Chapter 14-Judgment of the Prince

Nightwing nodded to Superman and did as he was instructed by the Man of Steel fully knowing this could go for better or for worse and he would prefer it to be better. "As I recall from the last meeting that I attended here I was under the impression that there was NOT going to be a trial," said Nightwing whose voice sounded like he was annoyed by this.

"It's not, but we have to come to a decision regarding you as a superhero, a villain, or clarify you as...other," said Batman whose voice was neutral, but still serious.

"What happens if I'm declared other or dare I say...villain?" said Nightwing with a hint of curiosity in his voice.

"Let's just hope it doesn't come to that," said Superman trying to keep the tension down in the room.

"In any case I say we get this situation off the ground and go over what has happened since Nightwing became what he is now then put it to a vote," said Green Lantern in a military fashion that he used all too often.

"All right since I've known Nightwing out of all of you with the exception of Bats I say we he stays as a hero," said Flash knowing it was the only way to get things rolling.

"I don't know Flash his shadow powers make him a formable threat to us and the world considering he and his Shadowkahn beat us down pretty badly," said Batman who got some surprised looks from everyone knowing that he was still technically Nightwing's adopted father.

"Come on Bats look at what he did from his point of view before you criticize him on his actions. He did it for his friends, family, and all those close to him. Who here wouldn't have done the same thing knowing al that they hold dear was in the hands of the enemy?" said Flash in a pleading voice knowing he was probably the only form of reason in the group next to Superman and possibly a mercifully considerate Diana.

"I have Flash and it's for those very reasons I'm disappointed in him because I told him NOT to have attachments in the first place. That's why I'm considered a part-timer and not that of full-time because I can maneuver where everyone else in the League can't," said Batman trying to steer clear of the possibility that this would become an issue on him.

"Be as that may Batman we probably would have done the same thing to make sure the people we care about were protected," said Diana who had some experience in the matter in regards to her mother and home.

"However, the fact remains that Nightwing followed Shadogun's advice and didn't even think twice about it when he was freed from Brotherhoods influence," said Shayera in a serous voice that was almost as serious as Batman's.

"I did it because I trusted him and it's not like he actually wanted to destroy the world like so many other villains that have tried. Shadogun had said it himself and that he liked the world the way it was so there was no need to destroy it," said Nightwing knowing if he didn't speak up soon he would be doomed in this clarification meeting into a semi-trial.

"Trust is not an easy thing to gain Nightwing and I would have thought with him in your head you cold have learned of his reasons behind what he did," said J'onn as he tried to secretly enter Nightwing's mind, but was forced back once more by the mental shadow barrier.

"I know J'onn, but as Flash said you have to see things from my point of you or you will never truly understand the means by which what I did. Remember I did not wish for my shadow powers or a dormant spirit that was the Shadow King to awaken in my mind and body. It was forced upon me by Slade and the Brotherhood causing a darkness, which you all respectfully fear...even now. However, as you all know that as time quickly as well as gradually progressed, I learned my dark and evil shadow powers, but not once did I ever willingly use them on anyone. There were certain circumstances that I would rather not go into that forced me to, for a time serve Slade and the Brotherhood of Evil. I won't get all mushy on you, but for the record I did what I had to do. I have nearly been able to correct almost every mess and mistake that came with my actions. I stand by the record I have set and I ask you vote now and get this silly debate over with," said Nightwing in all seriousness that made Batman deep down proud in some way.

"All right if that what you want. All in favor of Nightwing being exiled from the Titans and all superhero organizations say 'Aye!'" said Green Lantern caring out the motion.

"Aye!" said Shayera J'onn, and Green Lantern.

"All oppose?" said Flash.

"Nay!" said Diana, Superman, and Flash.

"Well Bats your up!" said Flash since only Batman remained to break the tie that now stood at 3-3 with only one undecided at the moment. It was understandable considering that Batman had raised Nightwing when he was still young and trained him to be Robin before they had a falling out. It all truth it was a conflict of interest and he knew that if he decided to leave this matter unattended someone else like Fate would have to take his place on the matter and vote for him.

He didn't know how Fate would vote if he were chosen and he didn't want to know so he knew that whatever choice he made would have to be with out a doubt fair and true to himself. "What I'm going to say now I mean from the bottom of my heart and never leaves this room (stares at the other members). Nightwing after all the time I've known you, raised you, and trained in the arts you now use I have in some way or form trusted your judgment and your ability to make your own decisions. You became a mind of your own and even though some of the things you do I do NOT approve of I can't really stop you because your in a sense grown up to a point where my say in your life has little or no influence. You have proven yourself to be a good friend, partner, and above all else...a loving son who has what few do in this world...my respect. Being that said I say 'Nay' in the voting," said Batman who let out a long breath knowing it took a lot of courage to say that.

"Thanks Bruce," said Nightwing as he let out a smile though he couldn't help, but feel a little nervous when Batman gave his vote.

"Well with this taken care of I guess you're free to go Nightwing," said Superman casually as the door behind Nightwing opened.

"I assume Terra will still be aloud to join my team as well as pardoned for her previous actions when under Slade's service," said Nightwing who wanted to make sure that part of the deal was still valid.

"Of course as of right now her past criminal record involving Slade has been wiped clean as per your agreement with us the last time you were here," said Diana giving Nightwing a sweet almost motherly looking smile.

"Thank you. Maybe after a few more years when I leave the Titans I'll give you guys a call for a job up here in the Watchtower," said Nightwing giving them a small demon fang showing smile and walked out of the room fully aware that him joining the Justice league gave "Original Seven" quite a chill down their spine.

Following the presence Raven was emitting through their bond that the two had he found her and the rest of the Titans in the Cafeteria embarrassing him to know end. Cyborg and Beast Boy were fighting once more about meat and tofu and were going to such levels as the throw food at each other. "Nightwing!" said a very happy Raven as she ran up and hugged him with all her strength causing Cyborg and Beast to stop throwing food at each other and ran over to him with Starfire and Terra behind them.

"Hey Nightwing how did it go with the Seven Wise Heroes?" said Cyborg as he wiped some green liquid off his cybernetic eye.

"Just fine thanks for asking. Don't worry Terra you've been given a clean slate and are back with the Titans," said Nightwing who could hear her shadow whispering in wonder if she was going to be arrested by the League.

"ALL RIGHT!" said Beast Boy and Terra at the same time as they jumped up and down and acted like little children who just woke up to a mountain full of present at Christmas time.

"What about you?" said Raven with curiosity clear in her voice as well as some concern.

"I'm back with the Titans and of course...with you," said Nightwing giving Raven a long and a very affectionate kiss.

"Get a room you two," said Terra as she gave a wicked grin at the two love birds while Starfire had glowing green eyes of angry jealousy as she still wished for Nightwing to be "her boy".

"We will when we get out of here," said Nightwing a he let out a demonic growl that to Raven's ears was the equivalent of an animal's purr, which made her shiver with delight.

They made there way to the huge teleporter module only to find one being standing in there way that made Nightwing extremely angry. Raven could just as equally understand considering he thought he was done with him. Etrigan was the only obstacle in front of them as he was still bandaged up from his previous encounter with Nightwing. "Hello Nightwing," said Etrigan as limped towards the Shadow Prince wincing all the way.

"What do you want now Etrigan? I don't have time for your stupidity right now and if you continue to persist this then I WILL kill you," said Nightwing angrily.

"No I'm done fighting you Nightwing. You are stronger and more powerful then I ever will be and I just wanted say...no hard feelings," said Etrigan extending out his one good hand to Nightwing.

"I accept Etrigan and I thank you," said Nightwing accepting the hand of the hell pit demon with enthusiasm.

"Take care Nightwing," said Etrigan as he limped and walked away from the group.

"Well that was unexpected," said Raven who couldn't help, but feel worried as they all walked up the steps of the teleporter module as they each got into their position on top of the module platform.

"Don't worry about too much Raven it's just Etrigans way of saying he was wrong and that he was sorry for trying to end our lives. Speaking of our lives I would imagine we will have to plan ours now that we are together," said Nightwing as a single Shadowkahn appeared at the teleporter controls and set the coordinates for Titans Tower in Jump City before disappearing back into the shadows.

"I can't think of anyone else I would plan my life with, but you," said Raven smiling at Nightwing as the teleporter activated sending the Titans and the two dark love birds back home.

The End

(A little anticlimactic was having a hard time ending the story. You understand. At least it's complete. Thanks to everyone who reviewed and gave me support you guys rock! Don't forget to review!)