(A/N): I'd like to thank everyone again and apologize for this chapter being a bit shorter than normal. With my school starting up in a few weeks I won't be able to upload as frequently. I have the next few chapters already finished so I'll be able to upload once a week until I get back in the swing of things.

As most of you know, season 3 starts off extremely slow so I apologize for the chapters seeming like nothing important is happening. I'm the chapters I've finished we're mostly through the slow start so it'll all be over soon.

The story is going to pick up and things will get very interesting very soon.

Thanks again.

-MattFromWii

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3rd Person POV:

Al-Qawiya, Greater Bialya

Kelso had waited longer for so much less. Jaqqar Marlo, director of R&D at Goode World studios and project leader for the GoodeVR Goggles. An overweight middle aged man with dark brown skin and balding.

Jaqqar was having the party of his life in a private nightclub, the kind of club that only the rich and powerful know about. The club has no name and isn't even listed as an official business, yet law enforcement never dares to interfere with the clubs business.

Dealing with illegal nightclubs wasn't something Kelso bothered with and she wasn't planning on changing that now. She was perched atop a small apartment building a few blocks away, watching the nightclub and waiting for Jaqqar to leave.

Kelso wasn't planning on apprehending, following or killing Jaqqar. She has a large sniper rifle ready to kill the assassin that was sent after Jaqqar.

Kelso used ISAC and intercepted radio traffic ordering a hit on Jaqqar. She wasn't able to identify the origin of the transmission, so she elected to investigate the hit in person and watch it happen. She hoped that Red Hood would make an appearance and she could eliminate the assassin that Natalya's been using to cross off key JTF and Division personnel.

Kelso gazed through the optic mounted on the top of her AWM and adjusted the dials while looking at the club.

Minutes later Jaqqar finally exited and was immediately greeted by Black Spider. Kelso quietly cursed, realizing that it was most likely the Light's communications she intercepted and that this was a hit ordered by the League of Shadows and not Natalya. Still, she stayed and observed.

Jaqqar fled, running a short distance and rounding a street corner before Kelso lost line of sight. She saw Black Spider swinging up from the street, landing on a roof as a massive boulder crashed down into the street.

Kelso couldn't see who the boulder crushed but ISAC confirmed her suspicions. Jaqqar was dead.

ISAC: "Intercepted hostile communication: Good job, kid. The boss will be proud. In fact, all the bosses will be proud."

Kelso moved her rifle over to the shadow of a figure leaning on a ledge on the rooftops above the boulder. As the figure stepped out of the darkness to greet Black Spider, Kelso immediately recognized the young girl, the Princess of Markovia, Tara Markov.

Kelso: "Well, (Y/n)'s going to get a kick out of this."

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*Gotham City*

Barbara was laughing like crazy in her apartment. She's been playing on the GoodeVR Goggles for a few hours now, completely losing herself in the cartoonish games.

Barbara: "Oh these goggles are way to stupid to be this much fun!"

Dick was attempting to sneak up on Barbara, though he was confident in his abilities he overestimated how immersed Barbara was in the goggles. She heard him enter the apartment and knew exactly where he was as he slowly crept up behind her. When Dick was close enough he reached out and attempted to scare Barbara but instead Barbara gripped his wrist and forearm before flipping him over herself and sending him crashing to the floor with a loud thump.

Barbara: "That was pathetic."

Dick: "Ha ha, please. I'm a professional acrobat, I meant to do that."

Dick pushed himself up and grabbed Barbara, lifting her out of her wheelchair and carrying her over to the couch. Barbara wrapped her arms around Dick's neck and pulled him into a kiss. When the pair broke their kiss they sighed and sat down on the couch.

Dick: "I've missed you."

Barbara: "You talk to me every day."

Dick: "Please tell me you know that's not the same thing."

Barbara: "Oh I do."

Barbara pulled Dick in for another kiss. The pair held the kiss as he laid down and pulled her on top of him.

The music and monkey sounds coming from Barbara's VR goggles caused the two to break their kiss and lightly giggle.

Dick: "So, how do you like the Goode Goggles?"

Barbara: "The graphics are pretty amazing, but who needs augmented reality when you've got the real thing."

Just as Dick was about to pull Barbara in for another kiss, Barbara's computer beeped, drawing her attention away from her boyfriend and causing Dick to groan in frustration.

Dick: "What is it now?"

Barbara: "It's a couple different things..."

Barbara pulled out her cellphone and scrolled through the notifications, carefully reading each one and mumbling to herself.

Barbara: "Jaqqar Marlo was just murdered by someone dropping a giant boulder on him. Lead suspect is a meta-human but law enforcement doesn't know anything past that."

Dick: "Whoever killed Marlo clearly hasn't mastered the art of subtlety. What's the other alert?"

Barbara: "(Y/n) took half the U.S Pacific fleet and went to Indonesia. He's brought the largest group of agents I've ever seen on one mission."

Dick: "What? He didn't say anything about going to Indonesia."

Barbara: "Bruce just said his satellites have been tracking (Y/n)'s fleet after he used the zeta tubes to teleport to the fleet in Pearl Harbour."

Dick: "He still doesn't trust (Y/n). Even after all this time."

Barbara: "Well, (Y/n)'s clearly keeping a secret."

Dick: "Or someone else is. He's not the director, not anymore."

Barbara: "The Director is Kelso, odds are (Y/n) knows more than he's shared. He's hunting someone, I don't know who or why, but I certainly wouldn't want to be them."

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*Indonesia*

The island of Java is covered in jungles, the mountainous interior of the island makes it easy to hide from the world. On one of the many mountain ranges there is a large clearing, in the past it was used by the island's native population for farming. The large farm was abandoned decades ago in favour of a less remote location.

Division agents tracked Red Hood to the island and notified Kelso, within an hour (Y/n) had assembled the JTF fleet and set sail for the island, hoping to catch Red Hood when he least expected them.

(Y/n) made sure to bring Titan along with him as he hasn't exactly gotten a chance to tell Zatanna they now have a German Shepherd.

The agent is currently riding in a Blackhawk helicopter, racing towards the small abandoned farm that Red Hood was supposedly hiding in.

Hoopster: "So... I didn't expect you to bring Titan. I mean after all he isn't fully combat trained yet."

(Y/n): "He's got the basics down. He doesn't need to know all our complicated maneuvers. He's still young and I'm willing to give him a shot."

Hoopster: "You have no idea how to tell Zatanna you got a dog, do you?"

(Y/n): "Oh god no. She's been busy with League stuff for the last two days so I haven't gotten to see her. I figured this was more of an in person thing to talk about."

Hoopster: "Yeah that's probably a smart choice. My wife was pissed when I brought home a kitten on one of my first missions. Mostly because her sister is allergic to them but the little guy was so cute."

(Y/n): "Your wife? How old are you."

Hoopster: "35 next month."

(Y/n): "Holy shit."

Hoopster: "What, I was kicking around before Kelso joined the Division. How old did you think I was?"

(Y/n): "Not a couple months away from forced retirement."

Hoopster: "Kid, they couldn't get me to quit this if they tried. I'm doing this job until my body gives out."

(Y/n): "So in two years then."

Hoopster groaned and rolled his eyes before letting out a small chuckle.

Hoopster: "God you're like a younger version of Kelso."

(Y/n): "So I've been told."

Pilot: "Two minutes to the target zone, get ready!"

The agents checked their weapons and slid the doors open on the helicopter. Soon the farm came into view, built on a flat clear span of ground with a large mountain in the distance. The helicopter touched down onto the grass field and the agents threw themselves out.

(Y/n) and Hoopster took the lead, with the supporting teams moving into position on either side of the farm.

Hoopster nodded to (Y/n) and the agents advanced without saying a word. Titan stayed close to (Y/n), slowly advancing behind him and sniffing the air.

The closer the two agents got to the center the more they realized that this was likely an ambush. Suddenly Titan started growling while looking at one of the smaller barns.

Hoopster: "That dog is good, I'll give him that."

(Y/n): "Good boy, Titan. Let's go."

The agents rushed to the barn, taking up positions on either side of the door and then swiftly breaching it moments later. Hoopster was the first to enter, shooting first and instantly dropping the closest person. When (Y/n) entered he realized that the person was a mercenary wearing an Indonesian army uniform.

Hoopster: "Guess I got carried away. If I knew it was only one guy I would've taken him alive."

(Y/n): "Sure you would've."

Suddenly the back door to the barn crashed down and another mercenary rushed in. (Y/n) raised his rifle to fire but was too slow, the mercenary tackled him to the ground. (Y/n) dropped his rifle and grabbed onto the mercenaries hands, attempting to stop the man from stabbing him.

Hoopster: "Shit!"

Before Hoopster could move to help (Y/n) he was kicked out of the barn by a woman in the same uniform as the men. She pulled out a small sword and swung at Hoopster who instantly activated his ballistic shield, blocking her first swing.

Hoopster: "A sword?! Really? Just use a gun."

Back in the barn, (Y/n) was losing. The man attacking him was easily twice his size and looked like he belonged on a professional deadlifting team.

The knife slowly pushed through his combat shirt just above his plate carrier. (Y/n) grunted in pain as the knife slowly pierced his skin, drawing a small amount of blood.

A half second later Titan threw himself at the man, sinking his teeth into the man's neck and pulling him off (Y/n). Blood shot across the room as Titan ripped a large chunk of skin off the man.

As the mercenary rolled off (Y/n) and screamed in pain the agent pushed himself up to see Titan diving back in. Titan found the man's neck again and viciously ripped another large chunk of skin off. (Y/n) called him back and Titan quickly returned to his side. Without wasting any more time, (Y/n) put three bullets in the mercenary's head.

(Y/n) then rushed outside, finding the female mercenary standing over Hoopster, about to slash down at him with her sword. In a split second (Y/n) shot her in the head, blood shot out as her body crumbled to the ground.

Hoopster: "I had her."

(Y/n): "Yeah, sure you did."

Hoopster: "This was a setup. We just got here early, they weren't ready for us yet."

(Y/n): "No shit. The question is who set us up?"

Hoopster: "Bad intel? Wouldn't be the first time the bad guys have put out false information and our intelligence officers fell for it."

(Y/n): "Maybe, but I thought this guy would want to stay hidden. He clearly knew we were coming so why not just scrub the place and leave? Why set up an ambush? That's loud and it guarantees we will keep looking, not to mention it gives us leads to follow. His connections with these mercenaries, payment methods, equipment acquisition... it doesn't add up."

Hoopster: "You're right. This feels like something else..."

(Y/n): "Staging an ambush is a great distraction. So who's trying to distract us, and from what?"

Hoopster: "You ever get the feeling that everyone seems to know what's going on but you?"

(Y/n): "Yeah, I've been having that a lot lately."

Hoopster: "We should talk to Kelso. Don't you two have that trip you go on coming up?"

(Y/n): "Yeah, it's around this time of year, our annual getaway. It usually devolves into some form of training anyway so I guess I could bring this up."

Hoopster: "The other teams will be here soon. They must've heard the gunshots."

(Y/n): "Let's keep this to ourselves for now."

Hoopster: "You think we have a leak?"

(Y/n): "Maybe... the Red Hood works for the Clairvoyant, who has proven extremely resourceful. Let's just take this slow and keep our cards close to our chest. At least until we get a grasp of the situation."

Hoopster: "That could be months away."

(Y/n): "I know, just keep your guard up."

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Several hours later (Y/n) was back at home and passed out on his bed with Titan sprawled out beside him. The dog was taking up most of Zatanna's side of the bed.

After showering and cleaning up the kitchen, (Y/n) tried to stay up and wait for Zatanna who was training with Mary and Traci. He ended up passing out shortly after dinner and was still asleep until he heard the door shut and the click of Zatanna turning the electronic lock on.

Zatanna: "(Y/n), I'm home."

Titan shot up and instantly started growling. (Y/n) reacted on the spot and swiftly grabbed Titans muzzle, keeping his mouth shut and telling him to be quiet in a hushed voice.

(Y/n): "You stay here, and you stay quiet. Got it?"

As (Y/n) released Titan and held a finger up to his mouth the dog turned his head slightly and looked incredibly confused.

(Y/n): "Uhh yeah, hey Zee."

(Y/n) rushed out of the room and met Zatanna in the kitchen, trying to act as calm as possible. Zatanna took off her light jacket and moved over to (Y/n) wrapping her arms around him and pressing her lips against his.

Zatanna: "Mhmm... I've missed you."

(Y/n): "Yeah, I've missed you too."

Zatanna: "I was hoping you'd be here. I hate it when we don't get to see each other for days."

(Y/n): "Yeah I know, I had to help Kelso and then run around tracking some meta-human smugglers. It was a busy few days."

Zatanna: "Anything new?"

(Y/n): "Well... Uhh you know, there are some small changes with Dick's group of refugees a-and I got the all clear to take some time off and train with your students. You know, teaching them hand to hand combat just in case they can't use their magic for whatever reason. Other than that, not a whole bunch."

Zatanna: "I can see the dog standing behind you."

(Y/n) turned around and saw Titan sitting down behind him. The dog was staring at (Y/n) and Zatanna and watching their every move.

(Y/n): "Ah... well. I was trying to figure out a way to break the news. You see, Kelso gave him to me, she said he could watch my back on missions and he's proven skilled in that department already. I-I'd like to keep him.... can we keep him?"

Zatanna giggled before cupping (Y/n)'s cheeks and gently pressing her lips against his.

Zatanna: "I know I can't be with you on every mission, or even most of them. But I think I like the idea of someone dedicated to watching your back. I'd love to keep him."

(Y/n) smiled and let out a small sigh of relief. He motioned for Titan to come over to the and the dog happily trotted over, instantly reviving a head scratch from Zatanna.

(Y/n): "Titan, welcome to the family."

Zatanna's eyes widened when (Y/n) said "family". Her cheeks flushed red at the thought of building a family with the agent and a half second later she grabbed his face, pulling him into a passionate kiss.

The sudden aggressive and passionate kiss caught (Y/n) off guard and he stumbled back, crashing onto the couch as Zatanna straddled his body and deepened the kiss.

Titan instantly started barking and jumped up onto the couch, wagging his tail and pushing against the lovers with his head.

Zatanna: "Mhmm... down! Down boy! Off the couch now!"

(Y/n) laughed as he laid down and pulled Zatanna down with him. Titan jumped off the couch and started licking their faces. Zatanna couldn't help but start laughing as well.

Zatanna: "You know, I promised Traci and Mary you'd spend some time training with them. The whole fighting without magic thing really resonated with them."

(Y/n): "I've got the perfect idea."

Zatanna: "Can I ask what it is?"

(Y/n): "A key part to fighting is knowing how to fight as a team. We're going to the beach in Happy Harbour and I'm going to teach them how to operate as a team."

Zatanna smiled and looked over at Titan who was resting his head on the edge of the couch and watching the pair.

Zatanna: "You sure this isn't just an excuse to go to the beach for a day?"

(Y/n): "Oh yeah, it definitely is."

Zatanna giggled before pressing her lips to (Y/n)'s once again and softly moaning as he tightened his grip on her waist.

As Zatanna brought her hands up to (Y/n)'s face and gently cupped his cheeks while the pair slipped into their own little world of happiness and comfort.

Before either of them had a chance to get fully immersed in the comfort of their lover, (Y/n)'s watch beeped and ISAC ripped them out of their happy little world.

ISAC: "Incoming transmission from, Nightwing."

Zatanna: "I'm going to seriously hurt Dick. This is the second time he's interrupted us."

(Y/n): "I know, but I'm sure he wouldn't be calling unless it's an emergency."

Zatanna groaned in annoyance as she pushed herself up. She stayed on top of (Y/n), straddling him and keeping her hands under his shirt on his abs as he answered the call.

Dick: "Hey, (Y/n). Listen, I need your help quickly. The kids were watching over here... they kinda stole the Supercycle and went to Infinity Island. They're looking for Princess Tara."

(Y/n) groaned and pinched the bridge of his nose. The agent already knew where this call was going and Zatanna was going to be so annoyed because of it.

(Y/n): "Dick, how did they find out about Infinity Island?"

Dick: "I kind of... told them. But I asked them not to go, they disobeyed orders."

(Y/n): "You've got to be kidding me. Why would you even bother telling them? That's just asking to have them run off."

Dick: "Yeah I know it's not an ideal situation but I need your help. I don't have the manpower to take on the League of Shadows. Any chance you could bring Kelso and maybe Noble squad?"

Zatanna closed her eyes and let out a small depressed sigh, her evening already ruined by Dick's careless mistake.

(Y/n): "No, they're... busy. I'll get changed and be at M'gann and Conner's place in ten minutes

Dick: "Okay, thank you and I'm sorry."

Dick ended the transmission and (Y/n) sighed, forcing himself to look up into Zatanna's tired eyes.

Zatanna: "I know... just go."

(Y/n): "I'm leaving Titan with you. He's not experienced or trained enough to handle the Shadows, I don't want him to get hurt. Plus, he can keep you company."

Zatanna: "I thought the whole point in getting him was having him watch your back."

(Y/n): "Well yes, but you can use the time to get to know him. He's very cuddly, we were sleeping on the bed when you came home."

Zatanna: "Ha, of course you were. I'll keep an eye on him and promise to be careful, the Shadows, they're deadly."

(Y/n): "I'm always careful, Zee. I'm a professional."

Zatanna: "Yes, yes you are."

Zatanna smiled and leaned down onto (Y/n), pressing her body against him and capturing his lips in a kiss.

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(Y/n) emerged from the zeta tube in M'gann and Conner's garage. Everyone else was already ready to go and quickly motioned (Y/n) to board the bio-ship.

Once the group was en-route to Infinity Island, they brought (Y/n) up to speed as quickly as they could.

Dick: "So, as I explained over the phone, we told Brion, Halo and Forager where princess Tara may be. They took that information and disobeyed our orders to stay home. We hope they're going to Infinity Island, if they went somewhere else it's going to be a while before we track them down."

(Y/n): "Great, and who's Forager?"

M'gann: "A sentient race from New Genesis called Bugs, the team rescued him during our last mission a few days ago. You know, Traci mentioned you're going to be training her."

(Y/n) smiled as he cleaned the various parts of his disassembled rifle.

(Y/n): "Yeah, Zatanna tells me she and Mary are quite excited."

Artemis: "And just like that you're back working with the Team. You really can't stay away, can you?"

The agent lightly laughed as he continued to clean his weapon.

(Y/n): "Yeah, I guess I can't. To be honest I enjoy working with everyone here. It reminds me of the good old days in the cave."

Conner: "Yeah, those days were something special."

Artemis: "Well, not everything's changed and some things have changed for the better."

Dick laughed as he leaned back in his chair, propping his legs up.

Dick: "Like what?"

Artemis: "Well for one we still have murderous phsycos with insane technology running around the world."

(Y/n): "If that's what you pick to highlight I'm worried about the stuff that's changed for the better."

Artemis laughed and turned to face the agent, a devilish smile appeared on her face as the unsuspecting agent went back to assembling his rifle.

Artemis: "No, it's good, for you at least. I was going to mention how Zatanna doesn't have to sneak into your room anymore."

(Y/n) froze and a slight hint of red found its way to his face as everyone laughed.

(Y/n): "I hate you sometimes."

Artemis laughed in response and (Y/n) groaned in annoyance.

A short time later, during which Artemis continued her taunting of (Y/n), the group arrived over Infinity Island. The group put on their masks and (Y/n) his combat helmet.

Nightwing: "Alright (Y/n), I'll save you from further embarrassment and let us rescue some stupid teenagers."

(Y/n): "ISAC will cut the power to the facility. Once I give the signal, break them out of their cell and get to the bio-ship."

Tigress: "Wait, aren't you going to be with us?"

(Y/n): "Someone needs to distract Ra's al Ghul while you're breaking them out."

Nightwing: "If you think I'm letting you take on the entire League of Shadows alone, you're insane."

(Y/n): "I'm not going to be fighting anyone, Ra's will be fully aware of what you're doing."

Tigress: "Okay, I'll bite. What's stopping him from killing you and coming to kill us?"

(Y/n): "We're going to talk, Ra's and I have a history. I owe him a favour and I want to ask him a few questions."

Black Lightning: "What?! How could you possibly owe him a favour?! HE'S IN THE LIGHT?! THEY'VE BEEN ABDUCTING CHILDREN?! YOU HAVE A RELATIONSHIP WITH THE ENEMY!"

(Y/n): "ENOUGH! I KNOW WHAT I'M DOING!"

Nightwing: "Kelso... that's the favour."

(Y/n) closed his eyes and sighed, remembering how Kelso was murdered by Keener infront of him and thinking he lost her forever.

(Y/n): "Ra's... he saved her... he saved Kelso, brought her back to life. I don't know why, but that's a debt worth repaying. I always honour my debts and I will honour this one, with or without your permission."

The cabin was silent for a few moments. Eventually (Y/n) couldn't take the silence anymore. He racked the charging handle on his rifle and started walking into the cargo hold.

(Y/n): "Let's go."

A few minutes later, (Y/n) was calmly walking through the garden. Eventually he came to a destroyed section with clear evidence of Brion using his meta abilities.

After quickly examining the destruction the agent scoffed at the sloppiness of the attack and continued towards the main castle.

(Y/n): "I know you're watching me. Are we going to talk or fight, because I'd much prefer to talk."

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

The Demons Head slowly emerged from the shadows on the lowest balcony. A brief stardown occurred before Ra's motioned for (Y/n) to approach the large door in front of him.

By the time the agent arrived the door was opened by Sensi, the man responsible for training the assassins of the League of Shadows.

Sensi: "He awaits you on the balcony, agent of the Division."

(Y/n): "Thanks for the warm welcome."

(Y/n) proceeded up the stairs, using his flashlight to navigate the dark building. After a short journey he arrived at the balcony and stood beside Ra's al Ghul.

(Y/n): "You know why Nightwing's here. I suspect you know why I'm here."

Ra's: "Indeed, you want to know why I did it."

(Y/n): "It'd help me sleep better."

Ra's: "Then allow me to grant you that mercy; I did it because I wanted to apologize. The Light abducted Miss Zatara and almost triggered a war of annihilation with the Division. Who would win such a conflict is uncertain in my opinion, but what I am certain about is the fact that both would be devastated and the world ruined."

(Y/n): "I'm not sure I believe that."

Ra's: "Hmm, well, perhaps I've simply taken a liking to you. Your approach to justice and how you run your operations are similar to my first vision for the Shadows, hundreds of years ago. I think I see a little bit of myself in you. It's how you fight."

(Y/n): "I'm not sure if I should be flattered or terrified. To be perfectly honest I admire your honour. I guess I've come to respect you as an opponent."

Ra's: "Respect is hard to come by these days. I suppose I should tell you that I've left the Light, and I'm no longer the leader of the League of Shadows."

Though (Y/n) was completely stunned, he kept his composure and managed to keep the conversation going.

(Y/n): "I know better than to ask your reason for leaving. But before I go, and we will go in peace, we have one other order of business to attend."

Ra's: "Yes you may take the kids."

(Y/n): "I'm not talking about them. I'm talking about the Hunters. Why is a Red Hooded assassin working with them?"

Ra's: "With? No, that assassin was here, on this island and he was abducted by the Hunters when they attacked. As a matter of fact, that attack caused me to leave the Light."

(Y/n): "That assassin was moving way too skillfully to be under the influence of a control chip or Starotech. Why would the Hunters bother abducting a member of the Shadows? And you wouldn't have left unless you had a special connection with that assassin."

Ra's sighed and lowered his head. This caused (Y/n) to be sent on the verge of panicking. For something to cause the Demons Head to show this much emotion, this much stress, this had to be something big.

Ra's: "I do not know why the Hunters took the assassin. But the boy's name... is Jason Todd. He was the second Robin, he died before ever getting a chance to join your covert ops team. His death was caused by me underestimating the Joker, I thought I could bring him back the way I brought Kelso back to you. In a way she was a test run for my efforts to save Jason, only Jason largely lost his memory as a result. Small bits of it started to return in the weeks before his abduction."

(Y/n): "I take it I'm the first person you've told outside of those closest to you."

Ra's: "Yes... if possible, I ask you to save Jason. He's beyond my resources to catch now. You're the only one who stands a chance against the Hunters."

The pair were pulled out of their conversation by a small explosion coming from the courtyard on the other side of the building. Smoke shot up as loud crashes of a battle rang out.

Ra's: "It appears Grayson and his team are making quite a mess of my garden."

The agent sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose. The two listened to the battle for a minute before (Y/n) broke the silence.

(Y/n): "So, shall we go save your gardens."

Ra's nodded and led the agent back through the castle. As the Demons Head and the agent moved through the dark castle, (Y/n) promised to turn the power back on once they stopped the fight. Ra's simply hummed in response.

As (Y/n) and Ra's exited the main castle, they arrived in a dark corner of the garden. A short distance away, Nightwing, Tigress, Superboy, Miss Martian and Black Lightning were all in a massive battle against Sensei and Ubu.

The heroes were winning, but making a mess of the courtyard and the two experienced, former trainers of the league of shadows, were far from beaten.

Ra's: "Enough."

Everyone in the courtyard froze. The fight stopped instantly as Ra's and (Y/n) emerged from the shadows, surveying the carnage with a look of disdain on their faces.

Ra's: "Well young man, are you proud of this little debacle? I believe the detective would be quite disappointed."

The heroes quickly regrouped, forming up beside Forager, Halo and Brion.

Ra's: "(Y/n) tells me you're here for the children, take them and go."

Brion stepped forward, magma and rocks encasing his body, leaving his head exposed and showing veins of lava spidering across his skin.

Brion: "Not without my sister, Tara Markov! WE KNOW THE LEAGUE OF SHADOWS HAS HER!"

(Y/n): "You will address Ra's al Ghul with the same respect you address me and the heroes beside you."

Ra's: "It's fine, (Y/n). We can't expect the young Prince to know what true respect and honesty are. Boy, the shadows may indeed have your sister, but I am no longer head of the shadows. As you can see, there are no shadows here. In fact, I am no longer a part of the Light."

Brion: "He lies!"

Nightwing stepped forward, placing himself between Brion and Ra's. (Y/n) walked forward and placed himself beside Nightwing before turning and nodding to Ra's.

Nightwing: "Ra's al Ghul is many things, but a liar isn't one of them."

Artemis: "Would the great one care to reveal who is running the shadows?"

Ra's: "No, he would not."

Artemis: "It's not my dad is it?"

Ra's softy smiled before replying with a cold "no".

Artemis: "My sister?"

Ra's: "(Y/n), please take your friends and leave."

(Y/n): "Of course."

A few minutes later and the heroes were aboard the bio-ship head for Happy Harbour.

As (Y/n) was taking off his heavier pieces of gear in the cargo hold, Artemis was storing her weapons in a secure case beside him.

Artemis: "I swear you have the strangest connections."

(Y/n): "Believe it or not, Ra's is one of the normal ones."

Artemis lightly laughed at (Y/n)'s joke before taking a seat on the bench beside her gear.

Artemis: "Does... does Zatanna know about your strange sort of friendship with Ra's?"

(Y/n): "No, she doesn't. And I wouldn't really call it a friendship. We just respect each other a great deal. A little bit as opponents but most of it is just mutual respect as men."

Artemis: "You've got to have one of the most interesting lives ever."

(Y/n): "Says the superhero."

The pair lightly laughed before deciding to join everyone else in the main area of the bio-ship. Artemis and (Y/n) arrived just in time to hear Nightwing start his lecture.

Brion: "I apologize, I know this mess was all my fault."

Superboy: "It happens, once upon a time I had to rescue Aqualad, Robin and Kid Flash too."

Forager: "Forager met Kid Flash."

Nightwing: "That was a different... never mind. Let's make one thing clear, we are not happy. You stole Sphere, disobeyed direct orders and endangered your lives. You will not be doing this again."

Brion: "I-I know I made mistakes, big mistakes but please, I need your help. I'm not ready to walk away."

Halo: "Neither am I."

Forager: "Forager rolls with Foragers hive."

Miss Martian: "Forager, there's still a place for you on the team."

Forager: "Forager has chosen Halo and Brion as Foragers hive. Also, bio-ship, especially bio-ship."

Brion: "I don't think any of us would be a good fit for your team."

Halo: "But we can remain outside together."

Nightwing: "That's the commitment we were looking for."

Halo: "Does that mean?"

Nightwing: "Yep, we'll find a way. We'll make this work."

(Y/n): "And just like that you're back leading a team."

Nightwing: "Please don't rub it in."

(Y/n): "No, I think I will."

(Y/n) laughed as he took a seat beside Artemis and Black Lightning, stretching out and relaxing.

Artemis: "Oh Halo, I almost forgot. We found out who you are. Your real name is Gabrielle, Gabrielle Daou."

(Y/n) carefully studied Halo's reaction. Her eyes widened and she was briefly gripped with fear, but managed to snap out of it before anyone could comment on it. Halo shook her head and turned to look out the window.

Halo: "No, I'm not Gabrielle. My name is Violet."

Artemis gave (Y/n) a concerned look and the agent quickly returned the gesture. They had no idea what to do now.

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Several hours later (Y/n) arrived back at his apartment. He entered as quietly as he could and locked the doors behind him.

The agent quickly made his way through the apartment, looking for Zatanna and Titan only to find no sign of them. He eventually arrived at their bedroom and carefully krept through the door, desperately trying to not wake up Zatanna if she was sleeping.

A smile instantly formed on (Y/n)'s face when he found them. Zatanna is sprawled out on their bed with Titan snuggling up next to her, taking up most of his side.

(Y/n) got ready for bed as quietly as he could and climbed in on Zatanna's side, snuggling up close to her and pulling her into his chest.

Zatanna instantly cooed in response, mumbling out an "I love you" in her sleep.

(Y/n) smiled as he closed his eyes and quickly drifted to sleep.