Disclaimer: Batman and related characters are the properties of DC COMICS. This is an original fan fiction story, not written for profit and not intended to infringe on their copyright.

Summary- The Batman of the future travels to the past to enlist the aid of present day Batman

Rated- PG or T

A Time to Grieve, A Time to Avenge

Pt.1

By: Shannyn Grayson Ivy

Batman sensed an unknown presence way before the acknowledgement from the Batcave's warning sensors confirmed it. Standing battle ready, unsure of that he was about to face, Batman discreetly touched his belt, instantly arming himself. The Batcave's intrusion alert would be sent out to the hand full of Batman's allies that he trusted to know the location of the cave. Batman need only hold the line until reinforcements could arrive.

"Who are you?" Batman asked with a growl. Silently he hoped Alfred would follow protocol for once and stay inside Wayne Manor. He fought the urge to look toward the steps to see. If Alfred had made it into the cave there was no sense alerting the intruder. Surprise could be very advantageous.

"Br…uc…e…" The dark figure from the shadows called to him in a desperate tone. Now it was the Dark Knight's turn to be surprised.

"Show yourself." Batman warned. Five more seconds and The Batman's weapon of choice was to be released. A Batarang sharp enough to do lethal damage if not carefully aimed.

The dark figure took a few weary steps into the light and then collapsed. Batman did a double blink then his powerfully trained blue eyes darted between light and shadow to ascertain the risks. This unknown trespasser appeared to be alone.

"Sir! Are you alright?" Alfred called from the bottom of the steps. He had seen the dark lump on the cave flooring and was grateful to realize it didn't belong to the Batman himself.

"Stay back." Batman ordered. He really would have to speak with Alfred once again about protocol. Right now however, he had more pressing things at hand.

Cautiously Batman made his way over to the dark form. At closer glance he noticed some uncanny similarities between the costume of this stranger and his own. The unknown man wore a solid black bat suit with a large red bat insignia adorning the chest. The cowl was topped with ridiculously tall ears.

"Don't remember sanctioning this suit." Batman grumbled but Alfred noticed he seemed more intrigued than upset.

Kneeling down, Batman checked for a pulse. After finding it in distress and becoming aware of the growing puddle of blood oozing from the interesting costume, Batman lifted his uninvited guest and took him quickly to the cave's infirmary.

Before Alfred could manage to make it to Batman's side, Nightwing hurried past him and straight to his adopted father. Batman's eyes danced with satisfaction at how quickly Nightwing responded and amusement at the look of fury in his eyes. Nightwing only lowered his Escrima sticks when he saw Batman did not appear threatened.

"Computer, cancel alarm." Batman stated. Instantly the red flashing lights ceased.

Slowly Batman placed the man on the medical table, still prepared for any tricks. Finding none, he instructed Alfred to ready the medic supplies while Nightwing attempted to help disrobe the bleeding man. The mask came off first and since there was no protest to this, Batman felt sure that the man must be unconscious. He was indeed surprised to find that the face behind the ominous mask was extremely youthful. Blue eyes stared up at the Batman with obvious trust. Now more than ever, Batman was truly confused.

Nightwing saw the puzzlement on his father's face and realized that Batman did not have any answers. Unnerved by this and the fact that the visitor had found his way into the cave so easily, Nightwing situated himself between the two batmen who silently watched one other.

"Spill it! Who the hell are you?" Nightwing demanded agitated. He needed answers. It would be the only way he could assess what danger was posed to his family.

"Don't be…angry…Bruce…" The teenager pleaded and reached out to take Batman's hand. Batman allowed the gesture only to have his hand pushed backwards by Nightwing.

"Don't touch him." Nightwing advised with an eerily intense, yet composed, tone.

"Won't…hurt…Bruc…e…ever…" The broken voice vowed.

"Damn right you won't." Nightwing warned. Batman glanced at his son somewhat surprised by his protectiveness.

"You must be…" The boy began and found himself struggling to speak. "Gray…son…"

The boy passed out before he could see the startled looks of all three men to whom his care was now entrusted.

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"This isn't another damned kid of yours with Talia or somebody, IS IT?" Dick's voice boomed. The resemblance between Bruce and this new 'Batman' was uncanny.

"To my knowledge, no." Bruce answered. He too had noticed the similarities. And his mind raced as to the possibilities it opened up.

"Perhaps, a DNA test, sir?" Alfred asked.

"Alfred. Just because the boy has black hair and blue eyes doesn't mean he's my son." Bruce defended.

"And he is wearing a Bat suit, AND he looks just like your dear mother and her side of the family…" Alfred retorted and waited for the facts to sink in to his surrogate son.

Seeing Dick's surprise at the remark, Bruce sighed. "You're right Alfred. He does bare a strong likeness to my mother's side of the family BUT that still doesn't mean that he's my son." Bruce stated with conviction.

"Of course not! Why, I bet he's your uncle's nephew's brother's kid, twice removed." Dick quipped sourly. He had to admit, with siblings being added to the 'family' left and right, he really missed the days when he was an only child…

"Do the test, Alfred." Bruce growled.

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"How are you feeling?" Batman asked the young man who groaned his response. After no verbal communication for a few minutes, Batman tried once more.

"What do they call you?" Batman asked referring to the boy's alternate identity. If he could get that much out of him it would at least be a start.

"Batman."

"eerrpp! Try again! That name is already taken." Nightwing stated in a low threatening tone. Batman shot Nightwing a look as if to say 'you're not helping here' but either by accident or design, Nightwing appeared oblivious to it.

"Is he always so grouchy?" The alternate Batman asked, trying to sit up.

"He's been traumatized lately. Something about too many siblings…" Batman replied. Whether it be by accident or design Batman appeared oblivious to Nightwing's death glare.

"I guess that means you know who I am…"

"Not exactly, however I find it interesting that we share DNA." Batman baited. The actual test results were not back yet but it wasn't the first time the Dark Knight had played a hunch.

"Look, I know you're going to yell at me about messing up the time stream. But I had to. I have to make things right. What I have to tell you is going to change everything so much so that I will no longer even be in existence."

Batman looked at the teenager with even greater interest. Time stream? He hadn't seen that angle coming.

"I'm not in the habit of killing off either existing or future children. I think it is safe to say you can trust me on that." Batman answered gently. Waiting patiently, Batman let that bit of information sit in the air, leaving the young man to mull it over. Nightwing seemed to bridle a bit but remained silent.

"Well you may have to amend that rule. That's why I'm here…" The young Batman sat all the way up and tried to figure out where to start. "I need you to make sure that I'm never born".

XXXXXXXXXX To be continued