Roman Sionis catches Tim Drake's attention and he says cheerfully, "Timmy! How have you been, kiddo?"

Scratching the back of his head, Tim replies. "Okay, I-I guess."

Roman walks up to him and saddens. "Right, stupid question. I came to the Manor last night but Alfred told me you were asleep." He puts his hand on Tim's shoulder gently. "I just want you to know that you can always come to me if you need anything. You have a family with the Sionis'. Got it?"

Tim twitches a smile gratefully. "Thanks."

Dr. Fries adds to the conversation, "I take it no introductions will be necessary,"

Roman turns to Dr. Fries. "Trust me, my ties with this kid stretch back a long way. I did business with his father while he was around," Roman tells him

It's true. Tim's father, Jack Drake, was a businessman, as is Tim. But Jack didn't have the same noble intentions as Tim does. He was more in it for the money and social status, as was his mother.

While in business, they were friends with Roman Sionis, who was the CEO of Janus Cosmetics, a successful skincare company. When Roman met Tim, he grew a soft spot for him. He finds Tim to be a smart, responsible, self made man, despite his parents not caring about him.

Tim doesn't really have many fond memories of his parents. He remembers being in the care of Ms. Mac, the family maid. She wasn't as kind or considerate as Alfred is, far from it. She was more concerned about getting a paycheck than being a possible parental figure. It wasn't until Bruce Wayne adopted him when he got an actual father and family that cared.

Roman Sionis continues to chat with Tim. "I haven't seen you in a while. We should catch up, get a coffee. What do you think?"

Tim nods, impatiently. He likes Roman but he wants to talk to Lucius. "Okay, we will. Listen, as much as I want to keep this going, I just need to talk to Lucius real quick."

But Roman understands, to Tim's relief. "Ah, business as usual, say no more. Besides, I needed to have a word with Victor, if you don't mind, Mr. Fox."

Lucius nods. "Of course, Mr. Sionis," He turns to Tim. "Shall we?"

Tim agrees and they all go their separate ways after Sionis says, "Welcome to Sionis Industries. I'll be in touch,"

Lucius walks Tim into his office where it's well furnished with a desk in front of a balcony window, red and black carpet is added to the floor that they step on and a picture frame of Lucius's family sits on the table.

Tim and Lucius sit down and he asks, "I saw how anxious you were back there. Is it that important?"

Tim replies. "Yes, it is. I need to ask you something."

Lucius takes a guess. "Is it about Drake Industries? Because we would be more than willing to help you out if necessary."

Tim shakes his head. "No, but thanks for the offer. I actually came down here to…to…" He trails off. He tries to find the words since he knows how this is going to end; With him getting thrown out of the office, but Tim has to do this.

Lucius raises his eyebrows. "To what? What is it?"

Tim then found the words. "I need to talk to you about…a new suit."

He sees Lucius get the point as he freezes in shock and stands up from his desk to close the door and lock it. He turns back to him with a shocked expression. "Why would you ever ask me that?"

Tim sighs. "Because there was a terrorist attack at the GCPD and I need to figure out who Black Mask is," Tim tells him, slightly raising his voice.

Lucius shushes him. "Not so loud! We still have people working here." He walks back to him. "And regarding your request, you should let the police do their jobs."

Tim turns his chair over to him. "From what I saw, the Police aren't equipped to deal with the threats that Black Mask brings."

"And you are?" Lucius asks him, making Tim freeze. "You haven't been Red Robin in three years and you think you can just put on a suit and scare them out of town?"

Tim argues back. "No, I'm gonna damn well try and…" He hesitatly continues, knowing where this next part will lead to. "...And it's not Red Robin that I'm talking about here."

Lucius doesn't get it at first but slowly starts to, making him deadpan and seeing red. "No."

"Lucius–"

"Being Red Robin was one thing but putting on his suit and taking on his mission is another thing!" Lucius argues in a harsh whisper

Tim stands up. "People aren't going to fear Red Robin but criminals will stop in their tracks when they see Batman." Tim also lowers his voice.

"Well, you're not him!" Lucius nearly shouts, making Tim go silent. Lucius nearly regrets telling that, but only nearly. "I can't believe that you would even want to do this again after what happened."

Tim clenched his fists. "Do not bring that up." Tim leans on the desk. He's starting to regret coming here. "Look, I'm not trying to replace him, okay? I just want to stop The False Face Society, because the police can't. I can't do this without you."

"Then it looks like you're not going to be doing this," Lucius informs him. He takes a look at Tim's betrayed face, making his face and demeanor change. "Tim, I know you're going through a lot right now but this isn't the way to deal with this,"

Tim shakes his head, bitter but calm and collected. He knew this was what he was going to do, which is why he thinks it might not be the best idea to tell him about the cave being back on.

Lucius continues. "You're not well. Take a few days off work and get your mind put back together."

Tim nods dumbly, wanting to leave. "Okay,"

He walks away. Tim feels defeated and he leaves the office, leaving Lucius to sulk.

Lucius looks down at the photo sitting on his desk and holds it in his hand. He sighs sadly before placing it back down on the desk, clearly holding back emotions.

Tim goes back into his car but doesn't do anything; He just sits there, thinking back to what Lucius said to him. "Well, you're not him! I can't believe that you would even want to do this again after what happened."

Then something hits Tim. Another memory circles back.


They were at Jim Gordon's funeral. He was a good man and it was unfair for him to die as he did. Barbra and James 'Jimmy' Gordon Jr. mourned the loss of their father.

When he was still around, he was Police Commissioner and was arguably the greatest one. He worked closely with Batman and his allies, Jim being one.

He was friends with Renee Montoya and Harvey Bullock when they were both alive. All three of them were considered Gotham's finest police officials, even if Bullock was a tad bit lazy.

Tim Drake was still in his wheelchair but he wasn't concerned about that. All that mattered was looking out for Barbra. Ever since he met her, they became close. They were best friends, family even.

Kate Kane stood there, not knowing what to say. She never knew Gordon that well during her career as Batwoman but she was close with Barbara and Team Bats, so she was moral support.

Kate Kane was an attractive woman with short hair. She was an excellent fighter and was in her prime when that day happened. She was Bruce Wayne's cousin.

Bruce was stoic and quiet, suppressing emotions. He was always good at that. But Tim felt like it wasn't Jim's death that bothered him that day.

After the Joker's death, Gotham rejoiced. The civilians and victims of the Joker's crimes and escapades flourished and the worst threat to Gotham is gone forever. Some threw parties in their houses and on the streets and people even shot fireworks in the sky. The police thought this was getting extreme but Dick Grayson thought they had their right to party.

The criminals of Gotham also had their secret gatherings of parties where they talked about taking over the Joker's hideouts and controlling his men. But some retreated to the shadows, afraid that they might be next since Joker wasn't the only terrible psychopath in Gotham City.

But despite that, Bruce didn't find any joy in that murderous mountebank's demise. While he was relieved that no more bodies were piling up because of him, he had to break his code to stop him. He felt like he gave Joker what he wanted.

Barbra and James 'Jimmy' Gordon Jr. were different. After they found out what Joker did to their dad, they hated him with every fiber of their being, they still do now. However, his death almost put them at ease. It brought them closure but it didn't bring their father back and that was the worst part for them.

Dick Grayson felt discouraged since he knew the Commissioner as the first Robin and even talked to him as Nightwing. He admired him and thought he was a hero, even though he never wore a mask.

It was a closed casket because his face was melted. The eulogy helped, as Bruce observed. He walked over to Barbara Gordon as James Gordon Jr. was turned away by Dick so they could talk.

Bruce took notice of Barbara's demeanor, empty and sad, and he pulled her in for a hug as tears escaped Barbara's eyes, her tears watering Bruce's well-tailored suit. But he didn't care, he had hundreds of suits that could replace the one he wore that day.

"Barbra, I'm-I'm sorry…I was too late." Bruce said regretfully.

Tim Drake wheeled his way to them but kept his distance, not wanting to ruin the moment between them.

Barbara stepped back and said, "It wasn't your fault. Besides, you sent him to hell and I'll always be grateful for that." Bruce merely nodded. He didn't give a response yet. "He killed so many people, my father…Jason."

Then the topic of Jason was brought up. Bruce then responded. "I know. I know,"

Tim joined in. "I'm sorry Barbara,"

Barbara turned to Tim in his wheelchair with pity and gave him a gentle hug. "You have nothing to be sorry for,"

Stephine Brown had arrived next and embraced Barbara while holding a bouquet of roses. "I didn't know what was appropriate."

Barbara smiled gratefully as she took them. "They're beautiful. Thank you."

Kate came into the moment and said to Barbara. "I've known him for a long time. This city didn't deserve a cop like him."

Jimmy Gordon, Jimmy was what he preferred to be called, joined in and says, "He was more than that. He was a father, a better father than a Commissioner," Then, to their surprise, a smile formed on his face, making a few people confused while also slightly disturbed. "At least it's comforting to know that the clown is in hell."

Some of the family members looked at Bruce but he didn't pay them too much attention. Instead, he patted Jimmy on his back, trying his best to comfort him.

Bruce stared at the grave of James Gordon, conflicted as a long silence filled the mood, no one knew what to say.

Then, Bruce found his voice and said aloud. "It is comforting. It very much is," And then, to the Batfamily's surprise, Bruce's mouth slowly formed into a smile.


Back in the present, Tim Drake goes into his glove compartment and swallows two headache pills. He then hit the steering wheel in frustration, not knowing who to listen to.

On one hand, what Lucius said to him back in the office still repeats in his head. "Well, you're not him! I can't believe that you would even want to do this again after what happened."

Tim knows that he's the only thing Gotham has left but, the truth is, he's scared. Scared of losing more people. He can't handle any more deaths, he can't bear it.

Then, his voice echoes through his head as he keeps on swinging. "Mr. J is going to whack that common scene in his thick skull when I'm through with you, ha ha ha ha ha ha HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA AAAAAA!"

Tim shakes his head, violently, not wanting to relive any memories involving The Joker. That's the last thing he needs or wants.

But then, Renee's words come back to him, "Are you going to step up or not?"

*RING RING*

His phone makes a noise and Tim takes it out to see what it is. He sees that it's work calling him, wanting to know where he is. Tim ends the call and starts his car, driving to work.

He has made his decision; He's going to continue his crusade because he has to. He owes that to Renee, Bruce, and Gotham. He'll do it with or without Lucius.


Outside a storage facility, Carmine Falcone gets out of his car where he meets Sal Maroni standing at the front entrance. They shake hands and go inside where their discussion begins

"Did Babyface take the deal?" Maroni asks his partner.

Falcone sighs in disappointment. "No. He wants to play the long game."

Maroni nods in understanding. "We're gonna remind him who runs this town."

Maroni smirks. "Ah, a message. I like it," Maroni answers with a chuckle. "It's gonna hit him so hard, he's gonna wish he'd stay in his stroller."

Carmine lets out a laugh. "That was good. Better than anything the clown said."

Maroni looks flattered. "Thanks,"

The conversation ends when they greet a group of people wearing motorcycle jackets and motorbikes. They're obviously a street gang.

Maroni turns to Falcone, incredulous. "I get you why we're doing this but don't you think we might need people who are more…equipped as it were."

Carmine shakes his head at Maroni. "On the contrary, the Street Demonz are perfect. No one will be able to track it back to us."

A strong and muscular man steps off his bike and his hand clasps with Carmine Falcone's. "Mr. Falcone." He turns to the other guys on their bikes. "This man is our new boss! You do as he says, got that?"

A collective collection of 'Yes, sir.' and 'Yes, boss'es are heard from the men.

Carmine says to the strong man. "Nice to see we understand each other because I will be giving you and your buddies an assignment that I expect to be done before sunset tomorrow."

The strong man didn't let it show but a part of him shivered at his commanding voice, clearly scared of the authority his voice brings.

"What do you need from us?"

Maroni speaks up. "Alfonso Vincenzo, are you all familiar with him?"

One man takes a guess. "The hotel owner?"

Falcone nods. "Yes, however The Logerquist Hotel is only a front for gambling which means your paycheck is going to be very generous."

The bikers' jaws dropped in surprise. Their leader says, "So you want us to rob it and split it with you, sir?"

Falcone lets out a chuckle and shakes his head. "No, I want you and your friends to burn it to the ground."

Some bikers, including their leader, understand the mission and will do it for the money that will be given by Falcone but two or three bikers have hesitation on their faces. One biker speaks up, "S-sir, the n-number of p-p-people that go there! T-t-they'll get hurt." The one biker stutters.

"Are you questioning me?" Carimine accuses the biker, making him freeze. "What I'm telling you is not a suggestion but an order and no one says no to a Falcone! Nobody, got that?!"

The Biker gulps and says very quickly. "Y-yes sir!"

The Roman glares at the rest of the bikers. "That goes for all of you," He turns to their leader. "Can you keep them in check?"

The leader of the Street Demonz replies. "Not a problem, sir. We'll get it done."

"You better," Falcone snarls as the bikers walk away.

The Street Demonz's leader smacks the one biker on the head. "What were you thinking, talking back to the freakin Roman!" He berates him in a harsh whisper.

Maroni looks impressed. "Nicely done,"


The sun sets on Gotham City as Tim Drake is in his office, on the phone with hotel manager, Alfonso Vincenzo.

He's a businessman with dark brown curly hair and hazel eyes that are covered by glasses. He's about 5 feet 7 inches tall, which matches his gambling addiction. Whatever he wins, he uses it to make his hotels more usable to the richer people in Gotham. Tim never respected him and has no current plan to do so.

"What are you proposing, Mr. Drake?" The manager asks over the phone.

"That you sell me the hotel and I'll offer you twice of what you paid for getting the place operational." Tim informs him.

Alfonso thinks that's a fair deal but he has something on his mind. "What is this building to you, Mr. Drake?" A silence arrives. Tim suspects he's thinking of a response. "Another one of your cheap condominiums?"

Tim hears the mocking tone in his voice. One of the reasons they never got along was that they have different views on how to use and spend money. "Something like that."

"You really enjoy playing the cheapest businessman in the city, don't yah?" Alfonso mocks him. "One of these days, you're not gonna have any money left."

"Unlike you, I put my savings into something all of Gotham can use. For instance, affordable housing." Tim lets out, immediately knowing that insulting the guy you're trying to make a deal with is a bad idea.

"Hey, if you have a problem with my expenses, then I suggest you take it up with my accountant." Alfonso remarks. The conversation is interrupted by something made of glass breaking, possibly a window. He hears Alfonso's panicked voice. "Oh my god! O-Oh my god!"

Tim is concerned. "What-what's going on, Alfonso?" The line is cut.