A/N 1: Hi, everyone. It has been awhile. I think it's been almost a year since I posted anything. A lot and a little has been going on: my constant battle with depression, me not doing well on my job,being stressed out because of the job, me quitting my job and moving back home at the age of 30. It has been a lot. And while I was busy trying to fix my life, I gave up all the things that I love doing,such as reading, writing, and learning how to skateboard and cook. But I'm trying to get back into the groove of things with writing and reading.

I said all of that to let you know, if you are having a hard time with life, you are not alone. Try to keep your head up and make it through. And if you need a break and can take one, take it and pick yourself up and try again the next day.

A/N:Yes, I'm reediting this story again. lol (but not funny)

I realized what the other versions of this story were lacking because of: (1) A strong introduction. The original that I had written was one that I wrote 10 years ago along with the original SAMK and didn't fit the current flow of the new one (The parts that did will appear again). (2) Pacing. I was rushing the chapters, giving they were already long, to get to the good part of the story. One thing that made the SAMK good, in my opinion, was that pacing was just right and it was a slow burn story. (3)Caracter development and interactions. There are more characters in this story because it is a larger group, but I want the interaction between the characters to be more authentic and more interesting, especially with the lesser characters and evil villains, who I want show case their issues as well. (I like reading the Wayne Family Adventures because it pair interesting characters that are not seen in the comics together.) (4) The pandemic. This is making the story more difficult to write, but I want to show this part of our generation history in this story because so many fiction stories don't, at least the one that I came across.

With that being said, I'm going to warn you. This new version is going to be a long, slow burn full of angst, mystery, love, family drama and a pandemic. As for Raven and Nightwing and when they will get together, well that's a mystery to me too. ;)

Nevertheless, I hope that you enjoy the new version, which mainly starts in Chapter 3. There are minor changes in Chapter 1 and 2.

Review:

CompassionateKunoichi: Sorry for the wait, and I'm happy that you love this story. I hope that you will enjoy the new version as well.

And the ages are:

Alfred-73

Bruce-51

Selena-49

Julia-44

Kate Kain/ Luke Fox-38

Helena/Dick-35

Raven-34

Barbara-36

Jason-30

Tim/Cass/Steph/Trent-22

Duke-17

Damian-15

Aliza-10

Slade/The Sin -?


The Beginning of a Long Epilogue: The Family Part 1

(Early in the Evening)

Weeks Before the Pandemic and Batman's Death

The aroma of trash, horrible seawater, and ...something unidentifiable smelled good to Dick Grayson as he walked home from the grocery store.

Most people would disagree with him on two things: (1) walking on the street at this time of day, and (2) the air smelling good.

But for him, it was different. He was strong enough to take down anyone that came his way in ten seconds or less, given that they weren't a metahuman. If they were, that would require some more time. And it also would be impossible if they were Superman. He didn't carry kryptonite around with him like Batman and Damian.

Fortunately for him, Superman was on the good side. Unless he was being controlled.

And as for the air, it thrilled him, because the last time he lived in Blüdhaven, the air was extremely toxic to breathe. So the air of Blüdhaven just smelling bad was good ... to him.

Entering his apartment, he scanned the place before placing his food on the kitchen counter. He washed his hands and began making dinner.

It was difficult to believe that he was back here. Back into the place that almost broke him. Back to the place and the citizens that he failed. If anyone had told him years ago that he would have returned, he would have punched them in the face. Yet here, he was in the new toxic-free Blüdhaven.

It had taken the effort from the Justice League and the government to rebuild the city, which the government would have completely abandoned if it hadn't been cheaper to rebuild it. Nevertheless, after five years, the city was free of all toxicity and saved to move into.

Sadly, it had taken two years for the city to revert to its original state: poor and crime-infested.

Although there were some groups around the city advocating for a safe and tourist-friendly Blüdhaven and putting in great effort to do so, it was hard to notice their progress amongst the pile of dirt that it laid in.

Dick wasn't a part of that effort unless you counted what he did at night. During the day, he worked as an at-risk community counselor for the youth. It was his third career after leaving the Jump City Police Department. His other two careers included joining the circus again and... well, the other one he wasn't allowed to mention.

Nevertheless, he loved his job. He felt that his calling was to work with kids. After all, that would probably be the closest he would get to have his own child, aside from Mary, who he never got a chance to hold.

At thirty-five-year-old, he wanted a family. A wife, two kids, and an ugly dog or cat. He wasn't picky on which animal.

There were a couple of times that he almost had it with Barbara Gordon, Starfire, Raya Vestri, Shawn Tsang, and Beatrice Bennett. However, the first two ended in complications. As for Raya Vestri, it was a long story that ended in her death. The latter two ended because of his night job.

To be honest, it was his night job that had been the cause of his grievance lately. It felt as if it was holding him back from the life that he wanted to live. A nice simple one where he didn't have to worry about someone finding out his identity and making his family pay for it.

Maybe he should give it up?

The timer ding.

He placed the uncooked pie in the oven as he contemplated the pros and cons of leaving his Nightwing identity behind. By the time dinner and dessert were ready and he finished fixing his plate of food, he had come up with more pros than cons.

That was it. He decided.

I'm going to stop being Nightwing. He thought with a smile.

He grabbed a fork from the draw and paused as he looked down at his plate with a frown.

Tacos, blueberry pies, and ice cream.

He did it again.

He threw the content of the plate and trash, frustrated with himself. He looked up at the calendar on the wall, although he didn't have to. He already knew what day it was. It was the day that she left him.

After years of trying to forget her and their seemingly perfect relationship, she still managed to enter his subconscious once a year. It annoyed him, knowing that she was somewhere out there living that life she wanted after crushing his heart into little pieces.

He looked disgusted at the wasted food inside of the trash can. Alfred would be disappointed. He sighed, thinking about what else he had in his place to cook.

Settling on cereal, he was about to grab a bowl when his phone rang. He grabbed it off the counter where he placed it when he started cooking. He smiled once he saw the number and quickly answered the call. "Hey!"

"Hey, I'm in Blüd. Want to eat dinner with me?"

"Babs, you're the best."

She was. There was no one in the world who could compare to her. She always appeared when he needed her the most. She made it easy for him to regret not making it work with her, and for not starting now.

"I know. So about dinner?" Her words brought him back.

"Sure, text me the address."

"You pick the place, and I'll meet you there. This is your city, after all."


Rachael smiled as she watched Aliza hug Bruce. It was a joy watching her grow. She still remembered the day that she was born.

"Push."

Rachael wanted to chuckle, yet the sudden pain caused her to grip Bruce's hand instead.

"Don't push." The priest instructed from between her legs. "You need to relax. Birthing here is different, Mr. Wayne. While it still requires a plethora of energy from the mother, the pain can be minimized." His head twisted to the female Azarathian and nodded.

The woman smiled at Rachael. "Rest well, mother." Her hand gently touched Rachal's head and lower abdomen while she chanted three familiar words.

When she awoke, she was greeted by the sight of Trent cradling her baby in his arms while Bruce stared at the baby.

"Is she okay?" Rachael's weak voice caused them to focus on her.

"Tia, You're up." Trent tried to stand up from the chair but was unsure what to do with the baby.

"Is she okay?" She asked again, weakly holding out her arms.

"She's fine." Bruce took her baby from Trent and sauntered to the bed where she was. "She has his eyes." She took her little girl from him and saw a pair of stunning blue eyes staring curiously at her.

She smiled gently. "She does. She has Ric's eyes." Her heart tightened as tears of joy and sorrow threaten to fall down her eyes.

"Aliza's going to be powerful when she grows up. I can sense it."

"Aliza?" Rachael glanced at Trent, who now stood beside her, with a raised eyebrow.

He nodded. "That's what I think we should name her. She seems like a joyful and happy child."

Her eyes wandered back to the newborn. She didn't see what Trent saw. She saw a simple child. Nevertheless, she hoped that she would grow up to be joyful and happy.

"Aliza." She tested out the name. She liked it. It was better than the name she had come up with.

"Can I try it on?" Aliza asked Bruce, bringing Rachael out of the past.

Rachael watched with a small smile as Aliza's eyes twinkled as she pulled back from the hug that she had given Bruce.

"I would be disappointed if you didn't," Bruce answered.

Aliza's smile grew bigger, and she said, "I'll be right back." She floated on the ground before flying out of the room.

When she left, Rachael turned to Bruce, who sat in the chair across from her and said, "I never knew that you were the jealous type."

It was a characteristic that she would have never associated with the man or the Bat if she hadn't seen the competition with her own eyes. Now, she understood where Nightwing had gotten his competitive nature from.

Her heart clenched just a little at the thought of her old leader. She missed the team: Nightwing, Cyborg, Starfire, and Changeling.

But Bruce had been right; it was best to let the past go.

Besides, none of them would believe the life that she had built here in Azarath and with whom she had built it. She wouldn't have either. Yet seeing the smiling face of Trent and Aliza over the years, she couldn't picture her life any other way.

"I don't know what you're talking about." He picked up his teacup and sipped some of it. "This is good. Almost as good as Alfred."

She ignored his attempt to change the subject. "Weren't you adamant about her not getting a costume earlier? And yet, you brought her one after she mentioned Slade was going to design one for her."

If there was one thing over the years that hadn't changed was Bruce's distrust and dislike of Slade, who reserved the same feelings for him.

Secretly, Rachael was glad for it.

Throughout the years, she had gotten comfortable living with Slade. However, she didn't want to forget the vile nature that lurked under the surface of his skin. Bruce's presence helped remind her of the personality that he hid from the children.

Rachael watched as Bruce placed the teacup down. "I'm still against it. However, if she's going to have one, why not give her the best that money can buy?"

"Your privilege is showing. You spend enough money on her already. She will become spoiled if you continue to get her everything that she wants."

She was aware of all the properties, stocks, and luxury items and gifts that he provided for her on Earth. She was sure that he would have done the same here in Azarath if she hadn't put a stop to it. Besides, it wasn't necessary here. Azarathian society was different in what they valued and needed.

"She won't, not with you as a mother. You've been doing a great job with her. "

She clicked her teeth. "Stop changing the subject."

"Why not? We already had this conversation. I will not cut back on how much I spend on her."

"You do know that she loves you without the material items?"

"Of course, I do."

"Then stop acting like a man full of guilt. You've already done more than enough for her. Ric would be happy about what you have done for us."

Her heart created another uneasy feeling. It always did when she thought about Ric. She missed him and their time together. And even though it had been years since his death, she still hadn't gotten over him, which was the cause of most of her failed relationships.

"I can't even if I wanted to," Bruce replied. "I won't be able to sleep at night if I don't."

She observed Bruce. After a moment, she let it go again, knowing how much his and Ric's friendship meant to him. His death had hit him hard as well.

"Fine," she said, "but when she asks for a mystical dragon and won't take no for an answer, you have to be the one that gets it for her."

He smiled. "I'm already looking into it."

She groaned, regretting her decision to let it go and praying that Aliza remained the wonderful child that she was.

The sounds of footsteps entering the room drew their attention. She turned around to see who it was.


"What brings you to Blüd?"

Barbara swallowed the cheap pasta and shrimp before answering Dick's question. "You know the usual." She lied. She knew Dick got depressed this time every year. Although she didn't know the reason, she wanted to support him.

"Anything that I can help with?" Dick took a bite of his spaghetti.

"Yeah, can you pay for dinner? I already finished my project coming here." She said, referring to the fake Batgirl case.

Dick chuckled. "Of course, you'll give me the hard part."

"Always."

Barbara stared at Dick. Who would have thought that they would be here like this?

But with them, their future had always been unpredictable. They had been friends, lovers, engaged to one another, bitter exes, and best friends.

The only thing that they hadn't been were husband and wife. Some days, she regretted it; other days, she didn't.

Tonight, she did.

"What are you looking at? Do I have something on my face?"

She blinked, returning to reality. "Just a little sauce. Come here." She picked up her napkin as he leaned closer. She wiped the sauce off the corner of his face until it was gone.

"There; much better."

"Thanks. What would I do without you?"

"I ask myself that same question." Their eyes connected, and she was sure that they were transported to the same memory in their distant past.

"Dick, I need to talk to you."

"What is it?"

"It's about me and Luke… We're dating."

"That's great." He gave her a genuine smile.

Her heart broke.

"He's a great guy. He'll make you happy."

"Yeah, he will." She glanced down and poked at her pasta. It was true that Luke was a great guy—no, he was an amazing guy. She could see them as a happy couple in the future, but—

"Is something wrong?"

She looked up to see his worried expression. "No, the pasta's kind of bad."

"Sorry, there aren't too many places in Blüd that have decent and clean food."

"I know. It's fine. I—" Her phone rang. She quickly picked up off the table and read the message. Her brows came together.

"What is it?" He heard Dick as she continued to read the message.

"It's Jason."


Trent paused before he slowly entered the room.

He was happy that he changed out of his uniform and into his traditional, Azarathian jalabiya before returning home.

He didn't want any unnecessary tension. Not between him and his aunt, but between him and Bruce Wayne, the legendary Batman.

For some reason, Bruce didn't like him. He never said it with words or showed it with actions, but he felt the Bats's emotions with his power: the mistrust and displeasure of being his company.

He had to give the man credit; he hid his feelings about him well.

He would bring presents for him on Christmas, his birthday, Azarathian holidays, and anytime Aliza got a present. And even with his powers, he rarely felt Bruce's dislike for him. Only on rare occasions did he sense it.

Once he had questioned Slade and Tia about it, they said that he was like that with everybody.

He doubted it.

Something inside of him told him.

"What's wrong, Trent?" Tia asked, most likely sensing his emotions in the air. Fortunately, he wasn't like Aliza. He could express his emotions freely. Well, all except one.

"Has Slade returned?" he asked.

"No, why? He's due to return in a week or so."

When he was younger, he had been excited to live with his Tia, little cousin, and Slade in Azarath together. Now, as he grew older and new information had been revealed, he realized how bizarre it was for them to live together. Nevertheless, he was thankful that Slade and Tia had made it work.

"There was a change in his plans. I saw him on Earth four days ago in France. He told me he would return yesterday."

"What were you doing in France?"

Trent jumped on the inside at Bruce's question. He hated when he asked him questions. It always felt like he was interrogating him.

"I was visiting a friend." Heat suffused his cheeks as he thought of her. He wasn't sure if she liked him, but he knew she enjoyed his company. He was almost half her age, and she never made a move on him. Yet she never discouraged him when he made one on her.

"Oh, a friend." Although Bruce said it in a teasing tone, like a father poking fun at a son about his first crush, it felt as if he wanted more information about her.

"Can we stick to the story about Slade?" Tia intervened.

Happy to change the topic, Trent continued. "He said that he was meeting a contact in Paris, but he would arrive back in Azarath yesterday to help the Priest with something. I saw the Priest on the way here, and he said that he was looking for Slade as well."

If there was one thing about Slade, it was that he was punctual. He was either on time or early. If he said that he was going to do something at a certain time, he wouldn't be a millisecond late to do it.

He watched as Bruce and Tia shared a look. He hated when they communicated with their eyes instead of words. Because even if he thought he knew what they said to each other, he didn't.

"Something bad happened, didn't it? Does it have something to do with the Tios?"

He was aware of what kind of threat they were, especially to Aliza. He had been informed by Slade and Tia about them, yet he didn't know what to expect if he ran into them.

"What uncles?" They turned to Aliza who had entered the room.


Jason stared at his phone, waiting for Barbs' reply.

Usually, he depended on Tim for this sorta thing, but for some reason, he hadn't responded to his message. Granted, Tim could be busy, and this was at the last minute.

But last-minute was kinda his thing.

His phone dinged. He read the message. It wasn't from Babs but from the dangerous, sexy lady that he was seeing. He smiled as he read her message. They were currently on good terms.

"Senor, is everything okay?" The young boy asked in Spanish.

Right, focus.

He turned to the five children who hid in the airplane hangar with him. They were siblings who were making their way to the United States when they were snatched up by kidnappers. Fortunately, he had been passing by and lent them a helping hand.

He'd offered to escort them to Gotham, where they had relatives that were waiting for them. "Everything is fine."

The phone dinged. It was Babs with the answer. He read the answer and put the phone in his coat pocket.

He turned to the kids. "So, listen up." He said in Spanish. "We're going to run to that airplane and hide inside. On the count of three. Ok?"

The kids nodded.

"Ok. One. Two. Three." He ran behind another stack of crates.

When he looked behind, the children were in the same spot. He ran back. "What happened?"

"We'll freeze to death if we stole away on the plane." The eldest answered. "We heard the stories."

He slapped the face of his red helmet. "That's true, but that's not going to happen because I have..." He thought for a second until an idea formed.

"I have this gum." He continued, reaching into his coat pocket and showing it to them. "It will prevent us from being cold and we will be inside of the plane instead of the wheel arches. "Trust me."

The kids looked at each other before nodding.

"Okay," Jason said. "On the count of three, run and hide. Okay?"

"Okay, senor."

"Okay." Jason glanced around the area to make sure that the coast was clear. "One. Two. Three."

They all ran into the frigate airplane, avoiding the crew members and guards. They hid until the plane started to move off the ground.

He quickly huddled them together. They didn't have much time.

"Ok, here is your gum. Chew it and close your eyes. I'm going to spray this anti-cold spray on you." He lied. It was an anti-shark spray.

They did as he said and he sprayed the can. He also grabbed a rope and tied it around them and himself. When they opened their eyes and looked down, he explained, "Seatbelt. Safety, first. Now, can anyone swim?" They shook their heads.

"Great." He mumbled, guiding them to a wall. He pulled out his phone. They had about two minutes. He sprayed himself, turned to the wall, and pulled a small laser out. He created a hole in the wall.

"Senor, is everything okay?" The oldest one asked.

"Yup, perfectly fine."

"What are you doing?" One of the middle children asked.

His phone dinged. "Okay, kids, spit out your gum and hold on to me tightly. It's going to be a bumpy ride." Thankfully, they did as he said because, according to Barbs' message, they didn't have a second to waste.

He looked down from the hole he created and jumped out with the kids in his arms.

They screamed until they hit the water.

They sank.

He fought to reach the surface. The extra weight made it difficult. Two kids slipped out of his grasp; however, they were still attached to him due to the rope.

They made it to the water's surface. He counted each head to make sure that they were all there. After he counted five heads, he gathered them closed and looked at his watch.

They were on schedule. He pulled out his gripping gun and shot it at a cargo boat. He used it to guide them to the boat.

He climbed on the boat, using the stairs on the side. The children followed along with little choice and nervous expressions. Once they reached the deck, they ran and ducked around the ship until they found a place where no one visited. He knew because he had hidden on multiple ships before.

He left them there and returned thirty minutes later with cold food, warm towels, and dry clothes that he had stolen from the crew.

"Senor, you're crazy." The oldest child whispered fiercely.

"Thanks." He handed them the items he bought back. "And don't worry, the crazy part is over. This is our one-way ticket to Gotham."

He pulled out his phone and texted dangerously sexy that he would be in Gotham soon and Barbs a thank you. As he looked at his phone, he wondered why Tim hadn't texted him back.


Tim Drake couldn't move.

Or rather, he couldn't think.

It was the first time in a while that someone left him both speechless and incapable of thinking. However, Stephanie had a way of surprising him. That was what he loved about her. Yet, did he love her enough?

"Yes," he drawled.

"That didn't sound like a sure yes to me. You can say no if you don't want to."

"Yes! It's a definite yes." He grabbed her by the shoulder and guided her up off the floor of his dorm room. He crushed her in his arms and kissed her.

Stephanie pushed away. Her cheeks were tainted. "Are you sure? This is a pretty big decision."

Tim chuckled. "Yes, I'm sure. This is a little unplanned and out of sync with my schedule. We also have a lot to—"

His words were cut off by her lips. "You're thinking too much, Tim." She whispered against his lips. She was right. He told her so before kissing her.

He was getting married. He couldn't stop smiling.


Being ten didn't make you stupid.

It didn't mean you didn't notice things.

Or, didn't understand 'adult' conversations.

Being ten meant that adults lied to you for your benefit.

"What uncles?" Aliza asked again, her eyes traveling around the room.

"Tio? I misspoke. I was asking about Slade." Trent lied with a smile.

He was her favorite person after her mom and candy corn. Despite their age difference, he was her best friend, so it stung when he didn't tell her the truth.

Her eyes traveled around and the voice in her head said, 'They're all lying to you. They don't trust you. They are plotting against you.'

'You're lying. They would never harm me.'

The voice chuckled. 'Poor child. Believe what you want, but I'm the only one that you can trust.'

"Aliza, are you okay?"

Aliza blinked and tried to take a step back, but her mom's hands on her shoulders prevented her from doing so. She hadn't noticed when her mother had moved or the others had come closer to her.

"Is something wrong?" She asked, noticing their worried expression. They wore that expression often lately.

"You blacked out for a moment." Her mom said gently. "Did someone try to contact you?"

'Don't tell them; if you do, they will hate you.' The voice whispered.

"No, ma'am." She lied. Her mom narrowed her eyes. It was something that she did when she or Trent lied to her. It was intimidating.

"Aliza—"

"I love your new, let me get a closer look."

She glanced at Trent then back to her mom. Her worried expression remained, but her eyes were softer and her emotions guarded.

"Trent's right. It looks great." She said with a small smile.

Aliza smiled back, letting the uneasy feeling go. "Really?"

"Best costume ever." Her mom said with a smile. "Go show the others." Aliza's smile widened, and she flew above her mother so that Bruce and Trent could get a better look at it.

Ten minutes later, her ears were red from all the compliments. She had enough of being the main topic of the conversation. Wanting to take their attention away from her, she said to Trent. "Grandpa bought you a gift, too."

"Really? You didn't have to." She watched Trent force a smile in grandpa's direction. She never understood Trent's discomfort around him. Grandpa was the most generous person who she knew. She was sure that if she would ask for a mystical dragon, he would get her one.

"It's not a problem. I wanted to." Grandpa said with a warm smile. He reached under his chair and handed him a box.

"Thank you." He replied, taking it.

"Open it," she said, excited, as she floated next to him. She leaned over his shoulder as he opened the box.

It was a sword.

"Rae said that your old one broke when training with Slade. I happened to see this when I was searching for a weapon for Duke and thought it suited your taste."

Trent picked up the sword, and he and Aliza examined it together.

"Thank you." Aliza could tell that Trent really likes the sword by the way he studied it and turned it around in his hand.

She had liked it too, until she saw red eyes in the sword's reflection where Trent's eyes were supposed to be.


A/N: Thanks for your support! :)