A Circus Boy Returns Home
A/N: The ^ indicates a mind link between people. Just like Raven can form a link to people's minds, so can Samantha. She can also form a link with the creatures of the sea, just like her father, Aquaman.
Part 2: Eyes of Disappointment, Defiance, and Determination
Tim watched Dick's car speed down the driveway and out the gate. He watched Dick until his car disappeared around a corner.
'How can he ground me like that, I didn't do anything wrong.'
^He is being protective,^ Sammie said in his mind as she came up behind him. ^Maybe you should have told him where you were going.^
^I told Bruce, and Alfred.^
^But Dick is your guardian until you turn 20.^
^Stupid law,^ Tim groused. ^When I turn 18, I could go into the military. The law in Gotham was set to stop gang violence, to get minors off the streets. It's nothing more than a curfew, which Damian and I violate every night with our night work. And now I'm being benched. I can't even do my job as a Titan.^
^What will you do?^
^Show Dick, I can take care of myself. Are you taking the children to Atlantis?^
^Yes. My father deserves to meet his grandchildren. Be careful, Timmy. Your brother doesn't want to see you get hurt.^
^If I get hurt, it's my own fault. Dick may be my big brother, and my guardian, but eventually, he's got to remember that I'm Red Robin. I can take care of myself. And I'm married to you.^ Tim kissed his wife's beautiful coppery skinned forehead.
^Yes, but you won't be Red Robin.^
^You know what I'm planning to do?^ Tim asked.
^Dick did make a promise to you, that he'll take you later.^
^He won't get around to it. You know how our lives can get caught up with so much drama. We've got more at stake to protect than we've had before. I'm taking my chance now. I want to see where I was born. It's only fair. I haven't been to the circus since I saw Dick's parents fall. I didn't know I was watching my own parents fall, too. I've got to do this, Sammie.^
^I know you do, just be careful.^
^I will.^
Another pair of eyes were watching from a nearby tree, eyes that weren't human. The owl launched itself off the branch and flew south, then west along the coastline. The bird landed in an old barn. An old woman in a wheelchair fed grain to some mice, drawing them out. Then death flew down on silent wings and snatched one of the mice. The owl flew up to a rafter and swallowed his prey whole. The woman put a whistle to her mouth and blew on the whistle. The owl that just arrived flew down and landed on the arm of the chair.
"Very good my scout," the woman stroked the soft feathers on the owl's breast. "Let's see what you have brought us today."
The woman removed a tiny camera strapped to the owl's leg. She pressed a button, and the wheelchair moved out of the barn and to the house.
"Twyla," the old woman screeched. "Take this and examine it."
A slip of a girl came forward and took the tiny camera and hooked it up to a computer.
"I want to know if what was said about this boy is true. If he is the brother of the Gray Son of Gotham, then he has violated our most sacred laws. The boy must die and then we must take the son of Grayson who was promised to us and start the process."
"Grayson has left, Grandmother," Twyla stated.
"Find out where he is going."
"What about the other?"
"We must keep an eye on him and find the means to rid ourselves of this owlet. No Talon can have family."
"The Grayson has a daughter," Twyla stated.
"A daughter could be useful, just the same, that should soon be remedied. His mate has doubts from what I hear, which could work in our favor."
"How will you accomplish that?"
"With patience and planning, my dear. The owl sees the long picture and waits for an opportunity to strike. Send the rest of the scouts. They will keep watch and follow. We will soon know where the Gray Son is going. Once we know that, then we can decide what to do next."
"I want to be the one to kill the boy," Twyla stated. "He is an abomination. He should not exist."
"Patience, Twyla, my granddaughter. You will get that chance."
Continues with Part 3