Hello, I know it's been some time since I updated my other stories, but I've been playing with this idea for quite some time now. I do hope you'll enjoy Reconciliation and give me some feedback so I know if I should continue or not. I do not own Batman/Young Justice/the DC universe. But all the same enjoy the story and don't forget to follow, favorite and review.

Chapter One

Redemption

rəˈdem(p)SH(ə)n/

noun

1.

the action of saving or being saved from sin, error, or evil.

It was just like every other night in Gotham, dark and dreary. Civilians burrowed into their homes, hoping their thin walls were enough to shield them from the surplus of criminals roaming the city streets. Fear ran rampant through the city like a flu epidemic. Said terror chilled even the bravest man to his very bones stemmed from the very man who made it so Gotham survived its every night to endure the torture tomorrow would bring.

Many knew the man only as Bruce Wayne, the White Knight of Gotham City. Or as Talon knew him, Owlman, the worst villain to tread across the Earth. Even the Justice League feared Talon's mentor. No meta human dared step foot in Gotham unless they swore allegiance to the widely feared Knight.

That wasn't to say Talon never associated himself with Bruce Wayne. No, Talon was Owlman's enforcer, making it clear to the villain populace that Bruce Wayne and his ward were off limits to the many villains.

As civilians, Richard Grayson and Bruce Wayne were the ideal father and son, donating millions to charities and paying a protection fee to Owlman as many notable families did.

If Bruce Wayne was the White Knight of Gotham, savior of the poor, the very epitome of all that was good in Gotham, then Richard Grayson was the heir to the legacy his adopted father inherited, expected to demonstrate the same kindness to the people in Gotham as the Waynes before him.

As criminals, Talon and Owlman were the ideal partners, complimenting each other's fighting style, ruling over every minor and major villain in Gotham and enforcing the rules they had created for the city.

If Owlman was the king of fear, ruler of Gotham, the very grim reaper himself. Then Talon was the heir to the mighty legacy his mentor had gruelingly built from bottom up, expected to carry on his mentor's legacy of instilling fear in the hearts of every man, woman and child across the world.

At least, that was all the Justice League saw them as. Talon knew the true intent of their crusade. It was not about revenge for his, or even Bruce's, parents. Their rule established itself among even the craziest of criminals. This way, by becoming villains, they made sure no other child lost their parents.

That was the problem with the Justice League, they could continue throwing their villains in jail, but they would always break out again. Owlman eliminated anyone who dare defy the rules he set in place. Drugs stopped being dealt to children. Rapes had all but become an extinct concept in Gotham. Citizens were no longer killed in territory disputes. Owlman and Talon had brought order to the previously chaotic world of Gotham.

Sure, the Joker still slaughtered, Catwoman still stole, and the Riddler still riddled, but Bruce Wayne did more for the city in five years as Owlman than he ever had in ten years as Batman.

Yes, Batman and Owlman were one in the same. Few knew of the connection, but Bruce had originally been the greatest detective, founder of the Justice League and Caped Crusader of Gotham. When Dick's parents had died, Bruce realized the terrible mistake he made.

As a hero, he couldn't control the villains, in fact, he only seemed to encourage a growth of the darkness in Gotham. Gotham did not need the fear Batman brought to the criminal class, but rather the wisdom of Owlman to unite the city. So, Bruce Wayne devised a plan as he took his ward under his wing. And Owlman's claim to fame came as Batman's killer and the world's greatest villain.

When Dick had discovered Bruce's identity as Owlman, he had been furious. No child wanted to live with the man who killed the beacon of hope for Gotham. But even when he was nine, Dick was no fool. He allowed Bruce to explain himself. And listened in amazement as Bruce told his story from the child who saw his parents murdered before his eyes, to Batman and finally, to Owlman. Instantly Dick took up the identity of Talon.

Which brings us to where we are today, as the younger of the caped villains stood atop Wayne Tower, watching over the city they had fostered from its ashes. Not the best place to live on Earth, but by far not the worst.

"Come in Richard," the static filled voice interrupted Talon's moment of peace, almost causing him to jump at the sudden noise. Richard, meaning Bruce was still tied up at work, explaining the static since he was probably calling for him cell phone.

"I'm here, Owlman. What's up?"

"Luthor. He requested a meeting with me concerning Warehouse 13 Gotham Harbor district at 2300 hours about renting it for his own use. I was planning to go but I'm tied up with a board meeting. Do you think you could handle this?"

Or in owl-speak, Luthor wanted to meet Owlman in Warehouse 13 in about, Talon checked the time on his holo-computer, a half an hour.

"Yes Owlman, ETA twenty-five minutes," Talon replied quickly. Luthor wasn't too keen on causing trouble with the major villains of Gotham. Hopefully it wouldn't take too long, Talon was supposed to meet up with Ivy and Harley for a game of cards tonight. And get the scoop on Joker's latest plans.

"Thank you, be safe it's dangerous to walk the streets at night, have Alfred take you," Bruce warned, the com link clicking off a moment later.

So, Bruce thought Luthor had a secret agenda. Well maybe this was worth delaying his meet up with Harley and Ivy. His mentor wanted him to contact Alfred if he needed backup, good thing they recently installed the remote-control module for the Batmobile.

With a loud snicker, Talon stepped off the side of the large sky scraper, letting himself free fall before using his grappling hook to swing from building to building. The few people who rushed about despite the late hour, shivered, grinned or groaned at the thought of the young villain flying through the streets above them. Because no matter what the Justice League claimed, they knew life had improved under Owlman.

Wally would like to say it wasn't his fault they wound up in this mess. But that statement would be so obviously wrong. And Artemis would probably kill him the moment they escaped—as if she wasn't already planning to.

The team had been sent on a simple covert op by the big man in blue himself. Observe and report, do not engage. Blah blah blah. All the normal orders for the teenaged team who hadn't been able to pull off one clean covert mission yet. It always ended up in a fight, of which they'd win… Eventually.

The teenaged team was tasked with watching over Lex Luthor, and keep track of any plans he made while the Man of Steel was off world on League business. And the team did watch him. They made it two hours before Luthor had walked in on Kid Flash raiding the breakroom fridge. A new record on how long it took them to be discovered.

That was three hours ago, now the team sat in the corner of a warehouse in Gotham City with inhibitor collars and guarded by four burly men in bullet proof vests with semi-automatics. Luthor lounged on a rather plush looking couch in the center of the warehouse, checking his watch periodically as if he was waiting for someone.

With bated breath, the team watched Luthor, knowing full well the only person in Gotham City Lex Luthor would wait for: Owlman. The fearsome villain who had killed Batman and ruled over Gotham with a whole army of dangerous criminals from the Joker to the Court of Owls behind him. The very nemesis of Justice. And the reason the team had been forbidden to ever step foot in Gotham.

If their expectation became a reality, Wally doubted the team would be alive long after encountering the dreaded villain.

Wally's stomach vocalized its agreement.

"Shut up," Artemis hissed, ramming her elbow into Wally's side.

"I can't help it," the fastest boy alive grumbled bitterly. He hadn't exactly asked for an accelerated metabolism, he would be fine to just have his uncle's powers without the side effects.

"Now is not the time to fight," Aqualad hushed, sensing the rising hostility between his teammates.

"What do you expect us to do? Not even Superman can beat Owlman. He's tried to avenge Batman many times," Superboy growled. But that statement hushed the young heroes. Even though they had never met the caped crusader, they all knew the stories about his greatness, and knew very well that if Superman could, he would kill Owlman to avenge the co-founder of the Justice League.

An ominous cackle shattered the silence of the warehouse and the team watched in awe as Luthor stood up, impeccably straight as a young boy dropped a few feet in front of Luthor from the rafters.

Luthor scowled, but the displeased expression only wavered over his features for a moment, replaced by a respectful smile. "Good evening, I wasn't expecting you, but it is a pleasure as always," Luthor proclaimed.

The boy nodded, "Sorry to make you wait, Lex. Sit down and let's discuss your business." The kid, for that's he was, Wally couldn't imagine him being any older than himself, plopped down in the armchair across from Luthor, looking completely at ease with the super villain.

This kid was defiantly not Owlman, not only based on his age, but his cheerful disposition and light tone when addressing Luthor were proof to justify the claim. So, who was he?

"So, tell me, Lex. Why'd you bring the baby Justice League brats here? I thought I'd made it quite clear the last time that Owlman doesn't want a meta smuggling system in Gotham," the kid questioned nonchalantly. But Luthor shivered at whatever the words had brought up for him, and the team of partners watched as he struggled to push down his fear before speaking.

"I brought them as gifts to Owlman, in hopes that he may reconsider the Light's offer. An offer which of course extends to you as well, Talon," Luthor replied evenly.

This was Talon? The Talon? The very partner to the feared Owlman. "But you're just a kid," Wally stated.

Everyone's attention whizzed to Wally at his words. The teenager shrunk inside himself in dismay. He had just called the second greatest villain in the wor- no universe a kid! This was the end, he was never going to taste Aunt Iris' homemade pie again, he would never have game night with the rouges again, he would never be able to race his uncle across Central. This was the end of Kid Flash.

"How dare-!"

Luthor stopped abruptly as the young villain burst out laughing. Not the creepy cackle from before but an actual, genuine laugh. "Chill out, Lex. He didn't mean anything by it. And you, Flash Boy, what did you expect, an old butler?" Talon joked, laughing again at what had to be an inside joke.

"It's Kid Flash," Wally corrected bluntly.

"I know." Talon shot Wally a cheeky smile before his expression hardened again, returning his attention to Lex.

"Owlman has already made it clear that he will never join the Light. We're concerned only with Gotham, not ruling the world, as we've already informed your colleagues. Despite what you'd like to think, Owlman does not endorse your actions, Lex. You've disrespected Owlman quite enough, heavy on the dis. Nor we will be accepting your ah, gifts, Owlman's grown quite bored of playing with the Justice League."

"You little brat," Lex Luthor growled, "I've done nothing but help you and Owlman. The least you could do is repay your debt and accept Vandal's offer. I should have crushed you and your mentor earlier."

Lex pulled a small hand gun out of his jacket pocket, pointing it at Talon who sat still, unworried on the chair before the billionaire. "I'll kill you now, and take care of Owlman later."

"Even if you're able to kill me, Owlman will make sure you pay thousands fold. Are you sure you want that, Lex?" Talon asked calmly.

The two stared off for a long time, two titans of villainhood. Tension strung thinly through the air before Lex pocketed the gun again. "Fine. We're done here. Kill the sidekicks they don't have a purpose anymore."

Luthor's henchmen turned their guns to the group of young heroes obediently. Talon had let them live only to get shot by Luthor's insignificant henchmen. A true pity. Wally squeezed his eyes tightly shut. There was no Justice League to save them this time.

"Stop!"

Wally eased his eyes open slowly. Talon's shout had come as a surprise, surely the villain wouldn't be opposed to the death of a few young heroes.

"Stop?" Luthor echoed mystified.

"Yeah, you don't need to kill them."

"And you're suggesting I do what with them?"

The color drained from Talon's face as he muttered something. Superboy shot up in surprise, obviously the only one who heard what the boy had said.

"Speak louder," Luthor commanded.

"Let them go."

The moment Dick saw the members of the younger justice league he knew this was going to turn out bad. Upon sight he pulled their files from his memory, Bruce having insisted he read them until he could recite them by heart just like the Justice League. For if either team turned to the dark side, Batman had promised to don his cape again.

A team which maybe Dick would have been a part of if he was Batman's partner, not Owlman's. And maybe he was in a different universe. He couldn't let them be killed like this.

"Let them go," he repeated louder, strength, fear and determination bringing an edge to his voice.

Luthor looked at him like he was insane. Which he probably was. This was a disaster, heavy on the dis. But the moment of shock gave him time to act. He flung a handful of batarangs at the guards standing over the heroes—Bruce may have not been Batman anymore but owlarang just didn't sound as cool. Talon used his grappling hook to pull himself into the ceiling rafters, throwing a smoke bomb down at Luthor's feet and watching as the warehouse filled with smoke.

Talon took out the first guard before the poor man even knew what was happening. Luthor must be making his grand escape, which explained Mercy's absence since the Cyborg would probably be able to detect him through the smoke.

The second guard fell to the ground after a round house kick, and a quick shove towards a stack of crates just waiting to be destabilized. The noise must have given his location away to guard three and four because a moment later Talon heard a gunshot and felt a stinging pain in his arm. The smoke was beginning to dissipate already.

Once more Talon used his grappling gun to swing across the warehouse, planting his foot firmly into guard three's face. Using the rest of his momentum he performed a clear aerial summersault and landed face to face with the fourth and final guard, a batarang to the man's throat.

"Get your companions out of here, now."

The man hurriedly nodded, throwing aside his gun and running to his closest friend.

Talon smirked, observing his work and turned to the young justice team who had watched his display in awe. Using the lock pick in his gloves, he began to unlock the inhibitor collars one by one.

"Dude that was awesome!" Kid Flash proclaimed as Talon pulled his collar off. The speedster grabbed the small lockpick Talon held out to him, zipping towards the Atlantean and beginning the process of unlocking his inhibitor collar.

"Thank you for helping us," Kauldar added, still on guard in the face of his enemy.

Talon smirked at the elder's clear respect for the villain, and distrust for his enemy. Much more practical than the speedster but acting on practicality instead of being led by emotion, unlike the certain boy in blue who led the Justice League. The sidekicks had made a good choice for their leader.

"No problem," Talon shrugged. And it really wasn't, it felt good to do some good instead of playing the villain. "Owlman is already tired of carrying around Kryptonite, and if Superman found some dead sidekicks in our territory I doubt he'd wouldn't try to get some revenge."

Artemis looked less than pleased, but that was fine, when she had been working under Sportsmaster, they'd met several times, she wasn't as willing to backstab him as Jade was which resulted in a short, uneasy friendship. "Thanks," she responded dryly as he removed the collar.

"Aren't you supposed to be a villain?" Superboy inquired, his tone echoing the confusion and disbelief in his eyes. Talon knew Superman and his clone weren't close, but he also knew of the clone's habits to try and be like the original, which meant he harbored the same resentment for Owlman.

"He can't be all bad, Superboy. He did save us after all," Miss Martian exclaimed, she stuck out her hand to Talon, oblivious to the villain's surprise, "I'm Miss Martian. It's nice to meet you Talon!"

"Likewise, Miss M," Talon smirked, shaking her hand, "Now you guys should get out of here. If Owlman finds you here, it won't be a whelming experience for you."

"Whelming?" Kid Flash questioned.

"Well if you can be overwhelmed and underwhelmed, why can't you just be whelmed? Seriously, get out of Gotham, if I find you guys here again, I won't have any choice but to kill you."

The team shivered, but Aqualad nodded, "Again, thank you, Talon. Miss Martian, call the bioship. We will await it on the docks."

Talon watched the team leave before surveying the empty warehouse. He brought his hand up to the communicator in his ear, wincing at the burst of static he was rewarded with. Strange, with Luthor gone, there shouldn't be anything jamming the signal. Or so he thought until something hit him hard in the back.

Talon tumbled a few feet, groaning as he skidded to a stop on the cold concrete floor of the warehouse. The villain struggled to pull himself upright, wishing he had an accelerated healing factor. Before the Boy Wonder could sit up, a foot planted itself firmly onto his back digging into the burned flesh from the energy blast that'd hit him.

"It seems Owlman has little regard for what happens to his prodigy if he is so willing to leave you unsupervised."

"Savage," Talon growled, trying to push himself up as the immortal cave man pressed his full weight onto the boy.

"My dear boy, Luthor did warn you there would be repercussions for not accepting my generous offer. Since your mentor is absent, it seems you will be the one to suffer the consequences this time. Despite what Ra's al Ghul thinks, you and Owlman are a threat to the Light."

Before Talon could direct a witty retort back at Savage, the man clubbed him over the head. As Dick's world went dark he was vaguely aware of a loud ticking sound emanating from the small box Savage set by his head.

"Oh!" M'gann cried out suddenly as the bioship landed in front of the group.

The team's attention turned to their Martian member with varying looks of confusion, waiting for an explanation. Superboy glanced towards the warehouse, cocking his head as he heard a faint ticking noise.

"I can't sense Talon!" M'gann clarified to the team, worry reflecting in her eyes.

Superboy's eyes darkened, there was only one thing that he could relate to the ticking sound. He could still hear Talon's heartbeat inside, surely the teenaged villain didn't plan to blow himself up. But was it really his responsibility to save the villain? His mentor was Superman's arch nemesis after all. Despite that Talon had saved them, the least Superboy could do was return the favor. "Get in the bioship," Superboy ordered his teammates.

"Superboy, no!" Aqualad ordered.

But it came too late, Superboy already leapt away from his team, dropping through the roof of the warehouse. Talon's small form was curled up—in pain, Superboy silently commented—near a black box with numbers counting down.

10, 9, 8...

Superboy scooped up the small boy—had the villain really been this small? And jumped back through his previously made hole in the warehouse roof.

7, 6, 5...

"What happened?" Artemis questioned, her eyes lighting up in surprise as she saw Superboy's charge.

4

"Bomb," Superboy replied, hustling his teammates into the bioship.

3

As they were all seated, Superboy still holding onto his charge, Kaulder nodded to M'gann and the bioship took to the skies.

2

1

0

A loud explosion rocked the Bioship. And Superboy caught a glimpse of the fiery destruction that lay in their wake. He doubted the league would be pleased with the result of their mission.

"What should we do about him?" Wally asked, gesturing to Superboy's charge. The team's attention turned to Kauldar, who's eyebrows furrowed with stress.

"We will take him back to the mountain, in the case he is injured. Although I do not know what the League will do with him."