In the Batcave, 9 days ago

The jet landed smoothly in the Batcave, the engines shut off with little fuss and thee platform clicked into place quietly. The first thing that Bruce saw was Alfred's relieved but concerned face as he rounded the corner; it was obvious the faithful butler hadn't done much more than wait for someone to return home anise Dick had left.

"Master Bruce… are you and the young masters… alright?" the words sounded tentative, as if he was afraid to know the answer. Bruce looked at Tim and Damian, who both looked physically and mentally worn out.

He closed his eyes and took in a shaky breath. "Tim, Damian, try… and get some sleep. Come and see me if you need anything, okay?" after seeing their nods, he moved towards his computer chair and sunk into the cushion, putting his head into his hands. "They're still there Alfred. I couldn't do anything except walk away from Dick and Jason. I left them Alfred; I can do nothing about it but hope he can take it."

Alfred let out a breath, "would you mind telling me what Ra's al Ghul wanted from Master Dick? And why Master Jason is currently not here?"

Bruce looked at Alfred and began to explain. He explained about the Host of the Lazarus Pit, about Baqir Hamawi and finished with Jason's decision to stay with Dick. He shook his head. "I don't understand why… they are in a relationship together. I didn't think they were that close, but the way Jason talked to Dick; it was like they had been together for a while."

Alfred nodded. "I did not know for sure until this morning. Master Dick had spoken in a panicked way when asking about Jason talking to Ra's. I realised that some of his behaviour and actions would make sense if the two of them were together."

Bruce nodded slowly, then frowned; "when Jason was taken with Ra's? When did he do that when you were around? And why wasn't I informed?"

"He… he was talking with Ra's al Ghul one day in the cave. He was rather distressed as he was talking." Alfred looked nervous and slightly ashamed. He showed Bruce the video footage of Jason from the camera. "Master Dick went to speak to the man in the bar a few nights ago to ask about the information and came back with information on a contract. Master Bruce, do you think the young masters are in true danger?"

Bruce looked at the old man with sad eyes. "I don't know Alfred; I really don't know." He got out of his chair and followed the butler upstairs.

He passed Damian's room first; the bed was untouched. Frowning, Bruce made his way to Tim's room. He wasn't there either. Where were they? He walked down the hallway. Dick's room. Or, Dick and Jason's room. There, curled in the middle of the bed were his youngest sons. He smiled sadly at the prospect of his youngest seeking comfort in each other while his eldest were gone.

Now

A hysterical laugh echoed off the walls of the warehouse, making Tim shiver. He waved a signal to Robin, who was perched on the rafters.

The two of them needed to get the hostages out yesterday. The Joker hadn't taken long in breaking out Arkham, then had kidnapped a bunch of rich Gothamites. Thankfully, Bruce Wayne hadn't been at the event; he had been in a late meeting with Lex Luther. Fun. But, it had saved him from being taken by the Joker. As soon as the meeting was over, he had made his way to meet Tim and Damian to take him down.

Tim crept forward making his way to one of the ladies. He put his finger to his lips when she noticed him; she nodded taking in slower breaths as she tried to calm herself. Robin moved opposite him, and they began to untie the hostages as quickly as possible. As the tight ropes came free, Red Robin directed them towards a gap in the wall where they could climb through drawing minimal attention to themselves.

As soon as the civilians were out of the way, the two went back to help Batman, who was fighting hand to hand with the Joker.

"HAHAHAHAHHA BATSY! You seem to have lost two birds… Are they dead? HAHAHAHA it's a shame I didn't get to them first!"

Tim could see the anger flowing off Batman. He ran at the Joker, avoiding any henchmen that got in his way. He vaulted off the wall and twisted his leg so that it struck the laughing man hard. He landed smoothly and ducked another man's punch.

Later, as they got back to the cave, Bruce turned to him. "Thank you, Tim, for taking out the Joker earlier. If he had said anything else… I'm not sure what I may have done."

Tim smiled slightly. "You are better at hiding how much you're missing them than I am, but that doesn't mean I don't notice it Bruce." Bruce looked stricken. He pulled Tim close and let go after a moment.

"Get some sleep Tim. Don't think I don't know how late you normally stay up at night."

With Ra's al Ghul

He studied the metal from the robots carefully. They were intricately made; difficult to buy. He clenched his jaw in annoyance. Who had attacked his… guests? Who dared?

"Sir? I have sound something of importance."

Ra's moved over to where the mechanic was and growled loudly. On the side of the piece of metal were roughly carved words: 'Vandal Savage'.

Why him?

He swung around. "Get this all cleaned up." He ordered. He strode down the corridor and entered his chambers. When the door swung open, both Richard and Jason sat up in one movement.

"It seems that someone else wants their hands on you Grayson." He said, cocking his head to the side.

Richard regarded him with unnerving eyes, "Who?"

Ra's threw him the piece of metal, and the two of them studied it before Richard sighed. "Of course. I swear. I can never get a break."

Jason snorted and looked at Ra's.

"Any other side effects or advancements that the previous Host had that we should know about? You said Dick's eyes wouldn't turn green... and… you were kind of wrong about that."

"I do not know of any more… advancements, but with the Pit not having a Host for so long, it could have unforeseen problems and difficulties."

"Woah… like this?"

They both looked at Dick and shot out of their seats. He was floating off the couch he was on, shadowy green tendrils coming from him. His eyes were glowing green, too bright to be considered normal. He clutched his head and, still floating, bent his knees so that his feet were touching his behind. He let out a loud groan of pain and the room shook slightly.

Jason steadied himself against the wall just as Dick let out a louder cry that knocked over the table in the middle of the room with the shaking. "Dick! Get a grip! You're going to bury us if you can't control it!"

Ra's agreed but didn't say anything. Dick gripped his hair. "I need the Lazarus Waters! Get me to the Pit!" he let out a howl and writhed mid-air.

Jason grabbed Dick and pulled him along as Ra's let them down into the Pit. Just as Jason about the climb down the steps with his Boyfriend in his arms, Dick screamed. The cavern shook violently and Dick fell out of Jason's arms, falling into the green waters along with the rocks. Ra's realised that they would be buried if they didn't move. He pulled Jason out of the way, before slamming the door closed.

"Noooooo! Dick! Dick was till in there! He fell into the Lazarus Pit! We've got to go back!"

But Ra's shook his head. "We cannot go in there. We must hope that… that Richard survives."