Spirit and Blood (A Young Justice Season 3 Fanfic)

Chapter 1

~Talia al Ghul~

October 10, 5:00AM Eastern:

My daughter, she is growing up so fast. With everything going on, I fear she will abandon all that I taught her. But she must know. She needs to. And I will have to let her go.

I gave a short inhale of breath as my daughter entered my room.

"Mother?"

"Good morning, Demary." I replied and studied my daughter who waited patiently at the door. She was turning 18 soon, with dark brown-black hair; a mix of mine and her father's. Her eyes were another story. At first glance they might be a normal brown, but up close, they swirled in the colours of a fire. The intelligence reflected in her eyes came out as a blazing fire. I loved those eyes. She reminded me of myself when I was younger; independent, free, not afraid to give anyone a piece of her mind. I smiled.

"Cole and I are going to Gotham." Cole was Demary's bodyguard in some sense. Although he was the same age as Demary, I trusted him with the life of my only daughter. I nodded.

"Alright. When you're back, I need to talk to you Demary."

"Okay. Bye mom." Demary gave me a quick hug and left the room.

I watched her with pride. Her strides were long, sure, and confident. She would make a perfect addition to the League of Shadows. My father would be pleased.

Speaking of him...

"Talia." Ra's al Ghul stepped into my room.

"Yes?"

"I assume you have not told Demary of her relations?" I scowled.

"Why would you care?"

"If she knows, she would presumably turn herself over to the Justice League."

"And why would that concern you?" I stood and put my hands on my hips.

"She's my granddaughter Talia! Vandal will return along with a new alliance."

My curiosity was piqued.

"Who is he siding with this time? Last I heard, your previous alliance didn't turn out so well."

"That was because of the Team and those wretched children. Though the Light withers, Vandal will not."

"So who is his partner?"

"Apokalyps."

My eyes widened.

"Darkseid." I breathed.

"Yes. If Demary joins the Team or Justice League, she will be destroyed. I will not lose another grandchild to them!" I thought to Damian.

"Demary must know or she will find out herself. She had already began to ask questions, Father. So I will answer them." Ra's al Ghul sighed.

"Very well. But once she is no longer in the League of Shadow's territory, she is no longer under my protection. So think twice. Is the truth worth her life?"

I clenched my jaw.

Is the truth worth her life?

The truth saved Damian once. But Demary was different. She is more headstrong, powerful. She possesses powers that she does not even comprehend. So I will tell her. I will tell her who she really is. And why she is different.

"At least she knows her mother hides nothing from her." I finally reply. My father nodded and left me alone to my thoughts.

Is it truly worth it? Darkseid is powerful, more than the Leaguers. He won't hesitate to destroy anyone in association with them. My dear Demary, I pray you will make the right choice.

October 10, 7:00PM Eastern:

Demary had returned an hour ago and was now training wordlessly with Cole. Neither of their faces betrayed emotion. Usually they would talk as they fought, but there wasn't a noise except for the clanging of metal. Something was wrong and I intended to find out what. As they were taking a break, I decided to step in.

"Demary, may I speak to you please?" She glanced to Cole then nodded.

"O-of course, Mother."

Once in my room Demary flung herself into my arms.

To say the least, I was startled by this sudden show of affection.

"Demary? Are you alright?" She slowly shook her head and let go of me.

"It's Cole-"

"Did he hurt you?"

"No, but he said he wanted to date me..."

My eyes widened in shock.

"What did you say?"

"That I wasn't really interested in him that way. I didn't see him as a potential lover, only as a friend." Demary looked up at me sadly. "Tell me again how you and Father met."

"That's what I wanted to talk to you about, Demary. Your father." I sighed deeply. "He is a wonderful man, very handsome and strong. We met when he was on a mission." I smiled as the memories returned. "Did you know you have a brother?"

"No."

"His name is Damian. Damian Wayne. He's your blood brother."

"So my father..."

"Bruce Wayne, otherwise known as Batman."