Whisper to a Scream (Book One of the Dark Whispers Universe)

THREE

AUTHOR'S NOTE: There are a few new people coming into the story in the next couple of chapters. Many are canon characters, largely from DC. The characters of Thora Mikaelson, Sakura, and Mari belong to Aura MacKenzie. She has graciously allowed me to bring them into this story. If you've read my Chosen Universe fics, you will recognize Sakura, and you'll also be familiar with Mari, who is called Keilah in those stories. Mari also appears in my original novel, Gryphon's Glenn, under her actual name. Thora is an immortal witch from the world of The Originals. Sakura is a soul reaper from the world of Bleach. Mari is a sorceress who was created for the Power Rangers universe.

On a different note, this story is about to head in an unexpected direction. Brace yourselves for a major (potentially traumatic) plot twist!

THREE
DAMIAN
He knew what he had to do. Damian had a deep respect for his father, but it was becoming clear he was the wrong man to be in charge of a mission revolving around dark magic. He claimed Constantine's judgment was somewhat impaired because he was emotionally involved in the case, but if he was being honest with himself, he'd see that he was just as involved. After all, Zatanna had been very close to his father. As a teenager, Damian had suspected they were romantically involved at some point, but in the end it was clear her heart belonged to Constantine. That was a shame, since Zatanna was a lot better than the harlots who threw themselves at his father.

"Dick... I need your help," Damian admitted.

"Anything, Little Bro," Dick replied cheerfully. He knew Damian was struggling not to kill everyone with Raven missing, and he also knew Damian almost never asked for help.

"I want Father removed from this mission. He isn't thinking straight and he's in over his head with the magical side of things."

Dick hesitated, and Damian was sure he was going to argue. Instead, he sighed. "You're right," he admitted. "Sending Raven in alone when she's exactly the kind of person this thing targets was stupid and reckless. She should have had backup, and John offered to go with her."

Damian was relieved. "I need you to come with me when I speak to Wonder Woman and Superman. They're likely to try to write me off as being irrational because Father endangered Raven, but if it's both of us, they might listen."

"Of course I'll back you up. When are we going?"

"Now."

Dick laughed. "No problem."

Damian led the way to the Justice League's headquarters. Diana and Clark sat in front of the computers going over files. Unfortunately, they weren't alone.

"Dick? What are the two of you doing here?" His father asked, not bothering to ask Damian.

"We need to speak to Diana and Clark," Dick replied. "Alone."

Damian heard his father let out a slight growl of disapproval. "What's this about?" He asked.

"Nightwing made it clear they wish to speak only to us, Bruce," Diana said before he could pressure Dick into answering him. "You've been staring at these files for hours. Go take a break."

He growled again. "You have ten minutes," he said before leaving the room.

"Alright, Boys... What can Clark and I do for you?" Diana asked. Damian would normally object to being called a boy, but Diana had known him and Dick since they were both children, and he knew she meant no disrespect.

"We believe Father needs to be removed from the Cult of Banno situation," Damian stated bluntly. "He is ineffective as the leader of this mission."

"Damian, Bruce has been dedicated to this mission for fifteen years," Clark protested politely. "No one knows the case better than he does. He's done well taking point so far. I see no reason to remove him."