The Grey Son Chapter 3:
Good news. I recently bought two more chapters of NIghtwing's part of Night of Owls as well as the three Talon issues. So, I can now write Calvin Rose a bit more accurately.
2/22/13: So, I decided to sit down and write this. I actually have to sequels to this story already thought up. The first one is The Gray Prince's Wings which will be like Wings of Night, a story of Dick recovering from a trauma and becoming Nightwing. The next one, Renegade Talon, will be set during Season 2 and will see Dick returning to his roots to save people he cares about.
This chapter begins the long, dark journey to Dick discovering who he really is. The Court of Owls makes their first true appearance. Next chapter will bring torture and revelations. Let's just say Dick is more than even he knows.
Disclaimer: I do not own.
CH. 3
December 1, 2011
Outside Wayne Manor
Dick grinned as he led Raymond out of the manor. "I can't wait for you to see it," he said.
Raymond shook his head. "You certainly haven't changed much Dick," he said.
Dick froze, bowing his head for a second before looking at Raymond with grave eyes. "We both know that isn't true Ray. I'm hardly the little Robin soaring through the air anymore." He and Raymond tensed as they both felt a dark presence.
"Indeed, you have grown talons worthy of the mightiest owl," a voice said from behind them. They both turned around in horror, dropping into fighting stances. Standing there was a man in a dark costume; his helmet jeweled with a gold crest and golden eyes that Dick realized was supposed to resemble an owl. His dread grew and his fear of why they were after him was confirmed as who Dick realized must be the Talon spoke again. "You are almost ready to take your true place in the order of things."
Dick narrowed his eyes. "And what would that be?" he asked, fighting back the quips he desired to make.
The man seemed to grin under his mask. "My great-grandson, you are the true prince of Gotham, its Gray Son, born of two words, destined to keep the balance between black and white, light and dark, good and evil. You are a true gray."
Dick registered the man's announcement of his relationship to him but his main focus was on what else the man had said. "Points for the play on words, but I kind of already do that. Besides, I don't think your idea of balance is the same as mine."
"Indeed," the Talon said, "but that will soon change." The Talon disappeared and everything suddenly went black. The last thing he heard was Raymond's cry.
"Dick, no! Let him go!"
Dick gasped as Raymond's words echoed in his mind. His eyes flung open only to be met be darkness. He could tell that he was tied up and that he wasn't alone. "Who are you?" he asked. "Where am I?" There was no answer. Fighting against dizziness he struggled to keep awake. Judging by the pounding in his head he was lucky not to have a concussion. At least he was speaking and understanding English.
"Ah, so you've finally decided to wake," a voice said as dim lights came on. Dick struggled not to flinch against the sudden brightness. Once his eyes had adjusted he focused them solely on the group of people suddenly surrounding him. The nearest was one of two not to wear a mask. He was older, his hair long and dark. Dick automatically pegged him as the Talon that had kidnapped him. His eyes widened then narrowed as they landed on the other unmasked man who looked eerily like Bruce. He was the one who had spoken. He was smirking and the bright blue eyes that Dick knew so well were filled with darkness. He recognized the man as Lincoln March, a Gotham mayoral candidate.
"Mr. March, what a surprise," he said sarcastically. "Does your brother know your little secret?"
March glared at him for a second before returning to his false cordial demeanor. "We both know he doesn't and it will stay that way until I choose otherwise."
"Yeeaah," Dick drawled. "Good luck with that. If you would be so kind as to give me back my things and show me the way out I'll be on my way. It's my birthday you know. Everyone will be waiting for me. Can't let the birthday boy be late to his own party."
A knife was thrown at him by his great-grandfather and managed to hold up his time arms so that it cut the rope. "Thought as much," he said, letting out a "disappointed" sigh. "Had to try though." He used the knife in his hands to free his legs and immediately stood, keeping a firm grip on the mercury-weighted knife. "So, who wants to go first?" he asked, his frown slipping into a grin. It widened as the masked members of the group started forward and he was able to see their owl-like features. He didn't need to quip. Instead, he let out a familiar cackle and flipped over his would-be attackers, using their heads as springboards. Landing on the other side of the group, he continued to cackle as he disappeared into the darkness and ran.
"Don't go after him," March said. "I think it's time we test our new acquisition in the way we have done since the beginning." He turned to Talon. "Cobb, you know your duty."
Cobb nodded, smirking. "It will be my pleasure." With that, the Talon disappeared, having slipped his helmet back on.
Wayne Manor
The gathering inside Wayne Manor was far from the happy, joyous mood it should have been. Bruce was pacing back and forth, muttering under his breath. He hardly noticed the others in the room, all of whom were worried about the same thing he was.
"I-I'm s-sorry," a young voice said, sobbing almost hysterically. "I-I c-couldn't pro-tect him. I f-failed."
Bruce turned to where the boy, Raymond, was sitting being held by Calvin. He wanted so much to blame somebody but he knew Dick wouldn't want him to blame his friend. "It's not your fault," he said, much to the surprise of some of the others in the room. "It's the Court's."
"We have to find him," Artemis said from her spot in the arms of her boyfriend.
"We may already be too late," Calvin said, his expression dark. He ignored the glared of the others. "They've been waiting to get a hold of him for too long. They're not going to let him go. He was bred to be their perfect weapon. He is the personification of gray, the perfect balance between light and dark. He's the Gotham's Prince, its Gray Son." He unconsciously echoed Cobb's words. "And soon, its fiercest killer."
"That won't happen!" Bruce exclaimed, followed by several of the others.
"I'm not saying not to try saving him," Calvin said. "I'm saying that it will be too late. Once the Court's gotten their talons into him there's nothing any of us can do. Only Dick can free himself, if he isn't already in too deep."
"Master Bruce, this was just delivered!" Alfred exclaimed, rushing into the room. He handed Bruce a folded piece of paper with the owl symbol on its top left corner. Bruce took it and paled as he unfolded it and looked it over before reading it out loud for the whole room to hear.
Born of light and black,
Born to be the gray,
The prince you all hold dear
Will never come back.
Know the reality of what you fear,
That the test has begun.
Soon what was once yours will be ours.
The Court of Owls has won.
Silence filled the air, as the words set in. None of them knew what to say. If the poem was true, and it most likely was, Dick was about to go through hell and there was nothing they could do to save him. The next time they saw him he would be the new Talon.
Bruce turned to Calvin and Raymond. "Tell us everything you know. Leave out no details."
Date: Unknown
Location: Unknown
Dick ran. There was nothing else he could do. He knew it was futile but he couldn't let them catch him. He knew what would happen if they did. Images of his dreams flashed through his mind and he shuddered as he remembered his Talon self.
Clutching at the edge of the lone source of water in this black place, a fountain, he tried to catch his breath. He knew not to drink it but his body was screaming for him to quench his almost unbearable thirst. Trembling, he leaned against the stone formation and reached out his hands. He tensed as another pair of hands stopped his own. He wasn't alone. Turning his head, he gaped in shock at the figure standing beside him.
"I wouldn't do that if I were you, not unless you have a death wish."
A/N: So, Dick is in trouble and it will only get worse. Expect a lot of darkness and confusion. Next chapter we'll finally meet the second main character of the story. I didn't want to introduce him so soon because I was afraid it would go too fast but I figured it was a good idea. We won't see much of him for a few chapters which is when he'll take most of the spotlight from Dick, though he won't be the same exactly.
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