Tim slid the Dragon mask over his flushed face. He clenched his trembling hands into fists. Smothered a cough.

The Dragon slipped out into the night. His target, a middle-aged man, was asleep in bed. Falcone's half-witted, two-bit thug didn't wake as the Dragon drew his feather-shaped dagger and carefully, methodically plunged it four times into the man's neck, two stab wounds on each side, like the fangs of some unearthly beast had bitten through his skin.

Tim sneezed. His hands shook, forcing Tim to drop the blade. Tim coughed and sputtered, unable to breathe. Tense, aching minutes passed, before Tim regained his breath and composure.

The Dragon knelt to retrieve his knife.

Tim fumbled with the dagger for a moment before tucking it away, and vanishing as best he could into the ashy abyss of Gotham's skyline.


Jason was showering when Tim showed up. The mob boss stepped unabashedly out of the shower, not bothering to cover himself. Disgust filled Jason's eyes as Tim stumbled away from the window.

"I have completed the mission" Tim intoned, but his flat, 'Dragon' voice was hoarse and still held hints of a cough in it.

"Return to your cave, Dragon." Jason spat. He was furious with his assassin.

"Your weakness will not be tolerated again. I don't want to see you until you can complete your missions in a timely manner, Tim." Jason said savagely. Tim felt like he was going to cry, but he dutifully nodded, and left.


Tim hastily changed his clothes and hid away his assassin garb. He burrowed under his blankets, warding off the early spring chill. He was wearing Jason's clothes, a faded, too big Wonder Woman shirt, and a pair of sweatpants Tim had stolen from his lover one night. A single tear trailed down his face. The tears came faster and faster, until Tim was sobbing uncontrollably.

The door to his room opened and Janet Drake rushed to her son's bedside.

"Timmy, baby. It's okay. It's okay. Mommy's here." She said comfortingly, feeling Tim's forehead.

"Oh, dear! Timmy, you're burning up!" Janet placed a cool washcloth on Tim's forehead and gently wiped the tears from his eyes. She stayed with him until he fell asleep.