed to lift it into the air.
"And go." Thomas said in a mock dramatic way.
The helicopter zips across the table, zoomed down the room, heading toward the pitcher of juice. It carefully lowered the glass into the pitcher of juice as the glass quickly filled with the yellow liquid. Then slowly, very slowly it lifts smoothly into the air. Thomas smirks, proud of his control.
"See? Easy."
But just as the helicopter starts its return journey, it wobbles precariously in midair. Thomas frowns, concentrating harder, but the construct falters. Bart, oblivious to the impending disaster, watches with excitement.
"Ohhh Ohh! Make it do a loop! Or a barrel roll! Or a…" Bart said with excitment
"Bart, stop…" Thomas said with gritted teeth.
But before Thomas can finish, the helicopter spins out of control, veering wildly across the room. The glass of lemon juice slips from its grasp and crashes directly into Starfire's breakfast, shattering on impact. Lemon juice splashes everywhere, soaking the mismatched meal and sending shards of glass scattering across the bowl.
The room falls silent for a moment, everyone staring at the ruined breakfast. Nightwing looks horrified, Thomas looks stunned and frustrated while Bart struggles to suppress laughter. Starfire, however, looks positively delighted as she took a bite into her bowl.
"Oh, this is wonderful! The tangy lemon flavor and the delightful crunch of the glass shards are exactly what this meal needed!"
She eagerly scoops up a syrup-soaked pancake piece covered in bacon grease, mustard, milk, lemon juice and glass, chewing happily like a child eating candy. Nightwing drops his coffee cup in disbelief.
"Starfire… you're eating glass." Nightwing said almost exhausted.
Starfire smiled cheerfully "Yes, Friend Nightwing! It adds a delightful texture."
Nightwing stares, utterly speechless. Bart, meanwhile, can no longer hold back his laughter as he began to laugh hysterically. "Best breakfast ever! Thomas, you're already making mornings more interesting!"
Thomas groaned as he rubbed his face "It's no use…This is not what I signed up for."
Nightwing let out a sigh of defeat as he looked at Thomas miserably. "Please. No more constructs at the breakfast table."
Thomas nodded "Trust me, I've learned my lesson."
Starfire happily continues eating her enhanced breakfast, completely unbothered by the chaos. Bart grins, nudging Thomas with his elbow.
"Hey, maybe next time, you can make a blender to mix Starfire's food for her. You know, to save time."
Thomas glared daggers at Bart, but even he can't suppress a small, reluctant smirk.
"I'll keep that in mind."
The Young Justice training field stretches wide, bathed in bright sunlight. The open sky above is perfect for flying practice.
Superboy, arms crossed, stands at the edge of the field, watching their newest recruits Starfire, Raven, and Thomas stand before him. Starfire looks eager, Raven appears indifferent but focused, and Thomas fidgets slightly, his Silver Lantern ring glowing faintly as he mentally prepares for the lesson.
Superboy didn't know why he said yes when Nightwing asked who would be the one to train them how to fly. Surely Miss Martian would be better, and yet he said yes. When it came to flying it came as easy to him as breathing. Sure there was a time where he had issues but that was so long ago he forgotten what it was like. And then there were the 3 people he was supposed to teach. Starfire already can fly with next to 0 issues that he had no idea why Starfire was even standing here.
And then there was Raven and Thomas. Conner was probably the last person in the building to talk to or even ask when it comes to things like magic to alien tech like the lantern rings, and while Zatanna could have easily taught Raven everything she knew, and Jamie would have been perfect for Thomas; the only problem is that none of them were on Earth.
Conner had no idea when Zatanna could be back, for all he knew she could be dead already or she could reappear on earth 5,000 years in the future. As for Jamie, he was clueless on how long he would be back with his space adventures.
While they did make cue cards on somethings for them to remember things, Zatanna might as well had written in Greek, and Jamie's handwriting and the things he said was so incomprehensible that had he been given the end result of a toddler slamming a keyboard and a 9 year olds attempt at calligraphy he would have seen no difference.
And yet it was the look in his wife's eye that told him that he should do what he can for the newest members of the team, and so here he is.
Superboy cleared his throat authoritatively as he looked down at the three trying to compose himself.
"Alright, you three, flying is an essential skill for combat, recon, and, well, looking cool when you land dramatically… It's not just about going up; it's about control, awareness, and precision. Got it?"
Starfire nodded enthusiastically as she saluted Superboy, Raven gave a small nod, and Thomas shrugged nervously.
Thomas muttered to himself "Great. No pressure."
Superboy shook his head as if ignoring the comment
"Starfire, I know you've got this down, so just join in to demonstrate. Raven and Thomas, we'll work on the..."
But before Superboy even finishes, Starfire floats effortlessly into the air, glowing faintly with her signature orange hue. She performs an elegant loop in the sky before hovering above them, her bright smile radiating excitement.
"Flying is most wonderful! Shall we begin?" Starfire said with glee
Superboy smiled amused "Yeah, thanks for the warm-up routine, Starfire. Let's see if the others can keep up."
Raven closes her eyes, her hands glowing faintly with dark energy as she levitates. She rises steadily into the air, her movements precise and controlled. For a moment, everything seems to go smoothly, and she hovers at a reasonable height.
"Good start, Raven! Now try moving forward a bit—" Superboy said loudly.
The sound of his voice breaks her concentration slightly. She falters mid-air, wobbling precariously before catching herself. Her brow furrows in irritation as she glares down at him.
"Could you not talk? It's distracting…"
Superboy tilted his head raising an eyebrow as he gave a sharp nod "Noted. Flying isn't all about silence, though. You'll have to get used to it eventually.
"One thing at a time, thanks..." Raven said, gritting her teeth
Thomas steps forward nervously, his ring glowing brighter as he focuses. A silver aura surrounds him, and he begins to rise off the ground, a little unsteady but stable enough.
Superboy smiled encouragingly "Not bad, Thomas. Keep going. You're doing great."
Thomas's confidence grows as he rises higher, his flight becoming smoother with each second. He even manages a small turn, grinning down at the others as he hovered in the air.
"Hey, this isn't so bad! I think I'm getting the hang of it!"
Thomas began to fly in circles as he began to laugh like a child let loose in a candy store as he did a mini silver light show in the sky.
Superboy gave a proud smile "Okay, now stop."
Thomas' smile vanished from his face "Uh… how do I stop?"
Superboy sighed as he facepalmed "Stop thinking. Just…"
But before Superboy can finish, Thomas shot forward as if he was fired from a cannon, completely out of control, streaking across the sky like a silver comet until he vanished out of sight. Thomas screaming at the top of his lungs "How do I land?! Someone tell me how to land!"
Thomas was now nothing more than a speak in the sky until he was gone.
Starfire saluted as she started to cheerfully fly after him "Do not fear! I shall retrieve him!"
Superboy made a face "Great. Absolutely great" He said as he flew in the air to search for their missing teammate.
They didn't have to fly for long. A silver line in the air was all they had to follow until they arrived at a large mountainside in Canada. A giant hole in a pile of snow, and Thomas sitting in the middle of that pile looking rather sorry for himself.
Starfire hovers nearby, chuckling as she watches Thomas struggle to pull his leg out of the snow.
"Yeah, flying's easy. Landing? Not so much." Thomas said though his teeth.
Raven lands gracefully next to him, her arms crossed.
"Looks like you nailed it. In a literal sense."
Superboy finally lands beside them, shaking his head in disbelief. He sighed "You're supposed to stop thinking, not stop listening."
"Yeah, well, maybe next time include a crash course in landing before sending me up there." Thomas groaned
With Thomas dusted off and slightly humiliated, the team takes to the skies again, flying back toward Mount Justice.
Starfire flies effortlessly alongside Superboy, occasionally glancing at him with a fond smile. Raven maintains her focus, hovering steadily, while Thomas cautiously flies at a lower altitude.
"Good job not destroying the mountains. Next time, we'll work on not launching yourself into another country." Superboy said
"Great. Can't wait." Thomas said sarcastically
Starfire flies up beside Thomas, her tone cheerful.
"You did quite well for your first time, Friend Thomas! Soon, you shall fly as naturally as you walk!"
Thomas coughed weakly "Yeah, that's… comforting."
"I heard Guy Gardener's first flight wasn't exactly good, so we all have to start somewhere." Superboy said with a little smile
"Yeah, right" Thomas said.
Raven, flying slightly behind, smirks faintly. Despite the chaos, she can't help but feel a small sense of belonging.
The crisp air rushes around them, the distant mountains fading into the horizon. Starfire glides gracefully, her bright aura illuminating the sky like a shooting star. Strangely, her cheerful and energetic attitude was unusually quiet. She glances down at the snowy landscape below, her vibrant green eyes filled with a wistful sadness.
Raven, flying next to her, notices but says nothing, her sharp gaze flicking toward Starfire before looking straight ahead. Finally, Starfire's soft voice breaks the silence. "Snow always reminds me of my sister, Komand'r."
The others glanced toward her, their curiosity piqued. Superboy, flying slightly ahead, slows down to let her speak. Starfire continues, her voice light but tinged with melancholy.
"There was a winter on Tamaran, many years ago, when my sister and I were very young. My sister and I were only kids. It was the first time we had ever seen snow. It does not fall often on my planet, but that year, it covered the palace gardens like a soft, shimmering blanket."
Starfire's face brightens slightly, a genuine smile tugging at her lips as she recalls the memory. "My sister, Komand'r, and I ran outside as soon as we saw it. She was so excited—more excited than I had ever seen her. We built strange snow creatures that did not look like anything at all, and we played with snow with each other until we could no longer feel our fingers."
She chuckles softly, the sound carrying over the wind.
"We made what you would call 'angels' in the snow and threw snowballs at each other."
Thomas adjusts his flight path, listening quietly, while Superboy looks over his shoulder, intrigued.
"Blackfire? Really? I didn't think she'd be the type for snowball fights." Superboy said tilting his head.
Starfire chuckles softly.
"She was very different then. I remember how she laughed—such a rare sound—and how she teased me for being too slow to dodge her snowballs…There was one moment… She tried to sculpt a statue of herself out of snow. She called it her 'snow queen.' But when I tried to copy her, mine fell apart, and I fell face-first into it. She laughed so hard that she…she called me her…her little…st…"
Her voice falters, the smile fading as her words trail off. She glances down at the snowy ground far below, her expression clouding with sorrow. The others remain silent, sensing the shift in her mood. Starfire's bright aura dims slightly as tears well up in her eyes. She tries to speak again, but the words catch in her throat. Finally, she whispers, almost to herself
"I miss her…The real her…she has been replaced by some arrogant…prideful…"
Her tears begin to fall, glistening like tiny stars as they trail behind her in the wind. She lifts a hand to wipe them away, but it only seems to make her more vulnerable. Raven, gliding nearby, slows down and looks at her quietly. Thomas, still trying to maintain a steady flight, looks over with concern but says nothing.
Superboy sighed gently "Starfire… it's okay to miss her. She's your sister."
Starfire nods, biting her lip to hold back a sob. She presses a hand to her chest, as if trying to calm the ache inside her.
Thomas made a face as he flew up next to Starfire "Take your time, Star. We're here if you need us…"
Starfire nods again, her tears slowing as she takes a deep breath. She manages a faint smile, though the sadness still lingers in her eyes.
Raven sighed making a face "I know what it's like to lose someone you care about… to feel like they've become a stranger."
Starfire looks at her, surprised by the understanding in Raven's tone.
"You do?"
Raven nods, her eyes filled with a quiet empathy. "I do. But it's okay to grieve, Starfire. Even if they're still out there. Even if you still hope they'll come back. I know this all too well. One person I know and love is gone, the other I am supposed to love, and one who is supposed to love me…is beyond saving."
The words seem to strike a chord in Starfire, and she sobs softly, her tears falling freely.
"Thank you, friends." She said softly
The team flies on in silence for a while, giving her the space she needs. The snowy landscape below stretches on, a stark contrast to the warmth and unity of the group above.
As they approach Mount Justice, Bart zooms up from the base, breaking the quiet with his usual energy as he yells into a megaphone a giant tray in one of his hands.
"Okay, how was your little trip to northern Canada? A little Martain told me of your little detour and told me to fire some hot cocoa."
"Bart we still got some training to do." Superboy started but Starfire interrupted him
"I shall be of the most loving of some Hot Cocoa!" She cried as she seized the sugar bowl, bowl of marshmallow and downed it all with the glass of cream and a mug of cocoa.
Bart blinked rapidly at Starfire as he tried to suppress a laugh as Starifire drank another cup and another.
"Classic Starfire" He said shaking his head "Never change."
The training room has been set up with a stealth simulation, holographic guards patrol a maze of corridors, and the goal is to reach the objective without being detected. The simulation was simple, a couple of guards moving in and around a basic pattern, some giant crates and dark shadowy areas for cover, and so on.
Nightwing wasn't sure why he chosen stealth to be the first thing to teach them, he could have thought them things like martial arts to acrobatics and so on, and yet a little voice in the back of his head that sounded too much like Bruce told him that this should be the one he should start with.
Nightwing stood at the starting point with Raven, Starfire, and Thomas, his arms crossed and a confident smirk on his face.
"Alright, team. Today's lesson is stealth. The art of moving unseen and unheard. Do any of you know what stealth is and how it's done?" Nightwing said looking more at Starfire who was looking into the training room her eyes gleaming.
Thomas raises his hand with a slightly smug grin. "Stealth? Are you kidding me? I've played almost every Metal Gear Solid game over 100 times. I got Big Boss rank in MGS1, 2, and 4. Foxhound rank in MGS3. S rank in nearly every mission in MGS5, I can go on."
Nightwing raises an eyebrow, impressed but amused.
"Is that a fact? Not bad. I've done it too. But remember, Thomas, it's one thing to do it in a game, and another to pull it off in real life, and let's just say there are no continues in the real world."
Thomas nodded slightly as he rolled his eyes "Thank you very much Mr. Obvious."
Nightwing cleared his throat as he looked into the room "Okay, watch and learn."
Nightwing activates the simulation, and the holographic guards spring to life. Moving with incredible precision, Nightwing navigates the maze silently, avoiding every guard and reaching the objective without a single detection so fast that it was over mere seconds after it began. He turns to the group with a satisfied grin.
"That's how it's done. Now, Raven, you're up." Nightwing said
Raven steps forward, her expression calm and focused. Her eyes glowed purple as she disappears into the simulation, her dark magic cloaking her movements. The team watches as she effortlessly avoids guards, phasing through walls and blending into shadows like a wraith. She popped out of the shadows and landed smoothly next to Nightwing, her face as expressionless as ever.
Nightwing blinked, half stunned, half proud "…Wow. That was—uh—impressive..."
Raven shrugs nonchalantly. "I've done things like this countless times. It's like breathing."
Thomas lets out a low whistle as a silver construct of hands applauding appeared over his head, and even Starfire claps enthusiastically.
"Friend Raven, you are most amazing!" Starfire cried
"Alright, Starfire. You're next." Nightwing said calmly
Starfire steps up, her energy brimming with enthusiasm. She enters the simulation, immediately lighting up the entire room with a burst of her starbolts.
"Friend Nightwing and Raven, now you will not need the darkness to hide!" Starfire cried at the top of her lungs.
Every holographic guard in the simulation turns toward her glowing figure. Nightwing groans, pinching the bridge of his nose mumbling to himself as Raven facepalms, Thomas buried his face into his hands.
"Starfire…" Nightwing said calmly "…stealth means not being seen or heard. Darkness is kind of the whole point."
Starfire tilts her head, confused. "Ah, I see. Darkness is of the most of important for the sneaking. I shall most understand now."
Nightwing nods, relieved as he sighed "Good…" Nightwing said fiddling with his tablet "…Now try again, and this time, avoid the guards' field of vision...Please."
Starfire nods eagerly and re-enters the simulation. She begins tiptoeing through the corridors but consistently bumps into guards, sending them into high alert.
"INTRUDER DETECTED!" A voice boomed
Starfire freezes each time, apologizing loudly as she saluted at the simulated guard she bumped into.
"Oh! I am sorry, Friend Guard! I shall be of more stealthy from now!"
Nightwing sighs deeply as he made a face, while Raven mutters under her breath. "This is going to take a while."
"You think?" Nightwing said shaking his head.
Starfire eventually exits the simulation, looking sheepish.
"I fear I misunderstood the 'field of vision.' It is most confusing. I do not understand how far this field even is…"
Nightwing sighed as he patted Starfire on the back "We'll work on it. For now, Thomas, you're up."
Thomas steps forward, rolling his shoulders and cracking his neck. He adjusts his Silver Lantern ring, his confidence practically radiating from him.
"Alright, time to show you what Big Boss rank looks like in real life." Thomas said under his breath.
He steps into the simulation. At first, his movements are cautious and deliberate. He crouches low, trying to replicate the techniques he's seen in countless Metal Gear Solid playthroughs. Watching the guards patrol route as carefully as possible as he tried to sneak past them.
But as he attempts to navigate the maze, the faint glow of his Silver Lantern ring begins to attract the attention of the holographic guards.
"UNIDENTIFIED PRESENCE DETECTED!" A speaker cried
Thomas groans as the guards sweep the area to the area he is standing in.
Frustrated, he creates a glowing silver construct of a tranquilizer gun, trying to neutralize the guards.
"Okay, stay calm. Just like in the games…" Thomas said as he dove for cover under a giant crate where a giant spotlight was on top of that had just roared to life.
He fires the tranquilizer gun construct, hitting a guard but the light from the construct gives him away again.
"INTRUDER ALERT!" The voice cried as Thomas made a face.
"Oh, come on!" He swore under his breath as he threw himself out under the crate.
As he moves through the corridors, the glow from the ring grows brighter as his emotions intensify. As he tried to move past the guards.
By the time he reaches the end of the simulation, he's received multiple alerts, though still fewer than Starfire, he took longer than her.
He looked at the screen showing their scores grimly
"Big Boss material right here." Thomas said sarcastically, he looked at Nightwing unimpressed "Real bright idea, asking the guy who is a literal flashlight to move around in darkness. Real bright idea."
He steps out of the simulation, rubbing his temples as the holographic guards disappear behind him. Starfire claps enthusiastically from the sidelines.
"Friend Thomas, you were most stealthy! You even got fewer alerts than I!"
Thomas forces a small smile but quickly walks out of the room, clearly frustrated. Nightwing notices and follows him into the hallway.
Thomas leans against the wall, staring at the faint glow of his ring as if it had failed him. Nightwing approaches, his voice calm and understanding. "Hey. You did better than you think."
Thomas scoffs, shaking his head. "Better? I lit up like a freaking Christmas tree in there. I can't control this stupid thing. I'm supposed to be the 'stealthy envy lantern,' but all I envy right now is people who don't glow in the dark." He made a face as he looked down on the ground "There are many things I am tempted to say, but I don't have the guts and I have the manners to not say it…" he shook his head as he let out a long exaggerated sigh.
Nightwing chuckles softly, leaning against the wall beside him.
"Let me tell you a secret. On my first day as Robin, I wasn't much better than you."
Thomas looks at him, skeptical. "Yeah, right. You're Nightwing. The guy who just cleared that simulation like it was nothing. You."
Nightwing shook his head "Now, sure. But back then? Total disaster. Batman sent me on a simple, basic recon mission—nothing fancy, just observe and report. Instead, I tripped over a trash can, got spotted by like five goons, and I nearly blew the whole thing. Batman had to step in and save me." He fiddled with his tablet as he showed Thomas his old Robin uniform with a half smile on his face "And this little thing, was my old costume. Now while its no lantern gear, it is bright and visible. You be the judge on this thing."
Thomas raises an eyebrow, intrigued despite himself as he tilted his head taking in what Nightwing was saying "Seriously?" He said unable to believe what he was saying.
Nightwing nodded "Seriously. I was so frustrated, I almost quit that night. But Batman told me something that stuck: 'You don't have to be perfect on day one. You just have to get better every day after that.'"
Thomas sighs, the tension in his shoulders easing slightly. "That's easy for you to say. You make it look effortless now."
Nightwing placed a hand on Thomas's shoulder "It wasn't always. Confidence comes with practice, Thomas. How many times did it take you to get Foxhound rank in MGS3?"
Thomas pauses, thinking back "Fifty-five. I played MGS3 Fifty-five times. Countless playthroughs before I finally nailed it."
Nightwing smiled, patting him on the head. "Exactly. You didn't get it on your first try. You kept at it until you figured it out. Stealth in real life is no different. It's all about patience and persistence."
Thomas looks at the ring on his finger, the glow seeming a little less daunting now. He made a face "Alright, Nightwing. One step at a time, huh?"
Nightwing nodded "One step at a time." He paused for a second as he said "Did you think about the spotlights?"
Thomas shook his head blinking rapidly "Spotlights?"
Nightwing typed into his tablet to show the simulation they just did "What colour are the spotlights?" He said calmly.
Thomas leaned in looking into the tablet as he made a face. "…They look…Silver."
Nightwing nodded "Now tell me, look at the pattern of the spotlights, the colour of the walls, the shape of wall patterns, and point to me all those spots where the shapes of a person can be mistaken for something else, and what your backside looks like."
Thomas looked behind him, then at the tablet, then at Nightwing as he made a face. "…Oh…"
"And the only obstacle you have to face is to time your positions well." Nightwing said
Thomas nods, standing a little taller.
"Thanks. I'll try again. And next time, fewer alerts."
"That's the spirit." Nightwing said, as he looked at his watch "And if I am not mistaken Aqualad is about to show you some basic teamwork practice at the pool." He said gesturing at a door nearby
Thomas nodded as he approached the doors of the pool "Thank you…and I will do better…I hope…"
Nightwing made as face as Thomas entered the room, as the doors closed Nightwing shook his head as he walked away "Let us hope Starfire has better observation next time…"
The pool gleams under the bright lights of the pool. Aqualad stands at the edge, looking every bit the composed leader as he addresses Starfire, Raven, and Thomas who are gathered nearby.
Under and floating in the water are several heavy objects. A large metal crate, a weight plate, an anvil and a mock boulder designed to sink.
"Today's exercise is about teamwork." Aqualad said his voice booming "The objective is simple: retrieve these objects from the pool and bring them to the edge. The catch is, you'll need to work together. None of you can carry one of these on your own—at least, not easily, but..."
Starfire's eyes light up, her enthusiasm bubbling over. "Most delightful! I shall begin at once!"
Before Aqualad can open his mouth to clarify further, Starfire soars into the air and dives into the pool with a dramatic splash. Within moments, she's effortlessly lifting all four heavy objects at once, flying out of the water with them clutched in her arms.
She lands beside the pool, setting the dripping objects on the ground with a triumphant smile.
"I have retrieved the objects! We are victorious!"
The room goes silent for a moment. Thomas pinches the bridge of his nose, half sarcastic and half amused.
"Yeah, teamwork sure worked there."
Before anyone can respond, Thomas takes a step forward, slipping on the wet floor left behind by Starfire's landing.
"Aaagghh—!"
He tumbles backward, arms flailing, and lands with a splash in the pool.
Raven, standing a few feet away, crosses her arms and mutters to herself, her tone laced with dry annoyance.
"This team is going to be the death of me." She grumbled
Aqualad, trying to maintain his composure, rubs his temples and sighs. "…Starfire, the goal was to work together. You were supposed to wait for the others."
Starfire tilts her head, looking genuinely puzzled as she held up the boulder in her hands.
"But, Friend Aqualad, it was faster this way! And most efficient!"
Aqualad shook his hand "Efficiency isn't the point of this exercise. It's about coordination and trust. You need to learn how to rely on each other."
Thomas swims to the edge of the pool, pulling himself up with a grumble, his head completely soaked. His lantern uniform looked damp.
"And please, next time, let me know when the floor's about to turn into a slip-n-slide."
Raven raises an eyebrow at him, still dry and unfazed.
"Maybe if you focused on the exercise instead of commentary, you wouldn't have fallen in."
Thomas shoots her a mock glare, as he shook his body and rubbed his glasses.
"Yeah, thanks for the pep talk, Raven. Super helpful."
Aqualad claps his hands together, interrupting the bickering.
"Alright, let's reset. This time, all of you will retrieve the objects together. No shortcuts, no rushing ahead. Understood?"
Starfire nods enthusiastically, while Thomas mutters under his breath, and Raven just sighs.
"This should be fun." Raven said under her breath.
As Aqualad resets the exercise, the team readies themselves for another attempt.
Aqualad didn't have to wait long as soon all four items were back this time with all three of them working more closely than the previous, 'attempt'.
Starfire treated the whole thing as some kind of game that looked simular to basketball as she commanded Thomas to fly over the pool and make a giant net construct, then Starfire practically threw the items into the net as Thomas moved them to the side of the pool. However her aim was not precise, and despite Ravens attempt to redirect them, by the time her shadowey magic arrived Starfire was already doing her 3rd attempt.
Raven made a face, her arms crossed and her expression distant as she struggled to be more in sync with starfires wild energy.
Aqualad sighed as he blew on a whistle. "Take five, everyone."
The group pauses, and Aqualad approaches Raven, his tone calm and steady.
"Raven, can we talk for a minute?"
Raven glances at him, hesitant, but nods. The two step aside to a quieter corner of the pool.
Aqualad made a face as he shook his head slightly. "I noticed you're having trouble syncing with the others. I understand how you feel…and well…it's hard to fit in when you feel different."
Raven raises an eyebrow, skeptical. "You? Feeling out of place? You're practically perfect at everything from the things I have heard about you..."
Aqualad smiles faintly, shaking his head.
"When I first joined the Justice League's side missions, I struggled. I grew up in Atlantis, but I wasn't like the others. Being half-human made me an outsider in both worlds. I tried to compensate by being perfect—always in control, always proving myself. But it didn't work."
Raven looks at him, her guarded expression softening slightly.
"So what changed?"
Aqualad sighed "I realized teamwork isn't about being perfect. It's about trust. Letting others in, even when it's hard. That's something you can't do alone."
Raven's gaze drops to the floor, her fingers twitching slightly. "It's not easy for me to trust people." She said silently.
Aqualad studies her, his tone gentle but probing.
"Why is that?"
Raven hesitates, then lifts her hand, holding up seven fingers.
"Seven." Raven said cryptically "That's how many people it would take to ruin my life—and the world—forever. I don't want it to be anyone on this team...Already 3 of them seem to fit the bill…and…" she shook her body making a face as if she said too much.
Aqualad's expression shifts, his calm exterior hiding a flicker of concern.
"Raven… if you ever want to talk about it, I'm here. We are here. You don't have to carry that weight by yourself."
Before Raven can respond, a voice chimes in from nearby.
"Friend Raven, I promise you, no matter what happens, I will be there for you." Starfire said
They turn to see Starfire standing a few feet away, her expression earnest and sincere.
Raven's eyes widen briefly in surprise before she looks away, her face unreadable. She says nothing, but a small, fleeting smile crosses her lips.
Starfire notices the smile, her face lighting up.
"Your smile is most wonderful, Friend Raven! It fills me with joy."
Raven rolls her eyes slightly but doesn't argue. For a moment, the tension lifts, and the three of them stand together in quiet understanding.
To Starfire, that fleeting smile is enough.
The warm noon sun streams through the large windows as Beast Boy and Thomas sat on the couch in the lounge, their attention locked on the portable gaming consoles in their hands. The coffee table between them is cluttered with snacks, drinks, and Pokémon cards.
Beast Boy made a face as he looked at his game "Man, I wish I could turn into Pokémon. That'd be so cool. Imagine me as a Charizard—flying, breathing fire, scaring the bad guys. Epic, right?"
Thomas snorts, not looking up from his game.
"Didn't you try that once? According to a yapping speedster here he told me that it didn't exactly go according to plan."
Beast Boy groans, leaning back against the couch.
"Ugh, don't remind me. I got stuck halfway between a Pikachu and a Squirtle. I looked like a fried turtle with a lightning bolt tail. Not my finest moment. And Bart makes it his mission to make sure I don't forget it." He made a face as if silently cursing at Bart.
Thomas chuckles, finally glancing up from his game.
"Yeah, that sounds horrifying. But hey, you've got the games, right? Who needs to be a Pokémon when you can train them?"
Beast Boy sighs dramatically. "I guess. But it's not the same, man. You don't feel the fire in your lungs or the power in your wings. You just press buttons."
Thomas rolls his eyes but smirks.
"Alright, fine. How about this? Let's make it more… immersive."
Beast Boy raises an eyebrow as he looked down at his console. "Your challenging me to a battle eh?"
Thomas nodded. "Let us begin." He said as they both accepted the battle invite.
Thomas's Silver Lantern ring begins to glow. Over the coffee table, a shimmering, three-dimensional construct of a battle arena materializes. In the center, two Pokémon materialize: Lucario on Thomas's side and Charizard on Beast Boy's.
"Lucario, I choose you!" Thomas said dramatically as the Lucario construct springs to life, assuming a fighting stance. At the same time the Lucario on his console did the same pose.
"Oh, you're on! Charizard, let's show him how it's done!" Beast Boy said dramatically.
The Charizard construct spreads its wings and lets out a silent roar, its exaggerated movements dramatic and theatrical.
They both start mashing buttons on their consoles, and the constructs mirror their commands in an overly exaggerated display.
Lucario leaps into the air, performing a spinning Aura Sphere attack that sends glowing energy flying across the table. Charizard counters with a massive Flamethrower that seems to engulf the entire construct battlefield.
"This is way cooler than pressing buttons!" Thomas said laughing
Beast boy began to laugh hysterically "Charizard, Flamethrower again! Burn that Lucario to ash!"
Lucario dodges in slow motion, landing a dramatic Force Palm attack that sends Charizard tumbling in an exaggerated crash.
The battle grows more ridiculous as the constructs perform over-the-top stunts: Lucario somersaults off invisible walls, and Charizard unleashes a "hyper-flame vortex" that spins wildly around the table, making the snacks rattle. An Umbreon clashes with a Mewtwo as it but the psychic Pokémon's tail and spun it around like a toy. A Xerneas blasted a Zekrom with a moon that came crashing down into the dragon and so on. The two boys laughing manically as they played their game.
"Dude, this is awesome! It's like a real Pokémon battle!" Beast Boy said as he sent out another Charizard to face Thomas now healed Lucario
"Yeah, except my Lucario's about to wreck your other Charizard!" Thomas said grinning.
Lucario charges forward, glowing with a larger-than-life Aura Sphere, but Thomas purposefully slows the construct's movements to a snail's pace as beast boy chose his next move.
"Any last words before I wipe the floor with you?" Thomas said grinning
Beast Boy grins mischievously. "Yeah. Charizard, Fly!"
Charizard suddenly soars into the air, dodging Lucario's attack and slamming down with a seismic exaggerated crash that sends Lucario flying off the table. The Lucario construct dissipates in a puff of silver light.
"Cheater! No one just dodges an Aura Sphere like that!" Thomas said in mock anger
"Hey, all's fair in love and Pokémon battles!" Beast Boy said laughing.
They both laugh, and Beast Boy leans back on the couch, clearly in better spirits.
"Alright, Thomas. You win the award for coolest teammate today. Even if your Lucario got wrecked." Beast Boy said as he tried to stop laughing
"Yeah, yeah. Next time, I'm using more legendaries." Thomas said
Beast Boy grins, flicking some chips into his mouth.
"Deal. And thanks, man. I needed that."
Thomas smirks, powering down his game and the constructs
"Anytime. Just try not to turn into a messed-up Pikachu again, okay?"
"I make no promises!"
Starfire sits cross-legged on the couch, the TV remote in her hand as she flips through channels absentmindedly, the sun beaming down on her face.
News reports, action movies, and sitcom reruns flash by, none quite grabbing her interest. Then, she pauses on a quiet channel displaying looped nature videos. The screen shows a serene beach: waves gently lapping against the shore, sunlight glinting off the water, and seagulls soaring overhead.
Starfire's bright green eyes soften, and her hand lowers the remote.
Then…
The memory is vivid and warm. A younger Starfire and Blackfire, no older than 7 and 10, play together on a golden Tamaranian beach. Their laughter fills the air as they chase each other near the water's edge, kicking up sparkling sand.
"Kori, you're too slow! You'll never catch me!"
"I will, Komand'r! Just you wait!"
They collapse into the sand, giggling, as a group of beachgoers announces a sandcastle contest. Excited, the sisters eagerly participate, each building their own elaborate castle.
Blackfire's castle is tall and imposing, adorned with spires and intricate designs. Starfire's castle is smaller but meticulously crafted, with delicate arches and tiny star shapes etched into the walls.
As the judges approach, Starfire glances at Blackfire's intense expression. A look of pride and hope flickers on her sister's face—a rare moment where Blackfire isn't guarded or distant.
Starfire's gaze shifts back to her own castle. She smiles softly, then reaches out and "accidentally" knocks over part of her structure, leaving it lopsided.
"Oh no! My castle… I am clumsy!"
Blackfire looks over, surprised, as the judges award her the first-place ribbon. Blackfire's face lights up, and for a moment, she is nothing but a joyful child.
"Kori, did you see? I won!"
Starfire claps enthusiastically, her smile genuine despite the tiny ache in her chest.
"You did, Komand'r! You are most deserving of the prize!"
The two sisters hug, their bond strong and unbroken in that fleeting moment.
Now…
The nature video continues to play, the gentle sound of waves filling the quiet room. Starfire stares at the screen, her bright demeanor dimmed by the weight of the memory.
Slowly, she reaches into the folds of her uniform and pulls out a small, silver locket. She opens it, but the camera doesn't show what's inside. Starfire gazes at it for a long moment, her eyes brimming with tears.
A single tear slides down her cheek, and she whispers softly to herself:
"Komand'r…"
Her shoulders shake as she begins to cry, her tears falling silently onto the locket in her hand.
The sound of waves from the TV continues, the serene beach contrasting with Starfire's quiet sorrow. She clutches the locket tightly, closing her eyes as she lets the emotions wash over her. The TV changed to a snowy mountain side scene. Though it was now filling the room with the sounds of the wind, the soft sounds of waves and distant seagulls was still engraved into her skull. Her hands clutch the small locket tightly, her gaze distant and her shoulders slightly hunched.
"Why…" she cried under her breath. "Why…"
Nightwing enters the room, pausing when he notices her demeanor. He approaches cautiously, his tone gentle.
"Starfire? You okay?"
Starfire doesn't respond immediately. She blinks, as if pulled from her thoughts, and looks up at him with a faint, sad smile.
"Oh, Friend Nightwing. I am… uncertain."
Nightwing sits beside her, leaning slightly forward, his elbows on his knees.
"You don't have to be certain. Sometimes it helps just to talk about it." Nightwing said calmly
Starfire hesitates, then glances down at the locket in her hand.
"This locket… it holds a memory. Of my sister, Komand'r."
She opens the locket, revealing a tiny holographic image of two young Tamaranians Starfire and Blackfire as children, smiling and holding hands on a beach. The hologram flickers softly, its warm glow reflecting in Starfire's eyes.
"We were once so close. There was a time when she was my best friend. We played together, laughed together. She even called me her 'little star.'" She said quietly
She pauses, her voice cracking slightly.
"But now… she hates me. She blames me for things I cannot control, things I had nothing to do with, and I do not know if she will ever forgive me. Or if I will ever truly have my sister back."
Her eyes fill with tears, and she looks down, her grip on the locket tightening.
Nightwing watches her for a moment, his expression soft. He places a comforting hand on her shoulder.
"Starfire, I can't pretend to understand everything you've been through. But I do know that relationships—especially with family—can be complicated." He sighed "…Sometimes, no matter how much you want to fix things, it's not something you can control." Nightwing said sadly.
Starfire nods slowly, a tear slipping down her cheek.
"I wish things were different. I wish we could go back to when we were happy."
Nightwing's voice is steady but kind.
"It's okay to feel that way. It's okay to grieve what you've lost. But you're not alone, Starfire. You have us. You have me. And no matter what happens with your sister, we'll always be here for you. We are your friends."
Starfire looks at him, her eyes shining with gratitude.
"Thank you, Friend Nightwing. Your words mean much to me."
Nightwing smiles faintly, giving her shoulder a light squeeze.
"Anytime. And hey, if you ever want to talk…or just sit and watch weird nature stock videos…I'm around."
Starfire lets out a soft laugh, wiping her tears.
"You are most kind, Friend Nightwing. Perhaps… I would like that."
Nightwing sighed as if unsure with himself.
"You know… I get it. That pain. Wishing you could go back to when everything was simpler. When they were still here."
Starfire looks at him, her expression curious and empathetic. Nightwing doesn't meet her gaze, his eyes focused on the flickering stock videos on the TV.
"Jason…he was my little brother. Not by blood, but in every way that mattered… He was reckless, stubborn, and always trying to prove himself…Drove me crazy half the time."
He pauses, a faint, bittersweet smile crossing his lips.
"But he was also brave. Fierce. He had this way of never backing down, no matter what. He wanted so badly to be like Bruce, to be a better Robin than I ever was. And then… he was gone."
Starfire watches him intently, her heart aching for him as he speaks.
"I wasn't there when it happened. I didn't even know he was in trouble until it was too late… And every day since, I've wondered if there was something I could've done—something I should've said—to stop him from going after the Joker..."
He finally turns to look at Starfire, his expression a mix of pain, guilt, grief and acceptance.
"That kind of loss… it stays with you. It changes you. But you can't let it define you. You can't let it stop you from moving forward, from opening up to the people who are still here."
Starfire nods slowly, his words resonating deeply.
"Friend Nightwing, I am sorry for your loss. Jason sounds as though he was of the most noble and brave."
Nightwing smiles faintly, his voice soft.
"He was. And he'd hate it if he knew I was still beating myself up over it... Jason wouldn't want me—or anyone—to get stuck in the past. He'd want us to keep fighting, to keep living..."
He leans forward, resting his arms on his knees.
"I'm not saying it's easy. It's not. But having people around you—people who care—that helps. Even on the hard days."
Starfire places a gentle hand on his arm, her eyes filled with gratitude, her tears were drying on her face "Thank you, Friend Nightwing. Your words bring me comfort. Perhaps… we can both learn to move forward, together."
Nightwing sighed, giving her a small, genuine smile. "…Yeah. Together."