(Y/n)'s POV:

I was in the helicopter approaching Narvik. The entire Team was on edge. I was terrified of what Keener may do to Zatanna, my heart racing and blood boiling. But being pissed off isn't going to help anyone. I can't make a careless decision and I can't make a mistake. Zatanna, Dick, M'gann, Barbara and Conner all depend on us.

Greystone: "30 seconds to drop zone!"

(Y/n): "Stick to the plan, break through the garage and rush the command center before he has a chance to escape or hurt any of the hostages."

Greystone: "I'll drop you just outside the forest. It's a five minute walk to the target zone!"

Zatanna's POV:

I was dragged to the front of the garage soaking wet and freezing cold. Keener dumped buckets of water on all of us, waking everyone up. I was already awake but not spared from the shock the cold water gave us.

We were lined up facing the outside and forced down on our knees. The snow blew into the garage, occasionally blinding. That combined with the temperature being -15C made it terrible for everyone but especially me. Alicia noticed my increased shivering in the freezing temperature.

Alicia: "Keener give the girl a blanket she's going to get hypothermia!"

Keener walked in front of me holding something. It looked like a vest...Oh god please no! He's got a suicide vest!

Alicia: "Keener what the fuck! She's a kid, you saw her file she's barely 18! What the hell's wrong with you!"

Keener: "That's enough out of you! Go get ready for the evacuation."

Keener placed the vest overtop of my head and secured the straps around my waist. He placed the detonator in my hand and forced my thumb down on it. I'm shaking. I don't know if it's from the cold or the fear of what's about to come next.

Zatanna: "P-please don't do this."

Keener: "Shut the fuck up! I've had it with you and your friends. Your usefulness is at an end. One magic word out of your mouth and everyone here dies, got it?"

I nodded my head yes and closed my eyes in a vain attempt to fight off tears. I've seen the clips on the news and heard some of the horror stories of hostages put in these types of vests, they rarely survive.

The following minutes felt like an eternity. The cold kept seeping through my body. I held down the trigger as tightly as I could, shaking in fear and from the cold.

I stared out at the tree line with a small dirt road disappearing into it. I couldn't see anything or anyone. I managed to get a quick glance to my right and see Robin and Batgirl in a similar position to myself, minus the suicide vest. They looked tired and hurt, we all were. They didn't get a chance to make eye contact with me as Keener hit my back with his rifle.

Keener: "Eyes forward witch!"

I could hear Keener pacing back and forth behind me. I'm trying not to think about the vest he has strapped on me. I know this isn't going to end well. Keener suddenly stopped and yelled out into the wilderness.

Keener: "(Y/n), I know you're out there! Step out into the clearing or the witch and your friends get it!"

My heart stopped and I desperately looked around for (Y/n).

(Y/n)'s POV:

Keener: "(Y/n) I know you're out there! Step into the clearing or the witch and your friends get it!"

Black Canary: "How does he know?!"

(Y/n): "He's good, I'll give him that. Make sure you get in position on either side of the garage and take the shot if you have to."

Batman: "We aren't killing anyone."

(Y/n): "I wasn't talking to you and he may not give you a choice."

I stepped up onto the snowbank and was about to climb over it when Artemis grabbed my wrist. I let her stop me but I couldn't bring myself to look her in the eyes.

Artemis: "Wait, what are you doing?!"

Kid Flash: "Oh no, you're not walking out in the open for him to shoot you!"

(Y/n): "If it keeps Keener from shooting the hostages I'll let him shoot me, but I trust you won't let it come to that."

I walked over the small ridge we were hiding behind and began slowly walking towards the garage door. I kept my rifle aimed at Keener's ugly face.

Keener: "Lower it kid. You'll only get yourself killed."

I did as he asked. Not like I have much of a choice. He's got men lined up inside the garage using the hostages as cover. That's when I saw it, the suicide vest on Zatanna. My heart froze and I swear I heard Keener laugh at my visible hesitation.

Zatanna looks incredibly relieved that I'm standing 20 feet in front of her but she is clearly very cold. She's soaked from her head to her waist and from what I can tell on the verge of hypothermia.

(Y/n): "What the hell do you want, Keener."

Keener: "To be honest I'm surprised you and Kelso haven't connected the dots yet. Where is she by the way?"

(Y/n): "The hospital..."

Keener: "Oh yeah, that's right, the Justice League almost killed you two."

I was about to say something, anything to keep him talking and help comfort Zatanna but he continued talking in a smug voice that told me he knows something I don't.

Keener: "That was pretty clever, deleting the ship's computer logs. I honestly thought you would have chosen the high road and exposed DARPA. Hell that's what your girlfriend and every hero you work with would have done."

(Y/n): "Like you I'm playing the long game, if letting DARPA get away with illegal experimentation helps me win. Then I'll do it again in a heartbeat."

Keener: "HA HA HA Maxwell was wrong! He told me you would go soft working with the kiddy heroes but you're as cold as me! Out of good faith towards a fellow cold hearted killer I'll tell you that the device your girlfriend is wearing isn't remote controlled. Once I leave you can disable the device."

(Y/n): "Once you leave? I think you misunderstand what's going on here."

Keener: "No I don't if you and your squad will take note of what's in my hand..."

Keener raised a vial with a red substance in it. It appears to be the same airborne substance that was used to kill the crew on the Eclipse.

Keener: "You will order your squad and the Justice League to stand down or I drop this and we all die."

(Y/n): "I assume that's the chemical weapon built on the ship."

Keener: "See you can connect the dots if I basically tell you where they are. I have crates of it all across the world. It's amazing what you can do when you blackmail people. I would have a lot more but some braveheart had to activate the distress signal. With that being said I'll take my leave."

Keener's methodical and deadly but he's not suicidal. If I wait long enough I'll get a shot. The guards left during his speech, moving back down the hallway deeper into the bunker. Keener turned to walk into the hallway and the second he slipped the vial into his jacket pocket I took the small chance I had. I activated my comm and ordered the shot.

(Y/n): "ANN!"

Ann fired one shot and it clipped Keeners shoulder. I raised my rifle and fired at him as I ran forward towards Zatanna. I hit Keener two times and he scrambled out of the room barely closing the large metal door behind him.

(Y/n): "Hold on Zee, I'll be right back I promise!"

I ran past Zatanna, straight to the door which was locked by the time I got there. With the only option of pursuit gone I ran back to Zatanna and took out a pair of pliers from my vest.

(Y/n): "Just hang on Zee I'll get this off you."

Zatanna: "K-keeners I-is... d-did y-you get h-him?"

(Y/n): "No he's gone. Just hang on, you're freezing. Noble get in here! Now!"

The squad ran in with the remainder of the Team and the Justice League members present.

(Y/n): "Get those collars off of them and get me a pair of needle nose pliers!"

Sutton: "On it boss."

Artemis: "Here."

I began working to disable the vest on Zee. It wasn't long before I finished deactivating it.

(Y/n): "There! Wally, Artemis, help me get this thing off of her!"

They helped Zatanna out of the vest while I took off my jacket. The jacket was a very large one, designed to fit over my full combat load out minus my backpack of course. I dropped my rifle and wrapped Zatanna in it the moment she was free and I helped her stand up. She pushed herself into me as much as she could and I held her tight in an attempt to warm her up.

My attention was drawn to a helicopter taking off on the far side of the mountain.

Rocket: "Is that...?"

(Y/n): "Yes. Hoopster, order HQ to track that helicopter!"

Hoopster: "On it!"

I attempted to push Zatanna off me so I could help secure the bunker but she had a death grip on me. I caved in and returned the hug. I gripped her as tight as I could in order to ensure that she knew I had 100% of my attention on her.

Zatanna: "C-can w-we go home... please."

(Y/n): "Of course we can. We'll get you all home."

Batman: "He's right. Get everyone and let's get you guys some rest. (Y/n), a word."

I let go of Zatanna and moved to talk to Batman, only Zatanna refused to let go of me.

Zatanna: "No please not yet..."

(Y/n): "Artemis, Wally..."

Artemis: "We got her, go."

Artemis and Wally hugged Zatanna who broke down into tears the second she left my embrace. Stuttering out something about her pocket watch.

(Y/n): "What is it?"

Batman: "On the ship. Did you delete the data?"

(Y/n): "Yes. Kelso and I were afraid that you would lose trust in me over DARPA's manufacturing of chemical weapons, which we only found out about right before we left for the ship."

Batman: "You should've brought the intel to me."

Batman began glaring at me but I'm too tired and cold to care about his bull shit right now.

(Y/n): "I guess we both messed up. I'll help you out if you help me. I'll defend your position on making the contingency plans to the Team and Justice League if necessary and you help me bring DARPA to justice."

Batman thought about my offer for a moment before accepting it with a nod. That actually was quite a relief, I was worried he wouldn't accept the offer.

Batman: "Go join the team and get some rest, you did good."

*Small Time Skip*

I was about to enter through the Oslo zeta tube when I got a call on my comm.

Agent: "Sir, Keener's helicopter made a controlled emergency landing over the Swedish wilderness. We have search parties looking for them now."

(Y/n): "Copy that, call me if you find anything significant."

Agent: "Yes sir."

I entered the zeta tube and teleported to the cave.

The team was waiting in a large group. Artemis and Wally helped Zatanna over to me who still looked shaken up. It's understandable with everything she went through.

Zatanna was still soaking wet and wearing my jacket. Her cheeks were stained with tears and she looked like she was about to start crying again. I pulled her into a hug and she began speaking through her own sobs.

Zatanna: "T-the the watch. H-he took it."

(Y/n): "It's ok."

Artemis: "Why would he want the stopwatch?"

(Y/n): "I don't know, probably to torment her. I deactivated it as soon as he fled the bunker, he had to know we would do that."

Zatanna: "I-I'm so sorry I lost it! I should've kept it here!"

(Y/n): "Hey it's alright. Don't worry about it, you guys are safe and that's all that matters."

Zatanna: "But you went through so much effort to get it..."

(Y/n): "I know you love it but it's going to be okay. I'll try and get another one made. But you should have a shower and change. You all should."

I let Zatanna go and the Team walked away towards their rooms just as Aqualad arrived through the zeta tube.

3rd Person POV:

Kaldur rushed up to (Y/n), he has clearly been given some small amount of information about what has happened.

Kaldur: "Where is everyone?! Are they alright?!"

(Y/n): "They are pretty shaken up. Zatanna and Barbara are fairly traumatized. The sick bastard targeted Zatanna for a small amount of torture and placed a suicide vest on her. Barbara is fairly new to the whole crime fighting thing and this is her first time being held captive. They both may need to talk to Canary."

Kaldur: "The team has had an incredibly rough week. Batman has already informed me that we will not be receiving any new assignments for the foreseeable future."

Meanwhile Robin and Batgirl walked through the halls both having their masks off. Dick is trying to comfort his distraught friend after her first experience being held hostage.

Dick: "You want to talk about it?"

Barbara was silent and looked like she had seen a ghost. Dick noticed this and grabbed Barbara's shoulder, she turned to face him looking terrified.

Barbara: "D-did you see it? What he put on her... the vest I mean a-and the constant cold water dumps, t-the cold, she must have been freezing!"

Dick: "Yes, I saw what he did to Zatanna, but that's the reality of crime fighting. We do this so it doesn't end up being someone who didn't sign up for it."

Barbara: "I don't know if I can do this every day..."

Dick: "Today was an extremely rare occurrence. I promise I won't let you get taken on a regular basis and whatever you decide to do, you'll have my full support."

Barbara grabbed Dick and pulled him into a hug and buried her head into his neck.

Barbara: "Thank you..."

Wally and Artemis walked into the kitchen. M'gann and Conner sat at the table both eating sandwiches.

Conner: "You guys hungry too?"

Wally: "Just looking to relax a bit... also, yeah."

The four sat in silence eating. They aren't in the mood to talk at all. The stress of recent events finally getting to them.

Meanwhile on the Watchtower Batman and Black Canary argue about the state of the team.

Batman: "The team just needs a little rest, they will be fine."

Black Canary: "No they won't! They're kids!"

Batman: "They are all 18 or older now. They will learn to cope."

This sent Canary into a rage. She's worked with the Team enough to know that they won't be fine after several traumatic events in close succession.

Black Canary: "They aren't you Bruce! They have emotions and far less experience dealing with the type of trauma they encountered than you do!"

Batman stopped working on the Watchtower's computer. Canary knew this was about as much emotion she was going to get from Bruce at the moment and decided to build on her momentum.

Black Canary: "I have no idea what made you the way that you are but these kids aren't anything like you. Yeah they may be 18 and older but the majority are still in high school. They will need help processing everything they've just experienced. They need a place where they can relax and get help for everything they've been through."

Batman: "You don't know what you're talking about. They are stronger than you realize."

Black Canary: "I guess you would know! I mean you have studied each of their mentors and know how to effectively kill them all! Did you study the Team as well or do you just apply the same method as their mentors! Oh and what about (Y/n)! He doesn't have super powers but his job as an agent makes him incredibly powerful, how would you beat him?! Would you use the Team against him? Maybe Zatanna, or someone else he cares about!"

Batman: "You know I wouldn't do that."

Black Canary: "Do I? I wouldn't even have dreamt of the possibility that you would make plans to neutralize your fellow Leaguers!"

————————————————————————

Back in the Cave, (Y/n) is walking alone down the halls towards his room. His boots make a loud echo throughout the empty hall as he walks closer to his room. His mind racing with the events of the day but as much as he would like to focus on possible targets for Keener, his mind keeps circling back to Zatanna and rightfully so.

He can't get the image out of his head, Zatanna in front of him, crying on her knees with a suicide vest strapped on.

As brave of a face as he put on for everyone present at the time, he was terrified. As he walked alone he was desperately fighting off tears. Minutes that felt like hours passed before the first tear slipped down his cheek.

(Y/n) leaned against the wall and slid down to the point where he was sitting with his head leading against the wall. Tears flowed down his face as he lightly sobbed.

Everything changed in the previous days. The happiness that filled the Cave was now brutally ripped away, the trust (Y/n) had in the leadership of the Justice League, mainly Batman, was gone. The fact that Keener's and Maxwell's entire involvement in his life was out of desire to kill the Justice League. The men who were legends within the Division and left the agency as (Y/n) joined. (Y/n) was even given Keener's old call sign Vanguard.

All of this, combined with the pain that his friends went through, pain which he felt he was responsible for or at the very least responsible for not stopping.

After several minutes of sitting (Y/n) thought to himself. 'Enough of this, I need to sleep.' He pushed himself up and wiped the tears from his face before finishing the walk to his room.

(Y/n) opened the door to his room and was face to face with Zatanna. She had changed into a grey sweater belonging to (Y/n) and some sweatpants.

Zatanna: "I-I was about to leave... I showed up and waited... Where were you?"

(Y/n): "Just walking... I just needed to take a moment..."

Zatanna looked into (Y/n)'s eyes, she noticed his tear stained cheeks as her own eyes began to water.

Zatanna: "I-I was so scared I..."

(Y/n) cut Zatanna off by hugging her. Zatanna was shocked for a brief moment before she returned the hug as tightly as she could.

The tears began to flow instantly from the two as they embraced each other. Time seemed to stop for the two as they held each other, (Y/n) eventually steadied his breath enough to speak.

(Y/n): "Let's lay down... We both need some sleep."

Zatanna: "Y-yeah you're right..."

(Y/n) changed into a T-shirt and shorts before heading to the bathroom to wash up for the night.

————————————————————————

Within the HUB's main office section, agent Kelso is stuck on desk duty. A position she hates with a passion, Kelso has always hated desk work. She loved the freedom the field provided and felt it's where she does the best work she can do.

She's on her third coffee of her shift, desperately trying to stay awake as she slugs through paperwork. She was about to take a break when a clerk entered her office.

Clerk: "Ma'am they have requested to see you in the command center."

Kelso: "Who?"

Clerk: "Secretary Whitman, apparently Operation Paperclip is a go."

Kelso made her way to the command center as fast as she could. The automatic doors slid open as Kelso limped into the room.

Whitman turned to face Kelso and lightly laughed at the sight of the agent. He lifted up his cane in a joking manner and offered it to the agent.

Whitman: "Looks like you need this more than I do my dear."

Kelso: "You wanted to see me sir."

Whitman: "Right down to business I see. Well as acting commander of the SHD you need to know several things. You were informed that Operation Paperclip has been approved by the president..."

Kelso: "With all do respect sir, a memo could have informed me that. It involves the IT department of the Division and frankly, we take a backseat to the CIA which does most of the work and only help if they need it."

Whitman: "True, but that's not the only change... When the Justice League shut down Project Cadmus it created an opportunity to reform the organization and bring it under the control of the government."

Kelso: "Sir... are you saying that-"

Whitman: "Project Cadmus is being refocused. Under the leadership of Amanda Waller. They will be working on a way to balance the scales between the government and the Justice League."

Kelso: "Sir, we already have the Division and Waller's previous task forces are major liabilities. Not to mention the entire task force was a walking human rights violation."

Whitman: "You let me worry about Ms.Waller. You will need to promote an active field commander in the coming days. Until you can take over the role. Instruct the acting field commander to begin preparations for the Division and Cadmus forces to train alongside one another to combat super powered individuals."

Kelso: "Sir... are you trying to build up an army to counter the Justice League?"

Whitman: "You let us worry about the end game and just follow your ord-"

Kelso: "The Division doesn't need or want anything from Project Cadmus or any of Walkers walking war crime squads! We may be small in number but we are perfectly capable of defending the world against the Justice League should they ever cross the line! And for your information I don't believe they are capable of doing anything to warrant this extreme of a response."

Whitman: "The entire reason for the SHD moving to this facility is proof that you're wrong."

Kelso was speechless, she couldn't come up with a reason to refuse the secretary's orders. The best she could do would be to promote someone who has faith in the Justice League and would back her up against the Secretary of State.

Whitman: "I'll leave you to it then. Be sure to promote someone as soon as possible. Goodnight agent."

Kelso: "Goodnight sir."

————————————————————————

Zatanna and (Y/n) climbed into bed, Zatanna was in bed first as (Y/n) needed to have a shower. After he finished and changed into clothes to sleep he joined Zatanna in bed.

(Y/n) didn't have a chance to get comfortable before Zatanna grabbed him and pinned him to the bed. Zatanna threw herself on top of (Y/n) and proceeded to smash her lips against his. (Y/n) instantly accepted the kiss and held Zatanna in place on top of him.

(Y/n) POV:

I gripped Zatanna's waist and held her in place on top of me. I had every intention of passing out on my bed, until I saw Zee in my room and everything changed.

Zee broke the kiss and held my head in place with both her hands.

Zatanna: "This... this is just the kind of rest I need."

(Y/n): "Yeah I'm sure it-Ahh-Mhmmm!"

Zatanna jammed her finger into my side. She picked the spot just above my waistline and I twitched underneath her from the shock. Zee covered my mouth with her hand and smiled seductively at me. A chill ran down my spine as she whispered into my ear.

Zatanna: "Shhh. I'm enjoying what's mine."

I would normally fight back, wrestle her off me or try to turn the tables but I didn't. She seemed so happy all of the sudden and I was caught up in her playful mischievousness.

Zee kept kissing my neck and focusing on sensitive spots. She let out playful moans against my skin as I kept rubbing her back through her sweater... well my sweater I guess but it wouldn't surprise me if I never got it back.

I let her have fun kissing and sucking on my neck for a few minutes, her moans growing steadily louder. I push Zatanna to the side and roll on top of her, pinning her down and pressing my lips against hers.

Zatanna: "Mhmm!"

(Y/n): "Oh what, I can't enjoy what's mine?"

I felt Zee lightly shake as I whispered in her ear. I cut off any response by kissing the sensitive spot on her neck. She gasped and began moaning loudly as she brought her hands to the back of my head and held it in place. Her breath quickened as I moved up and down her neck with a combination of sucking and kissing.

Zatanna: "Ohoo f-fuck!"

Zatanna gripped my hair to the point where it's starting to hurt. Despite that I kept working on her neck.

Zatanna: "O-oh...(Y/n)... stop please I can't take much more of this!"

Contrary to her pleas to stop Zee gripped my head and back even tighter and was pulling me into her. Zee slipped her hand underneath me and grabbed my crotch. She started to lightly tug at my shorts.

(Y/n): "Zee... let me go and I'll stop."

Zatanna: "Oh... yeah. I'm sorry I got carried away. We should probably sleep, it's been a few days since I've had a good sleep."

(Y/n): "Same Zee."

I rolled off to the side. Zatanna had a glass of water on the nightstand on her side of the bed. She drank it before snuggling up against my chest. Her breath was soothing, she seemed so calm and at peace. I wish we could stay like this forever.

————————————————————————

I woke up to the sound of Zatanna panting. I reached over and turned the lamp that sat atop my nightstand on. Zatanna was tossing and turning violently with her face covered in sweat.

Zatanna: "N-no please! No!"

I pulled the blankets off of Zatanna and placed my hand on her forehead. She was burning up again just like she was two days ago. I need to wake her up.

I reached over her and grabbed the glass of water. I dumped a small amount of it on her forehead and her eyes shot open. Zatanna's pupils were dilated and that's when it hit me. Dick has shown me photos of Scarecrow's victims when they are infected with his fear toxin, their pupils dilate and they have fever-like symptoms. Zatanna's been infected with fear toxin.

Zatanna: "T-the nightmare.... (Y/n) what's happening to me..."

(Y/n): "It's Scarecrow's fear toxin. What have you done differently the last two nights we slept here?"

Zee thought for a minute and then looked down at the glass in my hand.

Zatanna: "I-I drank tap water...."

Liquid fear toxin. I remember reading a file on it several years ago during my training. Scarecrow had infected Gotham City's reservoir with liquid fear toxin in an attempt to cause mass panic. The liquid version didn't work as effectively as the airborne gas so Scarecrow soon abandoned it.

In a fit of rage I threw the glass across the room and it smashed into the wall, shattering on impact with a loud crash. The small amount of water left in it falling to the floor. I rolled out of bed and put on some pants and a sweater before grabbing my watch and my pistol and storming out of the room.

Zatanna: "W-wait!"

(Y/n): "Have a shower and cool off. By the look of it most of the toxin has worked its way out of your system. I'm heading down to the basement to find out how this stuff got in the pipes."

I slammed the door shut and stormed down the hall. Barbara opened her door as I was about to pass her room.

Barbara: "What's going on? I heard a loud bang."

She was rubbing her eyes and probably identified me by the orange ring on my watch glowing in the dark hallway. She hasn't noticed my gun yet.

(Y/n): "Have you dealt with Scarecrow while working with Dick or Bruce yet?"

Barbara: "Umm yeah. Why?"

(Y/n): "Follow me."

We made our way down to the basement where the water pipes broke off from the main unit. The last time I was down here was when the Reds attacked the cave. Not exactly a pleasant memory.

Barbara: "What are we looking for?"

(Y/n): "Zee's been having nightmares the last two nights she's slept in the Cave. The only thing she's done differently is drinking tap water before going to bed. I think she got it from the kitchen, which is this pipe here..."

Barbara: "(Y/n) you think it's Scarecrow? How would he have infected the tap water? And his toxin normally has to be breathed in. As in its airborne."

(Y/n): "Normally yes, but several years ago he experimented with a toxin that he dumped in Gotham reservoir. It required the victims to drink it in order to have its usual effect."

Barbara: "Yeah but wasn't that a weaker version and that's why he abandoned it."

(Y/n): "Yes, it is weaker compared to the airborne version but it still works and as I saw with Zee... can torment the victim."

Barbara: "Is she..."

(Y/n): "She's fine, but we need to find out how-"

ISAC: "Improvised Dispersion Device detected."

Barbara: "There!"

I looked to where Barbara was pointing and noticed a crude metallic device attached to the cold water pipe leading to the kitchen. The device has a tube flowing out of it leading to a large two litre bottle.

We grabbed a ladder and Barbara disabled the device. Barbara called Batman, who was up and wide awake which was surprising to absolutely nobody.

Batman: "It's good that you caught this when you did. Prolonged exposure to the fear toxin isn't good."

Barbara: "We're also lucky that nobody in the Cave used the cold water tap from the kitchen with the exception of Zatanna."

Batman: "(Y/n), are you alright?"

I was silent the entire conversation. I completely zoned out. I was glaring in anger at the contraption dismantled in front of me. How could this get put in here? Who knows who to get in the cave? I doubt it's Scarecrow, even with his toxin being used the information on how to manufacture it has been stored on Arkham servers forever and they aren't the most secure. The GCPD might as well have posted it online, basically the same level of security.

(Y/n): "How did this get here?!"

Batman: "I don't know, we patched the security breach that the Red's used to get into the Cave. The Cave location was compromised long ago. I will find out who did this. The most important thing for the team to do is get some rest."

(Y/n): "That seems fairly difficult now. Who knows what other traps are in here!"

Batman: "Canary and I discussed sending the team on a vacation. Someplace remote where you can all relax and recover."

I walked away without responding. I couldn't tear my mind off the image of Zatanna tossing and turning in my bed. It stayed with me the entire time I walked back to my room.

———-—————————————————————

I went back to bed and slept until 8. Zatanna was fairly shaken up about being infected with fear toxin twice and it's understandable. I don't think she slept at all. I wanted to stay up with her but my body gave out and I slipped into unconsciousness.

The entire team stood in the main training area for the Cave. We stood before Batman and Black Canary, we all had winter clothes on and packed bags for our little vacation.

Batman: "The League will search the Cave for any additional traps. It will be safe when you return."

Wally: "How long are we benched for?"

Batman: "You're not benched, we are simply giving you some rest."

Conner: "Sounds like being benched to me."

Canary: "It's not. You guys have been through so much in the past week, this is simply a vacation where you can forget about the stress."

Barbra: "How long are we going for?"

Batman: "One week. Aqualad will join you with Aquagirl, who is to be the newest member of the Team, in two days. They are in Atlantis for a graduation ceremony."

Wally: "Where are we going?"

(Y/n): "Canadian wilderness. Mt.Whitehorse."

Wally: "Sorry but I don't think struggling to survive in the wilderness is relaxing."

Batman: "I own a lodge on top of the mountain."

Wally: "Of course you do."

Batman: "Canary will drive you and Robin knows how to get in. Enjoy your vacation. You've earned it."

The team looked somewhat stunned at Batman's sudden display of emotion and to be honest I'm shocked.

Canary: "Alright grab your bags."

————————————————————————

The ride to the mountain was long and boring, we took a small bus which Dinah drove. The entire ride was about three hours. Zatanna fell asleep on me, leaning on my shoulder and I passed out shortly after.

I woke up abruptly to my phone vibrating in my pocket. I took it out to see Dick sent me a picture. The picture is of Zatanna and I. Zatanna is passed out on my shoulder and my head is leaning against hers.

Dick and Barbara started giggling like children in the seats in front of Zatanna and I. I smiled and they took notice, they turned around and each took a picture as I smiled with my head still resting on Zatanna's.

The van came to a stop and Canary opened the door, the sharp cold wind filled the bus. The sudden temperature change and bus stopping woke everyone up that was sleeping during the ride.

Dinah: "Alright everyone. We're here."

We grabbed our bags and exited the bus. The cold was more noticeable out here. The snow on the ground was almost two feet deep.

Wally: "What a WONDERFUL spot to relax."

We ignored Wally and began walking up the small trail surrounded by wilderness on either side.

Dinah: "Alright the cable car station is just around the corner. Bruce said it was still functioning and Dick can show you the way from there."

M'gann: "Wait, you're not staying with us?"

Dinah: "No. I'm going back to help with the investigation into who could have put that device in the Cave."

Dick: "Well, thanks for the ride then."

(Y/n): "If you need any help with the investigation. At all, don't hesitate to-"

Dinah: "We have this covered. Get some rest."

Artemis: "Common, let's go!"

Artemis grabbed Wally's hand and took off in a sprint through the snow. Their shared laughter echoing throughout the forest.

Dinah: "Have fun guys."

(Y/n): "Thank you for the ride. We'll see you in a week."

I began walking up the path with the rest of the team. I was about to ask Dick how much longer until the cable car station when I got hit in the head with a snowball. I heard Zatanna and Artemis giggling as I stopped in my tracks.

Before I knew it the entire Team scattered around the path. Making snowballs and throwing them at each other. It was every man for themselves and it didn't take much for the fight to get carried away and the superpowers involved.

Wally was the first to cheat. He made 50 snowballs in a second and fired them all in another. This prompted Conner to throw his snowballs far more violently and with power. Dick and I made an alliance nonverbally because everyone would yell at us for cheating. It was nice to have another person on my side so I wouldn't get swamped by my super powered friends, even if Dick only focused on Barbara.

I was tossed a snowball from Dick and ran out from behind the small bush I hid behind and threw a snowball at Zatanna. It crashed into her neck and she shrieked as some of the snow went down her back.

Dick and I burst out laughing but that was cut short when Zatanna turned around to face us. She was smiling and floating a few feet off the ground.

Dick: "It was him!"

(Y/n): "Hey!"

Dick scrambled away and hid in the wilderness, leaving me completely alone.

Zatanna: "Etaerc a dnasuoht sllabwons!"

(Y/n): "I'm so sorry... Zee please don't..."

A massive amount of snowballs formed around Zatanna. She raised her arm and pointed at me.

Zatanna: "Tih mih."

The only thing I could do now was protect my face. Caught out in the open and completely helpless, I'm screwed. I covered my face as the massive blizzard of snowballs slammed into me. I staggered back and fell to the ground but they kept coming. Only when I was completely buried did they finally stop.

I crawled out from under the mountain of snow pulled on top of me to hear the entire team laughing. Zatanna's spell and my subsequent suffering had caused them all to stop the fight and watch. I want to laugh as well but I'm not giving Zatanna the satisfaction of winning. I'm going to have the last laugh.

As I crawled out from the snow pile I let out a few groans of pain. Loud enough for Zatanna to hear and she immediately got concerned. I stayed on the ground and grabbed my ribs, faking an injury caused by Zatanna's attack. Of course I have to keep my face turned towards the ground or they will see the massive grin on my face.

Zatanna: "(Y/n)? Oh my god! I'm so sorry!"

Zatanna ran towards me. With my outstretched hand above my head I grabbed some snow and waited for Zatanna to get close enough. She was at my side now. I waited for her to drop to her knees before making my attack.

Zatanna: "I'm so sorry! I got carried away I-Ahh!"

I threw a large chunk of snow up at Zatanna. The soft snow broke on impact with her face and covered her entire torso and face.

(Y/n): "Ha ha ha! Oh you really fell for that!"

The team burst out laughing of course Zatanna wasn't happy at all and I'm probably going to be the victim of some revenge prank or spell later but I'll just apologize and hope she doesn't take revenge.

Zatanna: "Oh you did not just do that!"

(Y/n): "Aww you were so concerned, it's cute."

Zatanna: "So that's how you're going to play it. No apology whatsoever."

(Y/n): "I don't need to apologize, you guys were cheating using your powers."

Barbara: "Oh like you and Dick weren't teamed up."

Zatanna's eyes glared at me in a rage as Barbara revealed our secret. I completely zoned out of the rest of the conversation. It was mostly Dick stammering out excuses anyway. Zatanna glared into my soul, I can't tell if she's angry or plotting her revenge and I'm not sure which is worse.

Wally: "Alright! Alright everyone, I don't know how screwed we are if I'm being the responsible one-"

Artemis: "Well at least you're honest about it."

Wally: "Hey... anyway we need to get going to the cable car. It's almost night and I don't want to get attacked by a bear or something."

Zatanna stood overtop of me and held out her hand for me to take. I hesitated for a moment before grabbing it. She helped me up and I opened my mouth to speak, she took the opportunity to shove a snowball in my face.

(Y/n): "Blah! Ahh it went in my mouth Zee!"

Zatanna: "Ha! Who won?! Common, say it!"

I spat the last of the snowball out of my mouth and glared into her eyes and growled out a response.

(Y/n): "You did."

Zatanna: "Don't forget it."

Zatanna took my hand and smiled as she led me to the cable car. The car was large enough for the entire team to fit in at once, though M'gann chose to fly. She wanted to check out the vast wilderness surrounding the lodge.

After a short ride and a shorter walk we arrived at the lodge. Dick unlocked the front door and we entered. The place is massive and looks like it was just cleaned yesterday. I guess Alfred really does have superpowers.

Artemis: "This place is massive."

Conner: "No kidding, how many of these do you own?"

Dick: "A few. Kitchens through there, as you can see this is the main area with the fireplace. Dining room has a large glass window or wall overlooking the cliff. Bedrooms are upstairs, there are only four but we can work out who sleeps with who and someone can take the couch if they want it."

Wally: "I think we've got this covered."

M'gann: "Wait what?"

Wally: "Oh common you're going to make me say it."

(Y/n): "Yeah Wally, what?"

Wally spun around and faced the entire team. He began stuttering out a response as Artemis laughed at his embarrassment.

Wally: "W-well p-paring up in c-couples would make the most sense."

Conner: "I mean. He has a point."

Dick: "Except we have two people not in a relationship."

(Y/n): "You sure about that? The way you two kept looking at each other in Narvik to make sure the other was alright, being mentored by the same hero and constantly texting one another. I'd say you have some feelings for one another, but what do I know? I'm just a guy with a cool watch."

I could only see Dick, Barbara had her back to me but Dick's cheeks were bright red and based on Barbara's silence I'm guessing she was as well.

Zatanna pulled me away from the group and we went upstairs to pick a room. Most of the team followed us barring Barbara. She went into the kitchen, stuttering about getting something to eat. Once Zatanna led me into a room and closed the door I knew I was in trouble.

Zatanna: "That was so mean. You need to apologize to them."

(Y/n): "Zee, it's all fun and games. Do you know how many times he bugged me about you? Plus you know I'm right."

Zatanna: "Ok fine. Maybe this one time..."

(Y/n): "Now it's your turn. Say it. You can do it."

Zee looked mildly annoyed and a large smile formed on my face as she moved closer to me, stopping inches away from me.

Zatanna: "You're right."

(Y/n): "See, that was so hard?"

I rewarded Zee for her admission by pulling her in for a kiss. She instantly caved into the kiss and wrapped her arms around me.

Zatanna: "Mhmm. This week is going to be so much fun."

(Y/n): "Yeah you said it. It will be fun too-"

ISAC: "Priority message received."

There was a brief moment of silence while Zatanna developed a pained look in her eyes. Her words and look hurt me so much more than I could have ever imagined.

Zatanna: "(Y/n)... you brought it with you? This is our week off... we are supposed to relax and forget about everything... how could you?"

(Y/n): "I'm sorry Zee. I'm so sorry... I-I sure it won't take long. It's probably just another briefing or something. Maybe they forgot about my vacation notice and accidentally sent it."

Zatanna: "Now you're just lying to yourself."

She's right.

Zatanna stormed out of the room and slammed the door behind her. I was left alone in the dark room with the glow of ISAC providing the only light in the room. I ripped the watch off my wrist and threw it into the wall. As it hit the wall a holographic projection of Kelso appeared, projected from the face of the watch. The holographic recording of Kelso spoke. I glared at the orange hologram in anger. Anger at myself and anger at the Division for bothering me with whatever this is.

Kelso: "Agent (L/n)... (Y/n) listen. I'm in a bit of a bind and I need an acting field commander. Someone who I can trust and who trusts the people we are trying to work with. Someone who has proven themselves capable in the field and works closely with our allies..."

Oh no. Please don't do this Kelso. I don't want this at all right now. I won't be able to lead the Division and stay a member of the team. It just won't work. There has to be at least fifty people she could've picked that are more experienced than me. I'll be forced to leave the team by either the Division or Batman.

Kelso: "There are things I can't say over this transmission, they're listening so I can't fully explain but they already suspect why I need you. We'll talk in person as soon as possible. Until then, congratulations on your promotion, acting commander."

ISAC: "End of transmission."

I stood there for what felt like an hour. My mind was racing. Maybe since I'm only acting commander they'll let me stay with the team. Maybe Batman will let me stay. It's only until Kelso gets better, which will be whenever her physiotherapist clears her but it shouldn't be too much longer. A month, maybe two. I picked up the watch and looked at the dark orange glow on the face of the watch. Now I'm responsible for the entirety of theDivision, and I have no idea what to do.