Outside the fortress of the Demon's Head

[starfire-kory.livejournal.com]

The JLA teleport places Starfire and Nightwing just outside the fortress of Ra's al-Ghul. It is no longer a ruin. Slowly, the walls are being repaired, and guards patrol the gaps.

"Let's go." Starfire launches, hovering just above Nightwing's head. "The front gate looks intact--all the better for us to knock on it and demand to see our daughter."

Comments

[-nightwing-.livejournal.com]

Oracle said the JSA were making sure it wasn't disturbed.

He looks at Kory, then back at her, before nodding.

Always. What did you have in mind?

[mari-grayson.livejournal.com]

"I can't fight Croutex physically. I couldn't even win in a fight against one of his disciples." Her jaw is set. "But in the Dreaming? That's my battlefield, not his. I'm the servant of the Dream-king, and--here's something else Ibn didn't think about." She smiles fiercely at her father. "My contract with the Dream-king is really specific, remember? His sister can't take me until I'm ready to go. And I don't feel like dying until Croutex is gone."

[starfire-kory.livejournal.com]

"You will not die," asserts Kory. "Not with your family fighting beside you. X'hal--we will not let you face him alone."

[-nightwing-.livejournal.com]

The plan makes sense - and he smiles at her words - but there's just one minor problem.

Honey... we can't walk the Dreaming like you can.

[mari-grayson.livejournal.com]

"Remember that time I pulled you into my dream? I bet I can do it again. For both of you."

[-nightwing-.livejournal.com]

He nods, then gives her a wry grin.

Yeah. I'm guessing we don't have enough time to test that theory though, huh.

[mari-grayson.livejournal.com]

She shakes her head slowly. "No. But I promise I'll do my best. I won't let you fall."

[-nightwing-.livejournal.com]

He puts an arm around her shoulders.

C'mon. Let's go get 'em.

[starfire-kory.livejournal.com]

"As Titans do." Kory puts her own arm around Mar'i. "Together."