"I suppose you are here for the meeting?" The heavily Spanish accented voice of Bane rumbles through the darkness of the wrecked barn in Oklahoma as he spots another man waiting.
"It's why you are here I guess. The question is what are we doing here?" Another voice says from the darkness, but Bane can tell it's not coming from the man he can see.
"Time's up." A third voice says from above and the lights are turned on, revealing three men standing in the barn. One dressed in a brown costume that could be described as a copy of Batman's suit, though the cape is fraying at the edges. The third is Bane, with most of his massive form covered by a long green-blue jacket. The last remains mostly hidden in the shadows, though he was the man Bane could originally see. The two others think he is the speaker and turn towards him before a shadow drops down from above. "Catman, Bane and S… Deathstroke, glad you could make it."
"Nightwing, this is a surprise." Bane says and smirks under his mask.
"I am the one who called you all here." Nightwing says before Bane can build up his hopes of fighting him.
"What is this about?" Catman asks as he folds his arms over his chest. "This better not be a setup."
"It's not." Nightwing says as drops three photos on the small square table standing under the lamp. "Two and a half weeks ago, she was abducted by Ra's al Ghul as a part of a larger scheme, which is unimportant to you at this point."
"This is Raven, is it not?" Bane asks as he studies the photo of the woman in the picture.
"It is." Nightwing confirms. "The Justice League has not managed to locate her as of yet, while they are attempting something, I believe other means needs to be employed, you are one of them. What I want you to do; is to locate her, inform me where she is, make sure you are not detected then leave. You will all be paid your regular fees for your work, with the added bonus to the one who finds her first. I am counting on that my involvement with this will remain out of general knowledge."
"And if we bump into League troubles during this?" Catman asks.
"If possible slip away, if not; call the number." Nightwing says as he points out the phone number on the photo frame of the last picture still on the table.
"Now the real question, why should we bother?" Catman asks. "This is one seriously scary cape you want us to find and we are as likely to get floored by her the next week."
"Which is precisely what you risk with some of your usual employers, Blake." Nightwing says, using the man's last name. "Here you just won't risk getting shot while making your way out the door after a job well done."
"And what if she spots us?" Bane asks.
"At this point in time, we have absolutely no idea of where Raven is being kept, but we know she is alive. Leading us to assume Ra's has found a way to either keep her out cold or a way to keep her powers out of the equation if she spots you, she shouldn't actually know you are looking for her."
"Should we risk making off with her if we find her?" Blake asks.
"No, you all know of Ra's al Ghul and what this man is capable of, worst case scenario he will detonate a bomb somewhere or release some sort of virus. Neither of us would want that. Spot her or otherwise confirm her whereabouts and call me and we will take it from there."
"Is she special to you?" Blake asks, getting Nightwing to clench his fist behind his back in annoyance.
"My reasons for wanting her location known is irrelevant, all you need to know is that my money is as good as any." He says before kicking the side of the crate that falls out to reveal three suitcases. "A care package for each of you, includes a phone with a direct line to me." He says as he picks out two suitcases and tosses one to Catman and Bane, he doesn't bother mentioning there weren't any trackers in the cases because they wouldn't trust him on that, but likewise he doesn't bother mentioning that trying to track him through the equipment was equally futile.
"Fair enough." Blake shrugs as he catches it. "Call you if I find anything." He continues before leaving by the main door, Bane nods at him before leaving as well; the look Bane gives him makes Nightwing wonder how much he had been able to figure out. It was the thing Bruce really dreaded about Bane, how well he actually kept his keen mind a secret. In fact he kept it so well that most of the underworld actually believed he was nothing more than a huge thug, and a docile one at that. But if the first meeting with the man mountain had taught the Bat-clan anything, then it was that Bane could swiftly undo most of the established families and create his own criminal empire, if he wanted to.
"You know, I was halfway expecting you to refuse to show?" Nightwing asks as he turns to face Deathstroke that hasn't moved during the whole meeting. "Considering the past."
"I was halfway wondering if this was a joke on your part." Slade replies calmly, Nightwing actually hates when he is talking with that tone, because it underlines how he feels in control of the situation. "Considering the past."
"Hmm, so you are back." Nightwing grumbles as they lock eyes while wondering if Ra's had done something to Raven that had affected Slade.
"No, I am a professional." Slade replies, what Nightwing also hates about this is that Slade's body gives nothing away, no twitches or movements that betray what he is feeling or thinking.
"And Rose and Joseph?" Nightwing asks and gets rewarded with a tiny twitch.
"I was never a father to them, not when they needed one. While being with them as a father was nice… I don't think I can live that life, not yet."
"So why did you come?" Nightwing asks.
"I am a mercenary Robin. Or, I used to be, before we met. When I took the job from Blackfire I was aiming to rebuild my credentials, my… failure in Jump City had lowered my market value. A high profile job like this one could save me months of lesser jobs, if I am up to snuff." The masked man replies getting a slight look of surprise out of Nightwing who didn't think Slade thought all that much about Jump City and his doings there.
"So this is the only time we will have a normal conversation?"
"A deal is a deal." Slade says. "You pay for my services; we are civil." He shrugs. "But I am not intending to head after the Titans again, unless paid for it."
"Hmm, I will pass that along." Nightwing says as Slade gets off the box he had been leaning against the whole time before heading towards the door. "Slade." Nightwings call has the man stop in his tracks to face him. "Don't do anything stupid." Slade just smirks under the mask and huffs in amusement before leaving. Nightwing consults a scanner on his arm after Slade disappears confirming he was gone. "You can come out now."
"This is extreme." Batman says as he drops down from the shadows above. "But they know people we don't."
"That's what I figured, if Bane is the only one to figure out who she also is could prove problematic however."
"Assuming he knows." Batman corrects. "Best we assume he does and prepare for the time he intends to use the knowledge."
"As we always do." Nightwing says.
"Nightwing, how are you dealing with this?" Batman asks after the two have stared out into the darkness for a few seconds.
"I am dealing, as long as the bond remains, I know she is alive. Beyond that, I remain positive that she can pull back from anything else, with help if needed." Batman nods at the admission, internally relieved that he is taking this as well as he is, wondering if he would be the same, had it been Diana. "What about you?"
"Damian is vicious, spoiled and arrogant. With his upbringing, taking him anywhere is a risk." Batman replies.
"And if it's true, that he's your son?" Nightwing asks.
"I have a hard time denying Pieters results, but believe me when I say I am surprised that anything came from that night."
"Can I ask why you ended up there? I mean I know there was always something between you two, but I never thought you'd get to that point." Nightwing asks, not mentioning he didn't think Bruce would allow such a thing to happen.
"It was after the break with you." Bruce sighs. "There was too much bad stuff happening around me at the time and well, she showed up." Nightwing nods in understanding.
"Well hope Selina doesn't show up later on with something similar." Nightwing smirks. "How is Diana taking it?"
"Honestly, I think she might have been slightly shocked. But for now, it is best if they are not in the same room." Nightwing nods at this, as it is only Alfred and Bruce could be in the same room as Damian without being verbally assaulted, and for all her heart, Diana had limits to what she would tolerate.
"And if he proves to be… something else?" Nightwing asks.
"You mean if he was not just a product of that night?" Batman asks. "I am not sure, it will depend on him. Is it a problem?"
"I just wonder if he is part of some plan on Ra's behalf." Nightwing mentions as he turns off the light.
"It is certainly possible and I am keeping an eye on him." Bruce replies as the two men make their way out of the barn. "It's Tim I worry about."
"He's worried that you're going to hand Damian his job." Nightwing continues, even after all of this time, Tim was still getting the death threats and apparently nothing could change Damian's mind about that.
"The job is his as long as he wants it and can handle it. Damian has to earn it if the job becomes vacant." Bruce replies before reaching for his communicator. "Batman to Watchtower, we need a ride home."
The Batcave:
"What happened?" Batman asks as he and Nightwing find Tim being treated by Alfred for a cut above his right eyebrow while sitting on the forensics table next to the computer, since the medical platform had collapsed during the quake.
"I was planning out my solo op when Damian jumped me." Tim sighs. "He sucker punched me when Alfred came down and found us."
"Where is he now?" Nightwing asks.
"He took my bike." Tim sighs again.
"I believe Master Damian needs closer watching, I am quite sure if given the opportunity he would have disposed of Master Tim entirely." Alfred adds the note Tim doesn't want to.
"Dick, would you mind tracking the bike?" Bruce asks as he peels back his cowl.
"Sure." Nightwing replies before sitting down at the computer.
"I'll handle the rest." Bruce continues to Alfred who nods and leaves, letting Bruce examine Tim a little closer. "You don't look too badly beaten."
"I was lucky to spot him in time." Tim admits as Bruce continues where Alfred left off. "I'll admit he can fight, but he's fighting to kill."
"I know, but it was to be expected with the trainers he's had." Bruce replies. "How long has he been out there?"
"20 minutes according to Alfred… Bruce, what are we going to do with him?"
"Rehabilitate him, try and mellow him." Bruce replies, knowing what the next question would be.
"And what about this?" Tim asks and pats his chest.
"You're Robin as long as you want to be." Bruce says with a shrug as he finishes up. "I am not going to replace you just because Damian demands it."
Tim sighs. "Sorry, I just don't like the idea that I have to lock my door from now on."
"I know." Bruce replies, knowing that Tim might actually begin to prefer Titan's Tower somewhere down the line. "But I am going to have words with him when we get hold of him."
"Found the bike." Nightwing mentions.
"How did the mystery meeting go by the way?" Tim asks as he puts his mask back on, noting the discomfort it involves as it covers his stitches.
"It was odd, but a success." Nightwing says.
"So what do you think Raven's going to say about him?" Tim continues as the trio makes their way down to the vehicles.
"Hopefully she won't be as rabid as Cerberus was. Dick you take the car with Tim." Bruce says as he gets on his bike, the three head out of the cave a few moments later.
When shown where Raven's room was Damian had to retreat in a hurry as Cerberus had nearly flung himself across the room to get at him and in a non-friendly manner. The dog's reaction is one of the notes of concern Bruce have; Cerberus was never aggressive around new people and Raven's order from when she disembarked from Charon's ferry still held true. If it's because it somehow knows of Damian's involvement in Ravens disappearance or something else is hard to say. But it reminds Bruce of how Krypto reacted to Supergirl when they first met. Which made it all the more strange when Connor showed up; where Krypto's reaction had been the complete opposite. On the note of Cerberus, the Clan had tried to let him sniff Raven out, a search that had ended at the Gotham Docks where a shipping container had once stood. At the site, Cerberus had just sat down and howled at the night sky. So far the others haven't bothered telling Damian about what Cerberus is, figuring he most likely knew already. But to the veterans it is a small relief that Cerberus will at least keep Damian out of Ravens room.
20 minutes later:
"Got the bike." Nightwing says over the communicator, Bruce hears him, but he is busy staring at the figure in the alley below him.
He knows him, Val Kaliban, a man better known both publicly and in the underworld as the Spook. One of Batman's more persistent rogues and one of the world's greatest escape artists and illusionists. He has no superpowers or any known mental illnesses, leaving him as one of the more harmless crooks, by Gotham standards, but he is known to be a skilled hypnotist. He took up the alias and the raggedy green cloak to seem more intimidating, using his skills in escapology and illusion to appear as a supernatural being. A small part of Bruce's mind tells him to put it all in past tense, as from where Batman is crouching; he can see Val is missing his head.
"I got something else; make sure the bike stays put." Batman says before dropping down to examine the corpse closer, seeing the alley has seen recent signs of struggle but the body bears no other visible wounds around the neck telling of an expert swordsman delivering the blow. Looking around in the dark, has Batman engage the night vision in his cowl that illuminates the blood splash on the wall, telling him the victim was facing the exit when it happened and that the strike had been expertly placed, severing Val's head with a single stroke.
"Hey… Hey Batman. That you?" Batman twists around at the sound of the wheezing voice coming from the back of the alley, internally scolding himself for not noticing the presence of another, but he eases up when the man shuffles out from between the garbage and debris. Dressed in an old, dark green, thermal insulated raincoat with the hood up along with a pair of brown trousers and boots both with a hole in them.
"Harry, survived the quake I see." Batman notes.
"Heh, takes more than a little shakin' to get rid o me." The aging, but sturdily built man says as he shuffles into the light, letting Batman see his bearded face. Bruce has known Harry for about as many years as he has been fighting crime, before he became Batman, where Bruce was making do with a cloth mask meant for skiing and an old army jacket. The army jacket had been Harry's, but Bruce traded it for the jacket he was wearing at the time because he needed the cover after riling up a local gang that had caught him taking down one of their fellows. Harry was also the man that found Richard lying in the trash pile a few blocks from here two years ago.
"You know what happened here?"
"Yeah, I was sleepin back there." Harry says as he points into the darkness. "Nice dumpster in there." He mutters before continuing. "But then I got woken by dis racket and I looked out, spottin that kid of yours, though I though your wus bigger?"
"Robin did this?" Batman asks.
"Yeah, or sumone dressed like him, guy never stood a chance, never seen anything like it. When he wus done beatin him, he had the guy kneel before takin off his head with a sword or something. Tell ya, I havn't seen anything like it since I was in Nam." Batman nods at him, Harry is a Vietnam Veteran who had the bad fortune of getting caught by the Viet Cong; the experience eventually caused him to flee to the streets as his body never adjusted to returning home. "I kept quiet as the kid made off with the guy's head, figured you'd show eventually."
"Thank's Harry, get yourself something warm and solid." Batman says as he gets out a hundred-dollar bill from his belt, knowing Harry was more likely to spend it on booze than anything else. But with the current state of the city, Harry might wizen up for once. "I trust you just found him here?"
"Sure, sure." Harry says as he receives the note. "This wuzint something you wanted?" He asks. "Just askin." He says defensively at he gets a glare.
"No, it's what separates me from them." Batman says before pulling out his grapple gun and shoots himself onto the rooftop and is gone.
"Sure hope so Batman… Sure hope so." Harry mutters before heading back into the alley, a few moments later an explosion is heard going off somewhere.
"Yeah, I see crime lost one man and gained another." Tim says as he dodges the projectiles thrown at him, after the severed head with the hand grenade in its mouth had blown up. "Didn't your mom tell you how Batman fights crime?"
"Because unworthy fools like you, Drake, are holding him back!" Damian snaps as he is forced to dodge Tim's birdarangs before the two engage in a staff versus asword fight on the rooftop they encountered each other on.
"Batman never killed, ever!" Tim replies as they fight.
"It's the old man's fault, he's not a fighter; first it was him, then Grayson, then you!" Damian snaps back as he tries to chop Tim's legs off at the knees, while the target nimbly jumps over the attack.
"You obviously don't know Alfred very well." Tim replies with a smirk while trying to tap Damian on the forehead with the butt of his rod, before bringing the other end around to clip Damians knee as he dives aside, getting the pre-teen to tumble into a roll before ending in a crouch. "You really think killing me will make you Robin?"
"I am Robin, you are an insult to the uniform." Damian replies as he charges again, the two clash with several more blows being exchanged between them, ending up with them straining against each other near the edge of the roof.
"Killing me would get you kicked out of the cave and into a juvenile detention center faster than a speeding bullet!" Tim growls as he lets his superior strength force Damian down.
"Damian!" Batman's shout inspires a second of confusion in the two combatants, prompting Damian to give way, while curling his leg under him as Tim falls over him before extending them again unevenly, resulting in Tim getting thrown over the ledge of the roof with a yelp that ends in a 'thud'. Batman just stares in mute shock at the event as Damian casually gets off the ground and dusts himself off before facing him.
"Thank you father; for throwing his focus off balance." To Damians surprise Batman just storms past him and leaps over the edge of the two story building.
"Robin? Robin talk to me?" Batman says as he starts examining the fallen figure of Tim lying on the broken street while blood is leaking out of his nose as he begins to check for injuries. He gets only a weak groan as he moves Tim's head slightly relieved that Tim's skull is intact before moving on to the spine that he also finds intact, the back of his ribs are another matter however. "Why?!" Bruce asks angrily as he notices Damian behind him, while he remains fixed on Tim, while pressing the alert button on his belt.
"He was my rival. He is not your real son, I am! It is my right to replace him. That's how it works in the League of Assassins." Damian replies as Bruce hears a click from somewhere, Bruce sighs heavily before responding with a click and a whistle. "What are you…?" Damian is caught off mid-sentence as he suddenly feels a prick at his throat, reaching for the spot with a hand; he brushes against the tiny dart lodged there. "TT." He manages before the sedative takes hold and he collapses on the ground.
"Put Damian in the meta-cell, I'll take Robin." Bruce says without looking to see Nightwing appear around the corner of the building while he gently picks Tim off the ground.
Wayne Manor:
"He was lucky, he will be fine." Bruce says warily as he emerges into the hallway of Wayne Manor, leaving Alfred to tend to the remaining of Tim's injuries, finding both Richard and Cerberus, that looks almost sadder that usual, waiting for him, Richard just nods.
"What about him?" He asks.
"I am going to have a very long conversation with him." Bruce grumbles not looking forwards to the event.
"If he continues to try and kill Tim, we can't have him here." Richard says quietly, knowing Bruce is beginning to feel for the boy, getting a sigh.
"I know, the problem is that if I send Tim anywhere, it will be a victory to Damian and a defeat to Tim. And where can we send Damian?" Bruce counters.
"I don't know." Richard sighs. "Outside of jail that is."
"I'd rather not go there. I thought Raven was extreme when she showed up as the Shadow… and now this. He's been here for two weeks and he has been nothing but trouble."
"He's also preventing you from focusing on finding Raven." Richard notes.
"I know, and I can't help but wonder if that is the plan, distract us for so long that eventually Raven is forgotten."
"Is she?" Richard asks.
"No." Bruce replies sternly. "We never leave anyone behind. You are planning on continuing the search?"
"I am, I met a few people during my travels I haven't contacted yet who might know something. And I don't completely trust the people I've hired to actually deliver." Richard says as Bruce takes one a thoughtful expression.
"If he wants to go, would you take Tim with you?"
Richard thinks about the question for a few seconds before replying; "On one condition; Damian does not get to ruin what Tim and I built with that costume."
"Deal." Bruce replies in the voice he uses as Batman, a clear sign he intends to keep the promise.
"Morning champ." Tim wakes up to Richards greeting right as he pulls the curtains from the window.
"Dick… oh… what happened?" Tim groans as he is blinded by the sunlight streaming into his room.
"Damian pushed you off a two story building. How are you feeling?" Richard asks as he sits down on the bed.
"Like a hippo took a seat on my chest. How long was I out?"
"Three days, but you should be walking by tomorrow." Richard replies.
"Lucky fall huh?" Tim smiles weakly. "What about Damian?"
"Making the meta-cell his home for the time being." Richard replies. "Problem is that Bruce doesn't know what to do with him."
"Killed the Spook." Tim mentions.
"We know, Harry saw him." Richard replies. "Bruce spent a good hour or so shouting at Damian. But we still think he is going to keep trying to kill you."
"Could do without that." Tim notes.
"We know. We have been trying to think about what to do, Bruce won't send Damian away, figuring he will break out and come back in short order. But having the two of you in the same city is too dangerous as it is."
"He's going to send me away, isn't he?" Tim asks with a shifted voice one halfway between fear and anger.
"No. He will respect your choice in the matter. But I am going to be heading out in a few days, there are some people I want to ask a few questions regarding Raven. I was planning on going alone, but right now I'd prefer not having to worry about you. Not that I don't think you can handle the little snot, but I'd appreciate the company and that brilliant detective inside of you." Richard and Tim lock eyes for a few moments as Tim tries to figure out what had been going on between Richard and Bruce while he was out.
"Not trusting those people you sent out?"
"No further than I can throw them. But I have been thinking, why did Ra's take her in the first place? I know we have all been a bigger thorn in his side than her and that's counting what she did to Talia. If he wanted Damian inserted here, why didn't he take you, for example?"
"Think he's scared she might do something?" Tim asks.
"I do, there might me more or less to Damian than what is presented to us and I suspect Raven might somehow be able to see it."
"So you aim to get her back, then have her kick Damian out?" Tim asks with a weak smile.
"So far my primary concern is to get her back, worrying about Damian is a distant second. But yeah, I wouldn't mind that." Richard adds with a smirk.
"But what if I leave… will Bruce hand Damian my uniform." Tim asks.
"No, I demanded that Damian did not get to ruin it."
"I'll think about it." Tim sighs as he begins staring into the ceiling, remaining silent long enough for Richard to get off the bed and head for the door. "I miss her." The admission has Richard turn around slightly as he has the door half open, which is enough for Cerberus to squeeze through.
"Me too." Richard smiles slightly before exiting.
A few days later:
"Well, this is just weird, if nothing else; Gotham is in ruins, it needs help more than ever and still you are letting half of the team go." Tim says as Bruce and Alfred exit out onto the stairway from the main door of the manor, where he and Richard had been asked to wait before leaving on a pair of spare motorcycles that had been retro-fitted back into their original designs before leaving, now four days after Tim regained consciousness. One bike is red, the other black with splashes of blue.
"We never leave anyone behind Tim and I am counting on you both bring our girl home." Bruce says as they both stop at the bottom of the stairs. "I scoured the database for a few farfetched leads that might help you, if your own don't work." He says before he hands Richard a flash drive. "You have everything you need?"
"We do." Richard confirms.
"Good, I know you don't need it, but I will tell you to be careful, Ra's is a deadly and cunning opponent and his followers fanatically follow his every order. But I know you are both up to the task, what has been done to his organization over the months is sure to have even him staggering and it will take considerable time to rebuild the forces he's lost, make the most of it."
"We will." Tim says firmly.
"Good, now I have a request from the Justice League, while they continue their own investigation, if you do manage to find her, but have trouble securing her, call the League and tell them to bring the thunder. And some possibly interesting news, around a decade ago there was an attack on the High Temple of Scath in Zandia, they are tight lipped about it but their representatives have been frequenting all manner of auctions since then. Possibly it was Ra's who found something of interest there."
"We will check it out. Thanks." Richard says. "So you ready to hit the road partner?" He asks Tim, who's still in some pain.
"Yup." Tim replies as Alfred makes a polite cough getting both of them to look at him before realizing it was a prompt for Bruce.
"I know it's dangerous out there and it is dangerous back here and I know you aren't going to be calling home just for checkups, so I want you both to know that I am damn proud of you both, my sons." He says before embracing them both, which surprises them both at first before they return it, they stand like that for a few moments before Bruce lets go. "Now go get Raven, I am saving one for her." This gets a few chuckles out of the two.
"We will, good luck with Damian and take care till we get back." Richard says, before turning to Alfred. "You too old man."
"I must assuredly will Master Richard." Alfred says before getting hugged by both Tim and Richard. "Oh, not so tight."
"So where to?" Tim ask as the two are driving towards the nearest airport with a Wayne hanger and that is not bogged down with relief aid.
"Amsterdam, I want to have a closer look at that container Cerberus tracked." Richard replies.
"Got the Club holding onto it?"
"Yeah, been showing the photos to a few people in hopes of coming up with something."
"Anything?" Tim asks.
"As odd as it sounds it seems to be what we thought it was; a tattoo parlor. Zatanna and Fate both said there are mystical symbols that when applied, even temporarily to a person by way of a pen or something similar, that would render them invisible to the mystical elements, which explains why none of them have been able to locate her. Of course, Fate mentioned that there are numberless symbols that could also have been applied for other effects."
"So are you going to let me in on what the mystery meeting was about?" Tim continues.
"I hired some rather unsavory people to see if they can track her down, but I'd rather not tell you who unless we meet any of them."
"You mean they are criminals?" Tim asks in surprise.
"Yeah, they have contacts we don't and they take cash. But I know I am running a big risk by doing it."
"Hope I get to see them." Tim adds, his mind already at work with whom Richard would pay or even trust with this task as they speed off towards their first stop.
Next chapter: A look into a travel journal and a visit to an old teacher.