Young Justice doesn't belong to me, no profit made.

Reviews are appreciated.

Thank you for your feedback. XD

Bruce knows it's late, but right know he can't face going back to base.

The weather's taking a turn for the worse, heavy shrouds of fog hang from the buildings creating dense veils of shadows. Bruce squints, the task is getting harder by the minute, soon it would be impossible.

'Batman?'

'What is it Nightwing?'

Bruce reaches for the communicator in his belt.

'I'm getting no indication of any activity, on the east side, he was not taken here.'

'Are you sure?'

'Certain. There is nothing here.'

'Have you checked everywhere ? Are you clear?'

'Bruce, please. Jason is not here. Listen I think we should regroup at the manor, Tim's not answering my call... Bruce?'

'I'm going to check the docks'

Fine, but Bruce bear in mind, none of this is your fault. Right?

...

Bruce sets out the coordinates and waits for the Bat Mobile to arrive.

To keep hold of the blame is a burden, but Bruce refuses to part with it. Jason is a millstone around Batman's neck grinding all other victories into insignificance. What good is a victory when the stakes are so high and the consequences so bitter. His face is expressionless, emotions are not needed for the mission. They are a distraction, a danger. Bruce is going to find Jason and bring him back. He owes him that.

A sudden flash of light indicates the Bat Mobile's arrival. The sleek machine is nearly invisible in the nights weather, only its lights could cleave through the murk that encircles them. The driver's door opens immediately, waiting for its driver.

Bruce glances down at the seat and has to use all his willpower not to gag.

A shard of ice pierces his chest then shatters to to his four limbs.

Dully, he picks up the object placed so precariously on his seat.

The object is cold to touch, and feels heavy to handle.

A crowbar?

'SHOW YOURSELF'

The stench is overwhelming, flooding the manor house with the fragrance of decay. Tim tries hard not to retch. The atmosphere is oppressive, bearing down on his shoulders, causing his neck to ache. Tim wipes off the cold sweat that has dripped down his forehead. His communicator is jammed, cutting him off from the outside world.

It... Jason wants him alone.

Tim walks out of the study, he'd rather face whatever it is here, than in the bat cave. Steadying a batarang he glides into the corridor, sticking to the shadows. He hopes in vain to get the jump on whatever is here.

'Wasting your time there mate'

Tim jumped, the voice is back.

What the hell are you? And don't call yourself Jason! What do you want?

'Thought I was part of your imagination, starting to believe now are we?

How did you get in my head?

'Wormed my way in, easy to do when you are no longer living.'

Cut that out, it's not working!

'Want proof, come and find me'

What have you done with Alfred?

'I'm in the dining hall'

Tim sighs, this is going to be difficult. The doors for the dining hall loom at the far end of the corridor. Tim can feel his limbs numb as he walks, the floor feels like it has turned to marsh as he wades closer. Cold sweat is dripping down his spine rubbing against his costume. He is surprised to notice he is shaking. The stench is getting stronger, almost to the point of suffocation, Tim's eyes sting in objection and his throat aches.

Grabbing the door handle, he recoils in shock, it is plastered in mud.

'Not gonna back out now are you?'

'Never.' Regaining momentum Tim thrusts the doors open.

'Timmy, I've been waiting for this.'

I shall try to bring this to a good conclusion. XD I enjoy writing the bat fam. Hopefully I'm keeping in character. Any feedback or con crit is welcome.