(A/N): Hello there!

I just wanted to thank everyone for your continued support. This is the final chapter in the "New York arc" and after this it's a quick jump into the final chapters of season 3.

I know we haven't seen much of the Outsiders and for those of you hoping to see them along with some of the younger heroes introduced in season 2, hang in there. They will be appearing in the final chapters of the season with our main team from season 1.

I promise the final chapters of season 3 will be well worth the wait. I've been looking forward to the finale of season 3 for some time and I promise you'll enjoy it when I finally get around to posting it.

Please enjoy and thanks again.

- MattFromWii

———————————————————————————

3rd Person POV:

Natalya laughed as she turned off the video feed of Zatanna sobbing and screaming. She moved around the bar and faced the captive heroes with a sinister smile, taking out Zatanna's engagement ring, lightly tossing it up and catching it, displaying it like a trophy.

Everyone but Tigress was completely caught off guard by the engagement ring. They had no idea that (Y/n) had proposed to Zatanna before the crisis in New York began.

The heroes quickly composed themselves as anger washed over them. Their hands were bound behind their backs and each had an inhibitor collar on. Four Hunters remained in the room, two positioned behind the heroes and the other two each guarding the only exits from the penthouse.

Tigress: "You're a fucking monster!"

Nightwing: "You'll never get away with this!"

Natalya: "Oh please, I don't get why you're all upset. (Y/n) had a good run, he was essentially given a second chance at life. Not to mention he and Kelso put on a very impressive display when climbing this tower. Together they've killed 47 Hunters, which is far more than any other agent."

Aquaman: "You've got what you want, so what comes next?"

Natalya: "Now we wait and see what the Clairvoyant wants. Some of you will come as our hostages, others will be used as an example. We're going to show the world what happens when you attempt to interfere."

Mary was still on her knees by the bar. She waited until she was certain nobody was looking at her before she began working on the rope binding her hands behind her back. Her heart was pounding as she felt the bonds loosen. Not enough to get her hands out yet, but enough to encourage her to keep going.

Natalya: "Once Crimson returns we'll decide who lives and who dies."

———————————————————————————

"I thought you were tough."

(Y/n) gasped as he shot up, taking in his surroundings the best he could. His head was throbbing and he was blinded by a bright light in the sky.

(Y/n): "Hello? Who's there?"

"Seriously, you've forgotten me already? I know we didn't spend long together but with the amount of sleep you lost after I died, I thought I'd be more memorable."

The agent's vision slowly cleared and he found himself in a warm field full of poppy flowers and grass. He was wearing a light grey t-shirt and pants, his watch was the first thing that he reached for and he started to panic when he felt it's absence.

"It's good to see you again, I was hoping we'd get to talk at least once before... before your time is up."

The young agent spun around and found himself face to face with Ellie Taylor. The blonde marine wore a similar outfit to his own, only smaller to fit her body. Her blonde shoulder length hair gently flowed in the wind and she crossed her arms, her sea green eyes glaring at the agent with an unimpressed look plastered across her freckled face.

(Y/n): "Ellie? W-what is this? Where are we?"

Ellie: "That's for you to decide. I think they called it Limbo."

(Y/n): "Limbo? They? Whose they?"

Ellie: "That's not important, how are my parents?"

(Y/n): "They were hurt, it doesn't get any easier with time but they are honouring you the best they can."

Ellie softly smiled before turning and walking out into the field, waving for (Y/n) to follow her. The agent quickly jogged to Ellie's side and slowed down to walk beside her.

(Y/n): "Ellie, please tell me what's going on?"

Ellie: "What's the last thing you remember?"

(Y/n) paused and tried to remember. When it finally clicked everything came crashing back at once. Images of Noble squad dying, fighting his way through the tower with Kelso and pushing the door open to see Zatanna tied to a chair in a seemingly empty room.

(Y/n): "I-I was trying to save Zee. She was hurting and needed me..."

Ellie: "She's still hurting and she still needs you, but that's not all. Try again."

The agent closed his eyes and thought of Zatanna tied to the chair. He tried to remember what happened next but he kept getting lost in the magician's beautiful blue eyes.

Suddenly the mechanical thump rang out in his head and it clicked. He saw a flash of a muzzle and the large turret set up several feet behind Zatanna. He felt a surging pain in his chest and everything went black.

(Y/n): "I-I was shot?"

Ellie: "Well yeah. It was bound to happen sooner or later."

(Y/n) was still in shock and didn't even react to Ellie's sarcastic comment.

(Y/n): "S-so I'm dead? I-I was killed in front of Zee..."

(Y/n) was on the verge of a nervous breakdown. The thought of being hurt in front of Zatanna while she was helpless to save him sent the agent into a panicked state.

Ellie: "No, you're not dead. Any other person would be but you're different."

Ellie grabbed onto (Y/n)'s shoulder and lightly shook him, pulling him out of his panicked state for the moment.

Ellie: "I know you're engaged to her and if you keep yourself focused you'll get back to her."

(Y/n) paused, Ellie's words ringing in his head.

(Y/n): "How... How could you possibly know that? It just happened recently and you've been dead for months."

Ellie: "Simple, I've been watching over you two."

Ellie waved her hand and the sky came to life, clouds started moving at a remarkable speed as mythical creatures flew from cloud to cloud. Suddenly the clouds stopped moving and (Y/n) was left staring up at a beautiful civilization in the clouds. Ancient Greek style buildings sat atop each cloud and a soft warm glow emanated from each building.

Ellie: "From down here, in Limbo, it looks like a civilization in the clouds. From up there it's like its own world, a different realm. There's mountains, villages, fields of flowers, flowing rivers, anything you can think of. I woke up there after I died in your arms. I've been watching over you, your friends and your fiancée ever since."

(Y/n): "T-thank you."

Ellie: "You have some friends up there now, Sutton, Garzia and Hoopster. They arrived in the afterlife a few days ago."

(Y/n): "Please tell them I'm sorry."

Ellie: "You have nothing to be sorry for. You did the best you could, you always do. I've met some people up there, they've been waiting for you for a long time."

(Y/n): "Who?"

Ellie: "Your mother and father. You've got your fathers hair and mothers eyes. They've been looking forward to finally seeing you."

(Y/n) was speechless. He stumbled back and suddenly felt a bench behind him. The agent quickly sat down before his legs had a chance to give out. Ellie smiled and sat down beside him, watching the sunset in the distance.

As a warm glow cast over the field, (Y/n) finally built up the courage to ask a few more questions.

(Y/n): "C-can we go see them?"

Ellie: "We could, but first there are a few things you need to know."

(Y/n): "Ellie, whatever it is... it doesn't matter, I'll do it. I want to meet my parents."

Ellie took a deep breath. She exhaled and (Y/n) could tell she was stressed about something.

Ellie: "Once you go there, to the afterlife, you don't get to leave."

(Y/n): "But, you're here?"

Ellie: "I know, I was sent here because you're unique. Most people just wake up in the afterlife, but you're different... you're important."

(Y/n): "Important how? To whom?"

Ellie: "To the powers above the Lords of Order. They insist that you're essential to the conflict between the Light and the New Gods of Apokolips. But after your conflict with Cerci and butting heads with Nabu, the Lords insisted that you be given a choice when you arrive here."

(Y/n): "What are you saying?"

Ellie: "I'm saying you can come back with me to the afterlife, reunite with everyone you've lost and meet your parents. Or you can go back to your body, and continue down the path of pain and suffering. If you go back you'll be faced with incredible hardship and eventually a conflict on a scale you've never even dreamt of."

(Y/n) was silent, he was certain there was more to Ellie's offer and he just needed to wait for her to start talking again. He was right, after a minute of watching the sunset, Ellie broke the silence once again.

Ellie: "If you come back with me... nobody will know of this conversation. Your friends won't think any less of you and eventually they will all join you up there.... But between you and me, I think the Lords of Order chose to send me here for a reason."

(Y/n): "What reason's that?"

Ellie: "They know I won't let you come back with me. People are depending on you. You've got so much to look forward to."

(Y/n): "Like what Ellie? The rate things are going... I'm never going to have a wedding... there will always be something terrible that I have to face, some crisis that pulls me away from everyone that cares about me. I'll end up hurt like I am now... or worse yet, they'll end up hurt.... Maybe... maybe they're better off with me gone. It would keep them out of a whole lot of danger, it'll probably keep them alive."

Ellie: "Sure, you could probably make that argument, but I think you're forgetting about all the good you do. And if that isn't enough, look at your happy memories. Think of your first date in Paris, the time you spent in the mountain top cottage with your team. Think of how that team has become your family."

(Y/n): "I just want to keep them safe, Ellie... that's all I've ever wanted to do."

Ellie: "Come on, let's go take a look at what you have to look forward to."

(Y/n): "What?"

Ellie: "Just follow along, I'll explain everything once we get moving."

(Y/n) reluctantly sat up and followed Ellie as she walked into the forest. The second the pair made it to the tree line a warm golden glow overtook them in a matter of seconds. (Y/n) closed his eyes and let out a stressful sigh as they stepped further into the light.

———————————————————————————

Kelso was bleeding from several places. A half dozen cuts were sprawled across her upper body as she limped away from several dead Hunters.

ISAC had notified her that (Y/n)'s vital signs were critical. She immediately stopped her accent in the tower and went to find him, losing his signal once she made it to his floor.

Kelso: "ISAC, keep checking for (Y/n)'s signal."

ISAC: "Scanning, stand by.... Signal detected... no vital signs detected. Agent (Y/n) "Vanguard" (L/n) deceased."

Kelso began to panic as she rapidly increased her pace, hoping that (Y/n)'s ISAC watch and node were damaged in a fight and that was the reason for ISAC not detecting his vital signs.

She swiftly made her way across the floor and eventually found the trail of destruction (Y/n) left in his wake. Several Hunters lay dead on the ground and as Kelso approached the long hallway where (Y/n) fought Crimson, she found herself cursing at herself in anger for letting them split up.

Kelso's heart skipped a beat when she heard the crying. She smashed through the storage room door and found (Y/n) laying on the ground, a large caliber bullet lodged in the dead center of his high tech body armour.

Kelso: "NO NO NO!"

Zatanna screamed into her cloth gag as Kelso dropped to her knees beside (Y/n). Kelso dug her fingers into (Y/n)'s vest and pulled out the shattered bullet. It had barely gone through his armour but the shock of the impact shattered everything, bone, body armour and tore up his skin in a small circle around the impact point.

ISAC: "No vital signs detected."

Kelso felt her eyes watering as she reluctantly pushed herself up and walked into the conference room. She quickly shot the turret while stepping through the doorway, having noticed it after Zatanna screamed out.

Tears ran down her face as she freed Zatanna from her restraints. Zatanna continued to cry as Kelso cut the cloth gag out of her mouth and tossed it away.

Zatanna shot up and tried to run past Kelso in a desperate attempt to get to (Y/n) with tears streaming down her face. Kelso quickly grabbed the magician and pulled her into a hug, not letting her look at (Y/n)'s lifeless body.

Kelso: "I-I'm so sorry."

Zatanna: "No... NO NO HE CAN'T BE GONE!"

Zatanna finally wrestled herself out of Kelso's grip and raced to (Y/n)'s body, dropping down to her knees and gently grabbing his head.

Zatanna: "(Y/N)! (Y/N) PLEASE COME BACK! I LOVE YOU SO MUCH!"

Kelso moved beside Zatanna and lowered herself down to her knees, wrapping her arms around Zatanna while the magician continued to cry as a wave of emotions overwhelmed her.

———————————————————————————

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

(Y/n) and Ellie were watching a wedding, seated in the balcony of the massive church overlooking the altar where they could see (Y/n) and all his friends. (Y/n) wore an expensive tuxedo and had a massive smile plastered across his face as he looked out to see Dick, Conner and Kaldur all wearing a similar tuxedo.

Artemis, M'gann and Raquel were dressed in Ice Blue bridesmaids dresses and each holding a bundle of flowers.

Ellie: "What does it look like genius? It's your wedding."

(Y/n): "Yeah no shit, but how am I seeing this. It hasn't happened."

Ellie: "Remember, we're in Limbo. Your mind creates everything you see here. This is what you imagine your wedding to look like."

(Y/n): "Everyone's so happy."

Ellie: "The best is yet to come."

Ellie waved her hand and the warm golden light returned, it blinded them for a brief moment and when it cleared the pair were watching the first dance.

Zatanna wore a beautiful wedding dress as she danced with (Y/n). The newlyweds were in their own little world as they continued to dance.

The soft music brought a smile to (Y/n)'s face as he watched himself dance with Zatanna. He couldn't take his eyes off her, she looked beautiful. Ellie lightly giggled when she noticed how star struck he was.

Ellie: "You've been dating her all this time and still have to pick your jaw up off the floor."

(Y/n): "Sh-shut up..."

Ellie: "I've got two more things I want to show you before you head back."

(Y/n): "Yeah... yeah okay. Can we just watch a little bit longer?"

Ellie softly smiled as she turned her attention back to the dance floor.

Ellie: "Of course. You can even go get a front row view if you want. Nobody can see or hear us."

The minutes passed in the blink of an eye and (Y/n) allowed himself to be pulled away by Ellie. He really wanted to stay in that spot, watching the wedding over and over again. It didn't even matter that the wedding wasn't real, it was real enough for him.

When (Y/n) and Ellie emerged through the golden light once again, they found themselves in (Y/n) and Zatanna's apartment. The sun was shining through the large glass windows and illuminated the entire apartment with a warm comforting glow.

(Y/n) cautiously walked through his home and rounded the corner to the living room. He found himself looking at another version of himself on the couch with Zatanna. The (Y/n) cuddling with Zatanna wore a thick winter sweater and had short stubble beard that Zatanna was running her hands across.

Zatanna: "I'm not sure about the beard."

(Y/n): "Why not? You haven't been able to keep your hands off my face all day, so I'd say it's working as intended."

Zatanna blushed softly as (Y/n) leaned down and gently pressed his lips against hers. The magician moaned against her agent's lips and sighed when he broke the kiss.

Zatanna: "It hides too much of your handsome face."

(Y/n) smiled and Zatanna cooed as she gently rested her head on (Y/n)'s chest. The agent relaxed and pulled the banked up to their necks as they both slowly slipped into a slumber.

Ellie: "You're about to find out why I picked this one."

(Y/n): "Why?"

(Y/n) pulled his gaze away from himself and Zatanna and turned to face Ellie. The former marine had a dumb smile across her face as she pointed to her stomach and then rubbed her belly.

(Y/n) was incredibly confused as he shifted his gaze back to the lovers on the couch but eventually it clicked.

Zatanna: "I FELT THE BABY KICK!"

Zatanna threw the blanket off to reveal a large baby bump covered by a larger winter sweater.

(Y/n)'s eyes widened and he fumbled around with his words as he struggled to make a sentence. Ellie laughed and elbowed him in the gut so he could pull himself together.

Ellie: "Don't talk, just watch."

Zatanna carefully pushed herself out of (Y/n)'s lap and turned to face the agent. She grabbed his hand and pulled it under her sweater, pressing his hand against her stomach so he could feel their baby.

Zatanna: "D-did you feel that?"

(Y/n): "Yeah, yeah I did."

Zatanna smiled down at her agent as tears of joy welled up in her eyes. A split second later (Y/n) stood up, cupping Zatanna's cheeks with his hands and pulling her into a kiss.

Ellie gently elbowed (Y/n) again to snap him out of his dazed state.

Ellie: "Come on. We've got one more stop."

(Y/n): "Ellie, I'm going back. You don't need to keep trying to convince me, we both know I have to go back."

Ellie: "I know. But this next one is my favourite. It's something I know you'll fight for."

(Y/n) relented and followed Ellie into the golden light one last time.

When the two emerged from the light they found themselves in a park, the very same park Zatanna agreed to meet Dr. Fate every year.

(Y/n) started looking around the park, there was the odd family walking about but other than that the park seemed strangely empty on the beautiful summer day.

Zatanna: "Zachary, don't you dare jump from up there!"

(Y/n) spun around and found a slightly older Zatanna and (Y/n) holding hands while sitting on a park bench. They weren't much older than he is now, seven years at most.

He had to admit the 27 year old Zatanna looked absolutely stunning and he looked great himself, now with a full beard that was short and properly cared for.

His eyes were drawn to the play equipment where a five year old child stood proudly at the very top. The child had Zatanna's dark hair and light skin tone with (Y/n)'s eyes.

Zachary: "Mommy, Daddy look! I'm king of the castle!"

Zatara: "Zachary, listen to your mother. Climb down before you get hurt."

(Y/n) watched as an older Zatara limped forward with the help of a cane. The young boy sighed before replying with a "Yes Grandpa" and climbed down from the play equipment.

The young boy raced to his grandfather and jumped up into his arms.

Zatara: "Wow, you're getting so big."

Zachary: "I'm five and a half!"

Zatara: "Wow, so old. Soon you'll look like me."

(Y/n) pulled his gaze away from Zatara and the young boy that appears to be his son. He found his eyes travelling back to himself and Zatanna sitting on the park bench.

Zatanna leaned on (Y/n)'s shoulder as she gently ran her hand through his beard. The lovers smiled as they watched their child play with his grandfather on a swing.

(Y/n) walked away from his older self, wiping tears away as his eyes watered.

(Y/n): "Enough Ellie, I've seen enough..."

Ellie: "I know, but one day you'll get this. You just have to keep pushing."

The golden light returned and encompassed both the agent and marine. When it cleared the pair were back in the poppy field with the sun rising.

Ellie: "I wish I could tell you what's coming, but the Lord's magic has barred me from sharing anything that could alter the course of events to come. But I will tell you this. If you go back you'll find something very similar to what you saw here, you've just gotta keep pushing no matter how hard or hopeless it seems."

(Y/n): "Please... tell my parents I love them. I-I know I don't know anything about them... but please just tell them I'm sorry and I hope I made them proud."

Ellie: "They're super sweet and they know you love them. They'll be watching over you, they have been for a very long time."

(Y/n): "Thank you Ellie, thank you for everything."

Ellie: "You don't need to thank me."

Ellie hugged (Y/n) and smiled. When she released the hug she pointed to a large golden archway full of white magic.

Ellie: "Go. Go back to your magician, save her, your friends and everyone you can. Go be a hero."

(Y/n): "Thank you Ellie. I promise I'll fight hard and I'll win."

Ellie: "I know you will."

(Y/n) turned away from Ellie and stepped through the golden archway, allowing himself to be consumed by the bright light.

———————————————————————————

(Y/n) gasped as he shot up. Pain surged through his body, predominantly around his ribs where the bullet impacted.

Kelso: "FUCK!"

Zatanna: "(Y/N), HOLY SHIT!"

Kelso fell back in shock and Zatanna threw herself onto (Y/n), smashing her lips against his and sending pain surging through his ribs.

Zatanna's tears fell against (Y/n)'s cheeks as she desperately grabbed onto his head and deepened the kiss. She sobbed when (Y/n) greatly pushed her off his pain riddled body.

(Y/n): "I've missed you so much."

Zatanna: "I-I thought I lost you..."

(Y/n): "No, you're never going to lose me."

Zatanna broke, tears ran down her face as (Y/n) gently pulled her down beside him.

Kelso: "How... how are you alive? ISAC was certain you were dead."

(Y/n): "I was in Limbo..."

Zatanna tried to jump up but (Y/n) held her in place. Her sudden movements and panicked voice told the agents just how terrified she was.

Zatanna: "What?! How did you get there?!"

(Y/n): "The Lords of Order sent me there. I met Ellie, she showed me some interesting stuff."

Zatanna: "What... What did the Lords of Order want?"

(Y/n): "Just to give me a little extra motivation."

Zatanna ran her hand across (Y/n)'s chest, he flinched in pain and that caused the magician to sit up. She glared down at his chest and carefully studied her injured agent.

Kelso: "Look, I hate to break up the reunion, but I'm going to need Zatanna's help to rescue everyone else. I found a security room on my way here and got some intel off the cameras. Natalya has captured everyone and is holding them in the penthouse."

(Y/n): "Umm hold on, I'm going to be there too. She was just tortured for days, let her rest."

Zatanna stood up and moved beside Kelso, placing her hands on her hips and looking down at the exhausted agent. (Y/n) tried to push himself up but only managed to get his upper body off the ground before he stopped to let the pain settle in.

Kelso: "Yeah no you're not. You're done for today."

Zatanna: "She's right, you're in no condition to be fighting anyone, least of all the Hunters."

(Y/n): "Love you too, but I'm fine."

Kelso: "Your ribs are broken."

(Y/n): "I'm fine."

Zatanna: "(Y/n), stay here. That's final."

(Y/n) rolled his eyes and laid back down on the ground, groaning in pain as the two girls got ready to rescue their friends.

Kelso: "Here, this will help with the pain. I've rebooted ISAC and he's confirmed that you'll be fine. You have no internal bleeding but that doesn't mean you can follow us up. Stay here or there will be consequences."

(Y/n): "Got it, good luck."

Kelso handed (Y/n) a small adrenaline booster shot and quickly left the room with Zatanna right behind her.

Minutes flew by and (Y/n) couldn't take his mind off Zatanna. Her magician's uniform looked as worn and tattered as she did. Despite his efforts, his mind wandered back to what he saw in Limbo.

Even as the details faded from his mind, he remembered the general idea of what he saw. It gave him the motivation to push forward and get moving.

(Y/n) decided that he wasn't about to let Kelso and Zatanna face the Hunters on their own. He reached inside his bag and took out his medical tape, wrapping his chest the best he could before pushing himself up with every bit of strength he had left.

The agent took Kelso's adrenaline shot and injected it into himself. He immediately felt the pain in his chest  wash away as the drug took effect and he could move without any issue.

He quickly took his handgun and loaded it before exiting the room and heading for the elevator.

(Y/n) easily pushed the door open after arriving at the elevator. He looked up and down the elevator shaft and concluded that the elevator was somewhere below him. The agent could easily see the penthouse floor above him, taking a deep breath he grabbed his grappling hook and fired it as far up as he could.

The hook easily dug into the cheap metal and pulled the agent up towards the penthouse elevator door.

———————————————————————————

Natalya: "Of course sir, I'd be happy to oblige."

Natalya clicked off her phone and slipped it back into her pocket, stepping out from behind the bar to survey her captive heroes.

Natalya: "Is it done?"

Crimson limped into the main area of the penthouse. The fight with (Y/n) had cost the Hunter dearly. He was on the verge of death and bleeding an exceptional amount.

Crimson: "What do you think?"

Natalya: "Good work. Now that Vanguard's dead, the Clairvoyant gave us the all clear to do whatever we want with the heroes. Our job in New York is done, the helicopter will be arriving shortly. Is your contingency ready?"

Crimson: "Red Hood finished placing the last of the charges earlier this week. He completed his mission flawlessly, nobody saw him and it was done in a day."

Nightwing: "Where is Jason?!"

Nightwing pushed himself to his feet but revived a devastating shock from the inhibitor collar before he could take a step towards the injured Hunter.

Natalya laughed as the former Robin fell to the ground and rolled in pain as electricity coursed through his body.

Natalya: "Jason Todd is gone. He died in Bosnia, what Ra's Al Ghul brought back to life was an incomplete shell of a man. The Clairvoyant foresaw this and chose to give him a purpose once again. Jason Todd died and the Red Hood was born."

Aquaman: "Stop this! You've made your point!"

Natalya relented and took her thumb of the button and stopped torturing Nightwing. The detective laid on the ground, desperately gasping for air as his body slowly recovered from the intense pain.

Natalya: "Where is Alani Kelso? We should have confirmed her death by now."

Hunter: "No idea ma'am, we gave our men the evacuation order after several minutes of searching for her with no results. We are all that remain in the tower, the rest have moved out to the rendezvous point."

Natalya carefully studied the room, looking around at the six Hunters that remained along with Crimson who was now tending to his wounds.

Natalya: "No, she's still here. She must've doubled back to Vanguard's position after losing contact with him. We need to get out of here before she arrives up here with Zatanna. We're not equipped to fight someone with her kind of power."

Hunter: "The helicopter is on final approach ma'am. Do you have everything you wish to take with you?"

Natalya: "Yes, get everyone else ready to leave. I want us gone in under five minutes. Leave Dr. Kandel with the heroes, we have no further use for her."

Mary: "Power of Zeus!"

Mary jumped up and punched the Hunter closest to her. She had spent the last several minutes slowly freeing her hands and had removed the gag from her mouth while everyone was distracted with Nightwing. The Hunter was caught completely off guard and was sent crashing into a support pillar.

Mary: "Speed of Hermes!"

Before anyone could react Mary rushed forward at incredible speed. She slammed into Natalya and knocked the remote for the inhibitor collars out of the woman's hand. The remote slid across the floor and landed at Conner's feet.

With the Kryptonite dust now fading from his blood, Conner smashed the remote with his boot and immediately felt the majority of his strength return.

One by one the heroes tore off their collars and jumped into action, immediately locking the various Hunters in hand to hand combat.

Crimson was the only one who was able to get his gun up. He took aim at Miss Martian and was about to open fire when a blast of white magic tore open a large section of the floor.

Crimson: "FUCK! SHE'S HERE!"

Zatanna flew up through the giant hole in the floor, her body encased in white magic as her eyes glowed the same bright white colour.

Zatanna: "Gninthgil fo eht sdog!"

The Hunters dove for cover as Zatanna unleashed a barrage of lightning strikes all around the penthouse.

As Zatanna was demolishing the penthouse at a remarkable speed, Kelso climbed up through the hole and made her way to Kandel's side.

Kelso: "Hey, doc. Miss me?"

Kandel: "Kelso?! Oh god yes!"

Kelso took off the inhibitor collar and quickly hugged Kandel before pulling her behind the bar to safety.

A small explosion rang out as (Y/n) breached the elevator doors and dropped into the penthouse. He rushed forward and quickly shot a Hunter wrestling his axe closer to Tigress's throat.

The shot hit the Hunter's neck and the killer crumbled to the ground, allowing Tigress to catch her breath.

Tigress: "(Y/N)?!"

The agent ignored Tigress and kept running, shooting several Hunters as he charged into the main area of the penthouse. He saw Crimson limping towards the helipad with Natalya right behind him as a small helicopter appeared over the rooftops of nearby buildings.

(Y/n): "CRIMSON!"

The Hunter turned to see the agent charging towards him. (Y/n) fired several shots, forcing the Hunter and Natalya to take cover behind a support pillar.

The helicopter finally arrived and positioned itself just above the helipad. The doors slid open and three Hunters jumped out. The first two started shooting at (Y/n), forcing the agent to dive for cover and stay down as their automatic gunfire kept everyone away from the doorway to the helipad.

The third Hunter stepped forward and was wielding a modified M202 flash. The Hunter fired the four incendiary rockets inside the penthouse, creating a massive explosion that threw (Y/n) back further inside the building.

Zatanna: "Dleihs!"

A small dome of white magic surrounded the heroes as the penthouse started to crumble. The remaining Hunters along with Natalya loaded up in the helicopter and quickly fled the burning building. As a Hunter was sliding the doors closed, (Y/n) watched Natalya take out a small remote and Zatanna's engagement ring.

Natalya smiled as she tucked the ring back into her pocket after ensuring (Y/n) saw it and clicked the button on the remote.

The group of heroes couldn't see the explosion, but they could hear and feel it. Violent blasts rang out across the city as the largest skyscrapers started tumbling down, crushing everything in their way.

Aquaman: "Miss Martian, get the bio-ship, we need to get out of here!"

Miss Martian: "R-right, she should be done healing by now.... She's above us now, we just need to get up there."

Aquaman: "Zatanna, can you get us up through the roof?"

Zatanna: "On it. Etativel enoyreve!"

The group was swiftly flown up through the roof and into the bio-ship. The second their feet hit the floor of the cargo hold the penthouse exploded in a massive fireball. The bio-ship quickly moved to safety as the group limped into the main area of the ship.

Kelso: "Oh my god. They've destroyed lower Manhattan..."

Aquaman: "I just received a signal from Black Canary, she's taking a team of Leaguers into the city. They're delivering the cure and vaccines for the virus and will help with search and rescue."

(Y/n): "Can we see their helicopter? They were heading south, we need to chase after them!"

Miss Martian: "No, I can't see it. I'll set us on a course heading south, just keep your eyes open for it."

Minutes flew by and the group found no sign of the helicopter. The adrenaline shot was wearing off and that combined with the injuries sustained by the others forced (Y/n) to relent and call off the search.

(Y/n): "Alright, we need to get to a hospital. My legs are about to give out."

Zatanna pulled (Y/n) away from the main area and back into the cargo hold. She forced him to sit down on a bench beside Kandel. Kelso was busy tending to the doctors wounds and wouldn't let her move a muscle. Soon Zatanna adopted the same attitude but not after expressing her displeasure with her agent.

Zatanna: "I can't believe you, I told you to stay put."

(Y/n): "I'm fine and besides, if I stayed put I would've died in the explosion."

Zatanna softly smiled and sat down beside (Y/n) on the bench. She rested her head against his shoulder and closed her eyes. Her body was exhausted, after being tortured and then fighting in the penthouse, she was on the verge of passing out.

Zatanna: "How are the ribs?"

(Y/n): "Hurting."

Zatanna: "I'll try some spells to help with the pain later. I might be able to shave some time off your recovery."

The agent responded with a soft "thank you" before he and his magician drifted to sleep, leaning on each other as the bio-ship fled the burning city.

———————————————————————————

*48 hours later*

Kandel had jumped right back into action the second the bio-ship arrived at Washington General. She simply changed clothes, had a coffee and threw herself right back into her work.

The good doctor wasted no time in ordering Kelso around and confining each injured person to bed rest after assessing their injuries.

Much to (Y/n)'s displeasure he was placed on strict bed rest indefinitely. He tried to fight it but Kelso was having none of it. She didn't want to upset Kandel and end up sleeping on the couch so she told (Y/n) he was going to have to suck it up and follow the doctors orders.

Zatanna loved it. She constantly smiled and teased (Y/n) about him being stuck in bed for at least three weeks.

Zatanna: "Hey, on the bright side you won't just be having breakfast in bed, you'll be having every meal in bed."

(Y/n): "You think this is funny?"

Zatanna: "Oh yeah. It's got to be eating you up on the inside, knowing that everyone else is going to be back in action a whole week before you're allowed to do small chores around the house."

Kandel: "I don't know why you're teasing him so much. I'm placing you on strict bed rest as well."

Zatanna: "Wait what?"

The smile dropped off Zatanna's face in a split second and (Y/n) burst out laughing to the point his ribs began to hurt.

Kandel: "His injuries may be worse but this is your fourth time being held captive and tortured. You need time to recover."

Zatanna: "Oh come on doc, the second time was barely a day and I'm fine. Look at me."

Kandel: "I am. I'm looking at both of you... and you both look like shit."

Zatanna rolled her eyes and slumped down into a chair beside (Y/n)'s bed.

Zatanna: "How long?"

Kandel: "I'm going to keep you benched until (Y/n)'s made a full recovery from his broken ribs. Once he's good to go I'll put you both back on active duty."

(Y/n): "Thanks Kandel."

Kandel: "Now, get some rest. I'm still on the fence about sending you home, but if I do, nothing physical, no training, missions, yard work, spells and especially nothing physical in the bedroom. Got it?"

The lovers felt their faces flush a bright red colour as the doctor glared down at them like a disappointed parent.

Both (Y/n) and Zatanna mumbled out a "yes" before Kandel walked away and closed the door. It took several minutes for the pair to stop blushing.

Suddenly the door flew open and Kelso leaned into the room with a massive evil smile on her face. (Y/n) and Zatanna could see past Kelso and noticed Nightwing, Tigress and Superboy standing by the nurses station just outside their room.

Kelso: "Hey lovers, Kandel just wanted me to tell you that you two can't have sex until your ribs heal!"

Kelso intentionally yelled loud enough for everyone outside to hear and then quickly shut the door and walked away, laughing like crazy.

Zatanna and (Y/n) blushed hard as they listened to the laughter of their friends outside.

(Y/n): "I'm so going to get her back for this."

Zatanna: "You better. That's such a ridiculous order. It's so stupid, why would she feel the need to order that, it's unfair and unnecessary and unacceptable. To think that she'd even consider such a stupid thing is-"

(Y/n): "You're rambling, Zee."

Zatanna blushed harder and groaned in annoyance.

Zatanna: "I don't get to see you for weeks after you propose to me. Then I get captured and you save me. I wasn't going to do anything tonight but it'll be weeks for you to fully heal, we should be able to have as much se-"

(Y/n): "Wow, okay, she really got into your head huh?"

Zatanna groaned again and got up to get a drink, mumbling to herself about how Kandel's orders were completely unreasonable and stupid.

Zatanna: "(Y/n)... I-I've been meaning to bring this up since we got here. But Natalya... she had my ring."

(Y/n): "I know, Zee. We'll get it back. I promise."

Zatanna's arms were shaking as she tried to drink her paper cup of water. She ended up setting the cup down so she wouldn't spill it.

(Y/n): "Come here, climb into bed with me. Kandel's going to make us spend the night here, so we might as well get comfortable."

Zatanna: "Okay..."

The magician wiped her tears away and sniffled as she moved to the edge of (Y/n)'s bed.

The agent moved over as much as he could and let Zatanna climb into bed beside him. She instantly snuggled into his side and carefully rested her head on his chest.

Zatanna: "I'm so sorry for losing the ring."

(Y/n): "It's not your fault Zee. I'll find a way to get it back."

Zatanna cooed in response as (Y/n) gently rubbed her back.

(Y/n): "Wow, it must be super tempting being this close to me."

Zatanna playfully pinched (Y/n)'s cheek in response before giggling and telling him to "shut up".

(Y/n): "Shut up? I would say "make me" but that's just teasing you a little too much."

Zatanna groaned in annoyance but ultimately sighed in defeat, mumbling about how unfair everything was.

Zatanna: "I'm never going to live this down, am I?"

(Y/n): "No, there is no chance of that happening."