3rd Person POV:
February 27th
Batgirl and Robin walk into the main area of the Cave. Nightwing is standing alone, working on the holographic display and deep in thought.
Robin begins reading some of the various tabs Nightwing has opened and they immediately peak his interest. Batgirl is far more concerned with how much Nightwing has thrown himself into whatever he's investigating.
Robin: "Wait. What's Project Mockingbird?"
Nightwing doesn't turn around or acknowledge the presence of the other crime fighters at first. Batgirl places her hand on his shoulder and immediately notices how worried he is.
Batgirl: "Nightwing.... What's wrong?"
Nightwing: "Look."
Nightwing then shows them what he's analyzing on the computer.
Nightwing: "All of these shipping orders and requests from the SHD. (Y/n) is moving an alarming amount of resources all around the world and one code name is linking them all."
Robin: "What?"
Nightwing: "Project Mockingbird."
Batgirl: "Do you have any idea where the resources are going?"
Nightwing: "No. All we have is the intercepted communications, and we can only intercept the communications because the Caves computer and Batcomputer can't decrypt anything else on the SHD servers."
Batgirl: "We could just ask (Y/n)."
Nightwing: "No. I'm not sure what he's hiding but I don't know if we can trust him at the moment. Not until he reveals what he's working on."
Nightwing thinks for a moment before turning around to face Robin.
Nightwing: "(Y/n) and Zatanna are going out for lunch today, Wally and Artemis are joining them. Watch them and listen in on their conversation. See if (Y/n) reveals anything about Project Mockingbird."
Batgirl: "Are you sure that's a good idea?"
Nightwing: "No, but we need answers. It looks like everyone knows what's going on but us and I don't like it."
Batgirl: "Yeah, but if (Y/n) finds out we are spying on him, it will destroy any trust he has for us and possibly your friendship."
Nightwing thought about this and then made his decision. It wasn't a decision he made lightly but with the voice of Batman in his head raging against his own, he needed to decide what kind of leader he was going to be. Batman would push him to sacrifice everything for the sake of the mission, to abandon friends and family if they stood in the way.
In that split second Nightwing decided to act on what he told Black Canary almost a year ago. He decided that he's not going to become Batman. He might not be a better hero but he will be a better person and a better friend.
Nightwing: "You're right... we shouldn't do this. I'll just have to trust (Y/n) and hope he knows what he's doing."
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(Y/n) POV:
Zatanna and I are on our way to meet Artemis and Wally at a small cafe in Palo Alto. Zatanna hasn't stopped talking about it since Artemis asked her if we'd be interested in going. She and Artemis have planned out the whole day, lunch, shopping, dinner and then a movie. To say she's extremely excited would be an understatement.
Zatanna: "Come on, we're going to be late."
(Y/n): "Zee we are almost there, it's just around the corner."
Zatanna: "I don't want to be late."
(Y/n): "I'm sure we won't be."
Zatanna led me around the block from the zeta tube and into the café. Artemis and Wally were already seated towards the back of the café. They waved us over to them. We sat down at the small wooden table and looked over the menu.
Artemis: "I'm so glad you guys decided to come."
(Y/n): "Well we really didn't have anything else to do."
Zatanna: "Not to mention we will both have the day off."
Wally: "And how are things at your new job?"
Wally did want to say Justice League out loud and I'm thankful for that. We are lucky that Zatanna isn't that well known yet. It gives us a little privacy, because once she gets well known as the newest member of the League and increasing her time in the public spotlight, our privacy in public places like this will vanish.
Zatanna: "Good I think. It's really stressful right now but hopefully things get better."
Artemis: "What about your job (Y/n)?"
(Y/n): "More or less the same. I've been working on improving our logistics as of late, it's boring stuff really. How's college?"
To be fair that isn't false. But what I should've said is that I'm missing the field work. I love going out on missions with the team and I'd be lying if I said I wasn't itching to get back into the field.
Artemis: "College is great."
Wally: "Yeah it's a big change from what we were used to, but we like it."
(Y/n): "That's good to hear. So what movie did you two settle on?"
Wally: "Can it be one we haven't seen before?"
Artemis: "Obviously it's one we haven't seen before it was just released!"
Wally: "Well the last time we watched a movie it was one we've seen like three times!"
Artemis: "That's because we've already seen all the ones we own!"
Zatanna and I couldn't help but laugh at these two. They bicker like an old married couple every chance they get.
Zatanna: "You two are so adorable and perfect for each other."
Artemis and Wally both stopped and started to blush at Zatanna's comment. Even after dating for all this time they still get flustered by a simple comment.
Zatanna: "Artemis and I settled on The House. It's a new horror movie and looks good."
(Y/n): "A horror movie? I thought you hated those Zee."
Zatanna: "I'll be fine, don't worry. Plus it doesn't look that scary."
(Y/n): "If you say so."
We ordered and then ate our lunch, it was delicious. I got a breakfast sandwich, Zatanna got pancakes, Artemis and Wally both ordered soup.
After we left the café we made our way to the mall. Artemis and Zatanna were overjoyed to spend the day with everyone. Wally looks so happy to just get out for a day and spend time with us and I'm perfectly fine with leaving every problem we have behind us for the day.
Artemis: "So where are we going first?"
Zatanna: "Oh I want to check that one out!"
The two girls rushed off into the clothing store, leaving Wally and I out in the hallway. I couldn't help but think about the Lights plan. How little we know, and what about the abducted children. What's the point? What was the Light going to do to them? Wally could tell I'm deep in thought and concerned about something.
Wally: "Hey I noticed you were a little off when you walked into the café. Everything alright?"
(Y/n): "I try to hide it when I'm around Zee but after recent events with the Light. I'm so worried about what's going to happen next."
Wally: "Do you have any idea or clue to hunt at what they could be doing."
(Y/n): "Absolutely nothing. I'm trying to cover all my bases but with over half the League in deep space. There's gaps in our defences. Large gaps that anyone with half a brain can exploit..... I'm sorry. I shouldn't be talking about this, you and Artemis are attempting to walk away from it all and it isn't fair to drag you back in."
Wally: "It's alright. You're stressed out and understandably so. I'm sure everything's going to be ok."
I forced out a smile for Wally just as Zatanna and Artemis came walking out of the store with bags of clothes and made their way over to us.
Wally: "How could you two possibly have gotten that much. You were there for less than five minutes."
Artemis: "Magic."
Zatanna: "You took the words right out of my mouth."
(Y/n): "Wow. At this rate we will have a lot of time to kill before the movie."
Zatanna: "That's part of the plan."
Wally: "Wait what? What are you two planning?"
Artemis: "Oh it's simple really. We check out the stores we want and then you two take us out for dinner."
(Y/n): "Umm ok."
Zatanna: "Oh there's one more thing. We already got the stuff we want for us."
Artemis: "But you two could use a wardrobe expansion."
Zatanna: "So we're taking you guys out shopping. You're going to try on whatever outfit we like."
(Y/n): "No."
Wally: "Absolutely not."
Zatanna: "Oh come on. It'll be fun."
Wally: "I think (Y/n) and I are good. Thanks for thinking about us though."
Zatanna: "Hmm well we're not giving you a choice. Syob, wollof em."
Zatanna and Artemis smiled as they walked off towards other stores. Wally and I were forced to walk behind them thanks to Zatanna's spell. Oh I'm so getting her back for this later.
Wally and I followed the two girls into a random clothing store. The store was full of the latest fashion. The girls led us to the back where Wally and I were released from Zatanna's spell and could move freely.
Zatanna: "See, it's not that bad here."
(Y/n): "That wasn't funny Zee."
Artemis: "Oh come on. You might even have some fun. This stuff is all nice and we aren't going to make you try on anything terrible."
Wally: "Fine, just grab us some stuff to try on and let's get out of here."
Zatanna: "Awesome! Wait here we'll be right back."
The two girls disappeared into the rows of clothes. I think we are the only people in the store.
Wally: "This was a massive mistake wasn't it."
(Y/n): "Most likely yes."
Wally and I waited for a while. I have no idea what those two are going to return with. Wally and I freeze with fear as the giggling of Artemis and Zatanna grows closer.
Wally: "How bad do you think we'll have it?"
(Y/n): "Fairly bad."
The two girls walk around the corner to the small hallway lined with different change rooms. Both girls have their arms full of clothes for themselves and us. Wally and I stood in horror as the girls set down the massive amount of clothes on a table.
Wally: "You can't be serious. That's half the store!"
Artemis: "Well we're the only people in here so the employee at the front said to take as much as we want to try on."
Zatanna: "Oh and she said to take all the time we need."
(Y/n): "Wonderful."
Artemis: "Alright, let's get started."
The girls handed out the clothes Wally and I were to try on. It wasn't as much as I first thought it was, a few shirts and slightly less jeans.
Wally walked into a change room carrying the clothes Artemis wants to see him in.
Zatanna handed me a shirt and smiled. I took off my sweater and shirt in front of her and stepped forward so that we're inches apart. Zatanna's eyes kept darting back to my chest and abs before going back up to meet my eyes. I leaned in and whispered 'thank you' into her ear before grabbing the shirt and walking into the change room. Before I turned I noticed Zatanna was all flustered and blushing. After I closed the door Artemis noticed Zatanna blushing and started laughing.
We spent close to two hours trying on various outfits. The girls had the most fun, obviously. Wally and I ended up getting a few shirts and jeans. Zatanna and Artemis both got a sweater and probably an excessive amount of leggings.
After we dropped the clothes off in Artemis and Wally's car we made our way to the mall's food court. We ended up getting pasta from an Italian restaurant. It was alright. Wally loved it but I mean it's edible food so of course Wally loved it.
The time came to head to the movie theatre. It's attached to the mall so we don't have to walk far. The theatre is incredibly busy. We waited for upwards of twenty minutes just to get popcorn and drinks.
Zatanna: "So like... how scary is this movie?"
Artemis: "Is someone getting cold feet?"
Zatanna: "No! I-I'm just not normally a fan of horror movies."
Wally: "The reviews say it's really good and really scary."
(Y/n): "We don't have to stay for the whole thing if you don't want to. We can't wait for these two in a restaurant if you need to leave."
Artemis: "Aww how sweet. I knew you'd bail her out."
I rolled my eyes at Artemis and turned my attention back to Zatanna as she brushed a few strands of hair behind her ear.
Zatanna: "Thanks but I want to try and get through it."
(Y/n): "I think you'll be alright Zee. Now common, previews will be starting soon and I want to see what will be released in the next couple of months."
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3rd Person POV:
SHD R&D Base: Fridge
Manny Ortega, head of security for the Fridge and communications coordinator for the Division, sat in his office looking over old paper files from his predecessor. Ortega had spent a great deal of time and effort finding these in the lower levels of the Fridge. The archives levels had long since been digitized and the paper files disposed of, but if one looked long enough they would find the secrets of the SHD. The leaders of the SHD used the supposedly abandoned levels to hide incredibly important information. Information too sensitive to be kept on ISAC's secure network. The paper copies kept in the archives were the only copies in existence.
As Ortega sifted through the files his concerns started growing. Concerns about (Y/n) and everything surrounding his recruitment into the SHD.
Then Ortega found it. A picture of a car crash, taken in northern Minnesota on a remote highway heading towards Canada. The following pictures shocked Ortega to his core. (Y/n)'s biological parents, dead from injuries sustained in the crash and (Y/n) with equally brutal injuries, injuries that should be fatal for anyone of (Y/n)'s age. The file however doesn't specify his condition, not right away.
Ortega flips through the next few photos. From the background in the different photos of the crash and subsequent recovery of the bodies he can make out a SHD medical unit. Using the insignia on the shoulder of one of the SHD medical responders, Ortega tracks down the medical unit's leader to find that the head doctor of the unit retired some years ago and is living in New York. Ortega mumbles to himself about following up on that.
The final page in the file is truly horrifying for Ortega. Almost the entire page was redacted barring three sentences.
'Status of civilian child identified as (Y/n) (L/n): Doctors on scene struggled to stop the internal bleeding after several hours in surgery. (Y/n) (L/n) succumbed to his injuries on February 4th 12:03 am. Body of (Y/n) (L/n) is to be transported to the Guest House by order of Fridge command.'
Ortega: "What the hell did they do to you?"
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(Y/n) POV:
Our seats were at the very back of the theatre which isn't bad. Zatanna's hiding her nervousness well but I can tell she's a bit tense. Artemis and Wally couldn't be more excited, they love horror movies. I'm not sure how I feel about them. They definitely aren't my favourite but some of them aren't bad.
Zatanna was on my right and Artemis on my left with Wally beside Artemis. We have the entire row to ourselves and the row in front of us is sparsely populated.
Zatanna was doing alright until the end of the movie where it got significantly more terrifying. I turned to look at Zee and noticed her hand gripped the armrest on my chair. She looks like she's stuck in a trance staring at the screen. I moved my hand to Zatanna's thigh and gently squeezed it. She let out a short breath before loosening her grip on the armrest.
I gently placed my hand on top of hers and threaded my fingers between hers. Zatanna was fine after that. Every time something scary popped up she would squeeze my hand.
The movie ended and we walked back to the car.
Artemis: "I really liked that."
Zatanna: "It was alright.."
(Y/n): "You did great Zee, I knew you'd be fine."
Zatanna: "Thanks. Next time we're not seeing a horror movie."
Wally: "Ha ha whatever you say. It's late and Artemis and I have classes tomorrow, would you like us to drop you off at the zeta tube?"
(Y/n): "That'd be great, thanks."
We got in the car and began the ride to the zeta tube.
Artemis: "What do you two have to do tomorrow?"
Zatanna: "I'm on monitor duty with Raquel."
(Y/n): "Probably paperwork."
Before anyone could comment on my depressing tone, the phone rang. I left my ISAC watch at home and told the Division to only call my cell phone in emergencies.
(Y/n): "Yes."
Agent: "Sir, our communications have been intercepted. We've traced the incursion to the Mount Justice terminal."
(Y/n): "What have they accessed?"
Agent: "Traffic related to Project Mockingbird. Resources and troop movements orders, but from what we can tell they haven't learned its location."
(Y/n): "Copy that. I'll deal with it."
I hung up the phone and sighed rather loudly. Why does Dick have to make everything so damn complicated?
Zatanna: "What was that about?"
(Y/n): "Dick is doing his best to make my job complicated."
Wally: "How... what did he do?"
(Y/n): "Used the Caves computer systems to hack into our secure communications. He thinks I'm hiding something."
Artemis: "Are you?"
The car was silent for a moment as I thought about my options. If Dick has figured out why Project Mockingbird is or if he thinks he's figured out what it is, he'll confront me about it and I'll be forced to reveal what it is or continue lying to everyone. Alternatively I could just tell everyone about it and risk the Light finding out. Better to tell a small number of people, I hate lying to my friends. Even if I can't trust my friends, as demonstrated by Kaldur's brutal betrayal, they need to know they can trust me.
(Y/n): "I was, meet me at the Cave tomorrow afternoon and I'll take everyone there."
Artemis: "Take us where?"
(Y/n): "To Project Mockingbird. In short, it's a fail safe to protect the world if the Justice League fails to do so."
Zatanna: "Is that what Dr. Fate wanted to talk to you about?"
(Y/n): "Yes..."
Wally: "We're here."
Zatanna: "Thanks for the ride and I guess we'll see you tomorrow."
We got out of the car and waved goodbye as Wally and Artemis drove away. I put my hand on the handle to the phone booth with the zeta tube in it but Zatanna stopped me from opening the door by placing her hand on the glass and slamming it shut.
Zatanna: "What the hell! What else are you hiding?!"
(Y/n): "Zee I-"
Zatanna: "Oh Zee nothing! You told me he was just making sure you've prepared the Division for a fight! You lied to me! And don't you dare tell me it's classified! Do you really think I would tell anyone?"
(Y/n): "I'm sorry Zatanna, but you're wrong. I told you exactly what Project Mockingbird is. It's a mass mobilization of my forces with the intent of attacking the Light or stopping the Lights attack, whichever comes first. And honestly, without help it's not likely to work. The Division just doesn't have the numbers, not alone anyway."
Zatanna: "Oh, I'm sorry for yelling."
(Y/n): "It's alright. I didn't even want to mislead you or anyone for that matter... I've had such a hard time telling anyone on the Team after Kaldur left and joined Black Manta. I don't know what to do, I'm scrambling Zee. I'm trying to cover all my bases before it's too late."
Zatanna: "I-I don't know what to say. Come here."
Zatanna pulled me into a hug and wrapped her arms around my back. We stood in the alley holding each other and just feeling each other's breathing. Zatanna opened the door and we stepped into the phone booth. I closed the door behind us as Zatanna gripped my sweater and spun me around to face her. As the zeta tube activated Zatanna smashed her lips against mine and pulled me into her.
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3rd Person POV:
Manny Ortega walked into a small office at Langley, the small office has a nice view of the outside world and is decorated with photos. The photos were of people in different places across the world, a desert, some rainforest, frozen tundra. The same man appeared in every photo, some alone and some with three or four other individuals.
The man sitting at the desk was in his early 50's with short gray hair, slim build and spoke with a slight Midwestern accent. His brown eyes met Manny's the second he stepped through the door. The man took off his reading glasses and leaned back in his large office chair.
Manny: "Morning Blake."
Blake: "Manny, it's been a long time. How are you?"
Manny: "I'm good Blake, but listen, I don't have much time before my flight. That file you told me about, the one on the commander, any chance you have an unredacted one?"
Blake: "Trust me I looked, but I was only able to locate a record of the copy you have."
Manny silently cursed under his breath before waving goodbye and heading for the door.
Manny: "Thanks for trying Blake."
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(Y/n) POV:
I kissed Zatanna goodbye as I put on my jacket and straightened my tie. She's still laying in bed half asleep and doesn't have to get up for a few hours
Zatanna: "What time should we meet up."
(Y/n): "I'll call you when we are ready to head out."
Zatanna: "Okay. I'll have to make sure Raquel is alright with covering for me for the hour or so I'll be gone."
(Y/n): "I'm sure she will be, I'll call you with this."
I placed her pocket watch in her hand and gently wrapped her fingers around it. Zatanna shot up in our bed and gasped at the sight of the gift she thought was long lost. I smile down at her as she marvels at the pocket watch.
Zatanna: "I-I thought this was destroyed... o-or lost when I was taken hostage... how did you get this?"
Her beautiful eyes are staring up at mine. I reached towards her face and gently brushed the loose strands of hair behind her ear.
(Y/n): "I recovered it after... I recovered it from Keener's body. It took me a while to fix it after Keener trashed it. I wasn't even sure if I could fix it... well the techs at the Division, they assured me it's as good as new and that I fixed it properly."
Zatanna: "Thank you so much. I love it and I love you."
Zatanna jumped out of bed and grabbed my face, kissing me while I pulled her into me. She broke the kiss and grabbed the pocket watch off of the bed and admired it.
(Y/n): "I love you too Zee."
Zatanna: "I'll see you soon."
I made my way down to the zeta tube in our apartment's basement and teleported to the Cave.
I arrived in the Cave, Nightwing, Robin and Beast Boy are in the middle of the Cave looking over some of the Krolotean intel. I offered to use ISAC to assist with the translation but both Batman and Nightwing refused. I don't know if they didn't trust me or don't want the government knowing how clueless we are about recent events. Either way it annoyed me.
Robin: "Is that the Krolotean intel?"
Beast Boy: "What Krolotean intel?"
(Y/n): "The intel I wasn't trusted to help decrypt."
Nightwing: "We never said that."
(Y/n): "No, you just refused to let me use ISAC."
Nightwing: "We didn't know if the Division was compromised. The Kroloteans were replacing individuals in key government and military positions, we couldn't take the chance-"
(Y/n): "Please. If the Division is compromised we're all screwed. But that's not why I'm here and you know that, next time you think about hacking into my comms, do me a favour and don't."
Nightwing and I stared at each other from across the Cave's main area. You could cut the tension with a knife. Beast Boy and Robin were taken back by the sudden increase in tension and both slowly backed out of the way.
Beast Boy: "Awkward."
Robin: "Uhh anything useful from the intel?"
Nightwing: "The Kroloteans we're snatching humans as guinea pigs. They were hoping to find something. Something inside us."
(Y/n): "Like what?"
Nightwing: "There's no English word for it. The nearest translation is Meta-Gene."
Robin: "What's a Meta-Gene?"
Beast Boy: "Never met a Gene I didn't like."
Beast Boy elbowed Robin in an attempt to get him to laugh at his terrible joke. Robin merely grunted and tried to keep a straight face. I was about to question how the Kroloteans found out about the Mets-Gene but I never got the chance. The Caves computer system cut me off as the security system was set off.
Computer: "Warning. Unknown energy impulse detected."
Thunder boomed outside of the Cave as an electric ball formed in the center of the training area. Lightning bolts shot out and struck random parts of the room. The electric ball slowly became transparent before it dissipated. What was left in its place was a small metal structure that looks like a sci-fi spaceship or a part of one. The metal ship slammed into the ground with a loud metallic bang with smoke and steam radiating off it.
I drew my handgun as the others formed up for a fight. The handle on the door shifted up as more steam emerged from the sides of the door.
Nightwing: "Stand ready."
The front hatch lifted up and an observed amount of steam came out, completely obscuring our view of anyone inside. I saw a red glove reach out and grab the side of the door.
(Y/n): "Come out with your hands up! Now!"
The figure jumped out of the smoke and landed in front of us.
???: "TA-DA!"
Computer: "Intruder alert! Intruder alert!"
(Y/n): "ISAC override security and lockdown the Cave!"
ISAC: "Confirmed... Cave lockdown completed."
Beast Boy: "Well I think we've found our unknown energy impulse."
???: "Impulse? That's so crash! Catch, dramatic, one word. Like Nightwing and Robin and Beast Boy!"
This guy is a speedster, that much is clear. He ran around us grabbing onto whoever's name he was shouting at the time.
???: "Except that's two words. Blue Beetles two words! Hey, is he here too?"
He turned to run but stopped when he saw me or more accurately my watch.
???: "D-did you say ISAC?! You're a Division agent! A living agent, that's so crash! I'll find Blue Beetle and be right back guys!"
He took off running down the hallway and was gone in a blink of an eye.
Nightwing: "You two, take him down!"
Beast Boy and Robin ran after the speedster. I turn to face Nightwing and we both have the most confused look on our faces.
Nightwing came up with the idea to have several small metal balls roll down the hall so the speedster will lose his footing and fall.
The plan didn't work the way we intended but it still worked. The kid came running down the hallway and ran up the walls to avoid the trap. He would have gotten away but stopped to gloat, I guess that's a trait all speedsters have.
Nightwing body slammed the speedster into the wall and he fell on the ground. I cuffed his feet while Nightwing cuffed his hands.
???: "Ahh...."
Nightwing: "Now, that was crash."
???: "For you maybe. Me, I'm totally feeling the mode."
Nightwing used the computer and a large block the size of a bench rose out of the floor on the training floor. I dragged the speedster over to it and sat him down on the makeshift bench as Beast Boy and Robin ran back into the room.
Nightwing went to get a glass of water as I began questioning the kid.
It wasn't long before the speedster started running his mouth, giving us most of what we wanted to know. He claims to be from the future though there's not a chance I'm believing that.
???: "Look, look, look. Guys we should all be friends. I'm really one of you, part of the heroic legacy, right? My name's Bart Allen. You know, grandson of Barry Allen, the Flash."
Beast Boy: "Noted. Not believed, but noted."
Bart: "What's not to believe? I've clearly got Flash's speed, his amazing good looks. Frankly, I can't wait to meet him. You know, back when he was in his prime."
(Y/n): "Ok so let's say you are from the future-"
Bart: "I am!"
(Y/n): "Ok, what do you mean 'a living Division Agent' what happens to the Division?"
There was an awkward silence as Bart got a thousand yard stare and his eyes widened. I snapped my fingers and he snapped back to reality before apologizing for zoning out.
Bart: "Ah well I never was much of a history student but it was something along the lines of budget cuts causing the agency to be scrapped, I think that's what it was."
I'm not sure I believe him, I'm not sure I believe anything he's saying at the moment.
Nightwing: "Well, Bart, coming all the way from the future, you must have worked up quite a thirst."
Bart: "Thanks."
Nightwing walks over and hands Bart a cup of water. Bart starts to drink out of the cup of water before snapping his head back and smiles at us.
Bart: "Oh, ah ha, you're trying to get a DNA sample. You need my spit."
Bart spit into the glass and laughed before handing it back to us.
Bart: "That's such a Dick Grayson thing to do."
Robin was the most shocked out of everyone. I must admit I'm a little shocked myself, I didn't expect Bart to just ramble out Nightwings identity but that still doesn't prove his claims, lots of people know who he is.
Robin: "How did-"
Bart: "See I know stuff only a future boy would know. Dick Grayson, Tim Drake, Garfield Logan and (Y/n) (L/n)."
Beats Boy: "Hold on, your name is Tim? Yours is Dick? You go by (Y/n) and not Vanguard?"
(Y/n): "Kinda hard to make a dinner reservation with the name Vanguard. It raises a few eyebrows and despite popular belief on this team I do have a personal life and I am human."
Beats Boy: "Right."
Bart: "Opps spoilers. This secret identity thing is so retro. I mean you can call me Impulse or Bart or Bart Allen or Bart Impulse Allen it's all crash."
Robin: "Is it possible he might actually be telling the truth? Could he really be from the future?"
Beast Boy: "Tell us something we don't know yet. When do I become leader of the Team? When do I join the Justice League? When do I get my own reality series?"
Bart: "Sorry BB, as I said, I never was the best history student. Besides, we can't risk altering the time stream. We do that and we're all feeling the mode."
Beats Boy: "And the mode would be bad?"
Bart: "Doesn't get any worse. Always better to crash the mode."
Beast Boy: "Uh, noted?
Computer: "Security override accepted Malcolm Duncan. 8-1-0."
Bart: "That sounds like a door opening somewhere and that's my cue! Bye-bye!"
Bart vibrated out of the handcuffs and took off running. I attempted to grab him but he's way too fast.
Beast Boy: "Don't worry, the Peregrine Falcon is the world's fastest bird. He won't get away."
Beast Boy transformed into a bird and flew after Bart.
Robin: "He doesn't stand a chance does he?"
(Y/n): "Not even a small one."
Nightwing: "Impulse is too fast. But at least we can track him."
Nightwing pulled up a map of North America and a little red dot popped up representing Impulse's current location.
Robin: "You planted a tracer? It'll fall off at his speed."
(Y/n): "He drank it."
Nightwing: "And he was kind enough to ensure we got a DNA sample."
Robin: "Subcutaneous micro tracker in the water. Nice."
Nightwing: "Thanks. He's going straight for Central City."
Nightwing pulled out his cell phone and called Wally.
Nightwing: "Hey. I need your help."
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*Several hours later*
After the incident in Central City with 'Neutron' the four speedsters, Kid Flash, Impulse, Flash and the original Flash (Jay Garrick), arrived in the Cave where Artemis and Zatanna joined Mal, Beast Boy, Robin, Nightwing and I.
Nightwing analyzed the capsule Impulse arrived in as well as his DNA during the fight in Central City. Despite my original thoughts it's looking like he may be telling the truth.
Nightwing: "Impulse's DNA matches up with both Iris and you, Barry. And this thing is giving off both zeta and chronotron radiation."
Kid Flash: "Which is, based on pure theory, what you'd expect to find radiating off a time machine."
Artemis: "Anyone want to translate from geek to English."
(Y/n): "Speedy jr. is telling the truth."
Flash: "Yep you're exactly who you say you are."
Impulse: "Ha, told ya. Anyway, it's been crash, but the future awaits. I gotta run. Ha ha! See what I did there, with the run? That was for you, gramps."
Everyone grounded at Impulse's terrible joke as Flash stepped forward to say goodbye.
Flash: "Bart, thanks for coming. I look forward to meeting you again for the first time and watching you grow up."
Impulse: "That will be crash."
Bart hugged his grandpa before climbing into the time machine and closing the door. We all took several steps back, anticipating the surge of electricity to shoot out like it did when he arrived but it never did.
Beast Boy: "Maybe he's travelling forward one second at a time?"
I activated ISAC and had it scan the time machine.
ISAC: "Insufficient power, main systems offline."
Impulse kicked open the door and stepped out of the pod.
Impulse: "It's not working! The whole thing's fried!"
Flash: "Can you fix it?"
Impulse: "I'm a tourist not a chronal expert. Look at me, I'm trapped in the stupid past! Ugh, I'm so moded!"
Flash (Jay Garrick): "Well you could stay with Joan and I."
Impulse: "Thanks, I'm so sorry about this."
Flash: "Don't worry about it kid, we'll take care of you."
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After Jay Garrick, Flash and Impulse left for Central City, I led Zatanna, Artemis, Wally and Nightwing to Vancouver Island. There we met up with a small group of soldiers from the Canadian Armed Forces. The plan is for them to drive us to Project Mockingbird. We loaded up in the large trucks they brought. Sitting in the back with nothing but a cheap tarp shielding us from the cold made the already long ride feel so much longer. The winter clothes we have helped but not a lot. Zatanna snuggled into me and I wrapped my arms around her, holding her against my chest. Artemis was in a similar position with Wally. We all wore civilian clothes with the exception of Dick, who stayed in costume.
Artemis: "Did you have to build whatever it is you're taking us to in such a cold place?"
(Y/n): "It was the only location that fit our needs. It shouldn't be long now."
Nightwing: "What are you taking us to?"
I felt the truck pull to a stop, we must be here. Zatanna sat up and I was the first to jump out of the truck.
(Y/n): "Alright listen up. This goes without saying but everything you see here is highly classified. I don't think we'll have a problem but I'm required to say that anyway."
The others followed me out and we walked to the front of the truck. There we met the guards for the facility. Three men in full green Multicam tactical gear with the yellow letters JTF stitched on their vests. A helicopter was waiting for us with the rotors already spinning.
Wally: "What is this?"
(Y/n): "Well, to drive throughout the compound will take a very long time. So we're flying over it. We just couldn't get in the helicopter in downtown Victoria, that would raise some eyebrows."
Zatanna POV:
We boarded the Blackhawk and began flying over the dark forest. Nobody talked the entire flight to the Division base, that didn't mean much because the flight was short. The second we lifted off I could see lights in the distance. As we got closer I could make out what I think is a port, it's hard to tell with the doors shut and the snow flying outside. It doesn't help that I don't have the best seat to see out the front windows.
(Y/n)'s sitting beside me and seems to be the only one of us not on edge. Probably because he knows exactly what he's walking us into but the rest of us are left to wonder, though it wouldn't be for long. (Y/n) opened the sliding door on our side and a soldier opened the door on the other. Looking out the door I can make out a massive military port with more ships than I've ever seen.
(Y/n): "Ladies and gentlemen, I present to you, Project Mockingbird."
Artemis: "Oh my god..."
(Y/n): "Four next generation aircraft carriers backed up by 23 cruisers and over 50 destroyers. Plus all the support ships, aircraft and land vehicles, we have a large international force dubbed the Joint Task Force. Under the leadership of the Division we will take the fight to the Light and their allies. Don't harass me about the name, I didn't pick it."
Nightwing: "How did you manage to do this?! We identified a large amount of resources that you were shipping but not enough to sustain a base of this size!"
(Y/n): "Being the commander of the Division has allowed me to establish a lot of connections. Project Mockingbird was helped along by a few high level personnel from various western governments."
As (Y/n) explained the purpose of Project Mockingbird and how it used various 'sources' and by that he meant ISAC hacking, in order to gain insight into any and all activities of the Light and anyone affiliated with them.
That's when I saw it. The helicopter turned and began landing at a heliport and I saw the building. The one from my nightmares so long ago, it was identical.
My vision got cloudy and I felt like I was spinning. My head started thumping, harder and harder. If I wasn't strapped to the seat I would've fallen out of it.
A sharp pain shot through my head as a female voice rang out.
"Give me your magic... I will have it. I will have you!"
I grabbed (Y/n)'s hand and squeezed it as hard as I could, hoping it would take the pain away. I swear I could see the building when I closed my eyes. It was getting closer to me, the building and the voice.
Whatever or whoever this voice is, it's tearing me apart and is close. Everything hurts, the pain was rapidly spreading throughout my body and I can't stop it.
(Y/n): "Zee! What's wrong?!"
Artemis: "Zatanna?!"
(Y/n): "Get these doors open! I need a medic in the lobby NOW!"
I felt (Y/n) undo the seatbelt and pull me into his arms. The door to the helicopter is thrown open and the cold air blasts in. The sharp blast of snow and freezing cold air was enough to stop whatever was happening to me.
As the pain faded away a familiar feeling replaced it. That was magic, I've been attacked by Klarion and Wotan enough to know what getting attacked by magic feels like. Whoever this lady is, she's insanely powerful. I need to keep this to myself, I can't risk making anyone else a target.
(Y/n) POV:
I carried Zatanna into the main building and set her down on a couch in the lobby. I brushed the snow off of her hat before I took it off. Bringing her inside definitely didn't help, she's looking around and trying to push out of the couch but I'm pinning her to it.
(Y/n): "Zee please! Say something!"
Zatanna: "T-this building... I-it's t-the one f-from the nightmare... w-where... w-where I....."
(Y/n): "Where you what Zee?"
Artemis: "....Where she killed you."
Nightwing: "What?!"
Artemis: "Back when the fear toxin was in the water, when she drank it she had a nightmare about everyone on the team and the Justice League killing a bunch of people and it ended with her killing (Y/n)."
(Y/n): "Zee it's alright, you're not going to hurt anyone here and nobody here will hurt you."
Zatanna's eyes met mine, she lunged forward off the couch and into my arms. I held her tightly as we stood up and turned to face our friends.
Zatanna: "I'm so sorry, it just shocked me. I mean it's identical..."
Artemis: "It's alright."
(Y/n): "Come on, you want a tour of the base or not?"
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After the tour of the base we were driven back to the zeta tube in Victoria. It was crammed into a back alley behind a large abandoned building. It looked like it was some business once upon a time.
It has stopped snowing and the snow that has fallen produced a nice white blanket that covers the ground. The snow crunches under our boots as we walk down the alley. Zatanna has recovered from the shock of seeing the building in her nightmare. I don't know how that's possible, for a building to appear in a nightmare and then find a real version of it. Maybe the HQ building just looks similar, it is a government building and lots of them are built with the same design or even the same floor plan.
Dick was leading the way to the zeta tube, still in his Nightwing gear, he's several feet ahead of us and approaching the corner where the zets tube is located. Suddenly he stops in his tracks and pulls out both his batons.
I un-holster my pistol and step in front of Zatanna, Artemis and Wally.
Artemis: "What is it?"
???: "I believe he heard me."
A woman walks around the corner to face us in the dark alley. I can't make out her facial features but she sounds young, late 20's. Well older than us but still young. She's wearing a thick winter fur coat and stylish boots that are similar to the pair Artemis and Zatanna are wearing. The only difference is that hers look incredibly expensive. The leggings she has on are also expensive.
(Y/n): "Who are you?"
???: "Oh that will come in time Agent (L/n) for now you may call me Natalya."
(Y/n): "How do you know my name?!"
Everyone took a fighting stance with the exception of Natalya, who simply stood opposite of us and was completely unamused.
Natalya: "The same way I know you cried like a bitch when Kelso was killed."
(Y/n): "WATCH YOUR TONGUE!"
Natalya: "Or what?"
(Y/n): "Or you'll fucking lose it."
Nightwing: "What do you want?"
Natalya: "I'm surprised you haven't figured it out Grayson, after all Mr. Wayne holds you to such high esteem."
That caught us off guard, she knows Dicks identity and that Bruce is Batman. We all stepped back in shock and this made Natalya laugh out loud.
Natalya: "Oh don't act so surprised. I know that Grayson is Nightwing, Artemis Crock and Wally West retired from your covert ops team, (Y/n) is the leader of the Division and Zatanna Zatara is one of the two newest members of the Justice League. I also know everything about your personal lives, your relationships, trauma, everything."
Artemis: "How?!"
Wally: "Want do you want?!"
Natalya: "The Clairvoyant, he sees all and has put a grand plan in motion, a plan that will win him and anyone who stands with him great power. We need you (Y/n), come stand with us, take your place in history."
(Y/n): "Oh I'm humbled by the proposition, but go fuck yourself."
Natalya: "The Clairvoyant has need of you. For you are shrouded in mystery and for some reason you elude his powers."
(Y/n): "Lucky me, now put your hands where we can see them or I swear I'll kill you where you stand."
Natalya: "Oh I'm not going anywhere with you. My men are positioned directly in the building across the street. The Clairvoyant said you wouldn't be cooperative, which is why I positioned several of my men in the building across the street. They have a clear view of the alley and will shoot all of you if anyone moves."
As Natalya was rambling on about how she caught us off guard thanks to the 'Clairvoyant' I was attempting to come up with a plan to get us out of here. I didn't even look at the building behind us before we entered the alley. I have no idea how many windows there are or what floor her men are on. I don't even know if the building behind us has windows, Natalya could be bluffing.
Natalya: "So I'm willing to make you a deal. If (Y/n) comes with me the rest of you will be left unharmed."
Zatanna: "Not a chance!"
Artemis: "Go to Hell!"
Wally: "He's not going anywhere with you!"
Natalya: "He told me you'd react this way but I only need (Y/n) to accept, and I know he will. He'll do anything to keep you safe."
Natalya was walking towards us and talking directly to Zatanna. She's right, I'll do anything to keep Zatanna and the others safe, even surrender myself to this lady. As Natalya stepped into the light we finally saw her face, young and of Eastern European descent, she has long brown hair and green eyes. As she walks up to me she fixes her gaze on my eyes.
(Y/n): Fine I'll go with you, just leave them alone."
Natalya: "Wonderful. The Clairvoyant will be pleased, this way if you don't mind."
She walked past me and towards the street. As I turned to follow her I saw Zatanna beginning to panic, Wally and Artemis looked just as concerned.
Nightwing: "You won't get away with this."
Natalya: "The Clairvoyant has assured me that we already have."
Natalya walked up to Zatanna and brushed Zatanna's hair behind her ear before placing her hand on Zatanna's cheek. As Natalya ran her finger over Zatanna's quivering lips and laughed, I felt nothing but anger boiling inside me.
Natalya: "Oh don't be too scared dear, if he cooperates maybe you'll see him again."
As Natalya left Zatanna and walked closer to the exit of the alley I noticed Zatanna's expression change on a dime. She smiled at me and winked before ever so slightly raising her gloved hand.
Zatanna: "Kcirb llaw raeppa!"
A massive brick wall formed at the entrance of the alley, cutting off Natalya from us. Without hesitating we took the chance to run around the corner towards the zeta tube as gunfire broke out from across the street. I guess she wasn't bluffing.
Nightwing activated the zeta tube and one by one we teleported to the Watchtower. I was the last to arrive and as the zeta tube deactivated behind me I let out a light laugh at our panic filled escape.
Wally: "What's so funny?"
(Y/n): "Oh nothing much, just our escape. Throw up a wall, run like hell and hope they can't hit us."
Zatanna: "What's with that lady?"
Artemis: "I don't know but she seemed to know a lot about us."
Black Canary: "Are you guys alright?! What happened?"
Black Canary came running over to us, she immediately noticed a tear in my coat caused by a bullet that ricocheted off the wall. I hadn't even realized that I'd been shot until I was stepping into the zeta tube. The cut wasn't deep and had already stopped bleeding.
Black Canary: "Was that made by a bullet?!"
Zatanna: "Wait what?!"
(Y/n): "Oh, I guess one got a bit too close for comfort eh?"
Zatanna: "That's not funny."
Nightwing: "Call Miss M, we have a few questions."
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The zeta tube activated and Miss Martian entered the Watchtower. We didn't waste any time bringing her up to speed on what happened.
(Y/n): "So, do you think it's possible, do you think there could be a strong telepath orchestrating events from the shadows?"
Miss Martian: "I'm not sure, from what you've told me it seems to be the only logical explanation, I mean how else could she know so much about all of you? This person would have to be reading your minds, right?"
Black Canary: "What did she want?"
Nightwing: "The 'Clairvoyant' wanted (Y/n)."
Zatanna: "She said the Clairvoyant had need of him and that (Y/n) has eluded his powers."
(Y/n): "I have no idea what I did to avoid this guy's powers but I hate the thought of people poking around in my head."
Artemis: "At least if there is some strong telepath reading our minds we are as far away as possible."
Wally: "Do we have a plan to deal with the Clairvoyant?"
(Y/n): "We will worry about making one. You two should get home, you left the life for a good reason and it isn't fair to drag you back in because some telepath is after me."
Wally: "That's where you're wrong, you're our friend and we care about you. If this Clairvoyant is hunting you we need to protect you."
(Y/n): "No, what you need to do is go back home. Let me worry about the Clairvoyant."
Artemis: "We aren't leaving until we have a plan in place to keep you safe."
(Y/n): "If you must know, I'm not going to do anything."
Zatanna: "What?!"
Wally: "Dude I'm sorry, but that is the worst possible idea you could've come up with."
(Y/n): "No, it's the best idea because it's a bluff they will never call."
Nightwing: "I think I know what you're planning and I don't like it."
(Y/n): "If I change or up my security the Clairvoyant would just see that and plan around it to get to me. If he doesn't detect any changes to my security he will think I made changes that he can't detect because any reasonable person would change their security after finding out it's compromised. I'm willing to bet that he won't attack until he's certain he's discovered my new security procedures but there won't be any for him to discover."
Miss Martian: "That is a really risky plan."
(Y/n): "I think it will work."
Nightwing: "That's an ambitious plan. Until we counter this Clairvoyant I think you should stay in the Watchtower or the Cave."
Black Canary: "It will have to be the Cave, we are still working on finishing Zatanna's and Rockets quarters. With the League short staffed it's hard to find the time."
Nightwing: "We have more than enough room at the Cave."
(Y/n): "Yeah no. I went through a lot of trouble to get that apartment. I'm not about to leave it."
Zatanna: "Maybe for just a few weeks. Please."
Zatanna is so concerned, I can't say no to her, not after revealing my admittedly terrible plan. I don't want her to worry and if this helps relieve some of that stress I'm going to agree to their idea.
(Y/n): "Fine, we will stay in the Cave for a few weeks."
Zatanna: "Thank you."