Chapter 6
Silence descended over the warehouse, interrupted only by the faint buzzing of fluorescent lights hanging above. Tim stared at the man kneeling at his feet as the unmasked man glared up at him with equal intensity.
For so long Tim had avoided actively thinking about the late Jason Todd. In the months following the boy's death, thirteen-year-old Tim Drake had meticulously crafted his preferred coping mechanism of avoidant thought. Over time, Tim became a deft-handed master at tramping down all memories of the of the boy who'd tormented him in life and placed and unimaginable burden on his shoulders in death. And he became even more skilled at avoiding memories of the times when things weren't so bad; the memories that were maybe a bit… happy—
As months transitioned into years, that same coping mechanism became Tim's go to technique for so many other unfortunate deaths in his life. And it all spurred from one. One boy who'd been his first loss, but certainly not his last.
So, to have Jason, the boy Tim had worked so hard to leave in the past suddenly on his knees before him, very much angry and very much still alive, well… it was enough to make Tim's brain short circuit for a moment, or two.
Enough time for the impossibility of a man to stand up and slowly walk backwards towards Talia, having recovered from his earlier electrocution. His eyes, a startling shade of green, flickered at Tim with menace. Once settled firmly at Talia's right hand side, Jason replaced his mask, lifted his hood, and clasped his hands behind his back.
"How?" Tim gestured at Jason vaguely, his mind still stuttering with unanswered questions.
Talia ignored him, instead brining her hand up to inspect a lit-up watch on her dainty wrist. "We've held up our end of the bargain, young detective," she intoned somewhat sarcastically, "Any further inquiries you may have can be directed to him personally in the coming days.
"As for our mission for you," Talia beckoned behind her. Dutifully, one of her henchmen walked out in between the standoff and held up a hologram screen. From the screen's camera a blue projection shot up overhead.
The projection was dated March 20th, 2020. Tim watched as security footage showed a close up of a hallway, undoubtably belonging to the fortress on Infinity Island, with doors lining up either side. Out of one of the doors Talia emerged with Jason, both discussing something unheard over the muted footage. Their heads huddled close together in conversation. Tim watched as they stood outside the door for a moment before walking down the hallway together out of sight.
If Tim hadn't been trained to look for it, he would never have noticed the faint movement of shadows that emerged from one corner of the screen and slipped under the room's door.
"Shade," Tim murmured, referring to the meta human villain who had the uncanny ability of manipulating shadows for teleportation. This was surprising; Tim had always thought he and the al Ghul's had a positive relationship given their prior shared history with the League of Shadows.
Talia nodded in agreement. "That night an agent of the Light took something from my family. A weapon of immense value."
"And this weapon is…?" Tim's eyebrows knitted together as he stared at the looping footage. The shadows never emerged from the door again. Whatever Shade had taken, he'd transported directly from the room.
"Those details are classified," Talia bit out, "But in the hands of the Light, what they've stolen will inevitably cause irrevocable harm to your cause… and my family's."
Tim frowned in irritation, "That's awful vague…" He drew his gaze away from the blue screen to the woman standing only a stones-throw away. Her own eyebrows were pulled together in an threatening glower as she stared at the screen, as if she were still looking for something she'd previously missed.
Suspicion bubbled over in Tim's gut like acid. "Why should I believe anything you tell me? Why even come to me and disclose this great weapon that you've been hiding from the league." It didn't make sense, surely they knew that coming to Tim risked him tipping off intel to the league.
Talia met Tim's glare with a fierce one of her own. Her hands went back to her hips. "All of my father's best men and women have been following the Light's tracks for over two weeks. But all efforts thus far have been," her bit over her next words, "unsuccessful."
Ah, that explained the for-hire gunman.
She nodded her head, and her guard with the projector ran back to her side. "My father understands that by bringing you into the fold, that we run the risk of setting the league on us were you to tell them. But, in light of recent events, I have a strong suspicion you won't." She said as her eyes skimmed the roofs of the freight crates with disdain. Sure enough, some of the gunman that Tim had taken down earlier were coming-to with groans.
Tim gestured to the warehouse, to the gunman, to Jason, "Then why all the theatrics? Why didn't you just come to me in the beginning? Why bring him into all this and nearly kill me?"
The brunette woman tilted her head to the hooded ninja, "It was Jason who assured me that you'd be the man for the job. I'm not one to put blind faith into an investment. I had to know that you were as good a detective as he claimed you were." Her words became clipped as she side eyed the man next to her, "Mr. Todd also has a vested interest in your success, seeing as he was on duty the night the weapon was stolen,"
If Tim didn't know any better, he could have sworn that Jason flinched.
"So you can be assured young Robin, that from this point on he will be on his best behavior," she intoned with a threat that was clearly not directed at Tim. "So… what is your answer?"
Tim scrutinized the woman and the hooded man just behind her. He didn't believe for a second that Talia was giving him the full story, and that left him with a choice. Tim could either leave this warehouse, inform everyone about Talia's proposal and about the supposed mass weapon. He knew that everyone would surely salivate over its retrieval seeing as it was shaping up to be a value asset to the light.
That's what a responsible Robin would do. That's what he should do. But Tim also knew that, given his erratic behavior over the last week, he was more than likely barred from all available teams for mental health compromise. If he brought this mission up with the league, they'd take him off the case in a heartbeat…
So, that left him with his other option. Lie in wait as he sought out the weapon and deliver it to the league himself. He had no impression that it would be an easy task prying it away from the hands of the al Ghuls, especially considering how Tim's most recent skirmish with Jason nearly went…
That brought up the topic of Jason. Tim still didn't know how he was alive. The most logical scenario was that the man before him was a clone, much like Will and Jim Harper. But without M'Gann around to flay apart his memories back to his very beginning, that was still a question.
And furthermore, if this man were a clone, he had to have been awake for a very long time. Unmasked, the man looked exactly how Tim would imagine a twenty-one-year-old Jason would look, had he not died on that horrible mission all those years ago… There were too many lingering questions. Not to mention,
He retracted his staff. "I'm listening," he said finally.
Tim would have given anything to wipe the smirk that slithered up Talia's cheeks like a snake. The woman looked like she'd won a battle they'd both been secretly fighting. She went on to inform him about the logistics and need to know details. Tim had to admit that he was somewhat impressed; the al Ghul's really had gone to a lot of trouble to cater to every possible need he would have before bringing him on. It spoke to how desperate they were getting, which set off Tim's curiosity even more.
"We have a safe house apartment in Gotham should you require it. I'd imagine it is not very easy keeping secrets from the bat."
Tim scoffed. That was the understatement. He then frowned, "I will never be able to navigate around Gotham without my team keeping tabs on me."
"We anticipated that complication… which is why we brought you this." From the tips of Talia's fingers, a thin chained necklace dangled. In the center was a gold amulet that looked startlingly familiar.
"Is that…?"
"Despite your constant meddling, my father has been rather impressed with some of your team's techniques throughout the years; The glamour charm that Tigress used being one of the more notable ingenuities. You are welcome to wear this while in Gotham."
Tim didn't like this, as the conversation progressed, he traveled more and more in danger of distancing himself too far from his team… Now they wouldn't even be able to recognize him should he need their help. He was willingly digging himself further and further into a hole that he wasn't sure he could escape from.
"Well, you sure thought of everything, didn't you?" Tim snarled. His scowl deepened when the man behind Talia had the audacity to snicker.
The brunette woman ignored him as she tossed the necklace. Tim caught it easily from the air before stuffing it into his utility belt.
"I believe it goes without saying, but I cannot stress enough the importance of timeliness with this mission." Talia said, returning her hands to her hips in a patronizing stance.
That irritated Tim; he didn't think Talia al Ghul was in any position to be making demands of him. He simply ignored the comment as he aimed his grapple gun at the ceiling and fired. As his body propelled into the air, Tim tumbled and leapt across the tall freights, making his way back towards the tarped window from which he'd entered. Talia and Jason remained where they were, simply watching him as he split through the air.
Once outside and safely distanced, Tim's mind whirred with the new information he'd been provided. Even as he traversed rooftops and settled on his bike thereafter, his mind was consumed with how to strategize his next steps. There was no way that he'd be able to stay at Wayne Manor, Tim thought as he zipped through Gotham's streets, which were still busy and a cacophony honks and revving engines despite the late-night hour.
He looked down at his clock which read 23:30. Bruce was set to be home any minute, and when he did, he'd no doubt be watching him like a hawk. Tim couldn't trust that the older man wouldn't somehow scheme a way to get Tim into a therapy session with Black Canary… as needed as it probably was.
Tim was avoidant but not totally unaware that he had a litany of personal issues that probably needed addressing. He just didn't have time to devote energy to that right now.
Tim also couldn't return to the Outsiders. He grimaced as he recalled Cassie and his argument the day prior and what implications of it were. No doubt she'd probably already told them that he was barred from the team for the time being. And while, knowing Cassie, the offer to live at HQ still stood, he doubted that welcome extended to the team's computer resources. The more and more he thought about it, the more inevitable his need for the safe house became.
Settled on that front, all Tim now needed was an alibi.
Bart crossed Tim's mind for a second. He was probably the closest thing to a best friend Tim had; but damn he couldn't trust the loose lipped speedster to keep his mouth shut when he got hopped up on caffeine. Roy, Tim's other long time friend, was helpfully not a member of the Outsiders and boasted the useful trait of being discreet. But while there was a solid 50% chance that Roy wouldn't give a shit with whatever Tim was up to, the other 50% chance was that he'd somehow force Tim to bring him along… probably at gunpoint.
So that just left one person.
Tim's comm beeped as he pressed his fingers to his temple, "Call Spoiler," he commanded, parked just out of site in one of Gotham's alleyways. It took all of two rings before Stephanie Brown's voice filled Tim's ears.
"Tim?! What's up? Are you okay?"
Steph was probably one of Tim's other best friends. They'd grown close in the year that they'd been together on Bat's Covert Team. As misguided as their objective had been, Tim really had found it a pleasure to lead her, Arrowette, and Orphan on their covert squad missions. And like Tim, Stephanie Brown was also struggling with the reintegration into the original squad, though on a far lesser degree considering that being a newbie her betrayal had been less… personal.
But bottom line, Tim knew he could trust Steph. There'd been a time when Tim had covered for her when she had her familial issues to sort out. And importantly, she was no stranger to needing to keep a secret.
"Hey Steph," Tim spoke calmly as he leaned over the handlebars of his bike. The breeze brushed at his cape behind him. It had started to rain during his ride and little droplets from Gotham's polluted skies gathered over Tim's waterproof suit. Somewhere he heard sirens ringing; nighttime always was Gotham's invitation for the seediest of individuals to come out to play.
"Tim! Where have you been, you've got the whole squad worried and Black Canary has been on all our asses asking where you are," Steph's voice rang over his intercom.
"Yeah, I figure I'll have to answer to her sooner or later," Tim admitted into the coms, "Look, I need a favor."
"Shoot," she answered immediately. Tim couldn't help but smile. This was why he'd called her. Steph always knew when to act first and ask questions later.
He came right out with it seeing as there was no point in beating around the bush with Stephanie Brown. "I need you to spread the word that I'll be staying with you for the foreseeable future. Just for, I dunno, a week or so." He spoke as the light drizzle started to develop into a torrential downpour.
Silence met him on the other end of the line.
"Huh," Steph finally answered. Whatever she'd been expecting this was clearly not it. "And I'm taking a wild guess here, Tim, that won't be staying with me?"
"I have some things I need to settle on my own," was all he gave her.
Steph was silent over the phone for a few breaths, "I don't know, Tim. You're asking me to lie to Artemis, and christ, Dick too."
"We both know you're good at keeping a secret,"
Steph laughed, "Yes I know I'm good at it, Tim. But that doesn't mean I want to. Since we're not on our old squad anymore, and don't get me wrong, I'd be more than happy to have you back as boss," she stressed loyally, "I don't know… I guess I'm just trying to make something of myself something on The Team. And fuck, what about Cassie?"
Tim's eyebrows knitted together, he hadn't expected Steph to be worried about that. "Cas and I are broken up… She can't be mad at me for spending time with someone else," even the implication of that felt weird out of Tim's mouth. He'd gone off solo with countless men without anyone worrying about it, why was it so different for his female partners?
Tim could practically hear Steph rolling her eyes over the phone, "I'm not worried about that you asshat. What I'm worried about is that I like Cassie; I've been trying to make friends with her. What the hell is she gonna think when she finds out that members of Bat's old covert squad are being cagey and meeting up again? I'm not trying to have Wondergirl break down my door."
Tim had no good answer for her. She brought up valid points, and goddammit when Cassie got wind of this… she'd never forgive him. Tim couldn't deny that some part of him always hoped that he and Cas would one day be able to settle their differences and go back to what they were. But with his every decision, that was becoming a pipe dream.
Tim rested his forehead on the forearm that he'd propped over the handlebar of his bike. Already his mind was working towards who he should ask next when he heard an exaggerated groan from the other end of the line.
"Ugh, fine. But only because you've literally never asked anyone for anything, Tim. And I sure as hell am not going to be the first person to turn you down when you try. Just," Steph's voice got quiet, "promise me that I won't regret this. That you won't be coming home in a body bag."
"Fuck Steph, that's grim," Tim said as he lifted his head.
"Yeah well… apparently some of us don't get to come back at all, so I don't think it's that far of a stretch."
Tim went silent, knowing that both of their thoughts were drifting to Connor, who apparently had been so obliterated in the explosion that all that was left of him was his shadow—
No, Tim couldn't think about Connor right now. He had to stay focused.
"I promise Steph. I'll reach out before anything gets out of hand."
Steph's voice was mischievous over the line, "Yeah well, consider the job done, boss."
Tim smiled as the line went dead, then revved the engine of his bike and drove through the alley's hidden entrance to long private road that ended with the Batcave.
Alfred was not pleased. No that was perhaps an understatement, the man seemed downright disgruntled. Which was quite a swing in mood for the normally unflappable man.
"I do believe we had a policy on pets, Master Tim. Policy being that they are not to be had."
Tim winced, "I know—"
"—And while I was comfortable with the temporary arrangement while you found new lodgings, I was not anticipating on this becoming a long-term solution."
"It won't be," Tim gestured his hand at the massive fish tank that he'd brought up from the Batcave and had placed on the kitchen's brunch table. "I promise it's not long term, just a couple of days while I'm away. It'll be two weeks… max."
The man seemed unconvinced, his handlebar mustache twitched, conveying his displeasure.
"He's a really good fish," Tim stressed, trying another approach, "Look, see how he follows my finger?" Tim gently placed his finger on the glass and smiled like a proud parent when the fish followed it obediently. Fin's red crowntail wiggled excitedly in the water's current. "Fin never flares at people and is just a really all-around chill little guy."
The old man leaned over next to Tim, his head mere inches away from the tanks glass. Fin darted away from Tim's hand to greet the newcomer.
"Hmf," was all the old man said.
"It'll just be for two weeks. Max. Then we'll both be out of your hair. Who knows, maybe you two will become best buddies the meantime."
Alfred lifted his torso back to standing, eyeing Fin warily the whole time. "I highly doubt it, sir."
Tim leaned back as well, hefting his bag over his shoulder as he did so. He never did unpack his duffle, but it didn't escape him that the bag seemed heavier than when he'd first arrived. He knew that if he looked in it there would be sets of new clothes. The old man always did know exactly what Tim needed, before he ever had a chance to ask.
Alfred cleared his throat, "And you are very sure that you cannot stay until morning? I know Master Bruce was looking forward to joining you for breakfast when he comes home."
"I wish I could, but Steph's expecting me," Tim shook his head, tipping slightly with the duffle's considerable weight. He'd packed… a lot.
"At two thirty in the morning… sir?" The old man's eyebrow raised, earning a blush from Tim that set the tips of his ears burning.
"Goodnight, Alfred. I'll be back soon." Tim turned around, putting a swift end to that line of questioning.
He drove for a while, enjoying the rain that plunged over him and his bike as he skirted Gotham's periphery. Finally, he neared the forested highway just outside of town. He then drove for five more miles until he reached good overhead cover. He knew he was being paranoid, but he couldn't trust that Oracle, being the closest thing to an over-protective older sister he had, wasn't tracking him on whatever CCTV she could get her hands on. And hell, he wouldn't put it past her to get ahold of satellite surveillance if she put her mind to it.
Tim ditched his gorgeous bike a couple dozen meters off the highway. Hopefully that's where it would stay until he came home, but he knew there was a very good chance that it'd be swiped by the time he got back. He then changed out of his suit into a spare outfit. Giving the bike one last longing glance, Tim left the cycle behind and hoofed it through brambles and trees to the coordinates where his new ride was purportedly located.
Eventually Tim stumbled upon it, thankfully it being only a short trek from the highway. The new bike was not nearly as nice as his usual ride, being that it was just a generic civilian motorcycle. But it would get the job done. Tim sat on the revving bike for a minute while he scrolled through his phone.
One message, time stamped around midnight. He'd already read much earlier but left it unanswered.
Bruce: Hey kiddo, Alfred tells me you're planning on staying with Stephanie Brown while we figure out a new place for you. That's good, I like her. Just stay one more night so I can see you before you go. We haven't chatted in a while and I know things are rough right now. Waffles tomorrow? Mine… not Alfred's… if that wasn't already clear.
Tim sighed as his fingers tapped on the screen.
Tim: Hey Bruce. Sorry. Just seeing this now and am already on my way. Raincheck?
He tampered down the guilt that slithered down his spine. He'd make it up to Bruce when he got back, he promised himself.
Tim pulled out the amulet that he'd kept safely stored in his utility belt. Thankfully, the thing was much smaller than what Artemis's had been, so it's metal cord easily slipped under the collar of his sweatshirt. He didn't know what he looked like but for his sake he hoped it was convincing. Taking a deep breath, Tim revved the engine and made a u-turn on the highway. Hoping to god he wasn't making a terrible mistake, Tim drove straight back into the bustling city of Gotham.
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