lyanol

[lyanol]

The Realm's Greatest Actor (part 1)

(Prompt) (part 1- you're here!) (part 2- to be written...)

The sigal glowed, and started rotating on the floor. It was working.

Constantine stepped back a little, the chant finished. He glanced at the big bat, and then the room grew cold. Frost covered all nearby surfaces, and he could see their breath. The ghost king was coming.

Cool mist drifted to the floor to reveal a... kid. Alright. Unexpected, but okay.

"Your Majesty," He said, bowing, soon to be followed by his 'colleagues'.

The kid glanced around, legs bent at the knee while he floated, arms limp at his sides.

"At ease," He dismissed, with a wave of his hand and a faux-sigh. "What is it you, ah, require?" He said, in a posh, 'holier than thou' voice.

Batman stood up to speak; "We need assistance with a large monster we believe to be one of your subjects terrorizing our cities."

The kid pursed his lips, doing a small spin, and then narrowed his eyes at Batman. "Hmmm." He did another small, smooth backflip in the air that led him closer to the hero in black.

"What do they look like?" He asked, crossing his legs and arms, floating eye level.

"They are a robot, flying around on a hovercraft and destroying buildings. They are attracting the attention of hostile aliens."

The kid nodded, eyes still narrowed, lips still pursed. "Skulker. I know him. Not very nice."

"Can you help?" Conastatine cut in.

The little king then unfolded himself, a devilish smile on his face.

"I can!" He floated over to the Brit. "For a price, of course." He said, lying on his side. "I fear I may not be able to leave this circle until we make a deal, and thus cannot get to him to stop him..." He frowned, turning away to wipe a single tear off his face that flew into the air before turning to mist.

Constantine sighed. "Naturally. What do you want?"

The Ghost turned back to him, a hand on his chin. "What do you have?"

Constatine glanced at Batman before speaking. "My soul," He said. "Or anything money can buy."

The ghost king looked him up and down. "I don't want your soul... I'm not a fan of sharing." His eyes traced over the various heroes. "Ooh, what a lineup!"

He floated to the side, looking over Constantine's shoulder. "Robots, kryptonians, Amazonians, Atlantians...and people. A nice mixed bag. Very interesting characters. You're all dressed up like heroes! Hah! You don't even have any watches!" The ghost giggled at his own... joke?

Constatine glanced over the heros the gauge their reactions. Some were disturbed, some were serious.

"Do you have hero names too!? Oh, tell me, tell me!" He shook his fists excitedly, kicking his legs and leaning forward.

"I'm-"

"Wait-!" Constaine cut Superman off. "We don't know what he could do with a name. Even a hero name."

The king's eyes locked onto him, not moving an inch, and his smile vanished. Then it returned, but it was different, and he sprang into motion once again. "So, you're the party pooper. Why'd you invite me if you don't want to have fun?" He tilted his head to an almost un-natural angle.

Constantine chuckled, more out of awkwardness than humor. He was about to say something more, but Batman beat him to it. "We don't have time for parties. We need Skulker gone, as soon as possible."

"Alright, alright. I see who's in charge. What is your little group called, anyway? I need it for my dream journal." The ghost smiled, toothy and a little less mischievous.

Batman glanced at Constantine, and with a nod, he replied. "We are the Justice League."

The king snickered. "Alright! Who am I making a deal with?"

Batman stepped forward. "I will buy you one thing from Earth, in exchange for your help. Any one thing that is not a sentient being."

The king looked to the side thoughtfully. "I suppose that's enough. Any one thing that is not a sentient being in exchange for dealing with skulker. Let's shake on it." A contract appeared out of the air, simple, but long. The bat read over it quickly, which was probably a few times for the super-human capabilities of that guy.

"Alright. Let's shake on it." The ghost king outstretched his hand, a wicked grin on his face. Batman took his hand, to which the Ghost King eagerly shook it. Constantine was worried his arm might fall off. The bat almost stumbled from the force, but looked unaffected after. When they let go, a puff of frosty air fell to the ground.

"And I'm off!" The kid saluted and then disappeared. The whole league turned to look at Constantine, then, when he gave them nothing, at Batman.

He responded by pulling up footage from a drone on the screen. For twelve minutes, the king laughed and flew around the creature that had been stealing their bodies and burning their cities. Then, he simply hit him a few times, with some blasts from his hands, and sucked him into... a thermos?

He then appeared back into the watch tower, devil grin still plastered on his face. "It's been a while since I talked to Skulker. He hasn't changed much- no one really does after they become my denisins."

The leaguers glanced around, exchanging looks. They were mostly baffled, but the bats, as always, was stoic.

"So, what is it you want?" He asked, looking grim.

The ghost's smile changed, but just slightly. A little more mischievous. "I'll tell you later. For now, this dimension is pretty sweet... I think I'll stay!" He said, looking around and nodding to himself.

The room grew tense. "What do you mean 'stay'?" Constantine asked.

The king giggled, disappearing and reappearing behind the brit. "It seems like it would be fun, with all the... ya'know." He said, gesturing to the league. "Interesting characters. As I said before."

Constantine tensed, and turned to the king now behind him. "...Well, what are you gonna do?" That earned another giggle.

"I'll tell you for a deal," He offered, hand outstretched. Constantine raised an eyebrow at that, unimpressed.

The hand lowered, suddenly snapping to the king's back. "Guess not then." He drifted over towards the crowd, arms behind his back as he looked them over with more attention than before.

His look of slight boredom turned into a mischievous grin that seemed to be his default smile. "Best to go explore, yeah? Have fun with the clean up! And then, he disappeared. But this time, he didn't reappear behind anyone. He was just gone. But one question lingered.

When would the Ghost King be back?

(Prompt) (part 1- you're here!) (part 2- to be written...)

[lyanol]

Danny Needs a Girlfriend Part 2

Dani floated away from that rooftop like she had just won the paranormal lottery.

Cassandra Cain had taken the picture.

Which meant there was now a non-zero chance that Dani’s ghosty dork of a brother would finally stop moping around and maybe—just maybe—find someone who could appreciate his weird, self-sacrificing, half-dead nonsense without demanding he be more, or less, or someone else entirely.

Her job wasn’t done, though. No, no. This was just Phase One: Introduction.

Meanwhile, back in Amity Park, Danny Phantom was being tackled through a wall by a sludge ghost named Goopinator Maximus (self-named, and tragically so). He blasted the ghost into a containment ring with an exhausted grunt and muttered, “I am way too single for this.”

Then his phone buzzed.

[1 New Message from: Dani 👻💅]

“So hypothetically… if a gorgeous martial arts goddess maybe saw a picture of you and didn’t immediately laugh, would you be mad at me?”

Danny stared. Blinked.

Then typed back:

“Dani, what did you do.”

Back in Gotham, Cass stared at the photo Dani had given her.

Danny, midair, holding a glowing thermos in one hand, his white hair wild and crackling with energy. He looked like a ghost and a star and a total goofball all at once.

There was something in his eyes, though—fierce, tired, good.

Cassandra didn’t trust people easily. Words were hard, and intentions even harder. But she could read bodies, and that picture told her a story.

A protector. A fighter. Someone who carried too much but stood tall anyway.

She slipped the photo into her coat and went on with her patrol, but her thoughts kept drifting back.

Two days later, Danny was hovering outside FentonWorks with a half-eaten burger when a shadow dropped silently onto the roof beside him.

He whirled. “Who—?”

Then paused.

“Wait. Are you… Black Bat?!”

Cass gave a small nod.

Danny blinked. “Did Gotham explode? Are you here to fight someone? Wait, is Batman here?!”

Cass said nothing.

Instead, she reached into her coat pocket and pulled out a slightly bent photo.

Danny recognized it instantly.

“…Oh no,” he muttered. “She didn’t.”

Cass tilted her head. “You’re real?”

“Uh. Yeah. Mostly,” Danny said, scratching the back of his neck. “I mean, I died once. Technically twice. But I got better?”

A pause.

Then Cass gave him the tiniest smile. “You make grilled cheese?”

Danny stared at her for a second. Then let out a bewildered, incredulous laugh.

“I do. It’s kind of a specialty.”

“Good,” she said, and sat cross-legged on the roof like it was the most normal thing in the world.

Danny hovered awkwardly for a second, then sat down beside her.

“…You wanna talk about how you met my sister?”

Cass shook her head.

“Fair.”

Another pause.

Danny offered her the other half of his burger.

She took it.

From the shadows below, Dani grinned.

Phase Two: Initiate Soft Boy Vibes. Commencing Operation: Ghost Bat Romance.

She could already smell wedding cake.

[lyanol]

Dead on Main as destiel I commission from the lovely @milkymiks !! So amazing!! Thank you so much 🥰

[lyanol]

[lyanol]

Danny needs a Girlfriend Part 1

Title: Dani’s Quest for the Perfect Girlfriend

Dani Phantom had one mission.

Not saving the world. Not hunting ghosts. Not even causing chaos with her ever-growing collection of prank supplies.

No, this mission was far more important: Find Danny a girlfriend.

It wasn’t just because Danny was lonely, though he kinda was. Or because he deserved love, though he definitely did. No, it was because Dani knew her clone-big-brother was an idiot when it came to feelings, and if she didn’t step in, he’d end up married to his thermos.

First, she made a list of qualifications:

Pretty (because, duh)

Strong (to keep up with ghost fights)

Not a psycho (sorry, Vlad)

Not from Amity Park (because wow that dating pool was a radioactive mess)

Okay with half-dead weirdness (because Danny wasn’t exactly “alive” in the normal way)

Her first thought was Sam.

That lasted all of five minutes.

Dani watched from the shadows as Sam lectured a barista about ethical soy milk while also trying to make Danny feel guilty for not using his ghost powers to help with her causes. Then she saw Sam get mad that Danny didn’t want to sneak into a weapons facility for her "activist group." That was the moment Dani decided Sam was a certified hypocrite and maybe just liked Danny’s powers more than Danny himself.

Next came Valerie.

She was cool. Smart. Knew her way around a blaster. But then Dani snooped (for science!) and found the box of “breakup” memorabilia in Danny’s room. Old movie tickets. A crumpled apology note. And a picture of Danny with a black eye and Val scowling at him. Apparently, they'd tried, and it had ended in disaster. Dani put a big red X over Val's name.

And then she left Amity Park.

She visited Metropolis. Too many cape-chasers.

Central City? Too fast. Literally.

Jump City? The Titans were cool, but Dani saw the way Starfire looked at pretty much everyone. Dani was not about to throw her brother into that kind of mess.

City after city, Dani searched. Flew. Snooped. Asked uncomfortable questions. And everyone—everyone—failed her standards.

Until she got to Gotham.

It smelled like smoke and regret, but Dani liked it. It had that edge. The kind of place that birthed survivors.

And that’s where she saw her.

A girl—no, a vision—leaping across rooftops in absolute silence. Her movements were like water and lightning at the same time. She fought like a ballet made of punches. Dani was enthralled.

She followed her. Not in a creepy way. (Okay, maybe a little creepy.)

She watched as the girl took down three thugs twice her size without making a sound. Dani’s crush? Immediate.

Her respect? Solidified when she saw the Bat symbol on the girl’s gear.

She was Black Bat.

When Dani learned her name was Cassandra Cain, she had one thought:

Perfect.

Now, Dani wasn't great at subtlety. Or normal social cues. But she was great at confidence.

Which is how Cassandra found herself face to face with a grinning teenage ghost girl holding out a picture like it was a treasure map.

“Hi!” Dani chirped, floating slightly above the ground for dramatic effect. “My name’s Dani, and this is a picture of my brother, Danny.”

She held out the slightly crumpled snapshot of Danny in mid-battle, hair glowing white, green eyes fierce, with a cat clinging to his shoulder.

“You are a pretty perfect badass,” Dani said with utmost seriousness. “And I would like for you to date my brother.”

Cassandra blinked. Once.

Twice.

Then looked down at the picture.

Then up at Dani.

Then back at the picture.

“…He fights?” she asked, her voice soft, curious.

“Oh yeah. Half-ghost superhero. Kinda died once. Long story. Still figuring out the ‘normal life’ thing. But he’s loyal and kind and dumb in the ‘tries to save everyone and forgets he matters too’ kind of way. Also, he makes really good grilled cheese.”

Cassandra studied Dani for a moment, then took the picture.

“…I’ll think about it.”

Dani beamed.

That was practically a yes.

And for once in her weird, ghosty afterlife, Dani felt like a hero.

[lyanol]

Tim was following a trail of drug dealers when he found himself in a veeery dark room. Imagine his surprise when he found himself face to face with a pair of pretty glowing green eyes! (He didn't hear or see anything- HOW THE HELL??) And oh boy, he's floating? AND HE'S HANDSOME- He can feel his ears burning

Danny on the other hand is just amaze by how pretty Red Robin is with even the mask on! (And upside down)

[lyanol]

Old Friend 2

In the car

Vlad: So, young Daniel. I'm not really trying to pry but may I know how you know young Cassandra?

Danny: *Grunts* We met a long time ago. Way before I became Phantom. I was kidnapped when I was young by a group of cultists.

Vlad: What!? I never knew any of this.

Danny: Of course you don't. My family never dares to bring up the topic since they are afraid it will trigger my trauma or something.

Vlad:.......

Danny: And for the longest time, they are not wrong. Imagine, you are 5 years old, waiting for your parents who go out to hunt some ghosts when suddenly a group of men in fully black clothing cover your face with black clothing and knock you up. Next thing you know, you are standing in the middle of a group of children. Scared just as much as you while being surrounded by a group of assassins.

Danny releases a sigh as he remembers his past.

Danny: It is not easy to survive. They train you like you are a robot. If you don't complete your task, they will either punish you or ignore any of your needs. Sometimes both. For them, kids who fail to complete tasks are as worthless as a grain of sand.

Danny: I stayed there for a full 4 years. Training, fighting and killing. I do whatever it takes to survive. Just to see mom, dad and Jazz again. It was there I met her. She's just like me although her circumstances are different.

Danny: A kid who is raised unwillingly as an assassin. We used to escape our observes eyes and meet up in a forest. For the longest time, it was like that. Sometimes we talk about escaping. But most of the time we just talk, or show each other things that we found interesting while we were out on a mission.

Heavy silence falls in the car as Danny stops talking.

Danny: However, things changed one night. I waited and waited in the forest. But she never came. When I returned back to the base, I heard a commotion. "The Perfect Weapon has escaped". I don't know what to feel then. It felt like I was betrayed and yet I felt relieved and happy to know that she was no longer there.

As Danny stops speaking, they arrive at the hotel Vlad booked. Vlad is not good at comforting people but he knows from Jazz that sometimes giving people time alone is a good way to comfort them.

They eat dinner from the room service and decide to go to bed early tonight. As Danny lays on his bed, visions of the past return to him. The bitter and the sweet. Looking at the clock that is past midnight, Danny gets out of bed and takes out a long coat. If he can't sleep, might as well get rid of this excess energy.

---Wayne Manor---

Bruce silently nods as he hears his daughter's story. Honestly, it frustrates him that such a thing could happen and yet he cannot do anything about it. Sometimes, he wonders if he should really just kill all his rogues.

No. He shouldn't think like that. Returning his focus to his daughter, Bruce calmly rubs her head.

Bruce: It's fine. I'm sure you could talk it out with him. From what I see, he is not fully hostile to you. I'm sure he would understand if you explain it to him.

Cass: Hmmm.

Bruce: Do you still want to go on patrol tonight? I think Tim is free to fill in your spot if you don't feel like it.

Cass: No. I'm okay and will be. Just need to process my thoughts.

Bruce: Alright sweetheart.

Suddenly, his phone starts ringing.

Oracle: Hey, Bruce.

Bruce: Yeah?

Oracle: You might want to check in soon. There have been reported shootings at a factory near Scarecrow's territory.

Bruce: Alright. Inform the others to get ready.

As the call is cut off, Cass quickly goes down to the Batcave. She will think about how to contact Danny later. First, there is a shooting to quell.

[lyanol]

Machu & Nyaan

[lyanol]

Violence

[lyanol]

Cat Hybrid Boyfriend-Danny

DeadSerious (Damian X Danny)

Thank you to my DPXDC friend who helped me come up with this @dcxdpdabbles

Wayne Manor was almost never this quiet, and if he didn't already know why, Bruce would've been very worried about what his children had gotten up to. Luckily, he knew EXACTLY was going on. Although he was still worried if he was being honest. Apparently, his youngest son was bringing over a friend.

A very..... SPECIAL friend if what he's heard from Alfred is correct. Bruce honestly thought that this moment wouldn't happen for MANY more years. At least he hoped it wouldn't. His baby was growing up so quickly. Damian was already a junior in high school now. He was driving, legally, and now he was bringing home someone special.

Bruce sighed as he stared at his older children. Smiling softly as Dick, Jason, Tim, and Stephanie argued over who Damian was bringing over. Cass and Duke were silently sitting on the couch as Alfred was waiting in the foyer for Damian to arrive. Bruce heard the telltale sound of the front door ringing before the argument died down, and everyone threw themselves onto the couch.

Bruce was now VERY grateful he bought a more sturdy couch. As Jason and Dick almost tipped the couch over with how hard they had quite literally thrown themselves onto it. It was unmistakingly quiet in the living room as the sound of soft talking was heard. Bruce could easily hear Damian and Alfred talking. But he couldn't hear anyone else. The only sound that was heard besides the approaching conversation was the soft jiggle of a bell.

Bruce chalked it up to Alfred, the cat going to greet Damian and his.... guest. Except Bruce could've sworn that Alfred, the cat and Titus, were already in here with the rest of the family. Before he could even think to look around around to check, there was firm knocking on the door. Everyone stared curiously at the door. Breath caught waiting to see exactly WHO it was that was able to win Damian Al Ghul-Wayne's heart.

First to enter was Alfred before Damian followed in with a black cat in his arms, making everyone sink into their seats. Bruce sighed in disappointment as the others groaned for the same reason. His poor baby had been stood up. Bruce stood up and opened his arms with a soft smile. Damian stared in confusion.

"Father what are you doing?"

"It's okay, chum. Everyone's been stood up once or twice before."

"I don't understand?"

Bruce's face crumbled as he tried hugging Damian only for Damian to back up multiple steps. It was then that Bruce noticed the cat in Damian's arms was, in fact, not Alfred the cat. Bruce's heart cracked. Damian must've picked up another cat to ease his hurt.

~

Damian scowled at his family in confusion. Why are they all looking at him like that? Did something happen while he was out getting his Darling Beloved?

"Father, please do not touch me. My darling beloved does not like being touched by strangers so casually."

Damian ignored everyone's confused, staring as his beloved stirred in his arms. Making Damian's scowl soften. Throwing everyone for a loop.

"It is alright, my beloved. They will not touch you without permission. I swear on the Al Ghul-Wayne name that if they do I will make sure they regret it."

Damian ignored the loud scolding before Alfred cleared his throat loudly and glared at the Wayne family. They froze at the disappointed look sent their way and quieted down while still staring at Damian. Damian's eyes practically glowed as his beloved stared into his eyes before shifting into his usual form.

~

The Wayne family watched in complete shock as the small black cat in Damian's arms turned into a short teen. His hair was black, and his skin was pale. Eyes almost the same color as ice with soft freckles across his cheeks and nose. On top of his head was a set of cat ears that matched his hair along with a tail that had wrapped around Damian's waist.

If he wasn't already with Damian, he'd be prime Wayne adoption bait. But what were the most noticeable features besides the cat ears and tail was the lichten scars that ran up the side of the young man's throat to the bottom of his face. Everyone's breath hitched at the nervous looks sent their way.

But that was quickly fixed when Damian started pressing soft kisses to the teens face. Making the short male giggle softly and wrap his arms around the Al Ghul-Wayne son. The scene melted everyone's heart. Even Jason Todd, whose eyes had staring turning green at the sight of the lichten scars. Damian eventually placed the shorter male onto down. Everyone couldn't help but notice the very noticeable height difference. Damian cleared his throat. Wrapping his arm around the other male's waist.

"Everyone. Please allow me to introduce my darling beloved, Daniel Nightingale-Kyle."

".....J-Just Danny please."

Everyone stared at Danny before Cass quickly stood and started signing out rapid questions. Imagine the others' surprise when Danny had smiled softly and started signing back to the now ecstatic Cassandra Cain. Damian was smiling smugly. His chest puffed in pride at his choice of boyfriend as Danny and Cass had an exciting conversation in sign language.

Bruce smiled softly and patted Damian's shoulder. Quietly watching the silent conversation. That was before the name click something into Bruce's and everyone else's (besides Cass's) mind.

"Wait. Nightingale-Kyle??? Kyle like-"

"My beloved is the adopted son of Selina Kyle. Thank you again for breaking up with her father. If you hadn't, I never would've been with my darling beloved."

Bruce froze as the room fell into what could only be Wayne Family Chaos.

[lyanol]

Just beat the game and man it was amazing. Great song to play during the credits with a bit of the dfo main theme leit motif playing throughout. Really captures how these best friends took different paths and were forced to fight by powers greater than them.

[lyanol]

Just beat the game and man it was amazing. Great song to play during the credits with a bit of the dfo main theme leit motif playing throughout. Really captures how these best friends took different paths and were forced to fight by powers greater than them.

[lyanol]

Jazz: I've been thinking of working out this summer. How's that gym you joined? Is it any good?

Danny: You should. It's phenomenal! They pair you up with a workout buddy, help you with routines, and provide private rooms for you to use if you're shy. They're even doing a whole nutritional plan for me, completely free! Damian says he's already starting to see the difference in me, and we've only been partners for two months.

Jazz: Damian?

Danny: He's my workout buddy. Apparently, he's been training for various Olympic sports since he was a kid, so he helps out at the gym for people our age to make some quick cash. He's so cool and the nicest guy around. I never felt bad for struggling to do some exercises.

Jazz: Well, he sounds great. And he's right, you've really started to build up muscles. Everyone back home will lose their minds when summer break is over.

Danny: Thanks! :D

Meanwhile at Wayne Manor: >>>>>>>>>>>>>

Damian: Alfred, will you please review this nutritional plan? I wish to make sure it's balanced enough to build lean muscles.

Alfred: Certainly, Master Damian. Is this for a new training regimen for you?

Damian: No, it's for my fiance.

Bruce Spitting out coffee: YOUR WHAT!?

Damian: My fiancé. Daniel wishes to get into better shape this summer and has entrusted me with his training. As per League tradition, he is now my lover.

Dick: Damian, for the last time, just because a random scrawny foruteen year old walked up to you at my gym it does not mean he was asking for your hand in marriage. He thought you worked there!

Damian: Why would he assumed that?

Dick: You were wearing a shirt with the gym's name and carrying a clipboard!

Damian: I was supporting my brother's new business endeavor and ensuring that inventory was accurate. It's been two months, and Daniel has followed my routines to the letter. That's basically a proposal.

Bruce: ......You know a lot of things involved with your mother suddenly lined up in my head.

[lyanol]

More o' dat Surgolin stuff, I wasn't paid this time I just find them hard to draw, so I decided to draw them

[lyanol]

I Promise the Tea Isn't Poisoned

“Talia is in Gotham.”

After Spoiler shared this the comms erupted with chatter. There were a few groans from people, nobody liked dealing with the League of Assassins, but they were silenced by Bruce. 

“Spoiler, follow from a safe distance. Signal, go to her location and provide back-up. Stay on her until the night shift is able to come out and assist. Do not interact unless the situation changes. We don’t move until we find out exactly why she is in Gotham.”

Steph and Duke both affirmed their orders and muted their comms. Damian, who was just getting out of school tapped into the communication line. 

“Mother is likely here to visit me. My birthday is in a few weeks, she will want to wish me well before trying to bring me back into the League. Give me her location and I will see her leave quickly.”

Steph quickly rattled off their current location and Damian got into the car, Alfred was picking him up today. As they headed out another announcement was made, this time by Duke. 

“Uh guys, I think Talia is here to kill someone.” 

–

Danyal had led her on either the most random tour of Gotham or he knew she was following him. Two of Bruce’s children were already on her tail, she needed to either confront Danyal quickly or pull off and kill him another time. 

Talia followed Danyal to a cafe where he went up to the counter and ordered two drinks; chai.

Her cover was blown. 

Normally Talia would either retreat or make a move to quickly finish her target, but something in her made her hesitate. A burning curiosity. She wanted to know why Danyal was here in Gotham. She could only think of one reason why this man would want to be here. 

Talia followed Danyal to the back corner of the cafe and sat at his table with grace.

“It’s been twenty years Danyal, why aren’t you dead like I had prayed you were?”

Danyal scrunched his face when she said his name. 

“Always so direct, I almost missed that about you.”

He pushed forward the chai and took a sip of his. 

“But then I remember all the shit you put me through and I’m reminded why I ran away.”

 Talia smiled fondly. 

“The one successful thing you accomplished and it was being a coward, so like you, Danyal.”

He rolled his eyes at her. 

“Yeah between getting killed by you or the Demon Head, or deserting and being killed, I was really thriving on options.” He said flatly. 

Talia clicked her tongue, “You could have achieved any basic task and you would have been fine.” She gave a fake look of pity. “But clearly that was too large an expectation. Father should have let me dispose of you when we first smelled your weakness.”

Danyal smirked. 

“Well I escaped your notice for twenty odd years, so I’d say if anyone was the failure here. It’s you.”

The assassin's eyes turned to ice. 

“You were lucky.” She carefully stirred her drink and took a sip. “Be grateful we never put in the effort to confirm your death.”

– 

“Signal, Spoiler, explain.”

“Well we’ve been following Talia for like 8 blocks and she's been following this dude the entire time.”

“What does he look like? Do you have confirmation on his identity yet?” Bruce asked.

Duke spoke up this time. 

“We haven’t been able to get a glimpse of his face yet. He’s tall, around 6-foot, athletic, black hair, in his mid-twenties I think, could be Middle Eastern or White.”

“Robin, what's your ETA?” Steph asked. 

“Five minutes, there was a car crash in the Diamond District. The delay is being dealt with.”

“They are going into a cafe, the Batty Grind. Oracle can you see if the security system inside has audio? If not I can try to shadow travel and drop a bug under their table, they are going to sit in the far corner near the camera.”

“Camera’s do have audio, I’ll try to filter out the background noise and parse through their conversation on our channel.”

Duke and Steph leapt into the alley next to the cafe, near the side entrance. If Talia tried anything they would be able to react quickly and hopefully get the man to safety. They listened with bated breath as Barbara patched the conversation inside to their comms. 

“Be grateful we never put in the effort to confirm your death.”

–

Danny scoffed. 

“Yeah I’ll be sure to include that in the list of things I’m thankful for this year when Thanksgiving rolls around.”

Talia pounced on the information. 

“So you’ve been in America for a while then?”

Danny snorted. 

“Actually I’ve been all over the world, but yeah I’ve settled here. So many interesting things in this nation, especially the lack of insane ninjas who kept trying to get me to kill for them.”

Talia ignored the taunt.

“And what interest do you have in Gotham?”

“Business. Not that you care. So tell me Talia, what do you want?”

Talia smiled coyly. 

“Oh Danyal, you know I wouldn’t want to be rude and talk about myself. Now answer the question, why are you in Gotham?”

Danny thought carefully about his answer. He was not going to give her any details about his life, he might as well kill everyone he cared about himself. But the trick to dealing with the League of Assassins was to figure out why they were here and see if he could jeopardize their mission at the risk of interacting with him. If Talia was so focused on him being in Gotham, then there must be something here that she doesn’t want him to know about. 

If there was one thing Danny Fenton was good at, it was pissing off his adversaries. 

“Well the atmosphere might be a bit depressing, but the money to be made is worth it. Besides, Gotham is a very interesting place.”

Danny leaned forward and made a guess. 

“And the people are what really draw me here.”

Lightning quick, Talia pulled out a knife and stabbed Danny’s hand through the table. The man didn’t so much as blink, instead he started to smile, bingo. 

“If you so much as breathe near Damian I will make you feel pain in ways that you will wish you never left the League in the first place.”

“Damian huh, and who is that?”

Spoiler and Signal broke into the cafe and chaos descended as Damian Wayne himself walked in the front door. 

[lyanol]

episode 5 nyaan… 😳

[lyanol]