New chapter! And Dick's life is still unfolding before his friend's eyes...

V.- The RavenLight (Or The One Where Darkness Alights)

The group of friends, still inside Dick Grayson's mind, suddenly found themselves floating around what used to be Robin's quarters at the Cave. They remembered how clean and tidy it was, not like any thirteen year old's room. Not like Wally's room which was filled with all kinds of movie posters and the likes. Especially "The Fast and the Furious."

But Robin was the opposite. Always empty. No feeling. And now they understood why, because the boy had shut himself from emotions after everything he's been though. All those laughs and childish cackles, they were fake. Everything they knew about their friend was fake.

Dick Grayson was a lie.

"So, this is after Failsafe?" asked Kaldur as he looked at M'Gann for confirmation.

M'Gann nodded as she held the psychic link together. "Yes. I remember how distraught we all were when that happened."

"It was traumatic for all of us," says Artemis with a frown. "Even if I died first, before it all went south."

"I was so angry with myself," muttered Conner as they saw thirteen year old Dick in bed, crying. "But while we were so obvious with our feelings… we never knew what he felt…"

"I guess we'll find out now," said Kaldur as they looked down to the vision of Dick Grayson crying to his pillow.

Tim looked at the young version of his older brother. He knew about the Failsafe simulation fiasco, he had been told about it once. But he never really grasped how deep it had affected his brother. "He's crying…."

Dick is sobbing softly on his pillow. The Robin finally cracked.

Then, the door of the room opened and revealed Wally West, whose arms was broken back then and in a cast. "Dude, you okay?"

Wally's voice was concerned. Dick looked away. "Go away, Wally…"

"No, not until you talk to me," said Wally as he approached Dick's bed. "You never cry. Not like this. Tell me… what's going on?"

Dick sniffed, then took a deep breath. "I got you killed. All of you. I know it was fake but… I still did that. I've been trying to tell myself it was for the sake of the world but it was… selfish. I sacrificed everything for the mission. Even the people closest to me. Even you."

Wally touched his shoulder. "Well, it was just a lie. No need to be overwhelmed, bro…"

"You don't get it, Wally," said Dick torn. "I am becoming like Batman. Cold. Relentless. Uncompassionate… I… I can't become like him. I don't want my life to be surrounded by darkness. By pain. I don't… want to be Batman. Not anymore. I don't want to ever put you in harm's way."

"You won't," said Wally as he rubbed his best friend's back. "You are so much better than Batman. And I know the time will come where you will prove that. And even if you do become all dark and grim… that won't stop me from loving you."

As they watched the scene, their hearts began to ache. They had never heard Wally said something like that.

Dick nodded. "I love you, Wally. You're my best friend. I'm sorry for getting everyone killed. For getting you killed…"

Wally nodded and gently pushed Dick a little. "Scoot over, you need a hug."

"I need a whole cuddle session," admitted the thirteen year old with embarrassment.

"You got it," replied Wally and then he lay next to Dick, and finally, the young raven haired boy wrapped his arms around the speedster, and the speedster returned the affection by holding him close.

And the group of friends watched with broken hearts.

"I… I never saw them being so affectionate to each other," said Conner with a broken heart. "I never knew how close they really were…"

Roy turned away. "I knew, but still… seeing this makes me sick. Wally… he shouldn't have died. We were so worried about Artemis that we really didn't consider how affected Dick would be…"

As they watched Wally cuddling Dick, the pair suddenly faded away as they found themselves again on the vortex of memories.

As they drifted through memories, everyone was overwhelmed. There was such a strong bond between Dick Grayson and Wally West. Or at least, it had been. They never knew how they never saw it. Maybe because Dick liked to pretend he was okay with being alone. But he wasn't.

Artemis felt so guilty. She had known they were close, but not that close. Had Wally loved Dick maybe even more than he had loved her?

"We're shifting guys," warned M'gann as she controlled the scenario. "Dick's emotions are everywhere, I really can't shift how we move…"

Suddenly they were standing outside of Wayne Manor, during nighttime. Everyone recognized the place immediately, the question is: when where they?

Zatanna looked at M'Gann. "Um, M'Gann, any clues on when we are?"

M'Gann was trying so hard to contain the scenario that she closed her eyes and muttered just one word. "Nightwing…"

They all turned to see that Dick was outside the gates, with a motorbike there, looking at the horizon. He looked distraught, and older. He wasn't thirteen years old anymore, he looked to be around seventeen.

Wally flashed in using super-speed, stopping right in front of the raven haired boy. "Dude, I got your message what's up…"

Dick looked down. "I'm done, Wally. Robin is done. I can't keep doing this… the darkness around Bruce is too heavy… I just can't take it anymore. It's consuming me. And it will consume Jason too…"

Wally frowned, looking at his best friend worriedly. "You're giving up… Robin?"

"Yes," said Dick shamefully. "Jason started training, he's going to take over. I need some space, Wally. I need to… think…"

"But bro, the Team, we need you!" said Wally agitated. "I can't lose you, Dick. I can´t…"

Dick placed a hand over Wally's shoulder. "You won't… Wally, we're best friends. I'd never abandon you. I'll still be part of the Team. I'm taking a new identity, moving to Bludhaven… start from scratch…"

Wally's eyes twitched with worried. "Bludhaven?! Dude, crime over there is worse than Gotham! You'll get sucked in darkness… isn't that what you're trying to escape?"

"I know, but I… I feel this is a good way to… change…" said Dick with a sigh. "Listen, I enrolled on the Police Academy. I want to be a detective. I've been working on my new suit, and Superman gave me an idea for a new name. I just… need to know you have my back. Wally, everything will change now. I need to know you'll stand with me…"

"Always, Dick," said Wally as he hugged Dick. "I'll always be there for you. That's a promise…"

Wally and Dick stood there for a moment, smiling at each other. Suddenly, they heard a new motorcycle approach them.

There was light coming from afar, approaching them as they suddenly saw a new imagine come to sight.

Barbara looked at the mysterious cycler. "Who is that?"

"No idea," admitted Tim, watching the scene unfold.

Then, the person on the motorcycle stepped into the field. Dick and Wally looked a little bit apprehensive.

"Um, who are you?" asked Wally.

Suddenly the motorcyclist removed their helmet. It was a redhead woman, with clear eyes and pale skin. She was beautiful, and grown woman whose face was showing some darkness. "Dick?"

Dick looked at her. "Yes? Who are you?"

"You may not remember me clearly but… your life is in danger," said the redhead woman as she looked at the pair.

"Um, right?" muttered Dick, confused. "Do I know you at all?"

"We used to be so close, Dickie," said the woman suddenly, and she walked towards the acrobat and the speedster. "You were my best friend. We were daring together. We were family…"

Dick's eyes opened wide as he recognized her. Realization dawned on him. "Raya?"

That's when they whole group of friends gasped in surprise.

Gasp! Secrets will be revealed...

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