Wally wouldn't have died if I owned Young Justice
Little lamb, who made thee?
Dost thou know who made thee,
Gave thee life, and bid thee feed
By the stream and o'er the mead
Gave thee clothing of delight,
Softest clothing, woolly, bright;
Gave thee such a tender voice,
Making all the vales rejoice?
Little lamb, who made thee?
Dost thou know who made thee?
Drake Mansion
March 19, 14:10 EST
"What is going on here?" Batman demanded as he walked into Drake Mansion to see Superman and Flash looking away in shame. They obviously hadn't gotten here in time, but there was something they weren't telling him. "Where is Thomas?" He barked, hoping that the boy was cooperating and hadn't run off again. He'd have thought Ra's would have instilled in his grandson an understanding of how to follow orders, though Bruce supposes enough time around Dick would cure him of that.
"He's upstairs with J'onn going over the boy's bedroom. Thomas is convinced that Drake was kidnapped rather than outright killed." Superman stated.
"Kidnapped? So Thomas believes Drake is alive?" Batman asked, feeling guilty for his doubt but it was not unreasonable. Despite his training, Thomas was still a young boy who had been clearly upset at the thought of Jason's and, now Tim's, death. Since they had arrived too late, it wasn't too hard to imagine the boy was willing to believe that Drake had been kidnapped in order to assuage his guilt.
"The kid seemed pretty sure, I've been checking all around the estate and I haven't been able to find any evidence of violence against the boy. I did, however, find this." Flash said raising a child sized sock. "This was about two miles to the south, about the line between Gotham and Bludhaven. I don't think it fell off naturally, so I'd say the kid worked it off bit by bit in order to leave a clue which does lend credence to the idea that they took the boy instead of killing him." Flash gave him a bit of a subdued smile. "Smart kid, perfect for the next addition to your growing family."
"Thomas believes he knows not only who is behind the kidnapping but who hired Epoch in the first place." Superman added before Batman could respond. "He hasn't said anything to us, he insisted on waiting for you." He tacked on at the end when he noticed Batman about to ask the obvious question. "Tim's bedroom is upstairs, third door to the right."
"Hey Bats, what are we going to do about this?" Flash asked gesturing to the house at large. "I know we're a bit aways from the city but eventually someone's going to see us poking around this private residence without a warrant." He grimaced, "and what about the Drakes? They have a right to know that their son has been kidnapped and could be dead."
"We'll be in and out of the Mansion soon enough, after which, we should alert the police anonymously of the crime. They can then inform the Drake's of the situation. There is no reason for the League to be publically involved in this." Batman nodded and let his cape move behind him as he entered the house. He immediately noted the dead butler in the foyer and stooped down to analyze the corpse.
"The kidnappers entered swiftly and silently, able to bypass the security measures with ease. They approached the butler so quietly, he probably didn't notice their presence until he was bleeding to death." Damian announced, standing at the top of the stairs as his father walked in. "They then came straight to Drake's bedroom, took him from his desk and drugged him with just enough chloroform to keep him from struggling, but not enough to put him under and potentially cause brain damage. One of the kidnappers escaped via the window with Drake while the others wiped any potential video of the incident and checked the area for any evidence of their intrusion before disappearing."
"And how do you have this information?" Batman asked, standing up to address his son.
"Because it's standard kidnapping protocol for the League of Assassins. I could tell immediately when we arrived by the lack of evidence that they were involved, further investigation has only solidified my belief. Trust me, if they'd wanted Drake dead, he'd be right next to the butler." Bruce frowned, Ra's al Ghul, it made sense. Ra's certainly knew his and Dick's identities and thus would be familiar with the identities of any other children he took in. He also had the money and the means to hire an assassin like Epoch.
"But why would Ra's go through the trouble of kidnapping Timmy when he clearly was willing to kill Jay?" Batman frowned as Robin walked purposely through the door, coming to stand right next to him.
"I thought I told you to stay back at the Mountain with the others." Batman ground out, Dick had been far too reckless as of late and his penchant for playing by his own rules was not a habit Batman wanted to enforce. One of these days it was going to get his boy killed. If Thomas appeared bothered by Robin's sudden presence, he didn't show it.
"I'm not a child anymore Batman, you can't keep me out of this. This is my fault, just as much as it is his and yours, and I am going to fix the mistakes I have made." He ducked his head slightly, "all of them." Thomas studied the older boy before continuing.
"I'm certain you both have guessed that Drake also is a member of your hackneyed little club. Drake had uncovered your identities as a child and stepped in to become Robin after Todd had... retired. He now goes by the name Red Robin and is considered to be one of the League's most powerful detectives in addition to being a computer expert and tactician. We have never gotten along but that does not mean I wish to leave him in Grandfather's hand." Thomas said as he began to descend the staircase.
"So Tim grows up smart, is that why Ra's kidnapped him?" Robin countered as Damian reached the bottom of the stairs.
"Not long ago, in my time, Drake returned from a mission abroad. He was being reckless and got himself caught up with the League. Grandfather believed he could manipulate him but not only was Drake able to outwit him, he was able to singlehandedly dismantle the League's ongoing operations. In addition, he helped prevent the assassination of other of our associates and secured Wayne Enterprises away from Grandfather's influence." Robin whistled softly and even Batman was impressed. One kid, who probably wasn't even 18, had been able to subdue Ra's al Ghul where often Batman had failed. He seemed to have a knack for picking up talented young boys.
"Grandfather has remarked several times that he considers Drake the best of all the strays you have picked up over the years, but after that incident, he had seen just what Drake was capable of and began seeking to draw him in." Damian continued while Robin nodded, stroking his chin thoughtfully.
"It makes sense, Ra's was impressed by Tim and decided if he was going to sending an assassin back in time, he might as well kidnap and raise a younger Timmy rather than waste his potential." Robin turned to look at Batman. "We need to go rescue Tim not to mention stop Ra's and Epoch from hurting anyone else."
"Obviously," Batman replied. "I'm presuming you know the location of Infinity Island." Batman had spent many hours searching for Ra's secret base but had never come close to identifying it's location.
Thomas nodded reluctantly, appearing uncomfortable with the request. "Yes, I know where Mother and Grandfather have been carrying out their operations. When I first came to live with you, I revealed it's location in order to prove my loyalty. They have since moved and I am unaware of their current location but, in this time, I can easily direct you." He made a face. "Unfortunately. I doubt Epoch has kept quiet about the fact that I travelled back to this time as well so we can assume that they know that their base is compromised."
"So they'll be expecting us," Robin said, punching his fist into his palm. "Good, it'll make the victory all the more asterous when we kick their can."
Mount Justice
March 19, 14:44 EST
"So we're going to be invading the heart of the League of Assassins?" Hal Jordan asked with a dry look on his face, "are you out of your bat mind?" Batman remained impassive as he finished explaining the basic layout of the plan after they reconvened from the Drake residence. The children and Thomas sat on the couch as a few League members worked out the details.
"We need to stop Ra's and Epoch from fulfilling whatever plan they went back in time to achieve. In addition, we can't leave Timothy Drake with the League of Assassins." Batman explained, "and there is no we. This is a delicate mission that requires stealth and precision, which is not something the Justice League is known for. However, the Team was created for that very purpose so they will be running this mission with me." As he expected, the adults did not take this news well. Those with children on the Team immediately began protesting while others backed them up on principle. In the background, Young Justice looked up in both pride and fear at the large task being imposed on them.
"I thought the Team was made to keep the sidekicks from rioting," Lantern muttered out of the corner of his mouth. Flash elbowed his ribs and gave Batman a disbelieving stare.
"So you're going to take a bunch of untrained kids straight into the lair of one of the most dangerous villains out there that is, literally, going to be populated entirely by ninjas who are already waiting for your arrival?" The speedster asked harshly.
"They're hardly untrained. They are not as experienced as certain League members but by this point they should have earned your respect, unless you have forgotten this past New Year's Eve?" A few Leaguers grumbled in acknowledgement. "But you all are ignoring the most important fact, this has always been their mission. They were there at the start with Thomas's arrival, took the initiative with Jason and have kept both boys safe since. They deserve to see this mission through, not as sidekicks, but heroes in their own right." At that pronouncement, most of opposition became silent.
"We should be able to leave after dusk and arrive at Infinity Island by full dark giving us the perfect cover. We know that the League will be expecting us but there's no reason to announce ourselves. We'll take the Bioship which should be able to get us there quickly and without detection." He turned to face the Team. "Four hours should be sufficient for you to make any final preparations for the journey. I understand it's been a long couple of days, I suggest you rest up before we leave." Batman concluding, leveling them with a hard look but one filled with respect. They were young, true, but Batman trusted them to complete the task. They couldn't stay sidekicks forever.
"Yes Batman, we won't let you down," Aqualad said, echoing the sentiments of the rest of the Team.
"I don't expect you to, be at the Bioship by 1830 hours." Batman responded, sweeping out of the room. The Team needed to preserve their strength for the mission but there were many last minute things he needed to do before they left.
Superman frowned slightly, looking over the Team, most of whom he'd known since they were young. "Are you guys sure you're up for this?" He asked gently, they could work around this, add more Justice League members if they had to. This time it was Robin who stood up, standing with his team behind him as he crossed his arms resolutely.
"We can do this," the eyes of his mask narrowed, "We will do this." There was something about the way he said it that soothed the last of the worries of the League. A few of them smiled at the glimpses of the man Dick would soon become and left the room with scattered 'good lucks'.
Superman was the only one who remained shaking his head with a wistful smile on his face. "When did you kids get so grown up?" He asked causing Robin to give a small shrug.
"I don't know, I guess we had some pretty good role models." Clark rubbed his hands together, admiring how they had grown over the course of the year. He was proud of each and every one of them and he knew the future of the world was in excellent hands.
"Did I ever tell you about the legend of Nightwing and Flamebird?" Dick eyes lit up the mention of the old fairytale from his childhood but Clark was surprised to see Thomas look over at him with confusion. "They were a pair of Kryptonian gods, two lovers who's purpose was to renew the world in each cycle so that a new age could begin," he winked at the group. "While I wouldn't advise burning the planet I do believe a new age of heroes is upon us." He smiled to see the proud looks on the kids faces as he left the room.
"Nightwing, I've always loved that name. Dark and mysterious but also full of hope." Robin grinned, turning back to his team after Superman's speech.
Damian merely rolled his eyes and flopped back against the couch. "Really Grayson?" He muttered quietly under his breath. Superboy gave him a look, that's the second time the kid has mentioned that name, but he kept quiet. He suspected neither Thomas nor Robin would appreciate him bringing it up.
"Okay well I don't know about you guys but I am massively exhausted and I am going to spend my next few hours in my bed, you'd do the same if you were smart." She remarked with a yawn and a lazy wave as she sauntered down to her quarters.
Wally cleared his throat loudly. "We should probably get some shut eye too, I think Robin and Tommy can catch us up later." He intoned leveling his best friend with a stern look. Robin looked away while Superboy tilted his head in confusion.
"I'm not tired; I don't require as much sleep as normal humans." M'Gann smiled affectionately at her boyfriend, grabbing his hand and pulling him up off the couch.
"I think what he means is that Robin and Thomas could use a few minutes to work out their differences before the mission." She reached out to Thomas hesitantly, pausing for a moment before running her hand through his hair when she sensed no resistance. "We're going to be in the kitchen making up dinner. You're going to need your full strength if we're going to defeat the League of Assassins." M'Gann replied as she dragged Conner away with her into the kitchen. Wally gave them a cheeky wink before zooming off himself leaving Robin and his replacement alone.
Robin sighed and crossed his arms watching the younger boy. "Tell me about your future, not anything specific or damaging," he added when Damian opened his mouth to protest. "I want to know about your life, about you." Damian thought carefully, his small face pinching in concentration. Dick could've smiled; Bruce made that exact face all the time. It was amazing he hadn't noticed the blatant similarities before.
"I haven't been living there long and a lot of your customs still seem pointless to me but I suppose, in a way, it's nice." Damian looked across the room as he thought about the people at home. "You're a constant nuisance, always making jokes and attempting to engage me in childish endeavors," he paused. "But you were the only person who treated me kindly. You were there for me when everyone else pushed me away, even Father had just about given up on me."
"I'm sure that's not true, B can be a bit rough around the edges but it's obvious he cares for you. I'm sorry for letting you down earlier, I guess I thought for a while that he might like you more than me. It's kind of dumb now that I think about it." Dick said gently causing Damian to level him with a hard look.
"You're an absolute fool if you don't believe Father wouldn't trade ten of me for one of you. You would do wise to get over your petty insecurities and realize that even though I share his blood, you will always be his real son." Damian shrugged self-consciously. "I can't blame him for feeling that way considering what I've done." Robin leaned forward and put his hand on the other boy's shoulder.
"Hey come on," he soothed, inwardly cursing himself for all the cruel things he'd carelessly said earlier. He really ought to apologize to Bruce too. There were some things they needed to work out amongst themselves. "I'm not an expert on the future but I can say that you've really proven yourself not just to me and Batman, but all of us as well. No matter how you started out, you took the hard path and decided to better yourself. That sounds pretty heroic to me."
His little brother looked at him and Dick could feel the weight of the gaze. This kid cared for him, respected him and it would be Dick's responsibility to live up to expectations these kids had for him. He was the oldest brother and he needed to set a good example for the others to come. He grinned and ruffled the kid's hair. Well, he'd missed having a big family.
"Ah! Stop it Grayson!" Damian moaned, fighting off the motion all the while enjoying the blessed familiarity of the touch. He wasn't quite ready yet, he was still a bit naïve and immature, but this was definitely his brother.
"Only when you stop saying my name you little brat," Dick teased, engaging in some friendly rough housing with the boy. "We're going to go to that island, we're gonna kick your grandpa's decrepit butt and we're going to rescue Tim and bring him home."
"Do you believe we can recover Drake?" He asked, logically he knew that Grayson wouldn't know anymore than he did, but he missed being able to look to someone for assurance.
"Of course Tommy, do you know why? Because he's family and family watches out for each other and we always will." He patted Damian's shoulder before standing up. "Now, come on let's see if M'gann needs any help in the kitchen and then maybe get some sleep before tonight. I have a feeling we're going to need it."
Mount Justice
March 19, 17:35 EST
"Now don't be afraid to eat up, I made plenty for everyone, even those with a hyper-accelerated metabolism." M'Gann said, smiling as the Team, Thomas and even some League members sat down at the little used dining hall. Jason stumbled in a few minutes later, rubbing his eyes as he had apparently nodded off but M'Gann was more than happy to have the opportunity to fill the boy up.
"Meg, you are the greatest not-girlfriend I have ever known," Wally murmured as he stared at the enormous amount of food before them. Artemis smacked him on the arm but there was a smirk tugging at her lips. "Come on Arty, we have a big mission coming up and delicious feast before me, let me have this." He continued leaning over to peck his girlfriend's lips as he reached over the table to grab a massive baked potato. "I'm going to need to fuel up if we're going to kick Ra's al Ghul to the curb in his own home."
"At least leave some for the rest of us Kid," Kaldur cautioned with a teasing smile on his face. Flash looked over guiltily as he'd already piled his plate high full of delicious foods. Jason shyly began putting back some of the rolls he's been slipping into his pocket. Zatanna hid her smile behind her hand, leaning over to whisper something to Robin which he chuckled at.
"Oh Z, I didn't really get a chance to introduce you to Thomas, my little brother from the future. It's been a weird sort of day." He shrugged, leaning back in his chair so Zatanna could get a better look at Thomas. She smiled and extended her hand towards Damian who was instead coolly observing the way she was leaned comfortably into Robin's chest. He gingerly returned the handshake, wondering if he should be indignant on Gordon's behalf even though this was clearly before she and Grayson were a couple. It was strange imagining his brother with anyone other than the redhead.
"Hello Thomas, I'm Zatanna, we met earlier during the meeting." She nodded, pulling herself back from Robin when she noted the somewhat possessive gaze Damian was giving her. From what she understood, it seems the boy was only now able to work things out with his older brother. "Are you ready to return home?" She asked as she began to pick at her meal.
"Of course, I've been ready to return to my own time from the moment I arrived. I'm sure my brother and his girlfriend have been very worried. The two of them are practically like second parents to me." Wally all but dropped his silverware to lean in closer to the three of them whose conversation had everyone else staring. Jason, at the far end of the table, had to lean all the way back in his chair to see what was going on. Damian continued eating as if he didn't notice the sudden attention, Robin grimaced and shrunk down in his chair.
Zatanna didn't so much as blink. "That must be awfully nice having a support system like that," she intoned evenly. "We are both quite lucky to have your brother there for us." Robin just continued to slump in his chair.
"Yes, especially since they are so in tune with one another. Many couples I have observed are very distant and non-communicative which leads to problems in the relationship." Damian replied lightly, taking a long sip from his milk. "You spend the majority of your time on the Watchtower do you not?" Zatanna dabbed coyly at her lips with a napkin.
"Yes, since my father became Doctor Fate, my magic training has had to continue through him. Fate doesn't have the patience for non-magical students so I am forced to meet with him on the Watchtower. Rocket is up there much of the time as well due to Icon's busy schedule. I'm afraid she's on a mission right now and, likewise, I won't be able to join you tonight either." She smiled, "but we always try to make time for our team and our loved ones." She answered as she draped an arm around Robin's shoulders and pulling him in for a lingering kiss.
"Is it too hot?" M'Gann squeaked from the other side of the table, pushing a large chicken breast under Wally's nose who was staring wide-eyed at the ensuing drama. "The chicken? Is it too hot?" She said red-faced as Zatanna pulled back but continued to lean against her dazed boyfriend's shoulder, smirking victoriously at Damian.
The boy merely shrugged as he cut off a small piece of chicken. "She'll due, for now." He answered flippantly as Zatanna pulled herself off Robin, giving him a quick peck on the cheek. The meal continued on pleasantly after that, people making quiet conversation amongst themselves.
"What just happened? I don't understand," Captain Marvel whispered over to Kaldur who had done his very best to keep his head down during the ordeal. He knew better than to get embroiled in such spectacles.
"It's nothing Billy, here look, M'Gann has brought dessert." The Atlantean replied, sighing silently in relief as M'Gann bustled out with a candle covered cake, which she set in front of Damian. He looked up at her curiously until he read the frosting written message, We Will Miss You Thomas.
"I know it's a little early to say but despite our initial difficulties, we were glad to have had you Thomas. I can't wait to meet you again in the future, maybe when your brother's a little more grown-up." M'Gann teased, watching as Robin stuck out his tongue playfully. Damian stared in confusion as he watched the flickering candles. "Now blow out the candles and maybe that will get you back home even faster."
"The gesture is nonsensical, extinguishing a flame will not change reality nor expedite my journey." Damian scoffed.
"Tommy," Robin said drolly, rolling his eyes. The boy huffed, crossing his arms.
"But the sentiment is appreciated I suppose," Damian looked down thoughtfully at the cake. "This has been an informative trip, while I am anxious to return where I belong, I believe I have come to understand the affection Robin holds for this team." He said, blowing out the candles while everyone clapped.
Wally let out a joyful whoop. "He likes us, he really likes us!" He announced as M'Gann began cutting into the cake. Damian glared at him from across the table.
"You are a fool, West. You are obnoxious, arrogant and moronic," Damian replied as M'Gann gave him the first piece. "But I can see why you are so beloved, you must do your best to continue surviving."
"Thanks, I think," Wally answered sarcastically, "any tips on how to do that kid?" Wally teased, not really expecting an answer.
Damian frowned as he played with the cake with a serious expression on his face. "In 2016, during the Reach Invasion-"
"Attention Team, we will be leaving in 30 minutes. Finish what you are doing and suit up. Everything is prepared for our journey." Batman announced over the speaker system. "Robin, Thomas, meet me on the Watchtower in five minutes. I have a few things I need to speak to you about before we leave. Batman out." The members of Young Justice stood up and left the table to prepare themselves for the mission ahead. Only Wally remained with a forlorn expression on his face.
"Oh come on guys! What about the cake?"
Fun fact: Zatanna and Rocket were actually supposed to be in the final battle but during planning I completely forgot about them and didn't remember until chapter 11 and there no way was I re-writing. So they're not there sorry. The events that Damian recounts regarding Tim and Ra's al Ghul is straight from the Red Robin run. If you read comics, read Red Robin, it's one of the best characterizations of Tim you'll find. This is a nice chapter, equal parts heartwarming and hilarious. I hope you enjoyed enough to come back next week!