Episode 12: Questions and Answers
"We got here as fast as we could," Stephanie said: a blonde, blue-eyed woman with long hair that reached to the middle of her chest, which she kept covered with a purple silk headscarf. She had quickly knocked on the door and saw herself in.
Stephanie drove herself, Tim, and Conner to the Red Clay Raven Reservation in her jeep after they arrived in San Bernardino to pick her up.
From there, two of them, Tim and Conner, walked to visit the Elder. Stephanie ran.
Tim had read about the reservation, the tribe, and the court cases that involved the Red Clay Ravens on the flight with Conner to Stephanie. He also read up on the customs and traditions, and he informed Stephanie on their drive, where she drove like a nascar driver, that she'd have to go ahead of them.
Tim and Conner were delayed as they walked toward the Elder's home. Kids, as usual, were drawn to Conner, and he, learning from Tim about their sickness, made it his mission to make as many kids as they came across smile and laugh. He tended to accomplish this by letting them climb him and lifting them up high in the air on one hand with his super strength. Conner was a part of the Kent family after all.
"Sorry," Stephanie said. She faced Bruce and Eliwai, who were in the living room. "I'm Stephanie Brown. I'm a colleague of Mr. Wayne here." She quickly hugged Eliwai. She patted Bruce on the back. "Nice to meet you." She told Eliwai. "Tim and Conner are right behind me." She told Bruce. "They're mingling with the young people of your tribe. "She went back to Eliwai. "We're ready to be put to work." Focused on Bruce again.
"You're a spirited woman," Eliwai said. He chuckled. "Nice to meet you as well."
Bruce stood. He had just finished opening a package from Alfred. He had received a rather large metallic bracelet with a bat symbol on the underside of it.
"Good to see you Stephanie," Bruce said. "I was hoping you three wouldn't come."
"We really didn't have a choice," Stephanie said. "Damian threatened us with bodily harm." She chuckled and crossed her arms.
"I'm not surprised," Bruce said. "Did Tim and Damian argue?"
"You know they did," Stephanie said. "However, nothing like when they were kids. Tim told Damian you didn't need us, but after Damian told us Blight was involved Tim agreed it was better you have support."
Tim and Conner entered.
Conner nodded to Bruce and Eliwai. They nodded in return.
"Bruce," Tim said. "I'm glad to see you're in one piece. Blight hasn't arrived yet." This black-haired, blue-eyed man was about an inch taller than Stephanie. He was moderately built, toned, with short hair, although his bangs hung over his left eye and partially the left side of his face, and he had a well-kept beard.
"No he hasn't," Bruce said. "Thank you for coming: the three of you. Although, it wasn't necessary."
"If we didn't come," Tim said, "I imagine Conner and I would have had to sleep with one eye open for the next few months. Damian knows how to hold a grudge."
"I'm the muscle," Conner said. He looked it too: a bulky, muscular man, who was taller than Stephanie and Tim by several inches. His black hair came down in long waves, and he kept heavy scruff. His blue eyes rested on Tim, watchful, even while he spoke to the others in the room. "Tim already had me set up an alert system and some traps. If Blight gets past those, he'll have to deal with me."
"I hope that's ok," Tim said to Eliwai. "I apologize. I should've asked permission, but-"
"He has a one-track mind when it's comes to a task," Stephanie told Eliwai. "He's been focused on how he'd assist with the Blight problem, and he didn't want to make a poor first impression."
"No need to apologize," Eliwai said. "Bruce told me this Blight is a dangerous man: to the people and the land. I thank you for coming on such short notice to assist."
"I can show you where they're all located," Conner said.
"Would you," Eliwai said. "I rather have an idea of their location. That way I can alert my people as well.
Conner nodded, and he and Eliwai left.
"It's good you two came," Bruce said. "You can assist with finding out who Omen is: the man who's currently killing people in Gotham. Selina and I know Eliwai's children know more than they're willing to share with us. I think you two could get them to open up."
"After everything I've read," Tim said, "it's clear who Omen is."
Bruce and Stephanie focused on Tim and waited for him to give them his deduction.
"It's Eliwai," Tim said.
"You've only known him for less than five minutes," Stephanie said.
"He's the Elder," Tim said. "He's got plenty of motives. The motive that stands out most to me is that Blight is responsible for the death of his father."
"I've already cleared Eliwai," Bruce said. "He's a metahuman, so are his children, but none of them have a killer instinct."
"After all this time," Stephanie said. "He'd know what a killer instinct looks like."
"I'm still not convinced," Tim said, "but maybe after talking to his children I'll be led toward a different culprit."
"You talk to Takoda," Bruce instructed. "His son. He should be out back at the oasis, finishing with his communion with his ancestors."
"Okay," Tim said.
"Stephanie," Bruce said. "You should talk with Aponi. His daughter. She'll be upstairs in the attic: probably awaiting your arrival."
"Anything we should know?" Stephanie asked. "To give us an opening?"
"Tim," Bruce said. "You and Takoda have a bit in common. One of those being you're fiercely protective of your partners. And, Aponi, she reminds me a lot of Cassie. Cassie opened up to you first, so be yourself Stephanie, I'm sure Aponi will take it from there."
"Gotcha," Stephanie said. "Sounds good." She headed up the stairs: taking them two at a time.
"Stephanie's better with people than I am," Tim said. "You sure she shouldn't talk to them both?"
"You've always had an awkward charm," Bruce said. "As Selina would say, and has said, it's endearing. It's probably why Stephanie and Conner fell for you. It's a weapon, a tool. What's good about you is that you don't realize that. Let it come natural: as it always has."
"I'll do that then," Tim said: with a nod before he left out the back.
~~~
Batman and Phantasm arrived at Paxton's home via the Batmobile. They dropped down from it on top of the roof.
Batman had knocked out the security system using a device Max created earlier in his career. It didn't knock it out completely, but it would give him and Phantasm plenty of time to get inside and meet their mark.
Batman used his cloaking device and a glass cutter to get inside through a window. Phantasm literally passed through the wall. They walked together down the hall toward the master bedroom. Batman knew where to go. This wasn't the first time he'd had to visit Paxton in the night. Batman tried not to smile considering with all his money Paxton still couldn't hire a security service or detail good enough to keep him out. Maybe Paxton enjoyed their little chats, or maybe he finally gave up. Paxton might've held a grudge against Batman, but he seemed to only truly hate his father.
As big as the mansion was, Batman found it interesting that the house appeared empty. Paxton was there though. Not in the master bedroom. Batman was expected. Batman and Phantasm continued in silence until they reached Paxton's office. Paxton sat at his desk, drinking scotch and waiting.
"If it isn't my favorite crime fighter," Paxton said, leaning back in his chair. "You brought a friend. Batman, I didn't think you had friends."
"Why are you up waiting for me Paxton?" Batman asked.
Paxton stood: one hand still holding his glass.
"He's met with Omen," Phantasm said.
"He met with me," Paxton said, driving a fist into his desk.
"Consider yourself lucky," Batman said. "Everyone else he met with he killed. Any idea why he let you live?"
"Not surprising," Paxton said. "You know he came to see me for the same reason you're here now: to locate dear old dad." He finished his drink.
"And you do know where he is," Phantasm said.
"I do," Paxton said. "Stranger."
"Unlike my friend here," Batman said, "I don't have a problem beating the answers out of you. I owe you one, more than one, plenty."
"I watch the news," Paxton continued. "I didn't have a problem giving him Derek's location. I just figured once I did my time on this earth would quickly come to an end."
"What saved your life?" Phantasm said. "Who?" He corrected himself. He saw Paxton's expression and his eyes settling on a picture on his desk.
"My son," Paxton said. "My son came into the room, carrying his floppy stuffed Batman, and he walked right through Omen." He lifted his head and focused on Batman and Phantasm. "Omen watched him come latch onto my leg. Then, he turned away from us, and he faded from the room. He disappeared as if he was never here."
"Your son didn't see him?" Batman asked.
"Not at all," Paxton said.
Batman turned toward Phantasm.
"My guess would be he didn't see him because he's an innocent," Phantasm said. "He had no corruption in his heart. Maybe he has been present, but you can't see him or perceive him if you have done wrong, done someone wrong."
"That might track," Batman said. "How he could do that remains a mystery although it might explain why it was said he's neither in this world nor the next."
"You've no reason to do me any favors," Paxton said, struggling with the words as he regained Batman and Phantasm's attention, "but I want to live if for no other reason than to be here for my children. Will you apprehend him before he decides he wants me dead after all?"
"Get down to Gotham Marina," Batman instructed. "Get out on the water on one of your fancy yachts. I'll have someone keep an eye on you out there. Hopefully, you'll take the time out there to reflect on your future here in Gotham."
"I'm not going to thank you," Paxton said.
"Didn't expect you to," Batman said. "Tell your son Batman said hi. Also, tell me where your father is."
Paxton threw him a usb drive.
"You'll find the coordinates on there," Paxton said. "It'll lead you to his underground bunker that he uses as a lab."
Batman turned to leave.
"Thank you," Phantasm said. "Contact your family so they know you're all right. So they won't worry." He followed Batman.
"Keep him around Batman," Paxton shouted. "I like your friend better than you."
When Batman and Phantasm were back on the Batmobile, Batman made a call to Mareena, Aquagirl.
~~~
"I don't trust you," Red Hood told Dak. He met Dak down in the tunnels.
"I don't trust you either," Dak said.
"The difference between the two of us though is if you betray the people I care about, I'll kill you," Red Hood said. "They'll never find your body."
"I already figured you weren't like the others," Dak said. "You're different from Robin and Batgirl, especially different from Batman. I know you mean it when you say you'll kill me." He lowered his head. He had to work the next words from his mouth. "I wouldn't betray Batman or Robin or Batgirl." He worked to continue.
Red Hood waited, wanting to let him speak. He recognized how hard it was sometimes to just...speak.
"They count on me," Dak said. "I'm nobody, and they treat me... They accept me for who I am. You can't betray people like that." He raised his head.
They shared a short silence.
"You sure you want to train under me?" Red Hood questioned him. "I'm going to beat your ass. I'm going to break you. I'm going to put you through hell."
"Once you start," Dak said, "you can't stop. That what you going to say next?"
Red Hood nodded.
"You could be a powerful villain," Dak said. "Why are you here? What's your reason for what you do?'
They shared another short silence.
Red Hood took off his mask.
"I've been around for a while," Jason said. "Grew up in Gotham. Terrible things happened to my family. Terrible things happened to me. I was Robin at one point. Then, I died." He stopped. "I won't sugarcoat it. The Joker tortured, raped, and murdered me."
Dak said nothing, but he took a seat.
"Monsters exist," Jason said. "People can become monsters. I became one. I do what I do because some times it takes monsters to fight monsters. I can do things my people can't. I can do things my people won't do. That's what it means to follow under me. We act when the rest of our people's hands are tied behind their back."
"I can do that," Dak said softly, slowly after he thought about it. He focused on Jason. His eyes met his. "I want to."
Jason put his mask back.
"Then let's get started," Red Hood said.
~~~
Batman and Phantasm were back at the Belfry. He had let Phantasm inside.
"You've been doing this a while," Phantasm said while taking in everything.
Batman looked up from the main computer's monitor. He had already scanned the usb drive to ensure this wasn't a ploy by Paxton to track him down and learn his identity. The next move was to pinpoint the coordinates on the visual globe, then send those details with Carlito but also send them to Bruce.
"I guess so," Batman said, thinking about it.
Within his visor, Batman received indication of receiving an email with a photo attachment. He answered the incoming phone call that followed.
"I just got your e-mail Volt," Batman said.
"Glad to hear it," Volt said. "It's what you asked for. Based on his attack at the university, we had our first eyewitness, Dana Tan, but more than that he left her alive and apparently their prolonged interaction he didn't account for. There was no footage of the murder he committed, but the watchtower managed to gain a short snippet of Dana and Omen's exchange."
Dana's heart for the professor managed to lead them a step closer in identifying Omen.
"Thanks for coming through," Batman said.
"No problem," Volt said. "All in a day's, night's, you know what I mean." He laughed.
Batman smiled under his mask. Volt.
"I cleaned up the snippet and got you a clear image," Volt said. "I imagine you'll go head to head, taking Phantasm with you."
"That's the plan," Batman said. "He's with me now."
"All right," Volt said. "Don't forget to call on me if things get out of hand."
"I gotcha," Batman said: as he was receiving another phone call. "Hey. Z.C. is on the other line."
"Uh oh," Volt said. "Trouble." He laughed. "I'll let you go." He ended the call.
Batman switched over.
"You've got Batman," Batman said.
"You owe me one," Z.C. said. "No. You owe me two."
"Why's that?" Batman asked.
"I decided to expedite the process and go to my old man to help you out," Z.C. said. "I had to bribe him with a pack of cigarettes. If my mom finds out I got involved and gave my dad cigarettes, she's going to kill us both. Him, then me."
"Tell him what he needs to know," John Constantine said. Batman heard him in the background. He was Z.C.'s father, but more than that he was a renowned expert in the occult, supernatural, magic, etc. He also had the uncanny ability to develop great relationships with friends and foes: to the point he could get info on just about anything and call in a favor from just about anybody, which was surprising considering befriending him tended to lead those friends to death.
"I'm getting to it," Z.C. said. "Don't rush me I'll take those cigarettes back."
"Just try and see what happens to you," John said.
"Anyway," Z.C. said. "Dad got in touch with an old rival of his, Papa Midnite, who has a twin sister Luna, had, she's dead, may her soul rest in peace, who, when she was alive, was friends with, acquainted with, if you know what I mean, a medicine man that eventually became his tribe's Elder. His name was -"
"Denali," John said: matter-of-factly."Don't give me that look. You were taking too long. Not everybody wants to hear the backstory." He told his son. Batman heard him blow smoke from his cigarette. "He died due to sickness. Luna warned me that he's rallying the many dead of Gotham to assist him in accomplishing his goal: partially through convincing and partially through his abilities. She can't reach him because he's tethered to someone. He's untouchable on her side."
Denali…? Terry thought. The name wasn't familiar to him. But maybe Bruce might know it. Or maybe Carlito too.
"Thanks to the both of you," Batman said. "Thank Luna for me too. Tell her not to worry. I'll take care of him on this side."
"We won't keep you," John said. "If you're anything like the original Batman, you can't rest until your work is done."
"Let me know how it all turns out," Z.C. said, "or if you need help."
"All right," Batman said to John, and "Will do." He said to Z.C.
Z.C. ended the call.
"Aquagirl, Volt, Z.C.," Phantasm said. "You're in contact with a network of heroes."
"Yeah," Batman said. "They can be a handful. I realize why Batman liked to work alone." He smiled underneath his mask, but Phantasm couldn't see that.
"Why do you do it?" Phantasm asked. "Why do you continue to carry on the legacy of Batman?"
Batman didn't mind answering since he was still waiting for the coordinates on the globe to triangulate.
"The old Batman was Bruce Wayne," Phantasm said, "wasn't it? You don't have to answer. I already know. That would make you his son. That would make us half brothers."
Terry didn't believe it was so important that he knew but how, so that's where he decided to take his line of questioning with Carlito.
"Why do you think Bruce Wayne is my predecessor?" Batman said.
"If I tell you how I know," Phantasm said, "will you let me tell him that I know?"
Terry considered. Bruce didn't tell him Carlito was his son. He'd consider this would make them even.
"That's fine," Batman said. "I'm interested in knowing how your Phantasm journey began."
"This might sound crazy," Phantasm said, "but it started with a conversation with my dead grandfather."
"After the night I've had," Batman said, "nothing sounds crazy at this point." He added something before Phantasm got started. "I do this because I think and believe it's right. That it's something I'm meant to do." He decided he wouldn't address the comment about whether he'd taken on the Batman's legacy because he might be Bruce's son. His being Batman wasn't about Bruce, but he was happy to carry on the Batman. To Terry, that was important, and he thought Bruce saw it that way too.
~~~
Stephanie reached the top of the stairs. She looked down the hall. She saw it was empty. A moment later, at the end of the hall, she saw Aponi. When their eyes met, Aponi gestured Stephanie forward. Stephanie found herself intrigued. She followed. Around the corner, she saw as Aponi climbed up a ladder into the attic. In the attic, Stephanie watched as Aponi opened the circular window to sit upon the roof. Stephanie joined her.
They sat together, looking over the land and taking in the view. Half of it was devastating while the other half was breath-taking. They saw deer families, javelinas, and even coyotes.
"Bruce surrounds himself with a lot of good people," Aponi said: without looking at Stephanie. "He's a good man but a hard one."
"It's true," Stephanie agreed, "but how do you know that? Had you met him before he arrived here?"
"Oh no," Aponi said. "I'm just very good at reading people."
"There's a man currently killing people in Gotham," Stephanie said. "He goes by Omen. If it's possible he's somebody from here, why haven't you been able to identify him yet?" She guessed her words took Aponi off guard because Aponi looked toward her.
"I don't know," Aponi said. "Truthfully, I know he's from here, but I can't sense him. My people mean no ill will toward anyone. We only want to be left alone and have peace. No one comes to mind in regards to Gotham's demise."
"You and your brother have been looking," Stephanie said. "You haven't been able to find him. Why not let Bruce help? He's surprisingly good at finding people who don't want to be found."
"Takoda is wary," Aponi said. "I told him we can trust him, but he's torn. Outsiders have done a lot to our people. He wants to trust him, but he also doesn't want that to have repercussions for our people."
"What about you?" Stephanie asked. "Or, why can't you just go to Bruce yourself?"
"I don't know," Aponi said. "I guess several reasons. I don't want my brother to think I would go behind his back. Although I know he's a good man, Bruce is kind of intimidating." Stephanie smiled and nodded. She could see people getting that impression of him. If only Aponi could witness the Bruce playboy persona, she'd probably just laugh: that intimidation would fade away. "Lastly, I don't know if anything I would say would help."
"Well I have solutions for all three of those problems if you want to hear them," Stephanie said.
"Sure," Aponi said.
"You go to your brother and tell him what you're going to do," Stephanie said. "Whether he agrees with it or not, at least he won't be blindsided. That's one. Two. I'll go with you to talk to Bruce. He can be intimidating, but that's just his vibe. He is a good man. Trust that. Anyway, there's strength in numbers, so we can tackle that vibe together. Lastly, according to Bruce, my good friend and ex Tim, and all the episodes of Cold Cases: America I've binged, you never know what can lead a detective to the truth."
Aponi looked off into the distance. Stephanie knew she was trying to decide what to do and whether to trust: a complete stranger. Stephanie wouldn't push, and she would accept Aponi's answer.
Aponi turned back to Stephanie.
"You're a good woman," Aponi said. "Thank you for sitting with me and talking with me."
"No problem," Stephanie said. "Some times it's easier to talk and get things off your chest with a stranger. Makes things a little easier."
"I'm going to take your advice," Aponi said. "Would you come with me to talk to my brother and Bruce?"
"Yep," Stephanie said. She was all smiles. "When would you need me?"
"Right now," Aponi said, standing up. "My brother is with an outsider. I'd like to remind him what we, our people and the outsiders, can do together."
"Lead the way," Stephanie said, standing with her.
The two went back inside the house to head for the oasis.
~~~
"I was known as a pretty smart kid," Phantasm said. "I was pretty popular too. However, I wasn't particularly comfortable with my sexuality. I tried not to think about it or act on it, but uh…I tended to get really horny. When that happened, I went out and got some action. In order to curtail that, I dove even more into books and school. That's how I got through so fast, and I reached my current profession so fast. That's how I ended up at the Red Clay Raven Reservation. The people weren't big on outsiders by that point, but the tribe Elder allowed me to do my work. He believed in it. I was told later his children helped convince him. His daughter has quite a gift in knowing people, their intentions, and apparently I caught his son's eyes, who is known as a two-spirit male in his culture, the moment he saw me."
"You didn't have a clue," Batman said, "did you?"
Phantasm shook his head.
"In my defense," Phantasm said, "I was still trying to keep myself from being….a horn dog."
Batman could tell Carlito was a son of Bruce. He was smart, sharp, with a good heart, and apparently got a sense of humor from his mother.
"The reason I started with this is because I eventually did pick up on his feelings toward me," Phantasm said. "Think the lack of personal space he always gave me tipped me off. He would always stand so close, almost close enough to kiss me. I didn't think anything of it, but it did things to me. If you saw him, you'd understand. I digress. He's part of the reason I became the Phantasm. He's what we would call a medium. In his tribe, he communes with his ancestors and seeks their guidance for the tribe's future. When we became partners, he asked me would I like to commune with my ancestors. At first, I didn't think so. I didn't know who I would want to speak with. But my mother, she lost her father. She lost both her parents, but my grandfather was killed and that always seemed to be something that weighed on her heart."
"I'm sorry to hear that," Batman said. "The loss of a parent can be devastating." Terry thought of his father, and he thought of Bruce and his parents. "You decided to speak with your grandfather."
"I did," Phantasm said. "To find out what he was like. To see if he had a message he wanted me to pass on to my mother. Because of my partner, I was able to speak with Carl Beaumont. We talked. On more than one occasion. He's the reason I know. He told me everything."
Greta wasn't the only one who could speak with the dead or for them. Carl Beaumont. He had been there at the beginning with Bruce and his daughter Andrea. When her father was murdered, similar to Bruce, she donned the suit.
"That's how you learned Bruce was your father, how you came to be Phantasm, and how you discovered Batman's original identity," Batman said.
"Yes," Phantasm said. "I got to know a lot about my family, especially my parents, in a short amount of time. It was a shock: from the mafia ties, to a murdering anti-villain, and to a caped vigilante. Surprisingly, it didn't phase me. I was glad to hear so much, and after doing my own research I confirmed it for myself. My partner did a lot for me, and when I found this suit I discussed with him using it to do good for him and his people. His ancestors, his grandmother, warned us of Omen and his arrival. However, one by one he began to lose his connection to them. We couldn't find out the identity of Omen. He thought it might have been because of the damage Derek Powers did to the land and his people coupled with his grandfather changing and dying due to that damage. His sister and I thought it could be something else, something more, but unfortunately we didn't have anything to offer as far as a verifiable reason."
"It's a good thing we decided to meet and talk," Batman said. "Because earlier tonight, I spoke with someone who also has similar abilities to your partner. Omen is responsible. Apparently, he's got a foot in our world and the next. He's protecting himself, so he can go through with his plans to clean the streets of Gotham with the spirits of the dead without interruption."
"That's not possible," Phantasm said, thinking to himself. "No one in the tribe has the ability to…do whatever Omen is doing and has done and plans to do."
"Are you sure Omen is a member of the tribe?" Batman said.
"Positive," Phantasm said.
Batman finally received notification of the exact location of Derek Powers. He faced the globe. He immediately sent that information to Bruce. He refaced Phantasm.
"One of my colleagues did give me a name though of the person responsible," Batman said. "It's not a name I've encountered, and I haven't had a chance to look into it. You might know it."
"What's the name?" Phantasm asked.
"Denali," Batman said.
"Denali…" Phantasm said. "I do know that name. I know the identity of Omen, and I know how he's in this world and the next."
An alert went off. Behind Batman, something caught Phantasm's attention. Batman turned around. He looked to see the Bat Signal in the night sky.
"That'll have to wait," Batman said. "There's an emergency, and suddenly I have a feeling it'll have to do with Omen."
"I'll come with you because I agree," Phantasm said.
~~~
When Tim reached Takoda, Takoda wasn't in communion with his ancestors. He stood with a pissed expression on his face. He heard Tim when he arrived.
"Who are you?" Takoda asked: immediately on guard. Even though Conner had super strength, Tim thought Takoda could probably give Conner a run for his money if they fought.
"Sorry to bother you," Tim said: with a short nervous laugh. "I'm with Bruce. He asked me to come talk with you, but I see you're not in a talking mood."
"No, no," Takoda said, seeming to feel a little bad about his reaction. "I mean, yes, I'm frustrated, but not at a visitor. I apologize. I was trying to speak with my ancestors, but once again I can't hear them. There's only silence. It's worrying. I don't know if it's me or something with them."
Tim noticed in a split second that Takoda almost said more but stopped himself.
"If there's something else," Tim said, "you can tell me, or you can tell me to leave. I'd like to help if I can. That's why I'm here. Derek Powers might come here out of revenge, and Bruce wants to make sure that doesn't happen. Also, he wants to make sure Omen doesn't become a bigger problem." He had to catch himself. Sometimes he rambled.
"Oh," Takoda said. "It was nothing. Really. It was just that I can get heated and usually my partner or my sister are here to calm down me down. I hate feeling useless or powerless. You know? There are forces larger than myself out there. Don't like the idea that I can't help my father, my people, myself, and my partner and my sister can help but have to keep me calm too." He paused. "I was not trying to tell you all that. You're pretty easy to talk too."
"Well I've heard that before a time or two in my life," Tim said, grabbing onto the back of his neck with an added nervous chuckle. He had all of Takoda's attention now, and it was a bit heavy on him. "Some times, talking out a problem, can bring about a solution. Let's see. You used to be able to reach your ancestors. Now you can't. Did you have an ancestor that you most communicated with or was the most reliable?"
"Oh yes," Takoda said. This brought a smile to his face: a smile that made Tim think that Takoda's partner was probably very happy to have Takoda. "My grandmother. She always likes to keep tabs on everyone, hear how her close friends are doing, and have me relay messages to help the young mothers in the tribe."
"She's been absent," Tim said. His gears were turning, and he no longer had any concern for the weight of Takoda's gaze. "You can reach out to all your ancestors. This might be a dumb question, but have you tried calling out just to her? Focusing solely on her?"
"That's not dumb," Takoda said. "I haven't. I mean, usually I don't even have to call out to her. She's always the first I speak with before I attend to my duties for the ancestors of the people of the tribe."
"My suggestion is you focus on calling out just to her," Tim said, "and perhaps through concentration you'll form a strong connection: talk to her and find out why or how she's been absent."
"I'll try that," Takoda said. "You should join me. You might think of questions I won't think to ask."
"You sure that won't take away from your strength?" Tim said.
"Trust me it won't," Takoda said. "I've been doing this a long time." He pulled Tim along and had them sit close to the water and under a tree. "Do what I do. Sit cross-legged. Close your eyes. Focus on me. Clear your mind."
Tim did what he was told. They did it together. He wasn't sure how he was going to focus on Takoda and clear his mind, but he decided he'd manage it.
For a few moments, nothing happened.
For a few minutes, there was nothing.
Then finally, Tim felt like he had no weight to him.
"Tim," Takoda said: his voice sounding far away and near to his ear at the same time. "Open your eyes."
Tim opened his eyes. They weren't at the oasis anymore. Takoda reached out his hand to him. Tim took it. Takoda pulled him to his feet.
Tim took in his surroundings. They were somewhere but also nowhere at all.
"This is not how this place usually looks," Takoda said: on guard. "Grandmother."
They were in darkness and smoke and fog and light. Light came down upon a figure. She was an older woman with gray hair, two long braids, wearing the tradition garb of the Red Clay Raven people. She looked like she was sleeping. She stood, looking like she was asleep and didn't move at all.
Takoda and Tim walked to her. Tim examined her. Takoda placed his hands on her.
"Grandmother," Takoda called to her: concern in his voice.
She gasped awake, even though she wasn't breathing. He held her, and she grabbed on to him. Her brown eyes were alert.
"Takoda," his grandmother said. "The fact you were able to reach me means I was always right about you being perfect for this role, but you must go."
"Go?" Takoda said. "I've been trying to talk to you for weeks, months. Something is wrong. The ancestors, all of them, have gone silent. We need guidance. There's trouble. Someone in the tribe is going by Omen, and he's bringing nothing but trouble."
"Listen," his grandmother said, looking at him lovingly. "You have to go because if you're here you're unsafe. Omen is Denali: your grandfather. He's trying to keep us all from preventing his actions,and he's using your father's body without his knowledge to save our people and dispose of the corrupt officials who harmed us and our land. Do with this information what you will, but go now." His grandmother pushed him back. In a blink, the light that surrounded her before was gone. She had returned to her previous condition.
Takoda didn't hesitate. He grabbed Tim.
"Close your eyes," Takoda instructed.
A moment later. "You can open them."
Tim opened his eyes, and Takoda helped him onto his feet once more.
"You're something," Takoda said. "I got to thank you. You helped make the path clear."
"No need," Tim said. "Like I said, I'm here to help. All the outsiders that are here now are."
Stephanie and Aponi arrived. Aponi led the way. Stephanie waved at Tim, and Tim nodded back and waved back in return.
"Takoda," Aponi said. "We need to go to Bruce. He's here to help, and I believe he can."
"I agree," Takoda said, surprising his sister. "We're going to need him. I was able to reach grandmother. She's in danger, but she managed to tell me who Omen is. He's our grandfather, who's using father to commit his actions."
"We should tell mother," Aponi said. "Where's father now?"
"He went with Conner," Stephanie said. "Do you think Omen knows we know his identity yet?"
"Not yet," Tim said, "but it's probably only a matter time. I'll text Conner to keep Eliwai preoccupied and keep an eye on him."
"Stephanie and I will go alert Bruce," Aponi said. "You should get mother. Tell her. Then, you should tell Carlito. He's vulnerable in his current state. Omen might find a way to remove him from the situation or use him if he sees him as a threat."
"Carlito will be fine," Takoda said. "I'll tell him, so he's aware, but I'll get mother. We'll all meet up with Bruce. See what we'll do about father."
The two siblings nodded to each other. Then, the four of them headed into the house.
~~~
Bruce and Selina were together now. They were in the living room. Bruce received the coordinates that Batman had sent him.
"What is it?" Selina asked.
"Terry found Derek," Bruce said. "I'm sending the location to Damian. If he, Jonathan, and Raven take care of him there, Blight won't become a problem here."
"You're always one step ahead," Selina said. She let out a short chuckle. "Don't think I didn't notice that bracelet you had Alfred send you. What are you up to? What is that?"
"Insurance," Bruce told her.
Bruce and Selina stood when Stephanie, Tim, and Aponi came into the living room.
"Mr. Wayne," Aponi said. "We know who Omen is. It's not good. We're not sure how we'll be able to stop him. We need your help."
"I was right and wrong," Tim said. "It's not Eliwai, but Eliwai's body is being used against his will."
"My grandfather is the one who's doing this," Aponi said. "Denali. We have to do something before Denali learns we know, and he takes my father away."
"Or starts acting irrationally to reach his goals," Stephanie added.
Tim had already sent a text to Conner, but he suddenly got a phone call from him.
Then, they all heard an explosion.
They all went outside and saw smog and flames.
Tim answered the call from Conner.
"What is it?" Tim asked. "Do you know what's going on?"
"Blight's here," Bruce answered him before Conner did.