0A/N: With Samantha now part of the family, and Tim determined to marry her, Jason and Dick have taken it upon themselves to teach Tim how to please a woman without Bruce knowing about it. Something powerful happens and two brothers are in hot water with their father. Dick and Jason decide they had better keep out of Bruce's way for a while by taking a case that leads them out of Gotham. The case, however, has to be interrupted when word reaches them that Tim has a life threatening illness . . . or is it? And has that case actually come to Gotham?
New Life, Death, and Soul Easters
by
AJRedRobin and JasonToddLover
Part 18: The Demon Slayer Awakens
Tim could see beyond everyone else the creatures that hung back among the trees. He swallowed hard in response to their numbers. They were coming after Dick?
'No! They can't. I won't let them!'
"Master Timothy, we must get you back to bed."
"I'm fine, Alfred," Tim argued.
Alfred scrutinized the youth's face and he could see that Master Timothy once again had a healthy glow, even though he was still thin by his standards. "You must allow your father and brothers to take care of the situation."
"But they are after Dick!"
"I am certain Master Bruce will not allow that."
Tim was led back upstairs by Alfred and escorted into his room.
"Now get some rest Master Timothy."
"How can I rest knowing those things are out there?"
"It is best that you stay put, Master Timothy. You can do little good."
"Not in the traditional sense," Tim pointed out. "But I can help."
"What do you mean?" Alfred asked curious.
Tim had been listening to Damian and the rest regarding how to fight the creatures, the demons. And it was Dick who said that he was the key. After what happened in Dick's room Tim was sure he could accomplish the same thing, but on a larger scale. He just needed to find a way. He needed to access that part of himself that Sammie had awakened in him.
"Alfred, I should be down in the cave. I need to get my uniform, not sit here and do nothing while those . . . Those demons take Dick's soul."
"You heard?" Alfred said astounded and yet not surprised that Master Timothy still wanted to help.
"Yes, I heard," Tim pleaded. "It's like everyone forgot about me."
"Master Timothy, no one has forgotten you. In fact, it is why they are down there now, to prevent those creatures from getting to you. I do not think it would be a wise move after what you've been through. You need to get stronger before you tackle anything this big."
"By the time I do that, it will be too late for Dick. Those things will find a way in. They have to be stopped outside the Manor."
Alfred knew that Master Timothy was correct. Those demons waiting outside were determined and brick and mortar wasn't going to stop them. They would be overrun. Alfred though did not know what Timothy had in mind.
"Very well Master Timothy. Take the elevator in the kitchen. It will be faster."
"Thanks Alfred."
"I shall stall for time."
Tim raced down the stairs and headed to the kitchen and entered Alfred's private elevator. He went down to the cave and into the changing area. He changed into his uniform and strapped on his wings. Now he needed to get outside without anyone the wiser.
TAJTAJTAJTAJTAJ
"Those creatures look like they are circling the Manor," Jason pointed out.
"They are trying to find a way in," Bruce said. "Quickly, check every door and window. Make sure everything is secure."
"What about the fire places?" Alfred suggested as he re-entered the living room and heard Master Bruce's command.
"You're right, Alfred," Bruce stated. "Someone help Alfred check all the fireplaces and make sure their flues are shut tight."
"I'll go with him," Samantha stated. "Let's check this one first." Samantha went over to the living room fireplace and made certain the flue was shut.
"I shall check Master Bruce's study as well as secure the windows." He also wanted to make sure other entrances were secure. Then he remembered that Master Timothy was down in the cave and he was going to need cover to get outside. "I shall get the kitchen fireplace as well, while you get the one in the drawing room. We do not use that room as much."
"Shouldn't we get Golden Boy out of their sight?"
"I'm not hiding from those creatures," Dick protested.
"No matter how much it pains me to say it, Todd's right," Damian agreed. "They're trying to get to you, Grayson. You need to be in a safe place where we can defend you."
"If those things can only be destroyed by light or fire, there may not be a safe place," Dick argued. "Besides, Tim's the only one who might be able to destroy them."
"With what, his wings?" Damian countered. "Drake can't fight his way out of a paper bag!"
Samantha halted for a moment when she overheard Damian's comment after checking the other windows and doors in the living room that lead outside. 'Wings? Tim doesn't have wings. What is Damian talking about?'
"Damian," Bruce sharply reprimanded his youngest son.
"I'm only pointing out the truth, Father. Drake isn't in any shape to fight."
"He doesn't have to fight them," Dick continued to argue. "You didn't see how his aura shot out at the creature that tried to come in through my window."
"We've been over this once before," Bruce interjected. "No one is going out there to fight those demons until we can figure out a way to stop them short of setting the woods on fire."
Samantha went to the library and music room. Each had a fireplace. She caught Alfred moving down the hall to the sunroom to close the fireplace down there. She was checking the windows when something red flash by. 'What was that?' Samantha strained her neck to see where it went, but she whatever it was had vanished. Samantha went back to the living room and tried to gain everyone's attention. "Guys."
"What is it Samantha? We're trying to discuss how to defeat these things."
"While you four men have been fighting over how to defeat those creatures, something else is out there."
Everyone looked outside to see a figure in what looked like a red cape in the shape of wings.
"Oh no," Bruce stated. 'What is he doing out there?'
'Tim?' Dick said to himself.
"Who is that?" Samantha stated. She couldn't see the person's face, but he looked vaguely familiar, as if she had seen him in a dream, a red bird-like being swooping down from above, and a red glow surrounding him that reminded her of Tim's aura.
"Jason," Bruce pulled his second son aside. "Go bring him back. I don't know what that boy is thinking, risking his life like that. We don't even know if Tim's aura can do what Dick said. I still need to find another solution if Tim should fail."
"Dad," Dick heard. "I don't think Tim's going to fail."
"Tim?" Samantha questioned. "That's Tim out there?"
'Looks like Drake decided for us. He's either a lot braver than I thought or incredibly stupid.'
Everyone watched as Tim approached the center of the yard. The creatures spotted him and they started to advance on his position.
"TIM!" Bruce shouted. "Get out of there!"
Tim, however did not move. He raised his arms and his wings opened up like a shield. Then a red glow surrounded him and it grew to blinding proportions. It engulfed the surrounding area even into the trees. It swallowed up the darkness and the creatures within. When the light subsided, Tim was left standing in the yard by himself and every demon that existed within his reach was gone. Tim's eyes fluttered closed and his knees buckled. He collapsed on the ground with his wings splayed out like a red angel fallen from heaven. Tim fell into the darkness and he knew no more.
Continues with Part 19: Epilogue