3rd Person POV:

Zatanna awoke to find (Y/n) absent from their room. (Y/n) had brought her back to their room as members of the team slowly left the kitchen where they had gathered after learning about Artemis's death.

They had fallen asleep together but (Y/n) is nowhere to be seen. Zatanna slowly looked over at their alarm clock, 4:27 am. "Where could he be?"

She forced herself out of bed and put on black shorts and a tee shirt. Both were baggy but she just wore them around their apartment and never in public. Hopefully everyone would be asleep and she could find (Y/n) without anyone seeing her.

Zatanna crept out of her room and began searching the Cave. The sound of her feet on the cold floor was the only sound she could hear, by now she was really regretting not putting on socks.

Zatanna checked the kitchen, the training area and the library. All were empty. Zatanna decided to check the loading bay. She made her way down the hall towards the last section of the Cave she hadn't checked. As she walked around the corner she noticed the light on in the Caves gym. As Zatanna walked closer to the gym she heard the sound of someone punching a punching bag. The rattle of chains drowning out the impact of fists on leather.

She looked into the gym and saw (Y/n) wearing a grey t-shirt, red shorts and running shoes. His fists are wrapped with boxing hand wraps, he's punching the punching bag furiously and with an exceptional level of strength.

Zatanna notices two other punching bags on the ground, holes in both and both are leaking sand onto the gym floor.

Zatanna walks further into the gym and (Y/n) turns to face her. His face is full of pain, Zatanna's eyes start to water at the sight of how much he's suffering. (Y/n) tries to take off the wrap on his hands but he's shaking and can't do it. He collapses to his knees and starts crying as Zatanna drops down to her knees and pulls him into a hug.

They stay on the gym floor for a bit before Zatanna pulls (Y/n) up and they go sit on a nearby bench.

Zatanna: "What time did you get up?"

(Y/n): "Shortly after you fell asleep. I couldn't sleep. I keep seeing her face in my head, cold, lifeless. I've replayed the fight on the beach a thousand times in my head to see what I did wrong, see if I could've done something different, something that would've saved her."

Zatanna: "You did everything you could. Artemis wouldn't want you hurting yourself like this."

(Y/n): "I can't even imagine how Wally feels right now."

Zatanna: "We can talk to him tomorrow. For now, please come back to bed."

(Y/n): "Ok..."

Zatanna: "Here let me take the warp off."

Zatanna took (Y/n)'s right hand and started removing the wrap. After she took the first two layers off she gasped. (Y/n)'s hands had been bleeding from the extensive punching, the white wrap was now soaked with his blood. As Zatanna peeled both wraps off she tossed them on the floor and used a towel to keep pressure on (Y/n)'s hands.

She led him back to their bedroom where they bandaged up (Y/n)'s hands then passed out on top of the bed, Zatanna rested her head on (Y/n)'s chest as he wrapped his arms around her.

(Y/n) POV:

We woke up around 11:00. Zatanna has to go to Raquels bridal shower today. I'm dropping her and M'gann off and then heading to the Dakota city FBI field office a block away. Apparently a league of shadows member has turned themselves in, not sure why but it's worth paying a visit to the office.

Zatanna put on a red long sleeve shirt and a black skirt, she also has grey leggings on and a pair of black boots. I'm in my standard office suit, black tie, white shirt, black jacket and black pants. I thought about going to see Wally first but decided against it. He will most likely be with his family today.

We arrived at the zeta tubes to find Batgirl, M'gann, Garfield, Jaime and Bart.

Garfield: "M'gann, we will find La'gaan. Don't worry."

Bart: "Have you guys seen the gym yet?!"

Batgirl: "No, why?"

Bart: "There's two punching bags completely destroyed! Sand is spilled out over the floor around the third which is still chained up! There's also blood soaked boxing wrap tossed on the floor!"

Jaime: Elmono, stop. Today's not the day for pranks."

(Y/n): "He's telling the truth, it was me. I was up and in the gym all night."

Bart: "Ohh, just getting in a morning workout eh."

(Y/n): "One of my best friends died and she was murdered by a former friend. Needless to say I couldn't sleep."

Bart: "Right, sorry."

(Y/n): "I'll clean it up when I get back."

Jaime: "Don't worry, we can take care of it."

(Y/n): "Thanks a lot guys."

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Once we arrived in Dakota city Zatanna and M'gann seemed to be more excited and joyful. I kept smiling, I couldn't help it. Seeing them happy after everything that's happened in the last 24 hours just makes me happy.

Zatanna and M'gann spent the trip talking about their gifts for the bridal shower, M'gann mentioned how both she and Artemis purchased the gift together. A dreadful silence overtook us as we thought about Artemis.

(Y/n): "She'd want you guys to celebrate and have a good time."

Zatanna: "I really wish she was here with us."

M'gann: "I think we all do."

I pulled the car over just outside of the small restaurant the bridal shower was taking place at.

(Y/n): "Call me when you need a ride, I'm just around the block at the office."

Zatanna: "Thank you for the ride, love you."

(Y/n): "Love you too Zee."

I drove off toward the field office, it's a small one story building next to city hall. It was converted from a post office to the FBI field office in 1950 but the original building was constructed in 1929. Hints of Greek inspired architecture are consistent throughout its exterior. I parked out front of the building and put enough money in the meter to last for two hours. FBI agents and police officers nodded to me as I passed.

The large stone pillars at the front of the building shot up and connected to the roof which was extended to meet the pillars.

I walked through the main doors and passed the security checkpoint. The guards didn't try to stop me which is odd. I don't know anyone here, to them I should be a stranger walking into their building, they should be more concerned.

I walked past the reception desk and the receptionist nodded at me. He's on the phone but he pointed towards the hallway I'm supposed to walk down. I didn't even have to show any ID. They can't see my ISAC watch so how did they know I'm an agent? How did they know I'm supposed to be here?

Once I entered the hallway I noticed four FBI SWAT members standing outside a door to an interrogation room. When I got close enough one of the guards stopped me.

Guard: "You the agent?"

(Y/n): "Looks that way. Hey, who's the senior agent here?"

Guard: "Talia, she's out for lunch but said you could start the interrogation."

(Y/n): "Thanks."

The guard opened the door and I stepped through, what I saw was unsurprising. The guard gave it away with the name Talia, this is a trap, there was no captured assassin, the entire building was filled with the League of Shadows.

(Y/n): "Afternoon Ra's. To what do I owe the honour?"

Ra's al Ghul: "You've managed to anger some very powerful people."

(Y/n): "I assume everyone in the building is in the Shadows."

Ra's al Ghul: "Yes. I found it rather easy to convince every agent employed here to take a day off."

(Y/n): "For your sake they better be alive."

Ra's al Ghul: "I wouldn't make threats you can't keep my boy."

(Y/n): "What do you want?"

Ra's al Ghul: "To convince you to not attack the Light."

(Y/n): "I must really have you guys rattled if you are asking me not to do this."

Ra's al Ghul: "Unlike the other members of the Light I do not underestimate you. I know that you and the Division pose a far greater threat to the Light and the Shadows than the Justice League does. At least in its current state."

I sat down on the chair across from the Demons Head. A chess set is positioned between us. I was taught how to play by Maxwell several years ago. I make my first move in our game as our conversation continues.

(Y/n): "I'm flattered and all, but you, the Light... you killed my friend and my agents."

Ra's al Ghul: "You have so much more to lose, like the magician. The Light knows of your love for Zatanna and isn't afraid of using it to control you."

(Y/n): "If you weren't afraid of harming Zatanna to stop me you wouldn't be here."

Ra's al Ghul: "That is true. I'm here to ask you to stop. I'm terrified of what you could do, should Savage and the other members of the Light agree to target Zatanna in an effort to stop you."

(Y/n): "I think you know I won't stop."

We continued to play chess. I've heard rumours that Ra's has never lost a game of chess with the solo exception of a draw against Batman. We continued to play in silence. I'm honestly surprised I haven't lost yet, Ra's must be distraught, he's making errors in his moves.

(Y/n): "I also think that you know my agents have been trained by former shadows. I instituted the program after my agents in Lyon were murdered, you wouldn't happen to know who did it would you?"

Ra's al Ghul: "I do, an agent of our partner. I have no doubt that if you continue down this path you'll meet him soon."

(Y/n): "I'm looking forward to it."

The game dragged on for several more minutes before an error made by Ra's allowed my Knight to take his Queen.

(Y/n): "I also think that you wouldn't come here unless your objective was to eliminate me."

Ra's al Ghul: "Their objective, the assassins outside the room have orders to kill you should you refuse to surrender to me."

(Y/n): "Savage wants me captive?"

Ra's al Ghul: "Several members want you. Savage wants to know all he can about the Division and how to defeat it, Queen Bee wants to know about Division forces in Bialya and Qurac and Klarion wants to use you to bring Dr. Fate to him. He thinks that because you and Zatara were close, Nabu will come to rescue you. He will be forced to face Klarion in a situation that gives Klarion the advantage and a chance to kill Dr. Fate, take the helmet and hide it away where it will never be found."

(Y/n): "Well at least I'm popular."

Ra's al Ghul: "Do you understand what you're about to do?"

(Y/n): "Do you? You can't possibly imagine the power I wield. Your fellow members of the Light, the ones I want dead, can't possibly escape what's about to happen."

Ra's al Ghul: "Neither can you."

(Y/n): "You may be right, but I like my odds. Check and incidentally, mate."

Ra's al Ghul: "Impressive, most impressive."

(Y/n): "I hope we get a chance to play again in a more civilized setting."

I stood up and turned to the door. As soon as I placed my hand on the handle I heard Ra's get up out of his chair. The room was filled with a tense silence. Ra's can easily stop me from leaving and capture me. I'm completely unarmed except for my car keys and a few pens in my jacket pocket. Deep down I think he knows that if they take me they will have to deal with a very angry Zatanna.

Ra's al Ghul: "Don't be a fool, you won't get past all of them. I know you're completely unarmed."

(Y/n): "What you fail to realize is that I am a weapon."

One of the guards kicked open the door and pointed his rifle at me. I swiftly moved out of the way while grabbing his arm. I threw him over my shoulder and his body smashed into the table, sending the chess pieces flying across the room. I held onto his rifle and quickly took cover behind the door. Once I flicked the safety off I spun around the corner and shot the remaining three. Their blood splattered across the far wall and I'm sure the rest of the assassins heard the thump of their bodies hitting the floor.

Ra's al Ghul: "You continue to impress me."

(Y/n): "If any one of your assassins ruins Raquels bridal shower I will dismantle the League of Shadows before next week."

I grabbed the plate carrier off of the unconscious guard that I threw on the table. I'll need the protection and the ammunition attached to the front of the vest.

After I strapped on the vest I took one final look at the Demon's Head. Ra's had no doubt been using the chess game as a way to understand how I operate, how I think, and how I achieve victory.

I moved into the hallway and the gunfight began. I fired small bursts down either side of the hallway attempting to keep the assassins pinned to the side. They were waiting for me to reload, I dropped the empty mag and reloaded a new one as fast as I could. The assassins peaked around the corner and attempted to hit me while I was reloading.

Luckily there's a janitor's closet full of cleaning supplies that I can hide in while the assassins dump their bullets down the hall in a terrible attempt to kill me.

It feels weird shooting at the assassins. They are dressed as FBI and police officers, the only difference is that they have sub machine guns and katanas.

I charged out of the closet and made it a few feet from the lobby. I trade fire with a few hostiles and force them to take cover behind the main reception desk. I turned my attention to the group on my left, the closest to the main doors. They didn't have any cover to hide behind so I made quick work of them. Stray bullets shattered the glass doors and blood splattered everywhere.

Another assassin charged at me with his katana drawn. I'm in the middle of my reload. I drop my rifle and pull out the pen from my jacket. I dodged his first slash and stabbed my pen into his neck. The assassin screamed as he collapsed on the ground as his blood coated me. I dove to the ground and used his body as cover while the assassins behind the reception desk fired at me.

I managed to grab my rifle without getting my hand shot. I shoved my last magazine into it and moved towards the desk. They didn't hear me coming. The second I had a clear line of sight I emptied the magazine and killed the remaining assassins.

I stepped over the mass of dead bodies and picked up a pistol to use outside if anyone was waiting to ambush me.

The lobby was covered in blood and bullet holes. I stepped through a broken window and made my way towards the street where I parked. I pulled the keys out of my pocket and was about to unlock the car when I heard sirens approaching, someone must have overheard the gunfire and called the real police.

I unlocked the car and opened the door. As I opened the door I saw a reflection on the window. The glint of a sniper's scope on the roof of the field office!

I dove over the hood of the car and hid behind the engine block. Contrary to Hollywood the only actual bullet proof sections on civilian cars are the engine blocks.

ISAC: "Improvised explosive device detected."

Someone's placed a bomb in my car! I sprinted as fast as I could to get away from the car. Sniper shots bouncing off the pavement all around me. The car exploded before I could get clear, the blast sent me flying into a parked car. I landed on its windshield which cracked instantly.

Deathstroke: "That was quite the show inside, agent."

I rolled off the car and fell onto the pavement. My head is still ringing and my vision is blurry.

Deathstroke: "That was 28 trained assassins in there and you started that fight without a weapon. I especially like how you didn't even hesitate."

(Y/n): "He who hesitates is lost..."

Deathstroke: "Well it's a good thing I'm not going to hesitate."

I drew my pistol and fired at Deathstroke. He dove behind a car. Once he was behind cover I forced myself to run and pushed through the pain. I hid behind a car on the opposite side of the street and waited.

We exchanged fire but I'm almost out of ammunition. Deathstroke on the other hand has all the ammo he needs. I'm huddled behind a car when I feel something hit my feet, I look down and see a grenade. I scrambled out of the way and into the street. Deathstroke was waiting for this and started shooting at me. We traded shots without hitting each other, then the car exploded. In the blast I lost my gun and crashed into a car door.

Deathstroke started walking towards me aiming his gun at my head. My head is violently throbbing and everything hurts like hell.

Deathstroke: "It's a shame it has to end this way. You would've made a great addition to the Light."

(Y/n): "Fuck you Slade."

Deathstroke: "I'm going to take that watch of yours as a trophy and mount it on my wall."

Black Canary: "Over our dead bodies."

Zatanna: "Mrasid mih!"

Deathstroke's weapons flew up in the air above him as we both turned our attention to Rocket, Zatanna, Black Canary, Batgirl, Bumblebee, Miss Martian and Wonder Girl.

Deathstroke cursed under his breath before dropping a smoke pellet and disappearing. I rested my head back down on the pavement as Zatanna and Raquel rushed to my side.

Zatanna: "Are you ok?! What happened here?!"

(Y/n): "Oh nothing much, I beat a grandmaster in chess, got attacked by the League of Shadows and lost the rental to an IED placed by Deathstroke. How was the bridal shower?"

Raquel: "Umm good. Though it was interrupted by a massive explosion."

(Y/n): "That was our rental."

Black Canary: "Deathstroke is gone. Are you ok?"

(Y/n): "Oh I'm fine, couldn't you see. I had him on the ropes."

Zatanna: "Yeah right."

Batgirl: "Let's get you back to the Cave."

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The girls and I arrived in the Cave. The rest of the team was shocked to see how beat up I look.

Garfield: "What happened?!"

Tim: "I thought you were at a bridal shower."

(Y/n): "The girls were. I beat Ra's al Ghul in chess and then survived Deathstroke's ambush."

Bart: "That's so cool! They always said you agents were impossible to kill!"

Jaime: "Who said that?"

Bart: "Well yeah know, history teachers and stuff."

Tim: "What did Ra's al Ghul want with you?"

(Y/n): "He warned me not to do exactly what I'm going to do."

Black Canary: "Warned? Are you sure it wasn't a threat?"

(Y/n): "Positive. He's terrified of the Division. Now if you'll excuse me I'm late for a meeting with my top agents, I'll be back before midnight."

Zatanna: "Be safe and try to avoid another ambush."

(Y/n): "I'll do my best."

I waved goodbye before limping back into the zeta tube.

I hated lying about where I'm going but after the attack today there is no chance anyone would let me go on a mission, especially a mission where I could encounter Kaldur.

*3 Hours Later*

I'm sitting in a helicopter flying over the Gulf of Mexico, the JTF Atlantic fleet has been moving in on several of Black Mantas supply stashes. Satellite images confirm that this small deposit is manned by at least 30 of his soldiers. Overall it's a small force but if we continue to eliminate his supply stations we can limit his movements.

Pilot: "Two minutes to the target."

I grabbed a small bag that was sitting between my legs and opened it up. I reached in and pulled out five ISAC watches. I'm not wearing my own, I left it back on the aircraft carrier but these watches belonged to the agents killed in Lyon. I clipped each of them onto the front of my plate carrier. Once I was done they all lit up with the standard orange ring.

(Y/n): "Listen up. We all know why we're here. We all know why we're doing this. We will avenge our brothers and sisters that were murdered in Lyon. This is our first retaliation against those responsible for Lyon and the destruction of the com-sat. Make your shots count and after we secure the platform we place the explosives and get to the extraction point."

The agents acknowledged my orders and finished checking their gear. One of the agents opened a large case and pulled out a black ballistic mask. The box was full of them. The agents started passing them around, I was the last to put mine on.

These agents weren't the normal agents I'm used to working with. These agents weren't even agents until a few hours ago. They are a covert ops team made up of former agents that I reinstated for the mission. Hell I don't even know their names, only their squads code name. The Hunters.

Once you put on the mask you can communicate clearly with anyone wearing a mask, without it whoever's voice your hearing sounds like animal screeching. Another creepy invention of DARPA.

As I adjusted my mask to fit the low growl coming from the agent beside me turned into his voice.

Hunter: "Here, take this."

He handed me a combat axe. The handle and grip are black with the blade being dark grey.

Hunter: "Everyone of us has one, it's our signature weapon. Now that one is yours."

(Y/n): "Thank you."

Pilot: "Here we go."

The doors to the helicopter slid open to reveal the decommissioned oil platform Black Manta uses for re-supplying his forces. Everything from food and water to fuel was stored here, and we're going to burn it all.

The Hunters fast-roped down onto the platform and I followed, we quickly split into two groups. One securing the upper deck and one securing the lower. I led the group securing the upper levels.

We swiftly moved through the maze of stairs and catwalks, the only light we had was moonlight. Thankfully it was a full moon so we had more than enough to work with.

We came up on a patrol of two Manta soldiers standing outside of a door and illuminated by a single lightbulb above the door. I was about to open fire but a third came running into view.

Soldier 1: "Guys you need to come quick! I found Mike and Terry o-or what's left of them! It looks like something tore them apart! I-I think something really messed up is on the platform with us! The hallway is a mess and full of their blood and body parts!"

Soldier 2: "Are you high?"

Soldier 3: "Wait, I can't raise anybody on the radio. Is this your idea of a joke?"

Soldier 1: "No you guys I'm serious! OH MY GOD!"

One of the Hunters jumped down in the center of the soldiers and started swinging his axe like a maniac. The Hunter brutally killed all three and their screams echoed throughout the platform. Their blood splattered on the walls and across the floor as the Hunter continued to dismember them. After the three guards were excessively killed we moved into the control room, which was through the door they were guarding. I think I heard laughter coming from the Hunter that slaughtered the guards with his axe.

When we arrived at the control room I lined up my rifle with one of the guards and took the shot. The suppressed MK16 thumped and the one bullet I fired connected with the guards head.

The guard I shot was the only armed one in the room at the time. When the others realized what was going on they scrambled for their guns, only to be met with the Hunters and I charging in wielding combat axes.

I got caught up in the adrenaline of the attack, each strike was filled with anger and hatred. Hatred and anger towards Manta for twisting Kaldur, towards Kaldur for killing Artemis and toward myself for letting Artemis get killed.

I lunged at the nearest soldier and swung my axe right at his neck. He screamed at the black armour shattered and a small amount of blood shot out. As he collapsed I swung the spiked end of my axe into the helmet glass of another Manta soldier. It shattered and blood splattered out across the control panel and glass.

After the slaughtering and screams stopped the Hunters immediately began placing the explosive charges around the room.

I wish I could say I was shocked about what I just did, but I wasn't, I'm still angry and I want to kill more of them and maybe that's more shocking. I didn't hesitate, and I didn't feel any remorse as I slaughtered those soldiers, soldiers I know are responsible for the death of Artemis and my agents.

Hunter: "Download complete, we have all the data off the central computer."

(Y/n): "Good, let's get out of here."

As we flew away in the helicopter the oil platform exploded. A massive fireball formed in the night sky and illuminated everything for a brief moment.

I looked down at my axe and started wiping the blood off of it. I kept my mask on the entire time.

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3rd Person POV:

Vandal Savage stands alone in a room in his underground lair in western Mongolia. He's staring at several large monitors and is waiting for his fellow members of the Light to appear.

One by one the faces of Lex Luthor, Queen Bee, Black Manta, Ra's al Ghul, Klarion and the Brain all appear on separate monitors.

Savage: "You all know why I called this meeting. Six hours ago, this image was recovered off the security system of an offshore oil rig in the Gulf of Mexico."

Savage displayed an image of (Y/n) and the Hunters, the image was taken in the middle of the fight in the control room. (Y/n) has his axe raised above a Manta soldier that he's about to strike, other Hunters could be seen spread throughout the room eliminating the remaining soldiers.

Black Manta: "This was the only image I was able to recover from the oil rig. I lost an exceptional amount of supplies on that platform and as a result my capabilities are limited for the time being."

Lex Luthor: "Do we have any idea who is responsible for this attack?"

Savage: "The image is incredibly blurry and their gear hides all identifiable features."

Ra's al Ghul: "I believe we know who the apparent leader is, the one with the glowing rings on his chest. I believe those are Division watches. The five of them represent the five agents our partner killed in Lyon. That is (Y/n) (L/n) and that was his first retaliation against us."

Savage: "Then I'm authorizing our plan to deal with the Division's commander. Any and all operatives of the Light will be directed to capture the Zatanna Zatara should the opportunity present itself."

Ra's al Ghul: "That could escalate things exponentially."

Savage: "Or it could swiftly bring the entirety of the Strategic Homeland Division under our control. If (Y/n) knows we have Zatanna he will cooperate to ensure her safety and survival. It's a risk worth taking, we've come too far to let my plans fall apart now."

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(Y/n) POV:

I arrived back in the Cave just after midnight. I made my way to my room and opened the door quietly so I wouldn't wake Zatanna.

Once I closed the door and turned around the lights snapped on and Zatanna lunged at me. Her lips pressed against mine as my body slammed into the door. I put my hands on her head and hip and pulled her into me. Zatanna let out a surprised moan as I spun her around and pinned her against the door.

Zatanna: "You're late."

(Y/n): "Sorry, lost track of time."

Zatanna wrapped her legs around me and I carried her to the bed.

Zatanna: "If fine, as long as you make up for it now...."

I laid down on my back and Zatanna positioned herself directly on top of me. We started the night making out, our soft moans filling the room as we enjoyed each and every second of our night.

*Small Time Skip*

Zatanna and I woke up late in the morning. We decided to sleep in because she's covering Dinah's monitor duty shift tonight. I have several meetings with JTF commanders in the early evening and then I'm going to bring us food to eat on the Watchtower.

I don't know what I'm going to pick up, hopefully something Zatanna likes. I asked her what she wanted and she told me to surprise her. She knows she's not being helpful, I swear she loves to watch me struggle with the simplest things.

We spent the day in the library, the Team was training all day with Nightwing so we decided to stay out of the way. Zatanna is fiddling with her pocket watch and I'm reading a WW2 book on British commando operations in occupied Norway.

(Y/n): "You know if you keep playing with it you're going to set off the distress signal."

Zatanna: "I'm not turning the glass face in just running my finger over it."

(Y/n): "Just be careful, it's going to be rather awkward if a QRF breaks through the hangar door because you activated the distress signal."

Zatanna: "I'm sure you could smooth talk your way out of it."

Zatanna attached the pocket watch to its chain and set it back inside her jacket. I checked my watch, it's time to head out.

(Y/n): "Well, I've got to head out now. I'll meet you on the Watchtower."

Zatanna: "Ok, hope you can decide on what food to get."

Zatanna has a mischievous smile on her face. I love it so much and can't help but laugh.

(Y/n): "Oh you think that's funny. I'll get fast food and then we'll see who's laughing."

Zatanna: "A date on the Watchtower looking out at the stars and he brings fast food."

(Y/n): "That's what it's going to be unless you tell me what you want."

Zatanna: "Italian, please."

(Y/n): "I'll find a place. Love you."

Zatanna: "Love you too."

I made my way to the zeta tubes as the team was finishing training for the day. I waved goodbye and teleported to Gotham city.

Once I arrived at the H.U.B I made my way to a small conference room just off the main control room. Several JTF generals appeared on the monitors before me.

(Y/n): "Admiral Halsey, your report."

Halsey: "Yes sir, our forces have begun eliminating supply depots belonging to Black Manta. However we are unable to understand what type of effect we are having on his operations as all our attempts to track Mantas submarine have proven unsuccessful."

(Y/n): "Thank you Halsey. Langley will continue to work on finding a way that lets us track Mantas forces and then hopefully we can end this massive game of cat and mouse."

JTF general: "Sir if I may, what are we going to do with Project Mockingbird? What is its target?"

(Y/n): "Project Mockingbird will enable us to strike out enemies before they finish whatever it is they're planning. It's well known that the Light has an extraterrestrial partner. We just don't know to what extent, if it's an individual or an entire alien race. Should it be the worst case scenario and the Light is planning a full scale alien invasion, then Mockingbird will let us strike first."

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3rd Person POV:

Zatanna, Superboy and Nightwing are in the main area of the Cave, the team has gone home and those that stay at the Cave are off in their rooms.

Nightwing: "How's (Y/n) doing? I haven't had a chance to talk with him."

Zatanna: "He's been slowly getting better. He's been busy with work so I guess that helps with keeping his mind off it. He's been training more and more when he's off. Normally he just tinkered with his gadgets when we weren't doing anything but now... he's almost exclusively in the gym."

Superboy: "I can talk with him if you want, we all need someone to talk to."

Zatanna: "I'd appreciate that. Is M'gann here?"

Nightwing: "No, she's looking after her uncle's apartment."

Zatanna: "I'm going to get ready for monitor duty."

Superboy: "I'm heading down to the grotto."

Zatanna makes her way back to her room and quickly changes into her hero outfit. She sits down on her bed and sends a text message to (Y/n).

'Heading to the Watchtower now. I'll see you soon.'

She wasn't expecting a response so she put her phone away. Zatanna got up to leave and thought she heard a thumping sound. She got up to investigate, what she didn't know was that Impulse and Blue Beetle were attacked by Kaldur, the Terror Twins, Icicle Jr. and Tigress. When the two heroes fled they took Kaldur's device that tracked Blue Beetle and brought it back to the Cave.

Nightwing immediately confiscated the device and told the two it was a rookie mistake. They began analyzing the device but were too late to stop it from disabling the Caves security systems.

Kaldur and his new team infiltrated the Cave and began capturing the occupants. The sound Zatanna heard was the sound of Tuppence Terror knocking out Garfield.

Zatanna stepped into the hallway to figure out what was going on.

Zatanna: "Gar? Are you ok?"

Zatanna walked down the hallway to Garfield's door and was about to press the button to open it. The door suddenly slid open on its own and Zatanna was face to face with Tuppence Terror.

Neither girl hesitated for a moment. Zatanna attempted to back up while starting to cast a spell. Tuppence lunged forward and grabbed Zatanna's neck before she could complete the spell.

Zatanna thrashed against Tuppence's grip but it was no use. As Zatanna desperately gasped for air Tuppence slammed her into the wall. The impact rendered Zatanna unconscious.

Tuppence: "Why I'd say I just hit the jackpot. The boss will love this."

Tuppence carried Garfield and dragged Zatanna to the main area of the Cave. On the way to the main area Zatanna regains consciousness. She quickly realized that she wouldn't be able to use her magic, Tuppence had gagged her with duct tape. Tuppence wasn't smart enough to restrain her hands behind her back though.

With her body aching and head throbbing Zatanna reached inside her magician's jacket and grabbed the pocket watch. She twisted the face of the glass all the way to the right, the face flashed a soft blue light before returning to normal. She breathed a small sigh of relief though her relief vanished when she arrived in the main area.

Kaldur's team has defeated Nightwing, Superboy, Impulse and Blue Beetle. The hero's have inhibitor collars placed around their necks. Kaldur made eye contact with Zatanna and a look of fear washed over his face.

Tuppence: "Look what I found."

Kaldur: "Restrain her hands!"

Tuppence: "What?"

Zatanna ripped the tape off her mouth and yelled out a spell that freed her from her bindings and shattered the inhibitor collar on her neck.

As Zatanna stood up and took a fighting stance, Kaldur raised his hand. He's holding the remote for the inhibitor collars. Kaldur presses the button and the collars start shocking the helpless heroes being held hostage. After a short moment which for Zatanna felt like eternity Kaldur stopped electrocuting her friends.

Kaldur: "If you don't surrender immediately this will continue while my team fights you."

Zatanna: "Stop! I surrender."

Zatanna's hands were bound behind her back and she was gagged, this time with a cloth. Tigress placed an inhibitor collar on Zatanna's neck as well.

Tigress: "Does he know you're here?"

Zatanna refused to answer, looking away from Tigress and closing her eyes in defiance. Kaldur hesitated a moment before pressing the button that sent a violent shock through Zatanna's body.

Zatanna cried out in pain as she crumbled to the ground beside Superboy and Nightwing. The electricity that coursed through her body burned as she thrashed about for what felt like minutes. When it finally stopped after a few agonizing seconds Zatanna was completely exhausted and starting to panic.

Nightwing: "Stop this Aqualad!"

Kaldur: "I believe I've outgrown that name."

————————————————————————

(Y/n) POV:

I just left the conference room and I'm standing with Ortega and Noble squad in the control room. We're all laughing about the meeting.

(Y/n): "I have so much respect for those guys but... it's like talking to a bunch of children. Halsey was the only one who could follow what was going on."

Ann: "Yeah I don't envy you."

Ortega: "Why do you think I'm happy with being lower on the totem pole."

Sutton: "Is it because you don't have to deal with that?"

Ortega: "Precisely."

(Y/n): "Anyone know a good Italian place? Zee wants Italian and I have no idea where to go."

Sutton: "Yeah I can show you a good family run place. It's just in-"

Our conversation was interrupted by ISAC's voice booming over the PA. My heart stopped when I heard its message.

ISAC: "Priority distress signal received. Agent (L/n) callsign Vanguard requesting immediate assistance. Location, Mt. Justice, Happy Harbour."

(Y/n): "Zatanna.... Check the status of the security systems on Mt. Justice!"

Agent: "Sir they were all disabled, though not by us."

(Y/n): "Send a message to Halsey, tell him to order all ships to make for Happy Harbour. Launch every aircraft we have in range of the Cave and lock down the airspace! Get me a bird ready NOW!"

Ortega: "That will take too long! Noble gear up with him and meet me at sub level 6 east wing R&D!"

Noble squad and I scrambled to the armoury. I didn't even bother changing out of my suit. I threw a plate carrier overtop and grabbed a helmet. I ran over to the rifles and grabbed a MK16. As I was stuffing extra magazines into my vest something caught my eye. A new gadget. A prototype thermite launcher. It's shaped like a blocky toy pistol and is the size of a kleenex box. It shoots a putty that sticks to whatever it hits and upon activation, burns at 2,200C. More than enough to burn through steel or asphalt.

I grabbed the launcher and hooked it to my leg opposite of my handgun. It's surprisingly light for its size. I made sure I grabbed a knife and hooked it onto my belt in its sheath.

(Y/n): "Let's go Noble!"

We arrived at sub level 6 and met Ortega outside of the lab.

Ortega: "In here, we've been building our own zeta tube. We'll send you to the Happy Harbour one, if we send you directly to the Cave it could be an ambush!"

(Y/n): "Just do it!"

The scientist started activating the zeta tube and I ran through the second it activated.

*Small Time Skip*

3rd Person POV:

The team of agents checked their weapons, they're positioned just outside the hangar door.

(Y/n): "Once ISAC opens the door I'm killing power to the entire Cave. The emergency lights will turn on but whoever's in there won't be able to go out any door except the one we control. Guard the exit and make sure nobody leaves."

Sutton: "Got it. Are you sure you don't need our help in there?"

(Y/n): "I'll manage. If I'm not back in ten minutes, come get me and leave the reinforcements to block the exit."

ISAC: "Opening hangar door."

The door slowly opened and then power shut off to the entire Cave as an extremely angry (Y/n) stormed in.

In the main training area of the Cave, Kaldur and his team were debating what to do with their captives.

Kaldur: "As hostages here they have value, Nightwing is an ordinary human, Superboy a hybrid Kryptonian and Zatanna-"

Tommy: "Is wanted by the Savage. And there's a substantial reward for her capture. So she comes with us."

Kaldur: "We have no need of her, our partner doesn't want her and I do not wish to risk a direct conflict with the Division."

Tuppence: "They won't attack if we have her, to me it sounds like you have a soft spot for your old friends."

Tommy: "Lil sis is right, you will let us take her or we'll report you to the boss when we get our money."

Tigress: "You will follow Kaldur'ahm orders."

Tommy: "Sorry Tigress, Vandal Savage outranks Kaldur'ahm..."

Tommy grabs Zatanna's head and holds her up from the circle of heroes in the center of the room. Zatanna tried to squirm out of his grip but to no avail. Her tired eyes scan the room and eventually found Nightwing's. The detective was hiding it well but he was beginning to panic and Zatanna could tell. She knew the situation was bordering on hopeless.

Icicle Jr: "Can we just go already. The longer we stay here the higher chance we'll get caught."

Kaldur: "Agreed. Take Beast Boy, Impulse, Blue Beetle and Zatanna to the Manta Flyer."

Superboy: "You don't want to do this."

Kaldur: "I-"

The power shut off to the Cave and darkness washed over the occupants of the Cave. Soon the emergency lights flashed on but they were placed sporadically throughout the Cave so most of the Cave was left in partial darkness.

Nightwing: "Oh no..."

Tuppence: "W-what's going on!"

Kaldur: "He's here."

Tommy: "He won't come anywhere near us, or I'll strangle her!"

Tommy grabbed Zatanna by her neck and held her up in the air. Zatanna squirmed, trying to lessen Tommy's grip and get herself some room to properly breath.

They heard the footsteps before they saw him. (Y/n) emerged from the darkness, aiming his rifle directly at Tommy's head.

Tommy: "There you are. If you're as smart as they claim you are, you should know that won't have any effect on me."

(Y/n) lowered his rifle and set it on the ground. He slowly pulled the thermite launcher out of its holster as he spoke. The cold low tone in his voice sent chills through everyone in the room.

(Y/n): "Let her go and I won't hurt you, final warning."

Tommy: "You're little more than a pest. You can't hurt me! I'm taking your little girlfriend and these other heroes and you will step aside and watch!"

(Y/n): "You're wrong I can hurt you, just not at this very second."

(Y/n) shot a single thermite charge and it stuck to Tommy's gut. The super-powered criminal laughed at the agent. (Y/n) had a cold expression on his face as he hit the activation button on the side of the launcher.

(Y/n): "Your skin is like armour, SO I'LL BURN IT OFF!"

As the charge activated Tommy dropped Zatanna and the screaming started. Tommy desperately tried to rip the charge off his shirt but it wouldn't budge. (Y/n) calmly aimed the launcher at Tuppence and fired. This time the charge was set to activate on impact, she joined her brother in screaming instantly after impact.

The training area was illuminated by the bright burning of the thermite. The screams and the sound of flesh melting filled the room, terrifying the criminals and heroes being held hostage.

When Zatanna was dropped by Tommy she tried to run to (Y/n) only to be tackled by Icicle Jr. a few feet away from Tommy. Icicle Jr. shoved Zatanna into Tigress's arms and got ready to fight.

(Y/n): "That's 2,200C, based on your file I'm guessing it won't kill you, but you will wish you were dead."

Zatanna was pulled back by Tigress to Kaldur's side and this only pissed (Y/n) off. He unholstered his pistol and aimed it directly at Kaldur.

(Y/n): "If you want to leave YOU WILL LET HER GO!"

By now Tommy and Tuppence have finished burning. The impact area around the thermite was terribly burnt. The third degree burns spread out from the impact area to encompass most of their chests.

Tommy: "Y-you're insane."

(Y/n): "No. I'm pissed off."

(Y/n) made eye contact with Zatanna and instantly understood how scared she was, she on the other hand was met with a cold gaze. (Y/n) spun and fired at Icicle Jr. who was attempting to get behind him.

The bullet bounced off his head but knocked him unconscious, as he fell to the floor the fight began.

Tigress fired several arrows at (Y/n) with her crossbow, (Y/n) fired one shot while scrambling out of the way and it cut the string on her crossbow.

Kaldur used the water pipes that ran below the floor to gain an advantage over (Y/n), the water shot up and shattered a small section of the floor. Kaldur formed a massive wall protecting himself and Tigress as the Terror Twins desperately charged at (Y/n).

(Y/n): "I've had about enough of you."

(Y/n) fired a single shot, it hit Tommy's burnt gut and he collapsed onto the floor. Blood started flowing out creating a small pool where Tommy lays.

Tuppence: "Brother Tommy!"

Tuppence grabbed her brother and jumped into the wall of water.

Tuppence grabbed Zatanna and she screamed into her gag while thrashing to get out of Tuppence's grip.

Kaldur: Grab the targets, we are leaving!"

Before (Y/n) could find a way to break through the wall of water it came crashing down on him. The force sent him flying back into the wall and he collapsed onto the ground.

Tigress ran forward and grabbed Icicle Jr. She dragged him back to Kaldur's position. Kaldur took out a father box and used it to open a boom tube. Kaldur and his team forced Beast Boy, Impulse and Blue Beetle through the boom tube.

(Y/n) pushed himself to his feet and though he's now disarmed and his vision is incredibly blurry he started to run at Kaldur.

Zatanna made eye contact with him as she was dragged into the boom tube while kicking, crying and screaming. Zatanna was terrified, these were the same people that killed her best friend, were they going to kill her?

Before (Y/n) could get close the boom tube closed with a deafening silence.

(Y/n): "ZATANNA!"

Nightwing: "(Y/n)! They have an alien bomb, get us out of these!"

(Y/n) removed the collars and the three started to run towards the exit. They were met by Nobel squad which had found Wolf and Sphere. Sphere had transformed into the super cycle, everyone scrambled into it and Sphere flew off into the sky.

Ann: "Sir, where's Zatanna?"

(Y/n): "Kaldur took her."

Sutton: "I'm so sorry."

The Manta Flyer shot out of the water and into the night sky. (Y/n) immediately called in the location of the Flyer to his fleet.

(Y/n): "Halsey! Scramble your fighters to-"

*BOOM*

My. Justice exploded. The explosion mirrored the one on Malina Island, the debris field knocked Sphere into the water and scattered everyone. (Y/n) was knocked unconscious and held above water by Ann. Between Ann and Sutton, who remained conscious after the crash and Mal, who arrived from Happy Harbour after seeing the explosion, they were able to pull everyone back to shore.

As Superboy woke up on the beach the Manta Flyer flew off into the distance.

Ann: "Come on Halsey, where are your boys?"

Right on que, three F-35 fighters screamed overhead. They came in low to the ground from land and pulled up to gain altitude when their missiles had a lock on the Flyer.

Viper 1: "Fox 1."

The missile raced after the Manta Flyer which was currently in a sharp descent towards the safety of the water. The missile slammed into the tail and exploded, with a bright flash. The Manta Flyer dove under the water and the F-35's broke off their attack. As the Jets disappeared into the clouds Ann collapsed onto the sand completely exhausted. Mt. Justice continued to burn as Captain Atom and Aquaman arrived to help.

Ann: "We need your help, he needs your help."

Nightwing: "T-the Light has Zatanna... Kaldur took her, along with Blue Beetle, Impulse and Beast Boy.

Captain Atom: "Let's get everyone back to the Hall of Justice. We will find a way to rescue everyone."

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*Small Time Skip*

Dick is sitting in the main monitor room in the Hall of Justice with a blanket wrapped around his upper body. (Y/n) is still unconscious and in the medical bay. Conner is in the cafeteria getting food and Nobel squad went back to the H.U.B so they could begin the search for Kaldur.

Wally heard about the attack in the Cave from Conner and rushed to the Hall of Justice. He arrived through the zeta tube, anger resonating off of him.

Wally: "What happened!"

Nightwing: "I-it was necessary... I-I just didn't think Zatanna would be there."

Wally: "It better have been. Spill."

Nightwing: "Kaldur needed to find a way to help us rescue Lagoon Boy. He'd already injected a microscopic tracker into La'gaan's bloodstream and used the raid on the Cave to pass essential intel, a flash drive that among other things has tracking software to locate the tracker."

Wally: "Like that's all he did."

Nightwing: "Wally, he had to make it look good. He put inhibitor collars on us but he knew we'd get out of them."

Wally: "He took four more hostages Dick! Members of your team and Zatanna! She's our friend and happens to be dating (Y/n)! (Y/n), the leader of a massive government agency that has bottomless resources and no oversight!"

Nightwing: "We'll rescue them when we rescue Lagoon Boy."

Wally: "Dick he blew up the Cave, you guys almost died!"

Nightwing: "No, it's all on the flash drive. He knew we'd have to pursue to make it look good and that's exactly what happened. I just... I didn't think Zatanna would be able to signal (Y/n) that fast or that his jet interceptors would be right behind him. Kaldur was going to give us time to get out but the fight changed that and we got caught in the debris field from the explosion."

Nightwing stood up to face his friend as they continued yelling. Wally's anger was close to boiling over. Rage filled his body as his friend struggled to explain his actions.

Wally: "Are you even listening to yourself! What if even one of you got left behind! Why take the risk, why go to such extremes?!"

Nightwing: "The drive explains that too. He needed to cement his position with the Light and the Lights partner."

Wally: "Wasn't that why he "murdered" Artemis?!"

Nightwing: "I guess that didn't convince everybody."

Wally: "YOU GUESS?!"

Nightwing: "The Cave was just a place, worth sacrificing if it helps us stop the invasion! Look I'm sorry you lost all your souvenirs!"

Wally shoved Dick into the chair he was sitting in moments ago, towering over his friend with a look of anger and betrayal across his face.

Wally: "I don't care about any of that junk! I'm worried about Artemis! Terrified for her! You put her right into his hands!"

Nightwing: "Wally we're talking about Kaldur here!"

Wally: "Yeah Kaldur our friend, who in a few days lost the love of his life and found out Black Manta was his father! Is it possible Kaldur may actually be a traitor, a triple agent. He's supposed to be playing them, but are you absolutely certain he isn't playing you?"