Bruges || December 22, 20:08 CET||

"Damen and Herren, Mesdames et Messieurs... Ladies and Gentlemen!" An elder man showed up in front of the guests. "Welcome to the Haly International Travelling Circus! Where the world in the center ring is your oyster and these are our latest pearls! The Daring Dangers!" The ringmaster announced and the audience gasped at the scene to see the boy is waving at them. "Dan Danger! Dawn Danger!" Both male and female are doing aerobatics as they switch the swing. "Diane Danger! Dane Danger!" Both archers are readying their bows and arrows. "And Dean Danger!" Juggling the tunnels before throwing it up into the air as the archers released their arrows. The boy and girl get through the tunnel successfully and the crowds cheered widely. "You'll never see another trapeze act like this, folks, and all performed, without a net!"

"Robin!" Miss Martian cried out his name telepathically.

"Don't blow our cover." Robin informed them.

"But saving your life's okay?" Superboy asked sarcastically and throws the tunnel up again.

Robin landed on the tunnel and raising his right arm as Miss Martian tried to grab it. Her eyes glowed green and clasp it with his.

"What did I just say?" Robin asked Miss Martian with a pointed look. 

"The crows couldn't see me using telekinesis from below... besides, I've been using it all night." Miss Martian explained since she's not good at acrobatics like him.

"Not everyone is good as your aerobat, Robin." Celestial informed him in a soft tone.

"Yet you're good at gymnastics, Celestial." Robin pointed out bluntly.

"Well... blame Oichi's flexibility and trained me so I can use her form." Celestial answered and smiles nervously as she stands right next to the ringmaster. She's wearing pink jester outfit with a puppet rabbit on her right hand. "Robin, are you okay? You nearly give us a heart attack." She asked her boyfriend in a worried tone. Miss Martian connects Ruby's thoughts through her and Robin since she wanted to know his condition.

"I think I've been caught that 24-hour bug that's been going around the circus." Robin answered. "But the show must go on..."

"Do you want me to call Kurama to examine you, Robin?" Celestial suggested.

"It's not that serious, Celestial. Don't worry." He assured her.

~Flashback~

Robin briefed Celestial, Artemis, Miss Martian and Superboy for their new mission. "Advanced weapons have been stolen at manufacturing plants throughout Europe. And each theft coincides with tour stops made by the Haly Circus. Batman is sending us undercover to catch the thieves." He explained to them.

Red Arrow showed up and Celestial feels nervous around him because he's being hostile towards Kitsune, Angel and herself. He's being irritated the fact of her and Robin are dating which makes him hate Celestial more. "This clown car have room for one more?" He asked Robin.

"Uh... we've got this covered." Robin answered and looking at Red Arrow.

Red Arrow leans close to Robin. "You've got the mission covered. But who's covering the four potentials mole suspects you're bringing along?" He asks him harshly.

Robin covered his scowling look at the fact his girlfriend can be the mole behind them. He knows her background slowly because Celestial is letting him part of her life.

~Flashback ends~

"Let's give it up for Davina Dangers for her amazing gymnast as the tiger is chasing her!" The ringmaster announced.

Celestial summoned Lu Bu in his tiger form and growling at his mistress. She smiles and readying her red silky ribbons as the audience gasps the scene in front of them. Lu Bu is rushed off and raising his paws to slash Celestial. Celestial runs and jumps over while twirling the ribbon around her like a tornado. Throwing the ribbon and backflips gracefully before catching it then twirl. Lu Bu growled and Celestial lowers her ribbon with a calm look on her face. The Chinese tiger runs off towards her and Celestial hops and twirls around him in order to confused Lu Bu.

"Ugh. You're gonna owe me a lot of meat for this, little red." Lu Bu groaned in annoyance.

Celestial can communicate her spirits mentally because they're part of her life. She informed Robin how Celestial treats her spirits as a family because they're like them despite they're immortal. The scarlet-haired girl would never abandon her spirits or treated them as a tool to make them a weapon despite they're living people.

"I will once the mission is over, Lu Bu." Celestial assured him and jumps on Lu Bu's back successfully.

The crowds grow wild and Lu Bu leads her where the others are standing in front of the platform. Celestial smiles and waving at audiences. "Put your hands together for... the Daring Dangers!"

"Didn't know we can make it through." Celestial spoke up.

"Neither did I, gem, can I ride on Lu Bu's back?" Robin asked and she simply nodded her head.

Robin climbs on Celestial's back as everyone goes back on the backstage. "That was so scary..." She sighs nervously and never done this performance before except sabotaging Kitsune's play.

"You did a great job back there, Davina." Robin assured her and squeezes his girlfriend's hand gently.

Lu Bu quietly growled and lowering his body as they get off. He wanted to revert himself back but didn't want to take a risk of scaring people off this circus for seeing a tiger turning himself into a human with tiger ears and tail.

"Haly, what's the deal? Giving the top slot to those Danger kids?" The twins asked the ringmaster angrily.

"That's our slot."

"Was your slot." The ringmaster corrected them. "Until you missed that performance in Paris."

"Carlos was sick and he's better now." The twins informed him.

"Plus those Dangers are a sham." One of the twins spoke up. "They say they're brothers and sisters. They don't even look alike!"

"Plus that scarlet-haired girl tamed the unusual tiger behavior!"

Celestial smiles nervously and patting Lu Bu's head as she could sense his hostility against the twins. It's hard to tell everyone Lu Bu is her Chinese Zodiac spirits but didn't want to blow their cover or him skinning the twins alive.

"Ah, you just don't like competition." The ringmaster commented and pushing them away. He faced the ash-blond man with his suit. "Ah, for crying out loud, not you again! We're in the middle of a show!"

"Then we'll talk after." The man spoke up. "But we will talk. Another city last week, another tech firm robbed. Another stop on your tour. If I prove you're responsible, I will shut you down." He vowed to stop the circus.

"I've got three minutes to gather props and get back to the center ring." The ringmaster informed him in a serious tone.

The man approached them and Lu Bu simply laid down. He showed his badges. "Faraday, Interpol. New act?" He asked them curiously.

"Yeah, just joined the tour." Robin answered.

"Probably cleared you." Faraday puts his badges back. "But don't get too comfortable. Haly's going down for this." He walked away.

Celestial noticed Robin is glaring at Faraday and couldn't help but worried about him.

Robin is worried about Celestial if she's compatible enough to join them tonight. Celestial assured him she's capable of taking care of herself and Kitsune gives half of her magic on her before they leave. He couldn't help himself after seeing her fighting David and nearly depleted Celestial's magic, Robin has every right to be worried about her well-being.

"If Interpol's already on this, why are we bothering?" Superboy asked curiously as he squats down right next to Celestial.

"Because Batman said so." Robin shortly replied and Celestial couldn't help but wonder this mission is more than personal to him. She never has seen Robin being hostile towards federal Agents unless they're involved with heroes. "Why? You had something better to do?" He asked coldly.

"How do we know the thieves will hit here?" Artemis asked and using binoculars to look closely.

"There are more obvious targets." Red Arrow answered.

"And Faraday will have them covered." Robin pointed out. "But I analyzed the tech already stolen, and the patterns suggest this is the place." Wiping the sweat off his forehead.

"How are you feeling?" Miss Martian asked Robin worriedly.

"Lousy, actually, but I'll manage." He assured the Martian girl.

"I should've asked Kurama to check you out." Celestial sighs heavily and massaging her forehead. "You're too stubborn." She's worried Robin might pass out of exhaustion.

"You're meant to take a day off but you insisted to join us, Celestial." Robin reminded her and she remained silent.

Superboy looks down to see a person. "Contact! North-East quadrant." He informed them. The person climbs up the fence and jumps over to land safely. "Looks like we know why 'Carlo' missed their performance." He pointed out to see the guy is using aerobatic.

"Could be Carlo, could be his brother." Robin suggested. "Keep an open mind. And move in!"

They jumped off the building and leans against the wall before the person could catch them. Celestial couldn't take a risk of calling them for she might blow their cover due to bringing light to summon the spirits. Superboy uses his x-ray vision to find the culprit is inside of the warehouse. "The warehouse." He informed them.

Everyone barges inside of the warehouse and Robin chuckles to get the person's attention. "Caught red-handed!" The boy wonder informed them. "Red phase 2, I'll bet."

"Acrobatics won't get you out of this." Artemis spoke up as she and Red Arrow readied their bow and arrow.

They dodged at the sudden flame coming out from his mouth. Red Arrow is about to shoot the person but stopped to see the crate. "Those crates are full of live ammo! Move!" Red Arrow informed them.

"I know someone who can protect us from the flame!" Celestial grabs her keys and raising it up. "Ryūnomon, watashi wa anata o aite, nishi no hito! (Gate of the dragon, I open thee, Xi Men!)"

The Chinese Dragon spirit showed up and covering them with a flame shield. The warehouse explodes by the ammo but they're unharmed. "Are you feeling alright, Miss Martian?" Xi Men asked her worriedly since Martians are weak against fire.

"Yeah, how come I don't feel weak at all?" Miss Martian asked him curiously.

"I can control fire at my own will and no harm would come to you." Xi Men answered and stared at the fire building. "We must get out of this place."

"We need to find the thief!" Robin exclaimed and didn't like the idea of retreating.

"Silence." Xi Men gives him a stern look. "His presence is no longer present. At your condition, I highly doubt you're well enough to fight this thief."

"Xi Men is right, Robin." Celestial spoke up and stares at the boy wonder. "You're not in good condition to fight."

"You're letting that person get away just like that, Celestial!?" Superboy growled in anger and Celestial flinches in surprise whereas Xi Men narrowed his gaze at him.

"Look, I trust my spirits judgment and if we're running around circles, it's useless because the person is already disappeared." Celestial pointed out. "Robin is in no condition to fight. What if it happened again? Surrounded by fire and Miss Martian can't stand the heat. You of all people know that." She explained calmly and stares at the archers. "Artemis and Red Arrow, support Robin. We're getting out of here before someone sees us."

The five of them are inside of their private cabin and Ruby couldn't help but glance at Robin worriedly. He's feeling better due to Kurama's healing ability but Robin his actions catch his girlfriend's attention. Celestial couldn't help but think if Robin knows the ringmaster personally but she's going to wait until he tells his past.

"So two thieves, right?" Artemis asked them curiously. "The fire breather and one of the acrobats."

"Just identical clothes." M'gann commented.

"Maybe not just two." Robin pointed out and watches the video coming from his hologram computer. "Here's the Madrid security footage. And now, Paris." The first scene is pulling the cage in his bare hand and the second scene is walking down the rope.

"So the strong man and the clown too." Roy pointed out. "If the entire circus is involved, Haly himself may be the mastermind." He suggested.

"You don't know that." Robin defended the ringmaster.

"It would explain his lies..." M'gann pointed out and Celestial shook her head.

"We don't have evidence to prove he's the mastermind behind this." Celestial spoke up and stared at everyone. Her phone silently vibrates. "Don't jump into any conclusion, always keep your mind open." She walked away and accept the call. "Hello?"

"Ruby, you guys okay?" Ruby smiles to hear Arthur's voice. "I heard you, Artemis, M'gann, Conner and Robin went on a mission without us."

"Yeah, Robin said Batman gave us the permission to pursue this mission, why?" She asked the brunette curiously.

Arthur exhales heavily from the phone and shook his head. "That brat, I knew he's going to do it." He grumbles under his breath.

"Arthur?" She looked skeptical and stopped to see the poster of 'The Flying Graysons'. "The Flying Graysons..." Lifting her hand and trace the poster slowly.

"Just be careful, okay?" He closes his eyes. Arthur knew Robin's intention and it's not in his place to explain for Ruby because it's not his problem."It's not in my position to say but can you please look after Robin? The mission you have is more of a personal matter to him."

"That explains his actions..." Ruby muttered and stares at the poster. "How's Aaliyah? I kinda feel bad cause she's giving me magic power so I can join the mission."

"Distancing because her birthday is coming soon is the day-"

"She lost her mom and used to be blind before." Ruby answered with a sad look on her face. "Born on Christmas Day but didn't want to celebrate her birthday but going on the mission."

"I'm surprised she goes this far and didn't allow herself to swallow into darkness." Arthur spoke up softly. "Kaldur would still pursue her until her cold heart melts."

"I'm not actually blind to find out Aaliyah likes Kaldur but she's hurting and I don't know why." She sensed Robin is behind her. "Arthur? You knew Kaldur for a long time."

"I know but..." Arthur sighs heavily. "Kaldur is confused about his feelings before because he likes the girl back in Atlantis and Aaliyah. Once he comes back from his short visit, Kaldur finally resolves his feelings."

"That doesn't mean Aaliyah is scared to get hurt again because she lost important dear to her and didn't want to celebrate her birthday on Christmas Day." She pointed out. "I gotta go and look after Aaliyah?"

"I can- if only I can breathe under the water..." Arthur laughs nervously. "I would ask Kaldur but Aaliyah would blow up soon once she finds out I send him?"

"We should let her be and I'll call you soon, Arthur."

"Be careful and don't stress yourself out, Rubes." He ended the call.

"This mission means something personal to you, isn't it? Robin." Ruby turned around to face his boyfriend.

"No, it was-"

"Arthur made it clear my suspicious and the way you defended Haly. You knew him personally." Ruby explained and Robin blinks in surprise.

"Ruby, I- I grew up in the circus with my family." Robin answered with a solemn look on his face as he stares at the poster. "My family and I are famous at acrobatics."

"That explains your stunts." She smiles gently and holding his face. "You don't have to tell me everything, Robin. I'll wait until you're ready to say it." Ruby didn't want pressure Robin until he's ready to say his past.

Robin smiles sadly and holding her warm hands. "It's one of the things that I love about you, my gem." Leaning his head against her while smiling. "You were never been pushy unless it's necessary."

"I may not know your past." Ruby closes her eyes. "I can tell how much it means this circus to you just like how much I cherish my spirits." She could feel Robin's warm breath close to her.

Robin couldn't be more luckier to have his emerald gem. It wasn't his first time to meet Ruby but it was a few months ago when Arthur invited him to attend the orphanage with Caleb before they meet each other again at the Hall of Justice.

~Flashback~

Robin scratches his head and starting to regret accepting Arthur's request. He asked him to go to the orphanage with him and his brother so Robin could see their foster scarlet-haired girl. Caleb couldn't help but gush at her pure innocent girl and Arthur would always be there to stop his brother to embarrass himself to everyone.

"Robin, I'm glad you could make it." He turned around to see his brunette friend and Caleb.

"If it isn't Nelson brothers." Robin smirked at them. "Why are we here at the orphanage?" He asked them curiously.

Caleb laughs softly and patting Robin's shoulder. "My dearest purest innocent-"

"Can't you at least talk normally, Cal." Arthur sighs heavily at his brother's antics.

"Ahaha...." Laughing nervously and shook his head. "Anyway, we wanted to cheer our dearest Rubina since she's a bit under the weather lately." He explained softly and stares at the sky. "I thought maybe bringing her to the orphanage would cheer her up a little.

Arthur noticed Robin's skeptical look and he smiles gently. "Rubina and her sister grew up in the orphanage when they were young. Caleb assumed bringing the girl here would cheer her up which I think it's useless. You're just going to bring the girl nothing but sadness, brother."

"Hey!" Caleb whined and pouts. "It won't hurt until you try right?" He suggested and Robin shook his head.

"How did you meet this girl?" Robin asked them curiously. He never expects Caleb would adopt a girl despite his happy-go-lucky personality.

Caleb smiled happily. "The moment I laid my eyes on her and the two girls!" He answered happily and gasping in pain. "Ow!" He whimpered and rubbing his head. "Is that how you treat your brother, Arthur?"

"When he's an idiot." Arthur retorted back calmly. "This is what she looks like. Caleb force her to take pictures and bless her. She passed out after taking pictures of my dear idiot brother." He handed him the picture towards Robin.

It's a picture of the scarlet-haired girl and smiles nervously in front of the camera. Robin is completely looked speechless to see her rare beauty. The brothers noticed his expression and Caleb decided to ruin his moment.

"Soo... you fancy her huh?" Caleb teased and covering his cheeks. "Isn't she the cutie!?" Gushing the cuteness of his new foster sister.

Arthur sighs heavily and bowing his head. "I always asked myself how I ended up having happy-go-lucky brother of mine."

Robin simply smirked in amused and staring at the picture. "Rubina huh? I can't wait to see her." Muttering under his breath.

~Flashback ends~

When he sees her again face to face, Robin was surprised her once long hair turned into short. He started to see her hair is starting to get long again and caressing it. "You should grow your hair a bit long, my gem. I'm sure it suits you."

"Really?" Ruby asked him and tilting her head. "It always gets in my way and preferred my hair short."

"Please?" He begged and Ruby's cheek flushed by staring at his blue eyes. "Just once and if you don't like, you can cut it again."

Ruby sighs heavily with an exasperated look on her face but smiled. "Fine only once if that would help you to cheer up."

"Finitely!" Robin nodded his head and Ruby sweatdropped for him to mess up words again. "So, Aaliyah's birthday is on Christmas Day."

"Yeah..." She nodded her head with a solemn look. "You heard everything."

"Not everything only the part of Aaliyah's birthday and how she denied her feelings for Kaldur." He shook his head. "That girl needs to sort out her attitude."

"That's Aaliyah for you..." Ruby laughs nervously and holding his hands. "We will prove Haly's innocence and don't stress yourself out. Stay whelm and you have us."

"Thank you, my gem." Robin caresses her cheeks before sealing Ruby's lips with a kiss. He couldn't ask for a better gift early Christmas present to have Ruby.