A Pixie Problem

Chapter Forty-Three: No More Shadows

With that cryptic warning, she thrusted her hips up and rolled away in one maneuver, knocking me off her and to the side as she disappeared into the shadows of the night. I caught my breath as my thoughts drifted back to Angel, her image haunting me like a specter of the past.

"Little D..." Nightwing's voice brought me back to the present, concern etched on his features. "Are you alright?"

I nodded, steeling myself against the tumult of emotions threatening to overwhelm me. "I'm fine, Grayson. Let's just finish this and get out of here."

But even as we regrouped and resumed our mission, a part of me remained tethered to the shadows of the past, to the girl I had once known and loved. And as we sailed into the night, I couldn't help but wonder if there was still hope for Angel, if there was still a chance to bring her back from the darkness that threatened to consume her.

0000

Despite our victory, if you can even call it that, a sense of unease lingered, like a shadow lurking just beyond the reach of the light.

As we gathered around the Batcomputer, Nightwing began the debrief, his voice steady but tinged with concern. "We stopped the shipment from arriving in Paris, Joker is back in Arkham, and Shadow is still on the run."

I nodded in agreement, my mind already racing with possibilities. But before we could delve deeper into our investigation, a sudden flurry of movement caught my attention—a girl with pale skin, bright red hair in a pixie cut, black bangs, and big blue eyes. She looked like a ladybug, just like...

"T-Tikki?" What was she doing here? Why wasn't she with Angel, well Shadow?

I tensed, my hand instinctively reaching for my utility belt as she floated directly to me. "Damian Wayne, I need your help."

My brows furrowed in confusion, the gravity of her words sinking in. "What do you mean? How can I help?"

Tikki's expression was grave, her eyes shimmering with unshed tears. "Marinette has been consumed by darkness, but there is still hope for her. You are the key to saving her, Damian."

Save her? I could save Angel? I could bring my Angel back?

But what did she mean by darkness? Did Joker mess with her mind to the point that she forgot who she was? Just like he did with Drake.

I blinked, taken aback by her proclamation. "Me? But how?"

She flew closer, her tiny form radiating warmth and determination. "You share a bond with Marinette, one that transcends the darkness that has enveloped her. You must reach her, remind her of who she truly is. You love her, and she loves you."

I swallowed hard, the weight of Tikki's words settling heavily upon my shoulders. "I'll do whatever it takes to save her, Tikki. I promise."

Nightwing stepped forward, his expression one of unwavering support. "We're with you, Little D. Whatever you need, we're here."

I nodded, gratitude swelling within me for my extended family. "Thank you, Grayson."

0000

I followed Tikki as she retraced her steps from where she came from. It was a warehouse, an abandoned one.

"She keeps coming back here. This is the place that clown kept her." Tikki glared at the building.

"It must be comforting to her especially if she sees this as the place that she was saved and reborn."

"That's exactly how she sees it. But you didn't see her while she was chained in that cell. She should have died, but instead he made her into this." Her eyes filled with tears as she floated into the entry way. I followed her, whispering curses under my breathe.