Robin’s mind raced. What was going on?

What the hell is happening… Wait… This must be what Rama Kushna was talking about.

He looked down, he was out of his costume.

Well, that’s just great! He thought bitterly. Looks like I’ll have to get through this the hard way. I know this isn’t real, so all I have to do is bear that in mind.

“Umm, Cassie?” Robin asked slowly.

“Yes?” She smiled.

“Where are we?”

She raised an eyebrow.

“I’m sorry to ask.” He continued. “But, can you please just humor me?”

“Alright.” She replied slowly, confusion painted in her tone. “We live in Gotham, on Crimson Street.”

“Crimson Street?” He repeated. “Since when is there a Crimson Street in Gotham?”

“Oh, that’s right, I forgot. You never could get out of the habit of calling it by its old name.” She chuckled.

“And what name was that?” He asked anxiously.

“Crime Alley.”

His eyes widened.

What!? Crime Alley?! But, it was always the worst part of Gotham. The drugs, the prostitution, the killings. And we’re living here?... No! We’re not living here… or, at least, I’m not…. Keep that in mind, Tim. This is all fake.

“Tim, is something wrong.” Cassie asked worriedly.

“Oh… sorry…I just…. Got lost in my thoughts.” He said quietly. “I have another question… Of all the places that would be cleaned up, I thought Crime Alley would be the last. How is it that it’s free of crime now?”

“Tim.” She replied, moving next to him. “It was the last place to be cleaned up.”

“What do you mean?”

“Sweetie, you’re starting to worry me.”

“Please. Cassie, just humor me.”

“…Alright… Well, crime was finally wiped out over a year ago.”

Her words hit him fiercely. Crime was finally gone?

“How, Cassie? How did this happen.?”

“Well, After Bruce gave his life, saving Gotham from Ra’s al Ghul’s attack on the city, Dick took over the mantle.”

“And then what?” Tim asked anxiously.

“Well, he passed the Nightwing mantle over to you…”

“Wait…. You mean I’m….. Nightwing?”

“Well, you were, but not anymore. There are no heroes anymore, Tim, they aren’t needed. Remember, it’s what you said you wanted all those years ago, sitting around the campfire with our friends.”

“Yes… that is my dream but… Wait, how did crime become wiped out?”

“After Bruce’s death, you and Dick went on… a crusade would be the best way to describe it… You relentlessly hunted down every crook, thug and weirdo in Gotham. Crime Alley was the only place left crime-ridden. The other heroes became inspired by the two of you and, long story short: You guys, along with the Justice League, took the crusade worldwide.”

“So, there’s absolutely no crime left in the world?”

“No.”

“Not even something small like purse-snatching?”

“Nothing, Tim.”

The perfect world. He thought. Well, Bruce is gone, but his dream was carried out. That would’ve made him happy.

“I’m sorry, Cassie.” He said, shaking his head. “It just seems so surreal sometimes, y’know? We worked for years on that dream, and there were time I thought it’d never end.”

“I know how you feel.” She said, gently taking his hand. “Now, let’s end our ‘romantic evening’ the right way.”

She let go of his hand and walked toward another doorway. He smiled and followed after her.

A perfect world. He thought. I live in a perfect world.

As everyone waited for Robin’s return, talking amongst themselves in various places around the courtyard, Batman and Nightwing stood in front of the portal, discussing the trials Robin now faced.

“Bruce, you’ve been through this before.” Nightwing said, his arms crossed. “What is he facing in there?”

“The specifics of what each person faces are different.” Batman replied. “I can’t tell you any more than that.”

“Why the hell not?” Nightwing said coolly.

“No one who endures the trials is to speak of it. I took an oath that I wouldn’t and I hold to it.”

“Damn. Well, is there any way we can help him?”

“No, Dick. All we can do is wait.”

“Great, waiting, we all know how good I am at that.”

“Not as good as you are at sarcasm.” Batman quipped.

“Did Batman just crack a joke?” Nightwing said with a grin.

“There’s a first time for everything.”

“Indeed. But, getting back to Tim, is there anything you can tell me about what’s going on?”

“The only thing I can tell you is that he’s going to face one of the toughest decisions of his life.”

“Let’s just hope he can handle it on his own.”

Batman grinned slightly.

“Don’t worry, Dick.” He assured. “Tim’s will is enough to get him through this.”

The sunlight beamed through the window, stirring Tim from his slumber.

The previous night had been a good one, one he wouldn’t mind repeating, and yet… something felt… ‘off’ the whole night.

I thought I would sleep the feeling off but… why do I still feel this way? All this time I’ve been married to Cassie and… … and… Wait, this isn’t right. Is it? Cassie and I are married but… when did it happen… Why can’t I remember?

He sat up in the bed. Cassie was already gone, he could hear her in the kitchen. He got up, put on his robe and walked to the kitchen.

As he entered, Cassie was facing the stove, cooking something. He quietly moved behind her, wrapped his around her waist and kissed her on the neck.

“Good morning, Tim.” She smiled.

He looked down at the eggs she was cooking, they were a good bit overdone.

Well, she never has been the best cook. I remember that last time she cooked… … what? Wht can’t I remember? What’s wrong with-

“Tim?” Cassie said, interrupting his thoughts. “Is something wrong?”

“It’s nothing.” He smiled. “Just thinking.”

“Well, could you stop thinking for a sec and grab some plates? Breakfast is almost done.”

“You got it.”

He walked over to the cupboard and opened the door, but, to his surprise, it was empty.

“Wrong one, dear.” Cassie said.

“But this is where Alfred always puts…”

“Um, Tim, in case you haven’t noticed, you don’t live with Alfred anymore.”

He stood staring into the empty cupboard.

“I know but…”

But, why do I feel like I should? He thought to himself.

Hawkman stood, watching the horizon, while the others still talk amongst themselves, discussing, what Hawkman n thought to be, trivial matters.

How can they talk of such light maters at a time like this? Don’t they realize that, if Robin doesn’t return soon, everything could be lost? You’d best hurry kid… or else-

He felt a pulse of energy from the amulet on his chest.

No! Not now!

It continued pulsing, faster and faster.

Quickly, he flew over to Batman and Nightwing, still standing on front of the portal.

“Batman, we have a problem.” He said as he landed.

“What is it, Carter?” Batman asked quickly.

“She’s coming.”

“Damn. I was afraid of this. With Rama Kushna still in a weakened state, Raven was bound to try this if we stayed here too long.”

“This doesn’t make sense.” Nightwing interjected. “Why doesn’t she fight it? There has to be something left of her in there.”

“She is fighting it, Dick. That’s only reason we’re still alive.”

“Either way,” Hawkman interrupted. “We need to have a plan set in place before her arrival.”

“There’s really no way we can mount a formidable defense here, Carter, you know that as well as I do.” Batman replied. “When she gets here, you’ll be our main line of defense. Your knowledge of magic is our best weapon until Robin returns with the Emerald.”

“Understood.”

“I’ll go and warn the others, tell them what to expect.” Nightwing said, already walking away.

Gotham city was alive and bustling as Tim walked down the street, headed for work. There was a time when, even at this time of morning, gunshots could be heard not too far away. But, not now, not anymore.

A perfect world. Tim thought to himself. I live in a perfect world.

It was still hard for him to believe that he and Dick were now the heads of Wayne Corp. They each still missed Bruce dearly, but took solace in the fact that his crusade was done and his dream had been realized.

We did it Bruce. We did… what? What did we do?.....

His memory failed him again.

What is this? It’s like I can almost remember, almost touch it, but when I reach out, it’s gone…

A sudden gust of wind hit his face, causing him to realize he’d been standing still, staring into space. He noticed a few people on the street looking at him curiously.

Idiot! Keep this up and you’ll be branded as a lunatic! Better get moving, now.

He continued his walk to the office. He found walking to be a much more pleasant than driving, giving him a chance to gather his thoughts before work.

Dick should already be there is he took the bike… So, yeah, he’s already there. Since when does he not take it?

A sudden ring from his cell phone startled him. He looked at the display, Dick was calling.

“Hello?” He said, flipping the phone open, holding it to his ear.

Where are you? Dick asked.

“On my way to the office. Why, is something wrong?”

No, nothing’s wrong. Dick assured. You’re just running a little late and I wanted to check in.

“Well, I’m fine, bro. I’ll be there in less than ten minutes.”

Okay. See you then.

He heard a click, followed by silence.

That’s Dick for you. Tim thought with a smile. Even though crime’s been non-existent for almost two years, he still worries he’ll have to take up the fight again at any moment.

Everyone stood on edge, gathered in the middle of the courtyard, all except Batman and Nightwing who stood at the very end, overlooking the passage from the mountains.

“Bruce, without Tim bringing back the Emerald, we won’t stand the ghost of a chance against Raven directly.” Nightwing stated simply.

“I know.”

“Shouldn’t he be back by now? What if something’s happened?”

“I’m sure a lot has happened, but he’ll be fine. He’s strong, he’ll make the right choice.”

“Choice?”

“That’s all I can say.”

Nightwing left the matter to rest.

As they watched the horizon a while longer before what appeared to be a large, black cloud materialized at the very end of their sight. They knew what it was. It was moving far to fast against the wind to be a normal cloud. This had to be Raven.

“Carter.” Batman called over his shoulder. “Get ready.”

“Understood.” Hawkman replied.

Batman could still see worry in Nightwing’s expression. He laid a hand on his shoulder.

“He’ll be fine, Dick.” He said confidently.

“I know he will. But something in my gut tells me something is going to go horribly wrong today.”

“I know, I feel it, too.”

“What do we do?”

“When the feeling culminates and you realize the moment is right in front of you, you do your best to stop it from happening.”

“Can moments like that really be stopped?”

“Sometimes.”

“Great. Just freakin great.”

“Let’s go join the others. Hawkman takes point on this one.”

They turned from the horizon and walked toward the rest of the group.

“About time you got here!” Dick said as Tim entered the office. “The phones have been ringing off the hook for an hour now.”

“Sorry. Had a long night last night.”

“Oh yeah!” Dick said with a smile. “Forgot you and Cassie had your anniversary dinner last night. Followed by ‘dessert’, I assume” He winked.

Tim sighed.

“Maybe…”

Mr. Grayson? A voice said over the comm..

“Go ahead, Nancy.” Dick replied, pressing a button on the phone.

A visitor is here to see Mr. Drake.

“Who is it?”

They’re saying they want it to be a surprise, Mr. Grayson. Should I send them in?

“Sure, why the hell not?”

A few moments later, the office door opened, admitting the mysterious guest. As the figure stepped through the doorway, Tim’s eyes flew open wide, his mouth hanging open. It was Connor Kent!

No! Now, I remember! This isn’t right; he’s supposed to be dead!

“What’s wrong, little bro?” Dick said worriedly. “You look like you’ve seen a ghost.”

“I…umm…. I…” Tim couldn’t get the words out.

“What? Aren’t you happy to see me, Tim?” Connor said with a slight frown. “I’ve been away for months, I thought we could catch up now that I’m back.”

“No, this isn’t right.” Tim managed. “You’re dead.”

What the hell, man? I go away for awhile and you think I’m dead?”

“No…” Tim continued. “I saw you die. The Watchtower… Nanda Parbat…. Oh, God! I’m still in Nanda Parbat, aren’t I?”

“Easy, Tim.” Dick said, resting a hand on his shoulder. “Cassie obviously didn’t let you get enough sleep last night.”

“Don’t touch me!” Tim yelled, shoving Dick’s arm away. “You’re not real! I’m still in Nanda Parbat… so that means… this must be the trial…”

Suddenly, time stopped, and a mysterious crimson light fell over the room. A voice echoed, seemingly, from nowhere.

Very good, Child. You’ve seen through my illusions and, now, you have a choice to make.

“I’m listening.”

Look behind you.

Tim, turned around at the voice’s request. A glowing item, about the size of a human hand, sat on a pedestal.

“The Emerald of Twilight, I take it?”

Indeed. You may take it if you wish.

“I thought you said there was a choice.”

Yes. I’m sure you’ve noticed by now that this illusion is your idea of a perfect world.

“Yes.”

Well, the moment you pick up the Emerald, all of this will disappear, forever. But, should you choose to let it be, you will be allowed to, forever, live in this world, with no memory of the outside.

“So, I can either stay here in my perfect world and let the real world be destroyed, or I can leave and save the real world.”

That is correct.

“And, if I were to stay, I’d have no memory of leaving my friends and family to die?”

No, you would not.

Tim stopped for a moment to think things over.

Damn it! I hate no-win situations. I can live here forever in paradise, or go back and save that hell. Well, what will it be, Drake? Are you going to stay here and live a perfect life and condemn everyone you love to death, or take the high-road?

I need an answer now, child.

“Yeah, yeah, I’ve got your answer, you disembodied bastard.”

And what will that be?

“You tell me.” He said sarcastically as he walked toward the Emerald.

As he touched it, pain erupted from every pore. Blood gushed from his skin, he screamed in agony as the pain continued.

Raven was only a few hundred feet away from the gate. Everyone stood still; ready to burst into action, given the command.

“You realize, if Tim doesn’t make it back in time, we’re toast, right?” Flash said, addressing Batman.

“He’ll make it in time.” Batman said without turning around.

“Yeah, Wally, you should have more faith.” A voice called from behind them.

Everyone turned around at once to see Robin, with the Emerald of Twilight held tightly in his hand, moving triumphantly toward them.

“Tim, you did it!” Starfire cried, meeting him halfway and giving him a hug.

“Yeah, Star, I did it.” He said with a smile, hugging her back.

Wonder Girl, Flash and Nightwing also ran to greet him, while Hawkman, Batman and Deadman kept focused on Raven’s approach.

“Uhm, I really hate ta break up this lovely reunion,” Deadman called back. “But, Raven’s entering Nanda Parbat now, so, if ya don’t mind… Could ya get yer asses over here!?”

The ground began shaking violently, making hard for some of the group to keep their balance. Raven, surrounded by dark energy engulfing the air around her, slowly approached them. She stopped just a few feet away, staring them down.

“Dick, if things get hairy, can you hold your own?” Robin whispered.

“I’m pretty banged up but I’ll manage.” Nightwing replied.

Starfire tried speaking to Raven, hoping there was some way to reach her.

“Raven, you can fight this, I know you can! We are not your enemy!”

Raven said nothing at first, almost as if she were absorbing what Starfire had said, then, finally, she replied.

“DIE!” She hissed as dozens of portals appeared around the courtyard.

One after another, demons poured from the fresh openings, hissing and barking threats at their enemies.

“Tim, you do know how to work that thing right?” Nightwing asked, referring to the Emerald.

“Yeah, I think I just have to will it to work.”

“Well, little bro, start willing.”

The truth was Robin wanted to; he wanted to end it all now before things could get any worse, but something stopped him. A part of him still hoped for another way to save Raven, a way that didn’t involve her death.

As he hoped in vain, the snarling demons closed in. They were easily outnumbered twenty to one, maybe even more, but still, he hoped. Another second and the battle began, the monsters lashing out wildly, not caring if they hit some of their own as long as it meant drawing blood from their enemies. Hawkman was the first to move, slashing through five of them in one stroke. Blood gushed from the points of impact, splattering across Hawkman’s chest.

Batman was the next to jump in, removing the weapon from any demon he met and taking them down with a series of precise punches and kicks.

Finally, everyone one else followed, Starfire taking to the air, providing cover for everyone else. Wonder Girl, bashing in the skulls of anyone unlucky enough to get in her way. And Flash, running about taking down demon after demon at break-neck speed. But, the flow of demons was endless; just as they finished five, eight more entered through the still-opened portals.

Robin and Nightwing were the only ones who hadn’t moved.

“Tim, use the Emerald, now!” Nightwing said urgently, removing his escrima sticks from their holsters.

“But, Dick, there has to be another way. How can we kill a friend like this?”

“You’re not killing Raven, Tim, Trigon’s already done that! You’re just killing a shell that happens to look like Raven.”

“I… I guess you’re right.” Robin said reluctantly.

“I know it’s hard, but it has to be done. It’s what Raven wanted.”

The demons began overwhelming them, pouring in faster and faster from the portals. Robin knew what had to be done, but, why did it have to be this way?

Nightwing jumped into the fight, taking down two of them almost instantly. But, he was quickly becoming outnumbered.

Robin knew he had to end it immediately, no more hesitation… but, why couldn’t he do it?

The demons were becoming more fierce, learning from their mistakes. Nightwing was almost overrun, his injuries were slowing him down, he couldn’t hold out much longer.

C’mon, Tim! Robin thought. You’re brother’s going to die if you don’t end this now… Do it, Damn you!

Nightwing turned back to Robin. Seeing that Robin wouldn’t be able to finish it, Nightwing ran toward him.

Tim can’t do it. He thought. I’ll have to do it myself.

Robin watched as Nightwing ran toward him, then, looking beyond him, he saw Raven, her eyes were locked on Nightwing.

Oh, God! She knows what he’s going to do! Robin thought urgently.

Without second’s hesitation, Raven conjured a ball of black flame and hurled it strait at Nightwing.

“Dick, look out!” Robin screamed.

But, it was too late; the flame was moving too fast to dodge. Time seemed to slow to a crawl as Robin watched the flame grow closer and closer to Nightwing. Raven wasn’t playing around anymore, this would kill him, and there was nothing anyone could do.

Just as the flame was about to meet its target, Robin saw a streak of purple and red rush in the path of the flame.

A blood-curdling scream tore from Starfire’s lungs as the black flame hit her body. Her scream still hung in the air as her body turned to ash.