Author's Notes: See below chapter for more

Thank you to everyone who brought the code problem to my attention earlier. I have no idea what went wrong but hopefully this time things work out. Also, thanks to Asilla for the tip about past and present tense- I'm working this out as I go so tips are much appreciated!

Disclaimer: Still do not own any characters or plot lines from DC's 'Young Justice' or 'Batman' comics and other such media. This fic is written for fans to enjoy at their leisure.

Washington D.C. |
Thursday 18th February 2016
21:06 (9:06 pm)

Hidden eyes narrow as they follow the shaggy-haired vigilante drop to the street below, the street lamp overhead flickering as a red head pilled the scattered money back into the sack it had fallen from moments prior. Lying unconscious in the pile, the would-be robber groans, distracting the thankful shopkeeper long enough for the masked red head to swipe one of the stacks of cash.

The red head waves a hand dismissively at the shop owner's attempt to reward him, earning a frown from the hooded figure watching. Disappointed, the figure sighs, hand rising to the com. link in his ear.

"Found him," watching as the red head disappeared up one of the nearby fire escapes, the man continues, masked eyes hidden behind the red helmet hiding his face, "and it's worse than you thought..."

Roy grunted as he collided with the roof below, the red head skidding across the roof on his chin. Sliding to a stop, the man groaned, glaring at the biker boots planted firmly before him.

"You look like shit."

"Hadn't noticed," Roy responded, voice laced with sarcasm. Swatting the offered hand away with distain, the clone pulled himself to his feet, glaring as Red Hood stood before him, hand on his hip.

Jason scoffed at the hero, taking off his helmet as he once again offered his hand, "Need a hand?"

"No."

"We think you do," said a voice from behind the red head, startling the man. Roy narrow's his eyes as Wally stepped out the shadow towards him, the retired hero followed closely behind by Black Canary, Green Arrow, and the Dark Knight.

"Finally let the cat out the bag I see Jason," the red head hissed, narrowing his eyes at Batman as he stalked forward.

"Let's make this brief," Batman growled, returning the redhead's stare with a glare of his own.

"I have nothing to say to any of you. Nothing to explain and nothing to justify." Roy hissed the words, turning from the group of heroes to walk away before a hand closed around his arm.

"Cut the crap Harper," Jason growled, snatching the wad of cash tucked into the older man's back pocket.

"Oh please, like you're one to preach Todd- you kill for money."

"And what, now you're picking off street thugs for it too?"

"The store owner offered me a reward anyway... and besides, I deserve it! The guy wouldn't have any of it if back if I hadn't stepped in!"

"Roy, are you even listening to yourself?"

"Get off your high horse Wally! You quit the hero gig the first chance you got!" Roy paused, glancing at the group of heroes gathered. His anger seemed to flair upon as his attention settled on the Dark Knight, "And where's the Boy Wonder? Finally give up on me like the rest of you did on Speedy, has he?"

Batman stalked towards the red head in a matter of seconds, pulling the teen towards him by his uniform's neck as he did. "Now you listen here you little-"

"Bats, enough." Walking towards the hero as she spoke, Black Canary put a gentle hand on the Dark Knight's shoulder. Moving her attention to the clone before her, she put her hands on her hips, frowning.

"What do you mean 'finally'? When was the last time you saw him?"

Roy rolled his eyes, stepping away from the Dark Knight with a sigh. "He's been keeping an eye on me since New Year's back in 2010... but the last time he checked in would have been a few weeks ago- had this weird version of his suit on. He said he just got back from Blüdhaven and was undercover, and that's why he hadn't contacted me in over a year..." Roy crossed his arms, eyeing the heroes before him suspiciously, "Why?"

"'Undercover'", Jason scoffed, "of course that's what he told you. Probably knew you were this close to snapping and didn't want to push you over the edge..."

"The fuck did you mean by that, Todd?"

"Roy, look at yourself. You used to treat your body like a temple, now you've obviously hardly slept, hardly eaten... When was the last time you trained? Or showered for that matter?"

"Don't even start Canary! I've been busy looking for Speedy because all of you gave up on him!"

"ENOUGH," Wally yelled, foot tapping impatiently against the roof as he waited for the heroes to focus on him. "We aren't here to argue Roy..."

"Then what are you here for Wally? To lecture me on my life choices?"

Batman backed away from the teen, making his way over to the edge of the roof before taking his grappling line out and aiming at one of the taller buildings. Glaring over his shoulder at the clone, the man spoke, venom dripping from his voice. "We came here in the hopes that you would help us find my son. Dick must have put his faith in you for some reason... Clearly he was mistaken."

"Wait," the red head snapped, biting his lip as concern crept onto his face. "What's happened to Dick?"

The sound of metal on metal filled the narrow space of the cell Deathstroke stood outside of, a shout of pain emanating from within. Tapping his foot quickly against the soft red carpet running down the hallway he was currently in, the man sighed, a frown forming across his lips.

"Still waiting?"

Glancing up, Slade held his tongue as Black Manta slowly removed his helmet, holding it under his arm as he approached the assassin. Upon receiving no reply, the Atlantian shook his head, "It is of little surprise that we are forced to wait for your newly reclaimed apprentice... I sent three of my greatest warriors to carry out the task you requested. I must say, however, that I am at a loss... why would you wish for my men to eliminate the young Renegade after having just got him back from our foes?"

Slade chuckled softly for a moment, a loud crash sounding from the room behind the two men, before he shook his head. "From memory, I requested for a handful of your men to attempt to eliminate my apprentice," another loud shout from inside the cell, "and I have full confidence that they will fail."

Black Manta scoffed at Slade's words, "These men are three of the most highly trained men I have ever had in my service, whereas Renegade is still recovering from the injury you yourself inflicted upon him- I fail to see how the battle could end in his favour."

Slade didn't answer, focusing his attention on the cell door once more. Black Manta frowns, but does the same, raising an eyebrow as more commotion is heard from within.

Grunting as his attacker's sword came down onto his own, Dick ducked out the way as another attempted to drive his weapon into the ebony's leg. Flipping backwards, Dick kicked his attacker in the face, sending his helmet across the room and using the momentum to put some distance between himself and Black Manta's men.

Glancing over towards the door, Dick narrowed his eyes at the downed armoured guard collapsed in a heap there, the red visor of the Atlantian's mask caved in.

The hero tensed as he heard one of the other men lash out towards him before quickly ducking out the way, elbowing the now maskless man in the jaw. A resounding crack echoed through the small cell as Dick's second attacker dropped to the ground cradling his chin, a pained moan escaping his lips as his head was slammed into the ground below.

Spinning on his heel, Dick came face to face with the remaining Black Manta soldier, narrowing his eyes as he twirled his katana in his grasped hand. The soldier let out a growl as he thrust forward with his weapon, Dick easily rolling underneath the blade before slicing the inner side of his attacker's knee.

The soldier's leg gave way as a result, his knee connecting with the steel floor below. Wasting no time, Dick grabs the helmeted man and slams his head into the nearby wall, a loud thud echoing around the small space before he too went limp.

Dick stood panting over his attacker's unconscious forms, hand clutching his still healing shoulder as the heavy steel door behind him opened. A slow clap followed, Dick turning around to see Black Manta staring wide eyed at his downed men while Deathstroke stood further back, clearly amused.

"H-how?" Manta stuttered as he knelt beside one of the downed soldiers, checking for a pulse.

"Attackers have been neutralized," Dick replied calmly, albeit slightly out of breath, waiting for Deathstroke's response.

Deathstroke ignored Black Manta, instead turning to his apprentice, "You took longer than expected Renegade, and you didn't eliminate them. Remember, the only way to be certain a threat is neutralised is to do so- permanently."

Dick bit back a retort and simply lowered his head as he addressed the older man, gritting his teeth as he replied, "understood."

The sound of footsteps slamming against carpet alerted Renegade, Deathstroke and Black Manta to the squad of soldiers rushing towards them before the alarmed shout from one of the soldiers did.

"Sir!"

Turning to face the group, Black Manta narrowed his eyes, clearly fuming, "What?!"

The soldier suddenly sobered as he and his group staggered to a stop outside the cell to stare at their furious leader, eyes wide.

"U-uh... The L-Light has requested your presence sir... something about all outside zeta transportation ceasing?" The man stuttered, saluting Black Manta as he warily glanced at his downed companions.

"Well?" Slade says to Black Manta with a smirk, his tone making Dick's skin crawl, "We shouldn't leave everyone waiting." The assassin glances at Dick, "Besides, I'd like to introduce our newly reclaimed asset to our partners."

'Here goes nothing then...'

1013 Parkthorne Avenue| Blüdhaven
Sunday 28th February 2016
04:07 (4:07 am)

Police sirens wail as a squadron of police cars fly by, sending streaks of blue and red streaming through the open window and onto the framed 'Flying Graysons' poser fixed to the adjacent wall. Just as quickly as the apartment is flooded with light, it grows dark once more, an eerie silence washing over the abandoned space as a caped figure creeps through it. The figure moves his attention from the window to the door, where he narrows his eyes as a meek knock sounds from outside.

Ghosting over to the door, the figure unlatches the three locks ensuring the door shut was secure, 'And Dick used to tease me about being paranoid', before quietly moving out the way. The door knob rattles for a moment before the pile of unopened mail pressed up against the weathered wooden door is forced out the way, the hinges creaking open with a low whine.

A man in a red helmet gives a mock solute to the caped intruder as he walks past, a red headed man wielding a bow following silently behind. Behind the two, another red head enters, dressed in simple jeans and overcoat, the caped figure narrowing his eyes.

The red head waves the man's accusing glare off absent-mindedly, speeding his way from the entrance to the into the living room.

Glancing at the windowsill once he's there, the speedster pauses at the sight of an old solar powered "dancing" sunflower with sunglasses. The nick-knack didn't seem too out of place with the half-unpacked boxes and lonely couch filling the room, and yet the man struggles to tear his eyes away, a memory bubbling to life within him.

"Wally," A voice hissed from over the man's shoulder, pulling him from the thoughts before he can grasp onto them completely, "Focus. I doubt a novelty flower is gonna lead us to Goldie."

"Sorry, I just..." the red head paused, "I thought Dick threw this out years ago after one of our..." The man clenched his fists, so hard his knuckled turned white, "arguments.."

The red head winces even though he doesnt remember how the arguement started, but he certainly remembers how it ended; with Dick being shoved into a wall as Wally screamed at him. Dick never retaliated, which should have prompted Wally to stop the barrage of spiteful words, but he had been so mad that he couldn't make himself stop.

Jason sighed, watching as the red head began to shake, "Doesn't matter now. All that matters is making sure the dickhead makes it out of... where ever he is, alive."

"Right."

"Find anything?" A deep voice questioned from behind the two, the red head visibly jumping from the sudden attention.

"Nothing relevant," Jason answered dismissively, rolling his eyes at the "well get to it then," that followed. Moving over to the coffee table, the teen wrinkled his nose at the half-eaten bowl of cereal sitting there- the milk having congealed into a clumpy, jelly like consistency with sections of colour once resembling 'Fruit Loops' scattered throughout.

"Yep," the hero wheezed, suppressing a gag, "that explains the smell that's been here since we broke in..." Quickly glancing around the room, the man's attention turned to the window, where rain pattered softly against the pane of glass. Without skipping a beat, the bowl's contents was flung out the window, a small grin spreading across the revived boy's face as the mess literally broke apart like clay before spreading itself onto the empty street below. Dropping the bowl back onto the coffee table, the teen ignored the accusing glare sent his way from his adoptive father.

"Whoops; my hand slipped."

Meanwhile, Roy was searching the kitchen, opening each cupboard door and frowning whenever an empty shelf or unopened packet of chips and hot sauce met him. Growing frustrated, the man moved to open the fridge, but upon glancing over at Jason as he "disposed" of the (probably year old) cereal-jelly, the man decided against the idea.

... Better safe than sorry.

Wally sighs from his place in the bedroom, attention drifting over to Batman as the man combed through his former ward's (relatively small) bathroom and cabinets. The red head glances from the Dark Knight to the unmade bed before him, a small smile threatening to creep onto his face at the sock handing from the headboard and the Batman and Superman boxers tossed halfway under the bed because of course Dick owns a pair of them. Catching sight of a small glint of metal from beside them, the red head quirked his head, curiosity overtaking him.

Raising an eyebrow, the hero bent down to reach under the bed, freezing when he felt his hand connect with something solid. Grabbing the object, the speedster pulled, revealing a small locked box- the wood aged and black paint chipped. Analysing the box, Wally frowns at the small lock locking the box shut.

"I found something," The hero called over his shoulder to his companions, the group crowding into Dick's bedroom, "some kind of box- Looks like it's locked... with some kind of four-digit code."

Batman remained passive as the rooms inhabitants turned to him for an answer he didn't have. The man narrows his eyes at the group before glancing around the room for possible clues.

"...Try the date of his parent's deaths?" Roy suggested awkwardly upon remembering the poster in the living room, which he earned an accusing glare, but nonetheless, Wally complied.

The code was input with baited breath, but when the lock didn't budge, the group sighed.

"What about the date Bruce adopted him?" Jason suggested after a moment, breaking the silence.

Bruce stiffened from his place across the room before shaking his head, "Impossible."

Jason frowned, "Why? Surely Goldie would have used a date that meant something to him, and it would have been something he'd remember fondly—he's sappy like that."

"—I never formally adopted him." The words leave Bruce's lips before he can stop them, admitting what both he and Dick knew to be true bringing with it a knot in his stomach.

"Wait- what?"

Bruce turned to glare at Jason for the words, however the teen looked as though he'd been slapped, his helmet having been dropped on the floor.

"Jason..."

Wally glanced between father and son, confusion clear, "You never adopted him?"

Bruce cleared his throat, clearly uncomfortable, "When I took him in, Dick was adopted as my ward—not son. I didn't want to replace his father after what had happened when he was young and felt that it was the best alternative."

"..."

"Jason?"

Green eyes narrowed as they met blue, gloved hand curled into a shaky fist, "Then, that's why he started acting weirdly after I told him you adopted me?"

"Hey, Dickhead!"

Dick glanced up from the workbook open before him at the sound of Jason's excited voice to see the boy rushing over to his place at the kitchen counter, huge grin on his face as he pulled up a stool beside the older bor.

"How many times have I told you not to call me that Jay?"

"I'll stop saying it when it stops being funny!" Jason replied, frowning at the open book in front of Dick. "What the hell is that?"

"My calculous homework," the teen replied coolly with a shrug, used to Jason's harsh language after months of living with him. "Now what's up? I don't think you came into the kitchen just to ask me about my homework."

"Oh right," Jason said quickly, fumbling with the paper in his hand before shoving it into Dick's face, "Look! We're officially brothers now! You can finally brag about my greatness like a normal human now!"

Dick quirked an eyebrow as he took the paper, reading the adoption certificate with a confused expression. As he read the paper, he felt his grip on his pen tighten until a loud snap echoed through the kitchen, Alfred glancing up from cutting a loaf of bread warily to eye the teen.

"Wow, Jay... That's... totally asterous." Dick forced a smile as he said the words, ignoring the pity-filled look Alfred was directing towards him from his place across the room. Jason was still beaming- blissfully unaware of his 'older brother's' unease- as the older boy handed the certificate back.

Dick tried to hide the look of hurt that flashed across his face as Bruce entered the room, eyes fixated on the certificate as it left his ward's hand. "Listen Jay... I uh... I'm not feeling to great, so I think I'm just gonna go to my room for a while okay?"

"Don't tell me that Martian friend of yours poisoned you when she tried making those vegan cupcakes last night... I told you not to trust her cooking!"

"No-no, nothing like that. I just..." his words trailed off as he made eye contact with Bruce, the boy feeling tears prickle at the corner of his eyes. Without another word, the teen spun slowly off the barstool and onto his feet, pushing the nausea he was suddenly feeling into the back of his mind as he silently rushed past Bruce.

Looking back now, Dick's reaction made sense, but at the time Jason couldn't understand why he had suddenly rushed off without another word- he was too excited to care. Perhaps that was the beginning of the end of Dick and Bruce's relationship- although from what he'd gathered, things had been strained long before then.

Bruce didn't reply, instead just turning back to Wally with a deep scowl. "Try 0-4-0-6," he growled after a moment of thinking, to which the red head complied. The lock gave a small click as it unlocked, startling the group.

"0-7-0-4? As in, Independence Day?" Roy asked, frowning.

"The team!" Wally suddenly shouted, wincing once he'd realised how loud he'd been, "...It was our first mission, right? We rescued Connor from that underground lab while investigating CADMUS."

"What's in the box?" Jason asked, narrowing his eyes at Bruce before glancing at Wally.

The red head opened the small box carefully, frowning at the sight of a piece of paper. Unfolding it, the hero began reading, a sudden sick feeling washing over him as he went pale.

"Well?"

Without waiting for a reply Bruce snatched the paper from Wally's grasp, and immediately felt his blood run cold as he read the neat, bold lettering of the title

'LAST WILL AND TESTAMENT OF RICHARD JOHN GRAYSON'

The words take a moment to sink in, because oh my god my son isn't even 20 and he's written a will, before Bruce feels like he can breathe again. Pushing his panic into the back of his mind, the Dark Knight goes about analysing the document, putting his detective skills to work.

Examining the ink and paper discolouration, Batman- not Bruce, not right now. Bruce can deal with this later- notes the document is at least three years old, handwritten, and well kept. Judging by the deliberate and precise lettering, it was written with patience, with thought and care put into the presentation -

"What is it for fucks sake?"

"Dick's Will," Batman replied quickly, ignoring the shock the statement created as he went back to the paper.

- The box was put obscured under the bed, but not completely out of sight- so clearly it was meant to be found. What's more, the code would have to be implemented by someone who knew of Dick's past- while ensuring they were trusted enough to know the code's importance.

"Was there anything else in the box?"

Tipping the contents of the box onto Dick's bed, the group watches as a pile of photographs and a note fall out onto the bed's grey sheets and dark blue covers.

Wally immediately reached for the photographs, a smile spreading across his face at the sight of his original teammates all burying Connor in the sand. The next photo showed Dick with Tim smiling, the older of the two holding two 'bunny ears' up behind the younger. There was another of Jason and Dick, with Dick passed out on the lounge in his Nightwing costume while Jason, dressed as Robin, stood over him with a pot and pan, about to clap the two together.

The next two were photographs of both Wally and Dick- one where the two and Roy (Red Arrow) were dressed in their civvies at Wally's 16th birthday party, with Roy sneaking the two a bottle of bourbon from under his coat, and the next of the two in costume at the Cave, tackling each other on the training mat.

The oldest photo was of an 8-year-old Dick, his family and the rest of the circus members after a show. The large group barely fit into the frame, but all were smiling widely, with Dick in the front beside two other kids and a teen. The teen Wally recognised as Dick's cousin, but the red head and brunette were both mysteries to him. Flipping the photo over, Wally blinked at the many names written in neat, cursive lettering there. It took a second for the red head to realise the names corresponded with the people in the picture perfectly, listing each from right to left. Glancing on the last row of names, the speedster furrowed his eyes at the names 'Raya' and 'Raymond', written either side of 'Richard'.

Finally, there was a photo of a 13-year-old Dick Grayson smiling widely, Bruce holding his shoulder as Alfred smirked beside the man. All three were dressed in suits, with Dick proudly holding up (one of his many) mathlete trophies.

Meanwhile, Batman frowned, grabbing the note with narrowed eyes. The more he reads, the more he feels his throat constrict as the calm facade he forces threatens to fall.

Bruce,

I know what I'm doing is dangerous, and you and the team may never forgive me for the things I've done while undercover, but if this is what it takes to keep you all safe, then so be it. I could live out the rest of my days in solace knowing I've kept you all safe from the monster hunting me.

In the event that I don't make it back, don't close yourself off and shut everyone out like you did after Jason... I need you to stay strong- and be there for our admittedly fucked-up version of a family.

Tell Barbara that I love her, and I'm sorry I never got to take her to that Thai place she always wanted to try. Tell Jason and Tim that I love them all and they're the best brothers anyone could ask for, even if they hardly know each other. Let Alfred know I'm sorry I didn't always show it, but he's the best grandfather I could ever have had...

Let Wally know that even though we've been fighting these past few years I don't blame you for anything. We both said things that we've grown to regret, and I hope he and Artemis move on to live happily ever after.

Tell Garfield that it's going to be hard for a while, but he's got heaps of people who care about him that he can lean on for support if he needs. Tell Cassie that one test won't ruin the rest of her life and that if she really feels that strongly about she needs to go for it- she has both of our blessings. Karen and Mal need to know that they'll argue here and there, but as long as they actually talk about their feelings to each other and not me they can work everything out. Tell the rest of the Team that it's been super asterous growing up beside people who I know that no matter what, always had my back.

Wish the best of luck to all the newest members of our team. It's been an honour to lead everyone and be there when they needed me.

And to you Bruce, I want you to know that even though we haven't really seen eye to eye on, well basically anything these past few years, I'm thankful for you, and the things you've done... You took in a young, frightened kid and you showed him how to become a good man. I know I haven't quite become that man yet, and now I'm realising I might never get to be, but everything I am today I owe to you.

Thank you

-Dick.

"Well- what does it say?"

Bruce nearly jumps at the sudden voice of his son behind him, folding the paper in half and sliding it into his belt for later before Jason can argue. "Nothing of note. Just keep looking..."


AN continued:
There seems to have been some confusion in the previous chapter regarding the character of Dr Strange, so I thought I should clarify who exactly I was talking about;

As much as I love Marvel's Dr Stephen Strange and would love to write about him, I was actually referring to D. Adam Strange- who first appears abut halfway through episode one of season two "Happy New Year".

I probably should have made this clearer through character description and such throughout the last chapter and for neglecting to do that, I apologise. Hopefully this helps clear things up for everyone. :)

Sorry for the huge delay between chapters and thanks for always coming back regardless of said delays!
I sincerely hope everyone has a wonderful 2018 and wish everyone good luck for any future endeavours you may choose to pursue! (I also hope your 2018 is better than the shit-show that was 2017!)