The Restart of what we knew

A short novella by DragonsAndHearts18

(Also, in this novella, Damian won the Lazarus Tournament, and was able to revive Alfred. Ra's is still dead for obvious reasons.)

Rose was going to kill him.

Jason was probably going to get a sword through his side.

But as he stared her down, standing in between her, and the young boy she claimed to be another brother of hers, he could see her resolve softening.

"Jason, get out of the way." Rose threatened.

"Rose, your dad is gone." Jason said instead.

That didn't seem to help either; her teeth gritted together, and the hand holding the sword tightened. Jason felt his stomach drop a bit.

As Rose was beautiful, she was just as dangerous.

"Sister, I don't understand. Where has father gone?" the boy says instead. Jason turns to look at him, stunned how his face is exactly that of Damian's but his hair white like Rose. He's dressed like Deathstroke, sporting that black and orange suit, with the mask, though he has it off now, swords strapped to his back.

"I don't know, I was too busy trying to survive being pushed out of a window by my brother." Rose exclaimed, lunging around Jason.

Jason managed to catch her in time, and the boy…well, he didn't even flinch. Just stared confused at Jason, and then his sister.

"Father wouldn't just leave us, would he?" he asked instead.

"Listen kid, the sooner you know about your dad, the sooner you realize you're better off without him. Just ask your sister." Jason replied, setting Rose down on the other side of him.

And who was he kidding? Rose only let him hold onto her like that because she wanted to. She could easily break his hold and go after her brother if she really wanted to.

"No! It's not fair! I went through so much and I found him. He said he wasn't going to leave….no, I don't believe you!" he shouted, as he pulled out a small dagger, and charged at Jason.

Jason didn't think, simply acted as he slammed the boy on his back, twisting the weapon from his grasp, and holding him down.

The kid was in hysterics, and he clawed at Jason's arms, leaving scratches and blood.

If he was in his right state of mind, he would have killed Jason.

"Respawn, stop. Dad is gone. I didn't need him, and you won't either." Rose replied calmly.

The boy, named Respawn apparently, looked at her through his tears, face red, and again, Jason was struck at how much he looked like Damian.

Jason knew that the biological parents of Respawn were Slade Wilson, and Talia Al Ghul. He knew Bruce was no way and no part of the boy's parentage.

But that wouldn't stop him from trying to bring him in Wayne Manor.

Jason thought about it, as he stood up, and helped Respawn from the ground.

Jason was in no way a good role model. He had just gotten done using guns when he went out to take out the bad guys. If anything, Grayson was the perfect candidate for this job.

Or Clark.

As Jason was mulling it over, he felt a tap on his shoulder which brought him back to the present.

"What are you thinking about?" Rose asked, putting her sword away as she held Respawn by his hand.

"What we're going to do with your brother, Rose." Jason answered.

"I was thinking maybe we could take him in. Since he is my half-brother?" Rose suggested.

"Yeah, that seems like the safest bet." Jason agreed.

Respawn stared at them both for a long time, obvious distrust in his eyes. Jason leaned down to his height, staring at him back calmly.

"What's your actual name?" Jason asked.

"Name?" Respawn replied, confusion at the word.

"I don't think he had one…" Rose said, trailing off.

Jason waved off the concern. "That's fine, we can think of one when we go back to the apartment. It's getting late." Jason replied, as he donned the helmet, and the leather jacket.

Rose would never admit it to him-or at least right now, while her younger brother was present-but Jason was sexy in that costume.

Jason turned, motioning for them to follow, and they did, Rose still holding Respawn's hand.

Maybe this would be a good change.

After arriving to the apartment, Jason clicked on the lights, tossing his helmet on the couch. Respawn glanced around, scanning the area for any torture chambers, or anything dangerous.

Nothing.

If anything, the worst thing that could hurt him was the dust on the bookshelves.

"This is where you live?" Respawn asked.

"Yeah, sorry it's not as nice as what you'd think it is. I don't get an allowance from Batman anymore." He joked, Rose shooting him a look.

"Come on Respawn, let me get you settled into the guest room. I think Jason might have a small pair of pajamas for you to use until we hit the mall tomorrow." Rose said, as she led him away.

Respawn followed, though he seemed a bit tense at the way she grabbed his arm. Firm, like as if he tried to run away, he couldn't.

But Respawn could understand the distrust she had against him; he did throw her through a several story building, opting to kill her, and leave her for their father.

A mistake he couldn't take back.

As they went up the steps to the room, and she pulled him along, Respawn could feel his heart ready to beat out of his chest.

What kind of torture would she put him through? It wouldn't surprise him; his own grandfather used him as an organ donor for his preferred grandson Damian for years.

Whatever it was, he could take it. After all, he deserved it.

Rose opened the door to the room, clicking on the lights. It smelled faintly of laundry soap, and paint, and motioned for him to sit on the twin bed.

He sat down, staring down at the mask.

"Rose, I just want you to know that…if there's torture, I must endure to seek your forgiveness, then I will take it. You can burn my back with hot coals, shove glass shards through my eyes, or even-"

"Yeah, I'm going to stop you right there. You're my brother, and that's not how families are usually supposed to treat other family members." Rose interrupted, handing him a neat, folded stack of clothes and a towel. "Here, and your bathroom is around the corner, and you should be set to go."

As she turned to walk off, and leave, Respawn caught her by the arm, a light and gentle hold. "Riyad." He mumbled.

"What?" Rose asked, as she couldn't properly hear him.

"My name. It's Riyad. It's Arabic and means garden." Respawn, Riyad, replied.

Rose smiled softly, as she ruffled his hair. "Try to get some shut eye when you're done, Riyad."

"Yes, sister."

Jason hadn't been joking when he said he no longer received an allowance from Bruce. Money was no issue for him though; he had stolen and wired funds from the Al Ghul family when he had been part of their little group.

And there were the times that he had with the Outlaws, when they charged for their services. He'd made a good amount from that.

One of the perks of living in Gotham, the most dangerous city in the world.

Jason had showered, and was walking around in his boxers, in the kitchen grabbing a cup of milk, as Rose stepped down from the stairs.

"Is he asleep?" he asked, chugging his milk. Rose stared at him; a bit caught off guard that he was only wearing boxers.

"Rose?"

She shook her head, as if to clear some thoughts, and shrugged. "He's showering right now."

Jason nodded, placing the glass cup in the sink. He hadn't been home in a while so the place was a bit sparse. He made a mental note to go down to the store and pick up some food.

And clothes for the new roomie.

Rose wrapped her arms around Jason, hugging him, and Jason turned, pulling her close to him. She was so strong, yet so soft, faintly smelling of sweat, blood, and somehow roses.

"You ready to sleep?" he asked her, as she buried her face on the side of his neck. She groaned and pulled back.

"I'm in need of a shower." Rose replied, letting him go, whereas Jason still held on to her.

He kissed her forehead, and she blushed, swatting his shoulder. "Watch it, Jay."

"Or what, Rose?" he teased, winking at her.

She simply shook her head as she went into their shared room, locking him out of it.

Hours later…

Riyad couldn't sleep.

Every horrible thing he had ever done had haunted him in his nightmares. He woke up a scream stuck in his throat as he threw the blankets off.

Momentarily, he forgot where he was at. It was quiet, and dark, and he made his way down the stairs.

Once down, he stared around.

Oh, right. I'm…free.

Riyad didn't really know what to make of that.

Instead, he opened the door where his sister slept, and her boyfriend slept next to her in the shared bed.

There was space in the middle, and carefully, Riyad laid in between them, comfort and a sense of safety washing over him. His eyelids soon grew heavy, and he too fell in a deep, dreamless sleep.

When Rose woke up the next morning, an arm was thrown over her face. Usually, she'd elbow Jason in the side, hard enough to wake him up, and remove his arm from her.

But this arm was skinny, not muscled like his. She moved it away from her, surprised to see Riyad sleeping soundly next to her. And Jason, who hadn't woken up, still snoozing away.

She smiled softly, as she got up, stretching.

It was only nine-thirty in the morning, on a Saturday, and Rose closed the door behind her, walking to the restroom around the corner. She splashed water on her face, brushing her teeth next.

Her white hair was in wet tangles, and she brushed them out, yanking the brush through her thin hair. Once done, she braided it quickly, checking herself in the mirror.

Bruises were slowly fading away, a new scar hidden just at the top of her head, and she sighed.

At that moment, she heard a crying out that was cut off by a solid thump. Rose rushed out of the restroom, seeing Riyad awake sitting on the middle of the bed, hair in disarray, and Jason on the floor, rubbing the back of his head.

"What the hell?" Jason swore, getting up.

"What happened?" Rose asked, checking on them both.

"He scared me, so on instinct, I threw him off the bed." Riyad responded.

"All I did was wake up." Jason complained.

"I didn't see Rose on the bed either." Riyad replied.

Jason scowled but said nothing more as he went off to the restroom.

"Did you sleep well?" Rose asked, sitting on the bed next to him.

"Kind of." He shrugged, not wanting to say anymore on the subject.

"How about you get dressed, and we all go out for food, and a new wardrobe?" Rose suggested.

Riyad nodded, as he got up and went upstairs to his room.

After he left, Rose broke down and laughed, holding her stomach. That truly was one of the funniest sights she had seen of Jason.

Showered and dressed, Riyad sat on the couch eating a banana. He decided to try every food and drink imaginable to decipher which ones he liked and which ones he loved.

Bananas weren't his favorite, but they were pretty darn sweet.

Jason stepped out of the restroom, changed into a black fitted shirt with a red streak on the chest, worn jeans, and boots. His hair was slightly damp as he pushed the locks back, the white streak sticking out from his inky black hair.

He glanced at Riyad who simply stared at him and gave him an awkward wave. Riyad returned the gesture, throwing the peel in the trash can next to the couch.

"Damian's your brother too, huh?" Jason asked, shoving his hands in his pockets.

"Yes, he is my eldest, even though we've existed for the same amount of time." Riyad answered. "I was his organ donor."

"I'm sorry, what?"

"Yes, if Damian needed blood, a new organ to replace the failing one, etc.…they would take it from me while I was awake and give it to him. I cannot remember a time they would numb me; I felt every cut, every stitch, every needle prick they gave me." Riyad responded, picking at the skin on his thumb.

Jason was at a loss for words, mouth gaping. "But…you were a kid…and that was your grandfather."

"I was just to be the successor, since Mother was a failure, and so was Damian." Riyad said, shrugging.

Jason was silent for so long, Riyad thought he had scared him away. But crossing the room in two strides (man, this muscle-head was tall), he towered over Riyad, and without another word, pulled Riyad into a hug.

Riyad was confused, but he didn't pull away, or hug back. And Jason was hugging Riyad like as if he was a teddy bear, ruffling Riyad's white hair.

Maybe that's what did it; Riyad hugged back, eyes tearing up as his small frame shook with silent sobs.

After about five minutes, when Riyad had calmed himself, Jason pulled back, setting Riyad on the ground, his hands placed on his shoulders.

"I don't have the words to try and make shit okay, Respawn, but I will say this; as long as I'm around, I will never let anyone try to hurt you like that again, okay?" Jason said, eyes so fierce, and strong, and full of another emotion he couldn't decipher.

Riyad stared at him, throat too choked up to say anything. He merely nodded, and Jason pulled him into another big hug.

Rose had finally finished getting ready, and she was surprised to see Jason and Riyad talking to one another as Riyad ate toast. A small smile appeared on Rose's face, and she threw some keys at Jason, which he caught without looking.

Stupid reflexes. Rose thought. "You guys ready?" she asked.

"Yes." They both said in unison.

"Alright, Jason's driving!" Rose exclaimed, as she gave him the finger, and bounded out the door. Riyad followed and Jason shook his head.

"I never said I wasn't!" he yelled back.

2.

The mall was crowded, like any other Saturday.

Riyad was on high alert as they entered Gotham's Mall, one of the biggest malls in Gotham City. It was also the one that was almost always getting robbed, so Jason scanned the perimeter just to make sure there wasn't any suspicious activity.

Only Rose looked like she didn't have a care in the world, though she too kept her eyes peeled for any robbers.

Riyad wasn't used to so many people in one area. His eyes flicked from person to person in unease, muscles tensed, as he bounced on his toes. Rose, noting his body language, slipped her hand in his, giving him a comforting squeeze.

Riyad relaxed a bit, shoulders slumping as he squeezed her hand back.

"Where to first?" Jason asked, eyeing the food court.

"Food first, then shop?" Rose suggested, Riyad nodding in agreement.

"Cool, I think we should go to the A Little Bit Of Everything buffet. So, Riyad can have a taste of everything." Jason said, as they walked over to that area.

The smell of food hit Riyad's nose, and his mouth watered, stomach rumbling. He could smell noodles, many types of meats being cooked, and so much more. He was overwhelmed at how much food there was but was ready to try each dish.
He wandered off then, letting his nose lead him the way.

Damian arrives to Gotham Mall, waiting to have a day out with his fellow brothers Dick Grayson, and Timothy Drake…

Damian pulled out his phone, as he checked the time, whistling to himself. Alfred had dropped him off at the Gotham Mall, Damian telling him that he'd get a ride back home from Grayson.

If he, or Tim ever decided to show up.

Glancing around, Damian's eyes locked on a flash of white. Catching his attention, he smiled as he saw who it was.

Rose, Jason's girlfriend, and basically his older sister. She had watched over him when they were both on Lazarus Island. There, Damian had even met his girlfriend, a spunky punk-girl that went by Flatline. As he walked over to say hello, and catch up, he saw his other big brother appear.

Jason, the tall, muscled brother. Damian hadn't seen him in a while, and was walking over to annoy him when-

Damian froze as he saw him.

Respawn, his biological half-brother.

Damian didn't even think, he ran towards Respawn, colliding into his chest, and sending him sprawling back.

Shouts were heard-probably Jason, and Rose-but Damian didn't listen, grabbing Respawn by the front of his shirt.

"What are you doing here?" he asked through gritted teeth.

"B…brother?" Respawn sputtered out, as he struggled to get up. Damian noticed that Respawn made no move to hurt him.

Footsteps ran up behind him, and suddenly Damian was being lifted from Respawn by the back of his shirt, his legs dangling.

He turned his head, and saw a very pissed off Jason Todd, Dick, and Tim running up behind him.

"What the hell, Damian?" Jason asked.

"Let me down, Todd! I fought him; you have no idea what he's capable of!" Damian protested, and he was so angry that Jason still treated him like a small child.

Rose stepped up then, as she motioned for Jason to put him back down. "He wasn't doing anything Damian. We were just going to buy some stuff."

Respawn stared at Dick, and Tim with wariness, as if bracing for a fight to break out. Dick, the eldest brother of the group, smiled, holding out his hand to Respawn.

"I'm Dick, Dick Grayson." He said, as he waited for Respawn to take his hand.

Respawn did-and then flipped Dick on the ground, the air being knocked out of him.

"I am Riyad, son of Slade Wilson, and Talia Al Ghul, blood brother of Damian Wayne." Riyad listed off.

Tim let out a low whistle. "Quite the family tree you got going there, Riyad. I'm Tim Drake, and I'm not going to shake your hand after what you did to Dick." He joked.

Damian crossed his arms, watching Riyad from the corner of his eyes. Riyad, sensing his stare, stared back calmly.

Like Rose, Riyad had some amends to do with Damian.

"No guys, I'm fine, I don't need help at all." Dick said, as he got up, sounding breathless. "Why'd you do that?"

"You are the eldest one. I thought to leave an impression on you." Riyad replied, shrugging.

"Did you really think of that, or was that one of Jason's ideas?" Dick asked, as he narrowed his eyes at Jason.

Jason laughed, before clapping his hands together. "As much as I love this little family reunion, Rose, and I are currently on a mission."

"You're trying to find the locations of where Deathstroke is at?" Tim asked, taking a step forward to Jason.

"No, we finished eating, and are trying to buy Riyad some clothes." Rose finished.

Riyad studied Tim for a moment; he seemed intelligent, incredibly so, and he was looking for his father. Rose didn't seem interested and even told Riyad he'd be better off without him.

Still though…

His thoughts were interrupted as Rose pulled him along, Jason waving to the rest of the Batboys as they walked off. Riyad hesitantly waved at Damian, who nodded in his direction.

Wasn't much, but it was something.

"Jay don't forget family game night is tonight. Cass is organizing it, and she will find you if you're a no-show." Dick called out, Jason giving him the finger as he didn't even turn around.

As they left, Damian stared after them, contemplating. It made sense why Riyad was with them both; he was the brother of Rose, who was the girlfriend of Jason.

Still, it left him feeling with a strange sense of…something.

Tim elbowed Damian in the ribs. "Come on, before the new game is sold out."

Damian scowled, but followed him, Grayson walking behind him.

Back at the apartment…

After all the shopping was said and done, Jason realized that he might just need to pay ol' Bats a visit.

He had paid for all Riyad's clothing, which had been quite an armful, especially considering he didn't know just what kind of style he was going for. It had been kind of fun to watch Riyad go through various clothes and picking out shirts with the help of his older sister.

Jason wondered if Rose ever imagined Jericho in these moments.

As he drove them back home to his apartment, Rose spoke to Riyad, talking about what he was going to do and say the next time he saw Damian.

"I know you can take him," Rose continued, "but sometimes words are better than fists."

"I didn't attack him though; he sought after me. Although I do understand why he would do it." Riyad responded.

They entered the building, Rose still chattering away with some helpful advice, when Jason froze, pushing them both back.

Rose immediately pulled out a handgun she had stowed in her boot, staring around. Jason pointed at his front door that was opened just a crack.

Rose went to move first, but Jason shook his head, pointing at Riyad who looked ready to tear someone from limb to limb.

As Jason walked forward, Rose holding Riyad back, he opened the door the rest of the way, and let out a sigh.

"You know, you could've called." He said, as he motioned for the rest of the others to come in.

"I wanted to surprise you." The voice replied.

Rose stepped in then, smiling at their guest.

"Hi, Cass." She said, tugging Riyad inside. Riyad who was reading Cass like the way Cass was trying to read him.

She was sitting in the middle of the couch, staring at them with calm eyes, her shoulders relaxed. The faint tilt of her head when she looked at him gave the impression that Cass was curious about Riyad.

"I see you reading my body language." She commented, sounding impressed. Rose elbowed Riyad who looked down at the ground.

"This is Damian's younger brother, correct?" Cass asked.

"And mine, as well." Rose added.

"Oh yes, he shares the DNA of your Dad, and Damian's mother." Cass replied, standing up, and taking a closer look at Riyad. Riyad fought the urge to go on defense, locking his muscles to appear as calm as possible. He had the feeling that Cass too could read body language. "You look exactly like Damian." She said softly.

"I wasn't going to skip out on family game night, Cass." Jason said, as he brushed past her, and into the kitchen.

"I know. But I also wanted to make sure, you know?" Cass stated, walking off from Riyad, and Rose.

"Is this an exclusive BatFam game night, or are outsiders welcome to join in as well?" Rose asked, as Riyad went up to put away his new clothes.

"I think Starfire, Wondergirl, and Flatline might be attending. Why, would you like to join?" Cass responded.

"Yeah, I'm very competitive." Rose laughed, which brighten the look in Cass's eyes.

They chattered away, Cass asking all about Rose's latest adventures, and the finding of her brother.

Riyad was very cautious of Cassandra Cain, the known daughter of David Cain and Lady Shiva. Of the entire family of Batman he had met, Cass was potentially the most dangerous.

She also seemed very…kind. Like she was genuinely curious to meet him, and to welcome him into her close-knit family.

It couldn't be that easy?

Could it?

Surely the daughter of the two most dangerous people known to man wouldn't be so quick to welcome Riyad with open arms.

But she had, and she was warm, like a person. Like someone who had gone through the most hell of a life, but still managed to be good. Was that in the cards for Riyad?

He'd like to hope so, what with his upbringing and all.

As he bounded back downstairs, he could hear his sister Rose talking about how it went down at Lazarus Island.

He stopped, waiting to see if she would bring up the time Riyad threw Rose out the window. He wouldn't put it pass Cass Cain to run up the stairs and engage into a fight.

But Rose never said a word about that, just told her how she was excited to have a younger brother to look after.

Riyad placed his hand over his heart, feeling something build up in his chest.

Again, he didn't know what the strange feeling was, but he didn't think about it too long as he went back downstairs to them.

3.

Cass left first on her motorcycle, as the clock ticked to nine p.m.

Jason, Rose, and Riyad followed in his car, watching as Cass went to and fro around the cars. She did it with such ease, Riyad was impressed.

Rose was giving tips for when Riyad met the leader of this whole family; Bruce Wayne, also known as Batman. Jason didn't provide much help, keeping his lips pressed together

Riyad was nervous. Scared almost. He knew everything about Batman, father of Damian Wayne, and a man his mother foolishly had loved. He knew that now, he was partnered with the woman of cats, Selina Kyle, also known as Catwoman.

Also knew that Catwoman had beaten his mother in a fight.

Jason turned off into a road, the buildings lessening, and Riyad's anxiety grew.

"You'll be fine, Riyad." Rose assured him. But she held on to his hand, anyway, easing his nerves.

As the car turned to the gates, that opened with no prompting, Riyad's eyes widened with how big the house was. It seemed intimidating from the outside, dark with heavy tinted windows.

A dog sat on the porch, and a figure stood next to it.

Bruce? Riyad thought, as he leaned up to his window for a better view.

No.

Damian.

Damian stood there, arms crossed, with the same scowl he always had on. Come to think of it, the only time he wasn't frowning was when he was with that death girl…Flatline? Heartstopper? back on Lazarus Island.

Her name was a bit of a blur.

Jason parked the car next to Cass's motorcycle, stepping out of the car first. The dog ran up to him, jumping on him. Jason laughed as he pet it, Rose, and Riyad coming out next.

Damian walked closer, standing in front of Riyad, with a cool demeanor. Riyad wasn't as nervous, nor did he feel the usual wave of jealousy or resentment that came with looking at him.

"Welcome." Was all he said.

Jason rolled his eyes, as he walked past him, ruffling his hair. "Hello to you too, shortie."

"Dammitt Todd! I just fixed this." Damian replied, fixing his hair.

"Oh right, your girlfriend is also joining us for this game night." Jason teased, as Rose, and Riyad walked behind him.

Damian said something else, but by then, they were already inside.

The interior of the house was nothing like the outside. Brightly colored with a sunroof, it let what little light Gotham offered into the house. There were statues, and so much art, Riyad lost count after twelve.

And then he froze as he saw an elderly gentleman approach them.

His suit was fitted nicely, white button up with a black overcoat, and pressed gray pants, with shining black loafers.

Jason broke into a smile, stepping forward, and hugging him.

"Alfred, it's so good to see you!" he said.

"Likewise, Master Jason. So glad you could join the rest of us in family game night." He replied, a faint English accent in the way that he spoke.

"And let Grayson try to ruin my running streak in One and Done? No way." Jason replied. Rose stepped up, hugging Alfred, and then pulling Riyad into the group.

"This is my and Damian's younger brother, Riyad." Rose introduced them. "And Riyad, this is Alfred, Bruce's rusty and trusty butler."

Riyad stared down at his shoes before looking up at Alfred. The kind old man seemed stunned when he saw his face, but then he broke into a smile.

"My, you look almost identical to Master Damian. Pleased to meet you, Master Riyad." Alfred said, as he held out his hand.

Riyad took it but didn't do what he had done to Grayson. "Hello." He said, finding his voice.

"So, this is the son of Slade Wilson, and Talia Al Ghul?" a voice said from up the stairs, and Riyad froze, feeling his heart dropped to the bottom of his shoes.

"Master Bruce, I didn't realize you'd come back from New York." Alfred responded.

With great effort, Riyad turned around and saw him.

Bruce Wayne, also known as The Batman.

He was tall, with his black hair slicked back, dark blue eyes staring at Riyad with assessment. He wore a black shirt, with faded pants, and running shoes. Even in his casual attire, Riyad could sense that this person was something not to be taken too lightly.

Bruce walked down the stairs, waving at Jason who returned the gesture with one finger. Rose smiled, and Riyad could even see there was a twinge of nervousness to it.

And then Bruce was standing in front of Riyad, staring down at him, and Riyad could feel his face go red because this was the man that his grandfather had warned him about.

Another failure to run the Al Ghul Empire.

Something crossed over Bruce's face, but then disappeared.

"Yeesh, Bruce, are you just going to stare at Riyad all night?" Jason asked, crossing his arms. Now that they were both next to each other, Riyad could tell that where Bruce was stockier, Jason had more of a lean built. Both were of course dangerous in their own ways.

But so was Riyad. And he was the grandson of Ra's al Ghul. He refused to feel small around Bruce or anyone else. Riyad stood up straight and tall, meeting Bruce's full stare with his own.

The door burst opened, and Dick walked in, followed by Tim, Damian, and Cass, and a blonde girl who was conversing with a redhead in a wheelchair. Another redhead girl walked in, followed by a young man who was sporting a yellow jacket.

"Ah, yes, the family is almost all here." Bruce said with a soft smile. Jason went to greet his brothers, Rose hugging the blonde girl.

There were so many people and apparently, it wasn't all of them.

Riyad could hear Rose asking for someone named "Starfire", and "Cassie", and he quietly tried to slink away.

He was quite literally an outsider in all this.

Through the commotion, he snuck off to the side door, relieved and disappointed that no one followed him.

The dog, who Riyad had heard Jason call Ace, laid in the grass, staring at Riyad with a bored expression. As Riyad sat in the grass near him, but not too close, Ace got up, and walked over to him, plopping his head down on his lap.

Riyad hesitated, but pet the German shepherd's soft fur, finally relaxing the tense set of his shoulders.

Someone stood behind Riyad, but he didn't move, or couldn't as Ace was now using him as a pillow. After a beat, the person cleared his throat, and Riyad his head around to face him.

It was Bruce. And he looked…apologetic.

Riyad didn't know what to say, so he opted for staying silent.

"I…I wanted to say that I've heard a bit about you, Riyad. I know who your parents are, and the conditions your grandfather put you through…" he trailed off as Riyad began to tremble a bit. "But look, you don't have to worry about Ra's anymore. He's dead." Bruce finished, watching Riyad's reaction carefully.

Riyad didn't know what to say. The man causing his existence, his suffering, was dead. Although Riyad was at first hell-bent on killing Ra's, he felt…empty. Like something was missing.

"Okay." Was all he responded with, still petting Ace. Bruce looked like he wanted to say more, but Rose stepped out.

"Come on, Riyad, everyone's here. The games are about to start!" she said excitedly, holding out her hand. Riyad stood up, petting Ace one last time as he followed her.

After everyone had introduced themselves to Riyad, while staring at him, and then Damian and then Rose with a mixture of shock, and then elation, they walked over to the living room, crowding around the board game shelf.

Damian wanted to play One and Done, but Jason suggested Apologize or Die. Cass and the one named Kate were on his side. Tim suggested something more brain inclusive, such as Sketch-n-Fix. Alfred, Dick, and Bruce agreed to that one.

The ones that didn't really seem to care, Starfire, Cassie, Nika, Rose, and Riyad stood off to the snack table, enjoying the food that Alfred had placed out.

"How long does it take to choose a game to play?" Riyad asked, stuffing the last of his stuffed pepper into his mouth.

"It all depends. Usually, votes are casted to see which game is the favored one, but it seems that they are all having difficulty choosing which one." Starfire answered.

Riyad could see why Dick was dating Starfire, and why Starfire was dating Dick. They were the two most good-looking people he had seen, and the fact that they wanted to be together blew his mind. There was no arranged marriage, no suitors scouted for each other's hands, just came to happen so naturally.

Riyad must have been staring too long at her, because Rose elbowed him in his ribs, giving him an arched eyebrow look. He shrugged, looking away then.

After about twenty-five minutes of discussing, and Jason threatening to leave if they couldn't agree to play a game, they all decided to pick Tales, or Truth? a game which each player would be given a subject, and a sentence of the subject where the player would have to decide if it was a truth or a tale.

Bruce, Tim, and Alfred seemed smug about it, Jason, Dick, and Cass staring them down. They seemed to all be competitive, ready to win.

Riyad wanted to laugh, following Dick's orders as the teams were split into randoms. The first team, which was of course led by Bruce, included Jason, Nika, and Stephanie. Dick who was leading team 2, had Cass, Rose, and Duke. Team 3 which was led by Tim, had Riyad, Selina, and Damian.

And the last group, group 4, was led by Kate Kane, had Cass, Cassie, and Starfire. Barbara, and Alfred would be the refs, and the ones to speak out in case anyone decided to cheat.

As Riyad walked over to his group, glancing at Selina Kyle, he felt his nerves act up again. He didn't notice when she had snuck into the group, and she smiled at him, walking up to him.

"You, and Damian look almost identical." She said, as she brushed his hair up. Riyad didn't know what to say, shrugging.

"A man of many words, I see. If I didn't know any better, I'd think Bruce was your father instead of Slade." She teased.

"That's quite enough, Selina." Rose called out, frost in her voice. Selina turned, eyes a bit wide.

"I was just making conversation." Selina said, raising her hands in innocence. Rose looked at her a bit longer, Dick putting a comforting hand on her shoulder.

Riyad didn't know what that was all about, but he turned to Tim, who was already explaining the rules of the game to him. There was a time limit, fifteen seconds, for a guess to see if the sentence was true or tale.

"Not to brag, but I've never lost at this game." Tim bragged, earning an insult from Jason, and a crumpled wad of paper thrown at him by Dick. "Hey, I'm just stating the truth."

As Alfred stood in the center of the living room, gesturing everyone to be quiet, and get ready for the games to begin, Riyad was filled with excitement and a strong determination to win.

This would be fun.

An hour and a half later…

It was indeed a disaster.

The leaders of each group had faced off first, screaming answers into each other's faces. Bruce, Dick, Tim, and Kate were squared off, Jason, Cass, Damian, and Stephanie trying to break it up.

Barbara looked at the group, rubbing her temples, as Alfred got up, and opened the side doors. He motioned for all of them to go outside, as it was obvious, they needed to let off some steam with each other.

Riyad had joined back with Rose, sitting next to her on the long red couch, as she talked to Starfire, and Cassie. Selina sat across from them, drinking a glass of wine.

She was beautiful and seemed so cat-like. Curious too. Riyad wondered if she was one to be trusted though, considering how Rose had reacted.

Alfred walked towards them, closing the side doors as the arguments went on.

"Just a heads up, Master Riyad, it is almost always like this. Though they do tend to spar most of the time." Alfred explained.

"Then the game times must be taken very serious." Riyad responded.

Starfire then stood up, stretching her arms out, Cassie getting up as well. "Since family game night is over, we will take our leave now." She said, Cassie nodding.

Rose checked her watch, nodding at the time. "We should probably head back as well. I don't know if Jason said if he was going to patrol Gotham or not."

Starfire, and Cassie waved good-bye, as they left through the front door. Selina crossed her legs, her dark pants stretching over her legs. She sported a casual dark red sleeveless shirt, staring up at Rose. "I don't think they're going to stop anytime soon. Why don't you spend the night here?" she asked.

Rose seemed uncertain, Barbara taking her leave as well. "Would that be okay, Alfred?" she asked.

"Of course, Miss Rose. We have plenty of rooms, unless you want to use Jason's for when he stays here." Alfred said.

"I can use Jason's, and Riyad, you're okay with using one of the extra rooms, right?" she asked him.

Riyad wasn't okay with that. He didn't want to sleep in another strange place that he wasn't familiar with the interior just yet. He would have nightmares, seek Rose for comfort, and get lost.

"Of course." He answered instead, digging his nails into the soft part of his palms. Selina got up, and excused herself, as she went outside to talk to the others.

Rose stood up, bidding a good night to the group, and went to lead off Riyad to his room.

Despite the outcome, Riyad had fun. The people were certainly interesting to be around, and it felt like a real family.

The house had many, many rooms. Riyad wondered how many guests Bruce usually had at a time, Rose stopping in front of one door.

"This is Jason's room. I'll be sleeping in here, okay?" she told him. Riyad nodded, not wanting to be treated like a child.

But it felt nice that Rose was guiding him in a gentler way. It was more than what he deserved.

She stared at the other doors in concentration, pulling him along to the door down at the far end of the hallway. Opening it, she smiled in victory.

"And this is where you'll sleep tonight."

Riyad walked around her, seeing a light gray colored room, with navy-colored curtains, and a huge bed. Multicolored blankets were folded neatly on the bed, various pillows piled on the bed.

He was going to sleep so well.

Jumping in the bed, he kicked off his shoes, burrowing under the covers. He heard a slight chuckle from Rose.

"Alright, good night. See you in the morning, okay?" she said. Riyad mumbled out a good night, his eyelids already closing.

Sleep came soon after.

A slap to the face startled him out of his sleep. What was going on? Why was he dangling-

A face came close to his and Respawn shied away from it as best as he could. Which wasn't much considering he was being suspended in air by the chains on his arms.

His grandfather stared at him, anger coursing through his black eyes. "I did not give you the order to sleep, yet I hear you dozing off. What did you do right that gave you a reward?"

Respawn stayed silent, knowing that this was bait. He couldn't speak unless his grandfather gave him the order to. Another slap was met and Respawn could feel blood drip down from his nose.

He didn't make a sound though.

Another hit was made, the blow catching Respawn on the back of his head. His vision swam, sweat pooling over his brow.

"I guess I must teach you a lesson." Ra's angrily said, walking closer to Respawn. The fear was going intense, making it harder for Respawn to breathe, and-

-Riyad couldn't breathe. He threw the blanket off his sweating body, and sat up, a wave of dizziness taking over. He tried to get out of bed, but the room spun, and he steadied himself by using the headboard for balance. Warm liquid dripped down from the front of his nose, and when he wiped at it, and squinted using the dim light from the lamp, he saw a red coating on his fingers.

Blood. He was bleeding from his nose.

Panic gripped him, as he opened the door, and walked out of the hot room.

The hallway seemed to stretch out endlessly, and Riyad wondered why Rose's room was so far away.

Oh, right, that's Jason's room. Riyad thought tiredly, dragging his feet forward. He must've slipped, because suddenly he was on the floor, his hands struggling to push himself up from the ground.

Pathetic. How dare an Al Ghul go down without being in battle. He thought to himself.

"Riyad?" a voice said, and he looked up to see a still sleepy Damian.

Oh. He must've said it out loud then. "Hello, brother. I didn't mean to wake you." He struggled to get out.

"What happened?" Damian asked, as he looked alarmed at the state Riyad was in. Riyad wondered if this had to do with the sudden salt-like blood that was filling in his mouth.

"G…grandfather." Was all he mustered to get out, before he fell back on his side, and blacked out.

There were many voices talking at once.

"…Damian, what did you do?"

"Nothing! He came out of the room like that and said grandfather did this!"

"Damian, Ra's is dead." Another voice said somberly.

"I know."

"He needs help! Figure out what's wrong with him!" another voice said, frantic. Oh, it was his sister, Rose.

Riyad wanted to turn to her and tell her he was okay. But he felt so heavy, and the person that was carrying was so strong.

So, he said nothing, and stayed asleep.

4.

"Polycythemia vera." Bruce said, as they read off the test results.

"What's that?" Riyad asked, as the I.V that was hooked into his arm took his blood.

"It's a blood condition where your red cells make too much of themselves and can cause severe side effects." Bruce explained.

Riyad nodded, as if that made sense, but really, he just wanted to sleep.

"Basically, it's a blood condition where you have too much blood. That's why you had a nosebleed, and your gums were bleeding." Tim said dumbed it down.

They were…well Riyad didn't know where they were exactly. It didn't look like a hospital, too dark with little lighting, and a strange t-rex in one corner. Maybe he was hallucinating.

He had woken up from another awful dream, placed down on a bed, I. Vs hooked on him. He saw Bruce, Alfred, Dick, Jason, and Damian all around, asking him questions but there were too many words, and an annoying ringing in his ears that deafened him.

And then Rose was on the other side, holding his hand, and Riyad never realized how truly beautiful she was. She didn't look like their shared father, so she must take more after her biological father.

Rose gave him a weird look, then poked his forehead.

Oh. He was talking out loud again.

"Is this a serious condition?" Jason asked, not wearing pants, as he had awoken up in a shared hurry.

"If he doesn't get some blood taken out, the end results are this." Tim replied, biting back a laugh at the sight of Jason. Jason scowled at Tim, eyes never leaving his.

And then Damian stepped up, staring at Riyad with something akin to sadness.

"Riyad…before you passed out…you said that Grandfather had struck you. What were you talking about?" Damian asked, and the bickering ceased, as all eyes turned to him.

"Ra's is dead." Jason said flatly.

"He lives on in my head though." Riyad responded. The he locked eyes with Damian, not really in a menacing way, but more like a sympathetic way. "Brother, do you really wish to know?"

The room was so silent, Rose felt like she could cut it with her sword. She began to usher out the others, but the grip Riyad had on her hand stopped her, keeping her in place next to the bed.

"I know Bruce already knows. And Jason does too. It's okay for the others to know too." Riyad stated, as he sat up, Rose hovering in case he fell again.

But Riyad didn't even stumble, as he cleared his throat.

"Brother, let me tell you of our dear old Grandfather…" he started.

An hour later…

The room was quiet again. Alfred was the first to excuse himself, and leave, claiming that he needed to get drinks for the others. As he walked by, Riyad noticed a vein in the center of his forehead pulse.

There were mixed reactions from the Batboys; Dick kept staring off, swearing in Romanian, his hands clenched into fists. Jason stood there, but his jaw was clenched, and now and then, he had to close his eyes to smolder the anger building up. Tim kept talking to himself, making hand motions to Riyad, and then a strange facial expression that appeared on his face came over him.

Damian was quiet, staring down at his shoes. Riyad wondered what was running through his head, when Damian's shoulders began to shake.

Was he…laughing?

And then Damian looked up, a crazed look on his face. "No wonder you hated me." Damian cried out, tears wanting to drop down on his face.

Riyad was quiet for so long, he didn't know how to word what he wanted to say.

"I thought I hated you…" he started, letting go of Rose, "but when I saw you at the Lazarus Tournament for the first time…I realized that you were just as much of a pawn as I was. The only difference was, when you saw a chance to escape, you took it. And without looking back."

"But still. Every injury or failing organ I had was replaced by one of yours. And in a very horrible way." Damian insisted.

"Damian." Riyad said, as he placed a hand on his shoulder. "You didn't know. It's not like you held the scalpel that cut me, had the needles that stole my blood for when you had major blood loss. That was him. And he's gone now. He can't hurt anyone anymore." Riyad responded.

And then Damian pulled Riyad into a hug, letting the tears come out. "'Ana huna ya 'akhi.*" Damian said to him in Arabic, holding on to him for a long time.

The rest of the BatFamily merely piled on to the family, each one making sure to ruffle Riyad's hair at least once. They welcomed him with open arms, and if Riyad's heart could swell up with any more emotion, he'd be dead.

Rose took a step back, as the others began to crowd Riyad. They were planning out so many plans with him, it was a sight to see.

Jason, who had noticed Rose out of the loop, walked over to her, placing an arm around her shoulders.

"You're still just in your boxers, you know." Rose replied.

"Come on, Rose, we both know you like what you see." Jason teased, planting a kiss on her cheek. She rolled her eyes but didn't stop him from pulling her closer.

"Jason, why don't you put some pants on?" Bruce asked, eyeing both with that 'dad' look.

"I don't say anything when weird noises come out of your room the nights Selina is around, do I? And I'm pretty sure last week I heard her snap her whip at you." Jason shot back, glaring at Bruce.

"Jason, it's my house." Bruce replied. Tim was covering Riyad's ears, while Dick covered Damian's.

"Why are you doing this, I can read lips!" Damian said, and Dick sighed as he let him go, Tim letting go of Riyad as well.

Rose was pulling Jason along, him still mumbling curses. "Rest up Riyad, please." She called over her shoulder, and Riyad gave her a faint smile, Bruce, Dick, and Tim heading their own ways. Only Damian stayed, staring at the blood bag, and the discarded I.V. line.

"Are you feeling okay?" he asked, hovering a bit.

"I'm fine." Riyad replied, waving him off. "I feel a lot better than before."

Riyad rubbed the spot where the blood had been drawn, getting up from the bed. Sure enough, his walking was better, and his vision had gone back to normal, and he glanced around.

"What is this place anyway?" he asked.

"Nothing, we should get going." Damian answered, pulling Riyad along. He almost tripped but followed along.

"So, this is what we 're going to do tomorrow…" Damian said, as they both walked up the stairs, and down into Damian's room.

The next day…

This time when Riyad woke up, he was in Damian's room, almost falling off the bed. He got up, and stretched, staring at the clock.

A little past one in the afternoon.

Walking out of the room, he headed towards his room, wishing he had packed a bag in case they were going to stay over. He stopped when he saw clothes folded neatly on the bed, a towel, and toothbrush and toothpaste on it.

Rose or Jason must've gone back to the apartment to grab his stuff while he had rest. Smiling, he headed off to the restroom, where a shower was very much needed.

Thirty minutes later, he was out, and dressed, heading down the stairs where the smell of food awaited him. His stomach growled, and when he went downstairs, he saw Rose lounging in the living room, a book in her lap. She frowned, and upon closer inspection, Riyad realized that she was dressed in her Ravager suit.

"Rose? You going somewhere?" Riyad asked.

She stood up, smiling at him. "Good, you're awake. I was afraid you'd stay asleep longer. Jason managed to find our Father in a remote place just east of China. We're heading over there tonight. Dick and Star are going to be our back-up."

"So basically, a couples' night." Damian said, as he appeared from behind Riyad. "This is going to be one hell of a date night."

"Come on, Dami. If this was a date night, don't you think we would've invited you, and Nika to come and join along with us?" Dick asked, as he bounded into the living room, Tim trailing him.

At the mention of Nika, Damian's face flushed, and Tim laughed, swatting Dick's shoulder. "Aw, Dick, you made him blush!" Tim teased.

"Shut up, Drake. I was invited to the couple's date night instead of you." Damian retorted, and then Rose was laughing, Riyad looking at all of them with confusion.

"There can never be a moment of peace." Bruce said, as he walked in, Alfred behind him.

The door swung open, then, almost banging into the wall. "I'm back, bitches!" Jason called out.

"Seems like you spoke too soon, Master Bruce." Alfred said.

Jason waltzed in, giving the side eye to Bruce. "You guys ready, or what?"

"Quick question, Jason, if there was a couples' date night out, who would you not invite out?" Tim asked.

"Bruce, and Selina." Jason answered instantly, staring Bruce down.

"I should've seen that coming." Tim replied, looking a bit sheepish. "But at least I know I'd get to go to couple's night out."

"Oh, you and Cassie are still a thing? You go Timmy-boy!" Dick said, shoving Tim a bit to the side.

"Alright, enough you two. Are you sure you don't want me to be there as well? I can have Clark watch over-"

"Full offense Bruce, but fuck no. We need you here in case your crazy ex decides to put a hit out again on Rose, and Riyad." Jason interrupted. Bruce scowled, but he nodded.

"If Mother tries that again, I'll simply fight her." Damian said.

Then Rose stared at Riyad, who was looking away into the distance.

Shortly after Ra's had died, Talia had placed a hit on Slade, Rose, and Riyad. She didn't know that her DNA was also in Riyad, but she knew Slade was his father. And she had wanted them all dead-but only because she firmly believed that Slade was the one that took Ra's life.

It turned out to be a complete imposter, and they were able to clear Slade's named. Then he disappeared, and Riyad was founded by Jason and Rose.

Despite this mess, Riyad was certain the shared mother he had with Damian didn't know about his origins.

He'd like to hope anyway. He was just getting used to having a brother, being abandoned by his father, and he wasn't quite ready to make a bond with the mother that placed a hit on a son she didn't know existed.

Wow. There really was no way for him to think that in a different way. He was going to need some serious therapy.

As they left, Bruce ended up suiting up, saying that the Justice League had contacted him for help.

"Damian make sure to patrol Gotham while I'm gone and take Riyad with you. If you need help, make sure to call Cass, or Stephanie." Bruce said as he disappeared back into his room, Alfred a step behind him.

"Why he has so little faith of me, I'll never know." Damian scoffed. "With two Al Ghuls present, Gotham will be the safest it's ever been. Right Riyad?"

"Of course, Damian." Riyad said, as he grinned.

"Come on, let's go. There's plenty to do before we must go on patrol."

"You won't beat me this time Damian! I'm wiser than the last time!" Riyad cried out.

"I am your older brother, respect your elders!" Damian shot back.

The screen soon was covered in mini fireworks, as the words Player one wins! Flashed on the screen.

Damian cheered as Riyad sighed. He had lost at the game, again.

Damian had been gracious enough to give Riyad a proper tour of Gotham. Their last stop was the arcade place, and to be honest, it had been a lot of fun.

So far, Riyad's favorite game had been the one with ninjas and fruits. He played it so much, the new high score was under his name. Damian had awarded him a high-five.

"Where to after this?" Riyad asked.

"Want to get some pizza? I know a great place down the street." Damian replied, as they left the arcade place.

Riyad nodded, not having tried pizza yet.

As they neared the building, Damian stopped now and then looking behind him. A sense of unease hit Riyad's belly, and he watched over his shoulder carefully.

Finally, not able to take it anymore, he grabbed Damian by the arm, and both boys took off.

"Someone is following us!" Damian said, as they turned into a random back alley.

"You think it's Mother?" Riyad replied, a shiver going down his spine. Damian shrugged, as they continued running.

They made it about five blocks, before someone dressed in all black stood in front of them. The familiar attire made Riyad tremble a bit.

A member of the League of Assassins.

"Get behind me, Riyad!" Damian said, glaring up at him. Riyad's body felt locked, the fear turning him into a statue.

"My quarrel is not with you, son of Batman. I'm here on orders from your mother to bring in this one," he pointed at Riyad, "son of Talia, and Deathstroke."

"Oh, what, now that she knows he exists, I'm no longer the favorite?" Damian mocked, pulling out a folded bo staff.

The assassin wasted no time, hitting Damian in the side of the head. Damian dodged it, aiming for the assassin's legs.

That's what snapped Riyad out of it. There was an assassin trying to hurt his brother because he was protecting Riyad. With no thought, and giving into muscle memory, Riyad threw a punch that landed with a satisfying smack against the enemy's ribs.

Back and forth they went, trading blows, and Riyad briefly wondered if they were going to have to kill him to make him stop.

"Enough already." Someone called out, and the assassin immediately ceased.

Riyad, and Damian both turned to the voice, who was casually standing on the building behind them.

Talia Al Ghul stared down at them, with a rather bored expression on her face. She jumped down from her stop, landing right in front of them.

"Makes me happy to see my boys getting along."

5.

"What do you want, Mother?" Damian asked, crossing his arms at the sight of her.

Riyad stood his ground, watching as Talia neared closer to him. She smelled faintly of wildflowers, dark eyes staring at him as if trying to decipher his thoughts. She reached out a hand to his face, turning it this way, and that.

"How my father managed to hide you for fourteen years, I'll never know." She replied, smiling softly.

"How you think you can just casually touch me after putting a hit on me, and my family, I'll never know." Riyad replied, pulling away from her, and glaring at her.

Talia frowned, and though she wore the same black body suit as the assassin that stood away from her, on her she looked very beautiful.

"I never apologized for that, did I?" she mused out loud, slowly pacing.

"Father is out of town. What do you want, Mother?" Damian asked again.

"Don't worry, Damian. I just want to get to know my other son."

"How…how dare you call me that? You tried to have me killed." Riyad spat out, moving closer to Damian.

"Don't feel bad, Riyad. She did kill me." Damian said.

"Riyad. That's Arabic for garden." She looked back up at him and smiled. "It's funny. Your name meaning garden, and your older sister's name being Rose."

"I think it's funny that you would come and harass two teenage boys in broad daylight." Another voice spoke out, and they all turned to see Catwoman, slinking down from the side of the building, in her usual cat suit.

Talia stiffened, face closing. "Catwoman."

"Hello, Talia. What are you up to?" she asked, stepping in front of Riyad.

"Nothing, just talking to my sons." Talia responded casually. Riyad could see from the stiff position of how she had her shoulders, she was getting ready to throw a punch at Selina.

"Stop calling me that." Riyad said, glaring at her. "If this is all that you came to see, to see a living copy of you, and Slade, here you have it. Now, go away, and leave me alone." He said, as he turned on his heel, and walked off.

Damian followed, not even bothering with a goodbye.

"Wow, I can just feel the love." Selina commented, as she stood there, waiting.

"I don't expect you to understand. Seeing as how you and Bruce don't have any children of your own." Talia said, walking past Selina.

"Not yet anyway. And besides, it'll be something natural." Selina purred, winking at Talia.

Talia clenched her jaw and grabbed a throwing knife ready to use it on Selina-but she was gone, standing on the building in front of Talia.

"I don't want to have to tell you this again. Stay away from Riyad." And then she disappeared.

Talia fumed, turning on her heel as she walked off.

She was furious.

Riyad was sitting in front of a random library, head in his hands. He wasn't crying, he was just…overwhelmed.

He didn't have to look up to see that it was Damian offering silent support, and comfort.

Night was falling over Gotham, and soon they'd have to head back to the Manor and get dressed for patrol. Riyad remembered he had left his suit back at Jason's apartment…who was not in the country.

He looked up at Damian, who had said nothing, waiting for Riyad to calm down.

As he finally got up, Catwoman, Selina appeared, dropping down beside them. "Boys." She greeted.

"What are you doing here? I thought you went with Father." Damian replied.

"He asked me to keep an eye on Gotham- "

"Why? Riyad and I got it under control, and even Drake is still here." Damian responded, rolling his eyes.

"You know he worries. And with good reason too. Did you know your mother was going to appear today, Damin?"

"I didn't think she'd come this soon." Damian responded, crossing his arms. Riyad stayed silent, still not sure where he stood with Catwoman. After all, his own sister had defended him against her.

Selina looked like she wanted to say more, but instead she glanced at them briefly before stepping back.

"Just stay safe and out of trouble, okay boys?" she asked, as she dashed off.

"Oh, yeah, that's really easy in Gotham of all places." Damian mumbled as he pulled Riyad along. "Come on Ri, it's almost time for us to patrol."

Riyad followed, running by Damian's side.

If Jason was wrong about the paper trail Slade had left to lead them to a small village in China called Yumai village, he was never going to live it down.

Not just with Rose, but Dick was with them, and Jason knew he would clown on him for the rest of the trip.

Slade had been careful in covering his tracks the days he disappeared. Jason had been trying to track him, keeping careful tabs on his money transits, especially the locations.

He thought Slade wouldn't slip up, but he did; accessing an ATM in the borders of China, Jason was able to pinpoint his location.

As soon as saw that, he made a team, already planning to find him, and…well, he didn't know what else.

Jason was doing this for Rose, and Riyad. This was something they needed to talk it out-or fight it out, whichever helped the most.

And yes, this was strange coming from Jason, considering his relationship with Bruce wasn't the best.

Something hit the back of Jason's head, and he almost tipped forward, turning around to see Dick hiding a laugh. A small tree branch landed next to his foot, and he scowled.

"What was that for, Grayson?" Jason asked, rubbing the back of his head.

"I've been trying to get your attention for the last five minutes. Rose and Starfire aren't back yet, and it's been an hour. Are you sure the trail leads here in the almost middle of nowhere?" Dick asked, as he motioned to the forest, they were currently in. The village was small and just up ahead, only twenty-eight or so people living there. Rose, and Starfire had gone up ahead, telling them they'd call them in in case there was too much trouble.

But that had been an hour ago. And it's been quiet ever since.

Jason had full faith in Rose, but if Grayson did have a point, and they were both captured, or in danger, it was best to move now.

Jason pulled down his mask and motioned for Grayson to walk ahead. "Ladies first." He commented.

Grayson, in his Nightwing suit, rolled his eyes. "Such a gentleman."

Jason snickered, and they headed off, going in the same direction that they had seen Rose, and Starfire go, swatting at the bugs that tried to eat at them.

As the hut like village got closer, Jason felt goosebumps prickle on his body. "Dick, have you noticed how…quiet this village is? I know only like twenty people live here, but you'd think they'd be…I don't know, in their houses, or some shit?"

"I know what you mean, Jay. It's like a ghost town. Eerie. Let's keep going so we can get the hell out of here." Dick responded, as they neared to the hut that was the furthest from the village, almost hidden by the mountains.

Jason pulled out his crowbar, wishing he still used guns. There was no sign of any human life, as they stepped in front of the dirtied door. Grayson grabbed the handle, and turned it, the door creaking quietly.

The inside was very different from the outside, the walls covered in thick foam like material, lights blinking with technology making its noises. Jason's jaw dropped; the interior of the house was much much different than the exterior.

"Well, if Slade isn't hiding here, then I guess Batman found a new place to hide-out." Jason commented.

"This tech is insane! God, I wish Tim were here to see this." Dick said, as he leaned towards a computer panel, glancing around.

"Hey genius, we're here to see if our girlfriends need saving." Jason replied, narrowing his eyes at him.

"I'm sure they're fine. And of course, you may come in." a voice said behind them.

They both turned around, and Jason squinted in the dark to see who had said that.

A girl stepped into the light looking no older than fourteen. She had her dark brown hair covering the right side of her face, peering around them as if she were looking for someone, and they weren't present.

Jason had a bad feeling about this girl. "Who are you?" he asked, weapon in his hand.

"That's rude. You break into my home, and interrogate me?" she tsked, as she walked around them.

"But since you asked so…nicely…my name is Mara. Mara Al Ghul."

Jason's face fell, and Dick turned to look back at him as a tranquilizer dart hit Dick in the side of the neck, another one sinking into Jason's shoulder. They both dropped to the ground, Mara stepping close to them, and before Jason blacked out, he could see the way the light shined off her right leg.

"Sweet dreams…" Mara said, as the lights went out for Jason.

Meanwhile, back in Gotham, Tim frowned at the call that Dick was giving him from the Batcave.

Clicking answer, a dark room appeared, a young girl's outline being shown only because of the computer lights behind her.

"I see every Robin except the one I want." She said, disappointment in her tone.

"Who are you?" Tim asked, alarmed.

"That's what the other Robin asked me. The red one." She replied, shaking her head.

"Anyway, I have your friends. Come find them, and make sure to bring Damian, and the son of Deathstroke. I have much to do." She said, and before Tim could get a word in, the call cut off.

Tim swore, tracing the call from the location Dick, and Jason were at.

Yumai village, China.

Grabbing his phone, he dialed a number. At the fourth ring, he finally answered.

"Damian? We're needed for a rescue. And yes, bring Riyad too."

6.

"Did she say who she was?" Damian asked, as they boarded into Batman's plane.

Tim shook his head, taking the pilot's seat, eyes forward. "But she seemed to know you." He replied.

Riyad sat in the back seat, wearing a black eye mask, and a black stealth suit. He paired it off with both swords strapped to his back, body tensed and ready. He'd been shocked when Damian had instructed him to go him, and Tim to a rescue mission.

To save Jason, and Grayson from a mysterious foe.

"Everyone knows me." Damian replied. "What exactly did she say? What did she look like?"

Tim rolled his eyes. "She said I see every Robin except the one I want. Meaning you. When I asked her who she was, she just said the red one already asked me that. I think Jason was trying to interrogate her before she captured them."

"Were they able to locate my father? Does she have my sister hostage too?" Riyad interrupted.

"That's the thing, I'm not sure. Our conversation was short, and she barely said anything other than her demands." Tim answered.

"Play the recording for us, Drake. Maybe I can figure out who it is." Damian responded, as he took the seat next to Tim. Tim placed the jet on autopilot, accessing the Batcomputer's memory storage.

The clip of the video pulled up, and Damian squinted to see who it was, the volume all the way up. Her voice sounded familiar, and he thought about it for a while.

When the answer popped up, he cursed.

"Damian, do you know who this is?" Tim asked, looking at Riyad.

"That's my cousin, Mara." He answered. "I thought…I mean…"

"You forgot about her, didn't you?" Riyad finished.

"No, I thought she was dead. The last time I saw her, grandfather had taken her away." He explained, running a hand through his hair.

"And you never tried to look for her?" Tim questioned.

"Give me a break, so much happened in the year I last saw her." Damian argued back.

"Wait, Tim, did she ask for me as well?" Riyad asked.

"Yeah, why?"

"That means she has my father captured. How else would she know about me?" Riyad said, uneasily.

"She could've tortured it out of Rose." Damian replied.

"I'd like to think my sister has a high pain tolerance. I threw her off a so-many-story building and she lived." Riyad commented.

Tim and Damian stared at Riyad.

"I was…trying to bond with my father." Riyad added sheepishly.

"While we're gossiping about whatever this conversation has turned to, we need to make a plan." Tim said.

"Simple. She wants me. We'll give her what she wants, and then I'll finish her off." Damian said.

"You're not going to kill her, are you?" Tim asked.

"I don't do that anymore Drake. Depending on what she's done, I might have to throw her in prison." Damian said thoughtfully.

"She doesn't just want you though, Damian. She wants me too!" Riyad said.

"Okay, so you and Riyad are going to be the bait. Here's what we're going to do…" Tim started.

When the jet landed, Damian, and Riyad were the first ones to step out of it.

They wandered off to the furthest hut, noticing very little life was around there.

"This is the right place, right Drake?" Damian asked in his earpiece.

"Have I ever been wrong before? Don't answer that, just go." Tim replied.

Damian walked over to the door, grabbing the handle, and opening the door. His jaw dropped as he saw that the interior was way different.

"Drake, if you were in here, your mind would explode from how advanced this technology." Damian commented.

"Funny, that's what the blue Robin said." A voice said from behind the two.

Riyad, and Damian both turned around, the earpiece in Damian's ear short circuiting, and going dead.

"I had to make sure you weren't in contact with anyone else, Damian." She said, taking a step forward, her dark brown hair covering the right side of her face.

"Hello, cousin." Mara said, as she stepped closer, wearing a black suit that was long sleeved, daggers tied to her hips.

"Mara." Damian replied, glaring at her. "Where are the others?"

But she was distracted by Riyad, tilting her head at the sight of him.

"So it's true. Son of Talia, and Slade." She replied, walking a slow circle around them. "I want to say I'm surprised, but I'd be lying."

"Where are the others? Where have you taken them?" Damian said, stepping closer to her.

Mara turned her attention to Damian, rolling her visible eye. "Must you yell, cousin? Can't you see I'm distraught of the death of our," looking at Riyad this time, "shared grandfather?"

"How did you even know he died?" Damian asked.

"Simple. I was closely following your mother. I know everything; from the hit she placed on the Wilson family, to Riyad being discovered as your half-brother, but more like your organ donor." She shrugged, pulling out a dagger. "It didn't take long for you to rescue him, huh, cousin?" Mara said, as she got closer to Damian.

Riyad moved to dodge her, but Damian waved him off. "Mara, look, I know grandfather wasn't the best but- "

Mara broke into a cackle, cutting off whatever it was Damina was going to say. "What makes you say that, Damian?" she asked, as she moved her hair from her face.

Damian froze, as if the wind had been knocked out of him, staring at Mara's face in absolute horror.

The right side of her face was no longer flesh; robotic wiring, and small lights blinked to and from it, her right eye full black with no pupil. The robot parts continued and disappeared into her clothing.

"Grandfather had someone make modifications on me, to make me more perfect. I do not have my right arm, or leg." She continued, laughing a bit. "But I can see in both eyes, Damian! Isn't that wonderful? Isn't it?"

Riyad did not really know what to do; this was really a fight between Mara, and Damian. She did not have help-

A crashing sound was heard, as a figure was thrown into the room, landing in the middle of the area. A groan of pain was heard, and Riyad widened his eyes.

"Drake? Are you okay?" Damian asked, rushing over.

"Just because it looks like I'm alone, doesn't mean I am, Damian." Mara teased, clicking a button. Two six-foot-tall robots stood side by side, their eyes glowing red. Dressed like members of the League of Assassins, they stood by, awaiting orders.

"I have all the little birdies trapped now." She said, as she pushed another button, and they moved to grab Tim. Damian came to life then, punching one of the robots on the side of the head. It glitched, dropping the unconscious Tim, and Riyad moved to attack the other one.

Mara smiled, pushing a button, as an electric current wrapped around the robots' bodies, shocking Riyad, and Damian.

They dropped like flies, pulling Tim by the back of his suit, and Mara laughed.

But then she stepped towards Riyad, and he struggled a bit to open his eyes.

"It makes sense for us to team up, Slade's son. I heard everything grandfather did to you. Join me. It is meant to be this way." She told him, as she held out a hand to him.

"No…if I join you…I will be fulfilling what grandfather…wanted me to be…." And then he stared at her, watching as the tears built up in her one human eye. "It doesn't have to be this way, Mara." He said, as he moved to wipe the tear from her face.

She slapped his hand then, kicking him in the ribs with her metal leg, giving out an angry scream.

"Of course, you would say that because they went back for you! Everyone forgot about me, everyone ignored me when I was getting improved." She yelled, pushing another button on her remote. "Well, that is all going to change. I will not be like Grandfather, but you all will be like me."

She turned to face Riyad, pushing another button on her remote, as a robot came, and grabbed Damian while shooting another electric current through his body. He cried out, blacking out again.

"Remember cousin, I gave you a chance." Was all she said, as a hit to the back of Riyad's head made him black out.

When Riyad came to, he was in a cell, his swords gone. He rubbed the back of his head, glancing around.

He was not the only one here; in the corner, Jason laid in a crumpled heap, Rose next to him, Dick lying next to Starfire. Damian, and Tim were laying on the other side.

The cell was spacious, but bare, no bed, no toilet, not even a window, the bars so closed to each other they would have to be the size of a snake to escape. Riyad stood up, almost dropping down to his knees. The sudden sound of his knee hitting the ground woke up the others, all letting out sounds of pain.

"What the fuck…" Jason said, as he rubbed the back of his head.

"Is everyone okay?" Dick asked, helping Starfire up from the ground.

"That is one angry little girl." Starfire said.

"I mean, who wouldn't get angry if they were under Ra's control, and then forgotten?" Jason asked, as they all turned to look at him.

"What?" he said, as he shrugged.

"Riyad, are you okay? What are you, and Damian, and Tim doing here?" Rose asked.

"They were supposed to be the rescue team, if we got to any trouble." Dick answered.

"You know, I'm not going to lie, I feel very safe." Jason said, placing a hand in Damian's hair. "Your cousin is a tough one. I think the only person that can take her is Cass."

"What about me?" Starfire asked.

"Or me?" Tim asked.

"We are all in the same holding cell, what do you think my answer is going to be?" Jason replied.

There was a bit of a brief awkward silence, before Starfire stepped up.

"Please stand back; I will break the wall now for our escape." Starfire said, as her eyes began to glow green.

"Never get tired of that." Grayson said dreamily. The glow spread to her hands, and as she was about to release it, a shock ran through her wrists, and head. She let out a cry of pain, and fell, holding her head.

The shocks go on until there's foam coming out of her mouth, and as Dick tries to reach for her, Tim knocks his hand away.

"We gotta wait until the shocks stop, otherwise you're going to get electrocuted too!" he explained, as he held him back.

"Star!" Dick cried out, as her nose began to bleed.

"Mara, this is ridiculous! Let the others go, it's me you want!" Damian screamed at the ceiling, watching as Star continued to twitch, her eyes rolled up. The shocks ceased, and she laid passed out, breathing roughly.

Dick broke free, and ran down to her side, holding her hand. Anger stiffened his back, and he looked up, ready to throw down.

But it was Damian who snapped. He pulled his hood up, taking off his mask, and throwing it against the wall.

An explosion commenced, pieces of wall crumbling down. A giant chunk headed towards Riyad, but Rose managed to tackle him down.

Dick grabbed Starfire, as they managed to scale down from where they were being kept, Damian taking one long last look at the place.

"Damian! Move your ass, and let's go." Jason screamed. Damian quickly followed, disappearing from the building.

The small camera on the ceiling blinked red, recording everything. On the other side of it, Mara sat next to a man strapped to a metal table. He was awake, watching everything, and struggling against his bindings. The I.V connected to his arm released a drug that soon made him go slack.

"I tried to give you back your family, but they left." Mara said, as she watched a glazed look come over his eyes. "Your daughter left too. And your son." She hesitated as she took his hand in her own.

"I can take place as your daughter. Blood means nothing to these fools." She kept talking, as if he could hear her words.

"Don't worry, Slade. I will take care of everything. You rest up, okay?" she said, as she patted his hand, and walked away. A robot fixing his surgical equipment waited nearby for her order.

End of Part 1. Red Hood, Ravager, Respawn, Robin, Red Robin, Starfire, and so forth will return.