Chapter 25

The early morning light filtered into the training room, casting soft, muted beams across the polished floor. Tom stood in the center of the space, his movements precise and measured as he flowed through a sequence of martial arts forms. The room was quiet, save for the steady rhythm of his breathing and the faint hum of Kaelith's presence nearby.

Kaelith leaned casually against the wall, her arms crossed as she observed him. Her glowing eyes followed his movements, her posture relaxed yet attentive. Tom continued his routine, each strike and step becoming smoother as he focused on refining his technique.

The faint hum of the base's systems filled the air, a reminder of the quiet stillness that came with the early hour. Sweat beaded on Tom's brow as he pushed himself through the familiar forms, his mind sharp and clear. His body ached slightly from the mission the day before, but he welcomed the discomfort—it was a reminder of progress, of moving forward.

After finishing a final set of moves, Tom stepped back into a neutral stance, grabbing a towel from a nearby bench to wipe the sweat from his face. He took a sip from his water bottle, glancing at the clock mounted on the wall. It was still early, and the rest of the Team likely hadn't woken up yet. The silence of the base, usually fleeting, felt grounding.

The sound of footsteps echoed faintly down the hallway, signaling that the others were starting to stir. Tom straightened, setting his water bottle aside and stretching his arms over his head. He rolled his shoulders, working out the remaining stiffness, as the door to the training room slid open.

The quiet hum of the training room began to shift as the faint sound of footsteps echoed down the hallway. Nightwing walked in alone, his sharp gaze scanning the space as he stepped through the doorway. He carried his usual calm confidence, his posture relaxed but purposeful.

Tom paused mid-stretch, nodding in greeting. "Morning."

"Morning," Nightwing replied, his tone even. He moved toward one corner of the room, setting a towel and water bottle down on a bench before rolling his shoulders. "You're up early."

"Could say the same about you," Tom said with a faint smirk, dropping into a low stance for another set of stretches. "But I guess this is kind of your thing."

Nightwing chuckled softly as he began his own warmup routine, his movements precise and practiced. "Old habits die hard. Besides, with Batman's debrief coming up, it doesn't hurt to stay sharp."

Tom nodded, glancing over as Nightwing shifted into a series of dynamic stretches, his fluid movements a reminder of just how much experience the leader of the Team carried. It was almost mesmerizing to watch—every motion deliberate, every step controlled.

Tom straightened, grabbing his towel from the bench and wiping his face. "You expecting anyone else to show up?"

"Probably not yet," Nightwing said without breaking stride. "Most of them aren't morning people. Figured I'd get a head start before the chaos begins."

Tom chuckled lightly, stepping back into his routine. "Fair enough."

As Nightwing got further into his warm up, Tom grabbed his towel and water bottle, nodding to a Nightwing as he headed toward the exit. The faint ache in his muscles reminded him of the effort he'd put into his morning routine, but it wasn't unpleasant. He was ready to shift gears and get some food in his system.

The hallways of Mount Justice were still quiet, the early morning hush broken only by the faint hum of the base's systems. Tom made his way to the kitchen, already thinking about what he could whip up for himself and Kaelith. She wasn't one for cooking, and he'd taken it upon himself to ensure she didn't rely solely on her sharp tongue and sarcasm for sustenance.

Entering the kitchen, Tom noticed the space was empty—at least at first glance. He moved toward the cabinets, pulling out ingredients with practiced ease. Eggs, bread, cheese—simple enough for a quick breakfast. He set the items on the counter and grabbed a skillet, the sound of it clinking faintly against the stovetop.

As he cracked the eggs into a bowl, a voice cut through the quiet, soft and measured. "You're up early."

Tom turned to see Raven standing at the edge of the kitchen, her presence subtle but somehow commanding. She was dressed in casual clothes, her dark hair slightly messy as if she hadn't bothered to fix it after waking up. Her violet eyes flicked to the ingredients on the counter, then back to him.

"Habit," Tom replied, his tone light. "Figured I'd get something to eat before the day really starts. You?"

Raven stepped closer, her movements quiet and deliberate. "Thought I'd see if there was any tea left."

Tom nodded, gesturing toward one of the cabinets. "Top shelf, far left. Should be a few options."

Raven moved toward the cabinet, retrieving a small tin of tea with a nod of thanks. She set it on the counter and began preparing a cup while Tom returned to whisking the eggs. The silence between them was comfortable, the kind of quiet that didn't demand to be filled.

As he poured the eggs into the skillet, the sizzle of the pan broke the stillness. "You're welcome to join," Tom offered, glancing at her. "It's just eggs and toast, but there's enough to go around."

Raven shook her head slightly, her lips curving into the faintest of smiles. "Thanks, but I'll stick with tea."

"Suit yourself," Tom said, flipping the toast in the skillet. "This is mostly for Kaelith, anyway. She's not exactly the culinary type."

Raven raised an eyebrow, her expression neutral but curious. "She lets you cook for her?"

Tom chuckled. "More like she expects it at this point. I think she's decided it's part of our unspoken agreement."

Raven nodded faintly, her hands wrapping around the steaming mug of tea she'd just prepared. "Interesting arrangement."

Tom smirked, sliding the eggs onto a plate and adding the toast. "It works. Keeps things... balanced."

Raven leaned against the counter, sipping her tea as she watched him finish plating. "You're good at that," she said after a moment.

Tom looked at her, raising an eyebrow. "Good at what?"

"Keeping things balanced," Raven replied, her tone calm but thoughtful. "Even with everything going on, you seem to find your footing."

Tom shrugged, his smirk softening into something quieter. "I try. Some days are better than others."

Raven held his gaze for a moment before nodding.

The conversation lapsed into silence again as Tom grabbed the plates, balancing them carefully. "Well, I should get this to Kaelith before she decides to starve out of spite."

Raven gave a faint smile, the corners of her mouth barely curving. "Good luck."

"Thanks," Tom replied with a grin. "See you at the debrief."

He carried the plates to the table. He set one of them down and sat with his own, starting to dig in.

Then, with a faint ripple of dark energy, Kaelith emerged from his shadow, her form coalescing beside the table. She stretched languidly, her glowing eyes narrowing as she glanced at the food.

"About time," she said, her voice carrying a playful edge. "I was beginning to wonder if you'd forgotten me entirely."

Tom rolled his eyes, pushing the prepared plate toward her. "Relax. You're not going to starve in a few minutes."

Kaelith smirked, settling into the chair across from him. "Why bother when I've got you to do it for me?"

Raven, still standing by the counter, watched the interaction with mild curiosity. She didn't say anything, sipping her tea quietly as Kaelith picked up her fork and began eating.

"You're lucky I made enough," Tom muttered, taking a bite of his own food.

Kaelith arched an eyebrow, her tone light but teasing. "Please. You'd be lost without me, and you know it."

Raven's lips twitched into the faintest smile as she rinsed out her coffee mug, her quiet presence lingering for a moment longer before she turned toward the door. "Enjoy your breakfast," she said softly.

"See you at the debrief," Tom replied, glancing her way.

Kaelith watched Raven leave, her gaze lingering briefly before she turned her attention back to her food.

"You know," she said casually, her tone carrying that telltale edge of intrigue, "she asked me an interesting question."

Tom paused mid-bite, his brows furrowing as he glanced up at her. "Raven? What did she ask?"

Kaelith smirked faintly, her expression unreadable. "She asked if you and I were together."

Tom froze mid-bite, his fork hovering inches from his mouth. "Wait—what?" he asked, his voice edging on incredulous.

Kaelith shrugged, her tone light but with a faint teasing undertone. "You heard me. She asked if we were together."

Tom set his fork down, tilting his head as his thoughts raced. "Why would she think that?"

Kaelith arched an eyebrow, her glowing scars catching the light as she leaned back. "Maybe because I'm always with you. Or because I tend to pop out of nowhere looking like I'm ready to start a war."

Tom rubbed the back of his neck, his face warming slightly. "And what did you tell her?"

Kaelith chuckled, her voice low and amused. "I told her the truth. That we're partners. Close, sure, but not like that." She gestured vaguely with her hand. "She didn't push, but she seemed... curious."

Tom exhaled, leaning back in his chair. "Curious, huh. That's one way to put it."

Kaelith's smirk softened into something more genuine. "Relax, Tom. It's not a bad thing."

Tom huffed, shaking his head. "It's still weird. I mean, I get why she'd ask, but... I don't know. I didn't think we gave off that vibe."

Kaelith leaned forward slightly, her tone taking on a teasing edge. "We're a team, Tom. People are going to see that and make their own assumptions. It's just how it works."

Tom let out a small laugh despite himself, shaking his head. "You've got a knack for making things sound way more dramatic than they are."

Tom continued eating, but Kaelith's words lingered in his mind. She asked if we were together? He replayed the conversation, wondering what might have prompted Raven to ask such a question. They'd barely spoken beyond the brief interactions during the mission, and yet she'd been curious enough to approach Kaelith about it.

His thoughts shifted uneasily. Did she sense something? Raven was an empath, after all, capable of picking up on emotions without effort. Had she caught a flicker of his feelings—his nerves, his insecurities, or worse, the tangled mix of thoughts he hadn't quite sorted out about her?

Tom let out a quiet sigh, shaking his head. "I hope not," he muttered under his breath, deciding to leave it at that. It wasn't worth spiraling over something he couldn't control.

He finished his breakfast in silence, Kaelith occasionally shooting him an amused glance as if she knew exactly what he was thinking. Once he was done, he stood, gathering their plates and heading to the sink. He rinsed everything off, the simple act grounding him as he let the thoughts drift away.

By the time he was done cleaning up, he felt more composed. He dried his hands on a towel, glanced at the clock, and realized it was still early for Batman's debriefing. Might as well get there ahead of time, he thought, grabbing a water bottle before heading out.

The walk to the meeting room was quiet, the halls of Mount Justice mostly empty at this hour. The faint hum of the base's systems filled the air, a soothing backdrop to his thoughts. He arrived at the meeting room and stepped inside, the large table and holographic display standing ready.

Tom sat down at one of the chairs near the middle, setting his water bottle on the table. He leaned back slightly, letting the quiet atmosphere settle over him as he prepared for what was to come. Batman's debriefings were never casual affairs.

The quiet hum of the meeting room was broken as the Team slowly began trickling in, their footsteps echoing softly against the polished floor. Tom glanced up as Nightwing entered first, his confident stride and easy demeanor a stark contrast to the weight of the recent mission. He gave Tom a nod of acknowledgment before taking his place at the head of the table.

Miss Martian followed shortly after, her presence calm and collected. She offered Tom a small smile as she settled into a seat nearby. Impulse zipped in moments later, his energy filling the room as he slid into a chair, tapping his fingers against the table in rapid succession. Blue Beetle entered next, his armored form gleaming faintly in the light, and he gave a quick wave before sitting down.

Raven arrived last, her hood still drawn low over her face, shadowing her expression. She moved with quiet grace, taking a seat near the edge of the table, her posture relaxed but her eyes sharp.

The door hissed open one final time, and the room seemed to shift as Batman entered. His presence was commanding as always, the cape trailing behind him like a shadow as he moved to stand at the head of the table beside Nightwing.

"Good work on the mission," Batman began, his voice steady and authoritative. "You rescued the hostages, retrieved critical intel, and disrupted one of the Light's operations."

The room's lights dimmed slightly as the holographic display activated, projecting a map of marked locations. Several red dots spread across the globe illuminated the display, each one a point of concern.

"The data retrieved by Blue Beetle contains information on multiple other sites similar to the one you raided," Batman continued, gesturing toward the map. "These facilities are conducting research and experiments on metahumans. Some are testing their limits. Others are attempting to manufacture superpowers artificially. The Light is trying to create an army."

The room grew heavier with the revelation, the implications sinking in as the Team exchanged uneasy glances.

"The files also indicate a clear chain of supply and demand," Batman said, his tone grim. "The Light isn't just creating these powers for their own use. They're selling them to the highest bidder—criminal organizations, rogue nations, even private collectors looking to exploit metahuman abilities."

Miss Martian's expression hardened, her hands clenching slightly on the table. "How many people are we talking about?"

"Too many," Batman replied. "The Light's operations span the world. The sites we've identified are just the ones they weren't careful enough to hide."

Nightwing leaned forward, his voice calm but serious. "What's our next step?"

Batman's sharp gaze swept across the Team. "You'll continue monitoring and dismantling these operations, one facility at a time. But now that the Light knows we're onto them, they'll increase security and tighten their defenses. You'll need to be more careful moving forward."

His eyes locked briefly on Tom, and though his expression didn't change, the weight of the unspoken message was clear. "This includes avoiding unnecessary risks," he said pointedly. "Riftwalker, your suit has already been repaired. Be more careful."

Tom shifted slightly in his chair, his hand brushing instinctively against his recently patched shoulder. "Understood," he said quietly, his voice steady despite the faint heat of embarrassment.

Batman continued, his gaze sweeping over the group again. "This mission was a success, but it's a reminder of the stakes. The Light isn't just targeting individuals. They want to dominate Earth, and they'll stop at nothing to achieve that goal."

The holographic map shifted to display a dossier of the hostages they had rescued, their names and basic information appearing beside each image. "The hostages you saved are stable and being cared for. Their testimonies will provide us with more insight into the Light's methods. Your actions made a difference, but there's more work to be done."

Batman straightened slightly, his tone softening just a fraction. "Good work. You operated as a team, adapted under pressure, and completed the mission without casualties. That's exactly what I expect from this unit. But remember—this was only one battle. Stay focused."

He stepped back, signaling the end of the debrief. "That's all for now," Batman said, his voice calm but firm. "We will be in touch. Rest for now and continue to train. The League and I will work on breaking down the information your team retrieved, as well as the data from the facility we raided. Be ready—the next steps will require your full focus."

As the Team began to disperse, their quiet conversations echoing in the meeting room, Tom stayed seated, his thoughts churning. He glanced toward Batman, who was preparing to leave, his imposing figure already halfway to the exit.

"Batman," Tom called out, his voice steady but low enough not to draw attention.

The Dark Knight paused, turning to face him with a raised brow. "Yes?"

Tom stood, his heart pounding slightly as he approached. "I have more information."

Batman's gaze sharpened, and he stepped closer, his tone measured. "What kind of information?"

Tom hesitated for a moment before speaking. "The future kind. And sensitive. I need a secure way to pass it to you."

Batman studied him for a moment, his piercing eyes searching for any trace of hesitation or uncertainty. After a beat, he reached into his utility belt and pulled out a small, sleek device—black, with a faint blue glow along its edges. He handed it to Tom without a word.

"This is an encrypted data transceiver," Batman explained. "Use it for emergencies or when you need to send vital information. It's linked directly to me."

Tom took the device, its weight feeling heavier than it should. He nodded, his grip tightening slightly. "Thank you."

Batman's expression remained unreadable, but his tone softened just slightly. "I'll be waiting."

He paused, his gaze locking onto Tom's, the weight of his next words unmistakable. "Tom," Batman said, his voice steady but carrying an edge of rare sincerity. "Thank you—for the trust you're extending to the League again by providing this knowledge. It's not something we take lightly."

Tom's grip on the device tightened as Batman stepped closer, his tone lowering even further. "What happened last time will not happen again," Batman said, the promise in his words clear and unyielding. "I give you my word."

For a moment, the room felt heavier, the unspoken weight of their shared understanding hanging between them.

Tom swallowed hard, nodding faintly as his voice finally found him. "I hope not," he said quietly.

Batman held his gaze a second longer before turning and walking out of the room, his cape sweeping behind him like a shadow.

Tom stood there for a moment, the small device in his hand feeling like both a lifeline and a weight. Kaelith's presence flickered in his mind, her tone calm and steady. "You did the right thing, Tom."

Tom exhaled deeply, nodding to himself as he pocketed the device. "Let's hope so," he thought, his resolve hardening as he turned and left the room.

The evening air in the training room was cool and still, broken only by the rhythmic sound of Tom's movements. His shirt lay discarded on a nearby bench, leaving his scarred torso exposed under the dim lights. The faint glow of the room accentuated the crisscrossing marks on his skin, a stark reminder of the recent past he tried so hard to push down.

Tom moved through his katas with practiced precision, his body flowing through the motions like a well-oiled machine. Each strike, each block, each pivot was deliberate, a combination of muscle memory and discipline honed over years of practice. His breaths came steady, controlled, matching the rhythm of his movements.

But his mind wasn't as steady.

The Light.

The name alone sent a ripple of unease through him, his movements faltering slightly. He thought about the horrors they had wrought—the torture, the cruelty, and the pain. He thought about Klarion, the chaotic grin that had haunted his nightmares since his capture.

The memory clawed at him, a vivid flash of pain and fear surging to the forefront of his mind. His breath hitched, his rhythm breaking entirely as he stopped mid-movement. He pressed a hand to his chest, his heartbeat pounding erratically in his ears.

If I give Batman this information... what if it leads to something worse? What if I get caught again? What if they—

The thought spiraled, each image and memory overlapping and building in intensity. His chest tightened further, the training room's walls seeming to inch closer with every ragged breath. The faint hum of the lights above turned into an oppressive buzz, grating against his ears as his vision blurred slightly at the edges.

His legs felt unsteady, his knees threatening to buckle beneath him as his hands clenched into trembling fists. The air around him seemed thinner, heavier, as if it refused to fill his lungs. He stumbled back, gripping the edge of the bench with one hand while the other pressed against his chest, trying to quell the rapid pounding of his heart.

His scars burned, phantom pain lancing through his body as memories of his time with the Light flooded his mind. The cold steel of restraints, the sharp sting of needles, the taunting voice of Ra's al Ghul echoing in his ears—it all came rushing back like a tidal wave, drowning him in a sea of panic.

I can't go back there. I can't go through that again. The thought repeated over and over, each iteration tightening the vice around his chest. His breaths came faster, shallower, until they were little more than panicked gasps.

The edges of the room seemed to blur, the shadows twisting and distorting as if the training room itself was bending under the weight of his spiraling fear. His grip on the bench tightened, his knuckles white as he tried to ground himself, but the sensation of the cool metal felt distant, unreal.

"Tom."

Kaelith's voice cut through the storm like a beacon, her tone steady and grounding.

He squeezed his eyes shut, her presence flickering faintly in his mind. Her warmth pressed against the edges of his panic, a steady force pushing back against the chaos. "Kaelith..." he rasped, barely able to form the word through his shallow breaths.

"Tom, listen to me," she said again, her tone firmer now, though still gentle. "You're safe. Right here, right now, you're safe. I need you to focus on my voice. Breathe with me."

His body trembled, his grip on the bench slackening slightly as he tried to follow her guidance. The air still felt heavy, but he forced himself to take a shaky breath, then another, her voice anchoring him as he slowly pulled himself out of the spiral.

"That's it," Kaelith murmured, her warmth wrapping around his mind like a comforting blanket. "You're not there anymore, Tom. You're here, in the training room. You're safe."

The burning in his scars subsided, the room coming back into focus as his breathing steadied. He leaned heavily against the bench, his forehead damp with sweat as the last traces of the panic attack ebbed away.

"That's it," Kaelith murmured, her voice soothing. "You don't have to do anything you're not ready for. If giving Batman this information puts you at risk, you don't have to share it. He would understand, Tom. You don't have to jeopardize yourself."

Tom's shoulders sagged slightly as he leaned against the bench, his breathing finally steadying. "I know," he said quietly, his voice laced with exhaustion. "But it saves us so much trouble. It puts all of us another step ahead of the Light."

Kaelith was silent for a moment, her presence steady. "And that's your choice to make. Just remember—It's your choice Tom."

Tom nodded faintly, his gaze dropping to the floor. "Thanks," he murmured, the weight in his chest easing slightly as he straightened. He pushed off the bench and took a deep breath.

The sharp hiss of the training room doors bursting open shattered the fragile quiet. Tom froze mid-movement, turning to see M'gann and Raven rushing in. Both of them were dressed casually, their civilian clothing a stark contrast to the urgency in their expressions. M'gann wore a simple hoodie and jeans, her red hair tied back in a loose ponytail. Raven, her hood absent, had opted for a dark, layered outfit—black leggings, a long-sleeved tunic, and boots that added to her already enigmatic presence.

"Tom!" M'gann called, her voice trembling with concern as she hurried toward him. "What's going on? Are you okay?"

Raven followed closely, her sharp eyes scanning the room. "We both felt it," she said, her tone quieter but no less serious. "You were in distress—extreme distress. It was overwhelming."

Tom took a step back, his heart still racing as he registered their presence. He realized too late that he was still shirtless, his torso bare and revealing the scars that crisscrossed his skin like a macabre roadmap of pain. M'gann's words faltered as her gaze landed on his scars, her lips parting slightly in shock.

Raven, by contrast, remained composed, her expression steady. She had already seen the extent of Tom's scars in the Grotto, but even now, there was a subtle flicker of sadness in her eyes.

M'gann's voice dropped to a near whisper. "Tom... your—"

"Sorry," Tom interrupted quickly, grabbing the shirt from the bench and pulling it on in a rushed motion. He avoided their gazes, his shoulders tense. "I didn't mean to worry you. I... I had a panic attack. That's all."

M'gann stepped closer, her brow furrowing deeply. "A panic attack? Tom, I felt... it was like you were being attacked. The fear, the distress—it was so strong."

Raven nodded, her calm voice cutting through the moment. "It wasn't just normal fear. It was consuming, as if you were reliving something terrible." She paused, glancing at M'gann. "I ran into her on the way here. We both felt it, and we didn't know if you were in danger."

Tom exhaled shakily, running a hand through his hair. "I'm sorry," he said again, his voice quieter. "I didn't mean for that to happen. It just... spiraled. I didn't think anyone would notice."

M'gann's gaze softened, her worry shifting to compassion. "Tom, you don't have to apologize. I just—" She hesitated, clearly wanting to say more but unsure how to approach the topic of his scars.

Raven's voice cut through again, steady and direct. "It's not your fault. What you felt was strong enough to project outward. That's why we came. You don't have to handle this alone, you know."

Tom hesitated, his hand tightening slightly on the edge of the bench as he looked between them. The concern in their eyes, especially M'gann's, made his chest tighten, but Raven's calm steadiness grounded him.

"Thanks," he murmured finally, glancing away. "It just... caught me off guard. I'll be okay."

M'gann gave a faint nod, though her worry didn't fully fade. "If you ever need to talk, we're here. You know that, right?"

Tom met her gaze briefly and offered a small, tired smile. "Yeah, I know. Thanks."

Raven tilted her head slightly, her expression softening as she spoke. "We're a team, Tom. You don't have to carry everything by yourself."

Tom let out a quiet breath, her words settling over him like a quiet reassurance. He nodded faintly, his grip on the bench easing slightly. "You're right. I know I don't have to do this alone. And... I do talk to someone. Dr. Hartwell, one of the League's therapists. I've been seeing her regularly since I got here. I'm getting the help I need."

M'gann's worried expression softened further, and she gave a small nod. "Dr. Hartwell? She's really good."

Tom blinked, his brow furrowing slightly as he looked at her in confusion. "Wait—you know her?"

Raven glanced at Miss Martian before speaking, her voice calm. "The League has several therapists on staff. It's mandatory for all of us to attend regular sessions. I switched between a few before settling on Dr. Hartwell. She's... effective."

M'gann nodded again, her voice warm. "She's helped me a lot too. It's good that you're working with her, Tom. It makes a big difference."

Tom let that sink in for a moment, his confusion giving way to mild surprise. "I didn't realize the League had so many therapists. Makes sense, though. She does seem to know what she's doing."

Raven's expression was unreadable, but her tone carried a faint edge of approval. "She does. And it's good you're seeing her regularly. Therapy isn't always easy, but it helps."

Tom chuckled softly, the sound carrying a tinge of relief. "I'm trying. It's not perfect, but I'm working on it. And I really appreciate you both coming to check on me. It means a lot."

M'gann gave a small nod, her warmth clear in her expression. "If you ever need us, we're here. No matter what."

Raven didn't say anything more, but the faint flicker of her aura seemed softer somehow, as if her silent approval carried just as much weight as her words.

The room fell quiet for a moment, the weight of the conversation lingering in the air. Then M'gann took a step back, her expression thoughtful. "We should let you have some space. Just... take care of yourself, okay?"

"Will do," Tom replied, his voice steadying.

Raven gave him a small nod before turning toward the door. As she walked past, her layered outfit caught the dim light, her aura flickering faintly in her wake. M'gann hesitated for a moment longer, offering one last look of concern before following Raven out of the room.

Tom sighed heavily as the door closed behind M'gann and Raven. He leaned back against the bench, his body still tense, though the worst of the moment had passed. He rubbed a hand over his face, trying to shake off the lingering weight of the panic attack.

"It's been a while since I had an attack that bad," he thought, his voice echoing softly in the shared space of his mind.

Kaelith's presence flickered warmly, her tone steady but tinged with an edge of reproach. "Not as long as you think," she replied. "And considering everything, the fact that you're doing what you're doing now? It's nothing short of a damn miracle, Tom."

Tom chuckled weakly, the sound almost bitter but carrying a faint note of gratitude. "You always know how to keep me grounded, huh?"

Kaelith's warmth softened, her voice almost teasing. "That's what I'm here for."

Tom nodded faintly, her words settling over him like a quiet reassurance. He stared at the empty room for a moment before his lips twitched into a wry smile. "When do you think I'll work up the courage to tell the Team what happened to me?" he asked aloud, his voice carrying a quiet vulnerability.

Kaelith didn't respond immediately, her presence calm and steady as if choosing her words carefully. "When you're ready," she said finally. "It doesn't have to be now, or even soon. But when it happens, it'll be because you're ready—not because you feel you have to."

Tom exhaled slowly, her words offering a faint comfort as he let himself relax further.

Raven walked beside M'gann through the quiet corridors of Mount Justice, her dark boots making soft, deliberate sounds against the polished floor. The dim lighting casting subtle shadows across her sharp features. Her thoughts were elsewhere, centered entirely on Tom.

The wave of distress she had felt from him earlier still lingered in her mind, a raw blend of fear, pain, and anguish. It wasn't just surface-level anxiety—it had been all-encompassing, like a deep wound being torn open again. Her empathic abilities were usually a source of strength, a way to understand and support others, but what she'd felt from Tom had left her shaken.

She thought of the scars she'd seen on his torso, the crisscrossing lines that told a story of suffering she couldn't yet understand. Raven wasn't one to pry, but it was hard to ignore the connection between the emotional agony she'd felt from him and the physical evidence etched across his skin.

Whatever he went through... she thought, her hands tightening into subtle fists at her sides.

Her musings were interrupted as M'gann glanced at her, her soft voice breaking the silence. "What do you think caused Tom's panic attack?"

Raven hesitated for a moment, her sharp eyes flicking to M'gann before returning to the path ahead. "I was thinking about the same thing," she admitted quietly, her voice steady but introspective. She paused, her words measured. "My guess? Whatever gave him those scars."

M'gann's expression shifted, her lips pressing into a thin line as she processed Raven's response. "I knew about the ones on his face," she said softly, her voice tinged with regret. "But I wasn't able to see his scars when you treated him on the ship." She glanced at Raven, her green skin paling slightly. "Did you see his chest?"

Raven's eyes darkened slightly, her voice even but laced with an edge. "Yes," she said quietly. "It's... bad. Whoever did that didn't just want to hurt him—they wanted to break him. You don't get those types of scars from an accident and that's not even talking about the rest of his body."

M'gann shivered slightly, her expression clouding with sadness. She wrapped her arms around herself as they continued walking. "And the emotions," she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper. "During his panic attack... I've never felt anything like it before. Fear, panic, pain, anger, sadness—everything was so extreme, so overwhelming. It wasn't just one emotion; it was all of them crashing together. It felt like he was drowning in it."

Raven didn't respond immediately, her sharp gaze forward as her thoughts churned. She understood the weight of what M'gann was describing. She had felt it too—raw, suffocating, inescapable.

M'gann hesitated, her voice dropping even lower as she leaned slightly closer to Raven. "Don't tell Tom this," she whispered, glancing around as if to ensure they were alone. "But I... I looked at his thoughts."

Raven stopped abruptly, her gaze snapping to M'gann, her expression hardening slightly. "What?" she asked, her tone sharp but controlled.

M'gann's eyes widened, her hands flying up in a panicked gesture. "Not like that! Not after! On the way there!" she said quickly, her words rushing out in a flood. "I was trying to see what was happening to him when we were running over. I—I would never do something like that without his permission otherwise! I thought it was an emergency."

Raven's expression softened slightly, though her brow remained furrowed. "What did you see?" she asked, her voice quiet but firm.

M'gann exhaled shakily, her gaze dropping to the floor. "It was just surface-level—nothing deep, I swear. But even that was... it was horrifying. All I saw was a room. A dark, horrible room. There were tools and weapons everywhere, and blood... so much blood." Her voice faltered, her green skin paling slightly as she recalled the images. "It wasn't just the room, though. It was how he felt about it. The terror. The pain. It was like... like being trapped in a nightmare you can't wake up from."

Raven's fists clenched at her sides, her own emotions simmering just beneath the surface. "That explains the panic attack," she murmured, her tone dark. "He was back there, in his mind."

M'gann nodded slowly, her lips pressing into a thin line. "I shouldn't have looked, even for an emergency. But I just... I couldn't stand not knowing if he was in danger. I would do the same for everyone on the Team."

Raven studied her for a moment before speaking, her voice softer now. "You had good intentions. And you didn't pry beyond what was necessary. But be careful, M'gann. Tom has been through enough. He doesn't need more reasons to feel vulnerable."

M'gann nodded quickly, her expression earnest. "I know. I won't do it again, I promise. I just—he's been through so much, Raven. I don't know how he's still standing."

Raven's gaze softened, though her tone remained neutral. "I had a similar train of thought when I first saw the scars on his chest."

M'gann glanced at her, curiosity flickering in her green eyes. "On the Bioship?"

Raven responded distractedly, her voice quiet. "No, it was before that."

M'gann paused mid-step, her eyes widening slightly as she processed Raven's words. "Wait, what?" she asked, turning to face her fully. "You've seen him shirtless before that?"

Raven blinked, her calm demeanor faltering slightly. "Yes," she said simply, her voice measured. "It's not—"

But M'gann's expression shifted to a knowing smile, her eyes lighting up with playful curiosity. "I knew you two had something going on!" she said, her voice rising with excitement as she pointed a finger at Raven.

Raven stopped walking, a faint blush creeping across her normally pale cheeks. "What? No!" she said, her voice firm but carrying an uncharacteristic note of flustered urgency. "That's not—"

"Oh, come on," M'gann interrupted, her grin widening. "You don't have to hide it. I mean, the way you ran to him earlier, and now this? It's so obvious!"

Raven's blush deepened, and she crossed her arms tightly over her chest. "M'gann, stop. There's nothing going on. I saw him practicing in the Grotto one time. That's all."

M'gann raised an eyebrow, her smile softening into something more thoughtful. "Practicing?" she repeated. "Like, training?"

Raven's blush deepened further, her arms tightening over her chest as she spoke, her words rushing slightly. "Yes, of course. He caugh— I mean, once he saw me, he stopped, and we talked. That was my first time meeting him." She turned her head slightly, her voice growing more defensive. "You know I like to meditate at the Grotto. It was literally my first time meeting him, M'gann!"

M'gann's sly smile widened, and she leaned slightly closer. "Uh-huh," she said, drawing out the syllables teasingly. "No judgment, I promise. Just saying—it's an interesting way to meet someone."

Raven let out a huff, turning away slightly to hide the faint warmth still lingering on her face. "It's not what you're imagining," she said, her voice sharper now. "Don't make it into something it isn't."

M'gann held up her hands in mock surrender, her grin softening into a gentler expression. "Alright, alright. If you say so. No teasing. For now."

They continued walking, Raven's posture stiff but her words resolute. The faint blush gradually faded as the conversation shifted back to the lingering weight of the day's events. Despite M'gann's playful nature, the memory of what they had both sensed from Tom earlier hung heavy in the air, bringing a solemn undercurrent to their otherwise light exchange.

AN: Answering some comments here!

Megatronus Uchiha: Thanks for the review and the kind words regarding the writing! Super happy you are enjoying the story so far, now to talk about your biggest gripe, I get it. Tom is the worlds punching bag a little bit, or quite a bit lol. But I do want him to be happy, I just need him to go through a couple of horrific events to get there! As a writer, or someone who writes I guess, my favorite things to write are the heart wrenching moments.

Pecan Crisp: You're a hero man, I appreciate you looking around and showing me some errors! keep up the good work!

TheSadHobGob: It would have been to easy for her to be the romance interest, I'm sorry lol.

Clank2662: This is taking place right before season 2, like a couple months prior to the events. So they will discover them soonish, and we will get deeper into the actual young justice plot we are all more familiar with.

Incarnate47: I appreciate the kind words, and regarding the Cassandra Cain ship, I'm sorry but I already have his love interest planned out!

Bilal00023: Lol, I didn't realize until you pointed it out but you're right!

Dizzwizz: Thank you!

Flawer1762946: Thanks for showing me the error!

Deal With Itt: Lol, I wanted that to be almost too awkward to read.

: Thanks, I really want to flesh out more of Toms backround as I progress through his story.

Thank you all for reading up to this point, I appreciate the kind words, and all the reviews!