Disclaimer: not mine

Chapter 6

He read through the report, frowning. It was…unfortunate, but he could use it. He sent more people to Gotham to ensure they would have the best chance to find him and bring him to him. Not the way he wanted the Detective to join him but it may actually make things easier.

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Bernard opened his eyes and smiled at the sight of Tim fast asleep against him, he'd be waking soon. Being that bit older meant he could wake as the sun was setting, Tim didn't until it was set. It was tempting to grab the needle and inject him now, to run, but they wouldn't make it. Mistress would destroy him and probably make Tim forget him, after making him an example for disobedience.

He gently stroked black hair, and Tim stirred, blue eyes opening. He smiled and Tim smiled back, reaching up to caress his face before tugging him down to kiss. He'd had a crush on Tim back in school and had been so sad when they lost touch. He really liked Tim, even now…but Superboy was in love with Tim, they were a couple. When Tim remembered, he'd go back to him and that was for the best. It was, even if it broke his heart.

"Are you alright?" Tim asked, and he nodded.

"Just hungry," he answered, smiling at him.

"Then let's go eat," Tim grinned, kissing him again before getting up, offering him a hand up.

Eating was hard now, he was hungry all the time just like the others under a year but…now that he remembered who he was, killing people made him feel sick. But he had to, to eat and stay strong. He hoped Batman could come up with another way for them, he was meant to be pretty smart after all.

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Sophia stared at the vigilante; his body lax in deep sleep. He was getting pale, losing weight though he was being given some food on top of the water. Another day or two and he would be turned, the condition of his body when he died didn't matter, he would return to peak physical condition as he fed. If Timothy was older, she would let him turn Richard, but he could be involved.

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Jason watched the footage from Bernard's camera, grimacing as he saw Tim with his face pressed to a strangers' throat, a thin trail of blood trickling down tanned skin. He winced as Tim just dropped the body, letting it fall without care. That…that wasn't the Tim he knew, his little brother. The view was blocked as a shirt was pressed against the camera, and he could hear the sound of sucking and swallowing, realising Bernard was feeding now. The body was soon dropped but shakily, like the one holding it wanted to be gentler. But Bernard couldn't, he had to act like the others. They couldn't hold any of this against any of them, he just hoped Bruce could remember that.

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Dick opened his eyes, still feeling tired and there was Tim. He held a sandwich up and Dick ate it then drank the water. "Hey Timmy," he murmured. "What're we doin' tonight?"

Tim straddled him and kissed him softly, and Dick let his eyes fall shut, trying to see anyone but Tim. Cold hands caressed his chest under the blanket and he shivered. "I'm going to miss this," he murmured, and Dick swallowed. That…that wasn't good.

"Don't do this Tim," he pleaded before Tim could kiss him again. "Come home, please."

"I am home, you'll see that soon."

He'd gotten through to him a bit that first day but there'd been nothing since. There had to be some way to help him remember. He got his hand free and moved it to the back of Tim's head, running his fingers through his hair. "I love you baby bird, I always will, no matter what you do. You were the best Robin and I'm sorry I took it from you."

Tim jerked slightly, blinking at him, seeming dazed. "I…you…" his hand went to his head.

"Tim?" Dick whispered, heart in his throat.

"D…Dick?" but then he shook his head again. "What am I doing?"

"That's it Tim, I'm Dick, you know me."

"I…I don't…I can't…"

"Focus Tim, look at me," he pleaded, risking keeping eye contact. "Try to remember, it's me Dick, Nightwing, your brother. Your family loves you, come back."

This was even more of a reaction than that first night. Tim looked so confused, brow pinched in pain. He could use Bernard's back up but he had no clue where the vampire was, he was just cannon fodder to the one in charge.

"Your name is Tim Drake Wayne, you're almost twenty years old now. You live in an apartment with your boyfriend Kon-El, Conner Kent. You work at Wayne Enterprises and as a vigilante to help protect the city. You're Red Robin, the third Robin."

Tim shook his head again, slumping against him. "N…hhu'ts."

I'm here Tim, I've got you," he wrapped his arm around Tim, holding him tight. "Fight Timmy, come back to us."

Tim lifted his head, looking at him, and Dick was sure there was a flicker of recognition. And then the door opened and Dick tensed, but it was Bernard.

"What's happened," he was suddenly there gently supporting Tim. "Are you hurt?"

Dick realised that Bernard had been avoiding using Tim's name as much as possible…he didn't want to call him Timothy but couldn't call him Tim.

"It's okay, you're safe, it's me Bernard." He was gently stroking Tim's hair, and Dick saw the love in his eyes, feeling bad. Tim was in love with Kon after all.

Tim looked between them in confusion and pain. Dick looked at Bernard and then pulled out the lockpicks to free his other hand and drew Tim into his arms, rocking him.

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His head hurt! Words tumbling around, confusing, lost…he pressed closer to the warmth, shaking, even as cold hands gently stroked his hair. Robin…Robin… he…he didn't know what was happening.

"She's going to be mad," one voice said.

"What's it like out there, can we move now?"

"If she sees him like this…we have to."

"Timmy, can you hear me?"

He whimpered and struggled to open his eyes, looking into pretty dark blue.

"Hey kiddo, can you walk? We're going to go home."

Home? Here…no…somewhere…hands lifted him to his feet and he hissed in pain, pressing his hands to his head. He shook it and looked up, blinking. "D..ick?"

"Yeah Tim, I'm here. I've got you baby bird, just stay with me."

His gaze wandered to the other…he knew him too, right?

"We just need to get outside, the bats will be on their way, right?"

"As long as someone's watching the feed and we can yell for the Super's once outside."

"Should I…"

He was drifting, images and words floating through his mind.

"Keep it at hand but I don't think it's needed, is it Timmy?"

Timmy? He was Timothy…wasn't he? An arm wrapped around his waist, tugging him into walking and he didn't fight it. They sounded like they knew what they were doing, sounded worried.

"Come on Tim, work with us, you need to walk," the younger voice said.

"Ber?" he slurred.

Breath hitched. "Yeah, it's me."

He blinked, a hallway, they were in a hall? "Late…class?"

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Bernard blinked and glanced at Dick who was leaning heavily on him even as he guided Tim along. Dick shrugged slightly. Well…maybe it would help Tim try to walk quicker? "We're gonna be late for history, you know how Mr Marks is."

Tim grimaced but he began walking better, still spaced out though. Obviously, his memory was scattered and Bernard knew if they ran into anyone they would be in trouble. But with Tim how he was, they couldn't wait to escape. Mistress would re-wipe his memory or something. And if she realised Bernard was involved…he shuddered. They had to make it outside, but Dick's 'cell' was really deep in. At least the hunters had left for the night so there were fewer people around, but Dick was the only one on the upper levels with a heartbeat and someone would get curious soon.

"We really need back up," he murmured, hoping one of the bats was listening.

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"Father!" Damian yelled, running for where he was tying up some thugs.

"Robin?"

"The extraction is now. Something is wrong with Red Robin so they are moving now," he quickly reported.

"Understood."

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Bruce rushed for the Batmobile, cursing the fact they were on the other side of town. Damian was thankfully on the comm, everyone co-ordinating to meet there. They had to make it in time. "Where is Superboy?"

"The whole old YJ team is off world," Oracle answered. "They got called on specifically by some ruler they once helped out. Even if I can get in contact, they won't make it in time."

"Superman?"

"Unavailable."

Bruce swore in his head, what were the odds? "Call Constantine." They had some weapons from him but back up used to fighting vampires would be very handy.

They had to make it in time, he could not lose his sons. He'd lost Tim once already; he could not lose him forever. And Dick…he was going to need food and therapy to heal from captivity. They would care for Bernard as well; Bruce would ensure he had the money and resources to live wherever he wanted.

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Dick was exhausted, his legs barely able to hold him up, but he forced himself to keep moving. He had to; he couldn't slow them down any more than Tim's dazed state was. He was worried that Tim wasn't really aware of what was going on, even thinking he was back at school. Better than having to drug and carry him though.

"That's it Tim, we're almost there," he murmured, keeping his voice as quiet as he could. So far, no one had confronted them but how long could that last…and he jinxed them. Up ahead was a room full of vampires.

Bernard back peddled, eyes wide with terror, pushing them back. "It's her," he breathed, trembling.

Tim lifted his head, eyes hazy. "Ber?" he stumbled and Dick grabbed him to try and steady him, almost falling himself. "Where…I…"

"Shh Tim, it's okay. We need to be quiet," Dick whispered, tugging him closer.

"D'ck?...Wing?"

"Yeah baby bird, gotta be quiet and sneaky to beat Two-face," he tried since Tim had recognised him as Nightwing.

"'kay," he slumped against Dick.

Dick's mind was spinning, they needed another way out…or a way to clear the room. "You guys as vulnerable to fire as legend says?"

Bernard looked at him but then nodded warily.

"We light this place up; everyone will scatter and that's our way out."

Bernard looked at the room where the others were, biting his lip.

"Anyone who gets out has the option to keep going," he pointed out, and Bernard nodded.

"The furnace?"

"Let's go," Dick told him and Bernard led them back into the halls.

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Bernard watched as Dick worked at the old furnaces, Tim slumped against the wall, gripping his head. He reached out to gently rub his temples and Tim sighed in relief. "It's okay," he whispered. "Your family will help you Tim."

Tim lifted his head, meeting his eyes, looking so confused and lost.

"You're going to be alright Tim."

"Tim…I'm…Tim?"

Bernard nodded, he didn't know why Tim was the way he was but he was fighting, even if he didn't realise it. With his Sire alive and so close though, could he succeed? "Fight Tim, you have to fight to remember who you really are."

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Dick hated leaving Tim's side, but someone had to rigg the furnaces to blow. It was going to limit their time to get out considering they'd be able to kill all of them, not just the more flammable vampires, but it was the best they had to work with. He needed to start enough of a blaze to panic the vampires and get them moving but not to blow immediately so they could get out.

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Tim…he was Tim…Drake…Wayne…Timothy? He wanted…sun warm skin, bright blue eyes…who was that? He…he wanted him though. Why couldn't he remember? He felt cold, so cold, Ber was cold too. He was meant to be warm…wasn't he? No…Sire…Sire wanted…he groaned, pressing his hands to his eyes.

"You're mine now Childe…."

He whimpered and then Ber's arms were around him, familiar.

"Show me how much you love me…"

"Come on, even bats need sleep," the teasing voice whispered, calming him. He pressed closer, seeking comfort, and a hand moved to rub his back.

He felt so strange…wrong?

"I love you Tim."

"Good work Robin."

"Come on Timmy, it'll be fun!"

It was all so jumbled, confusing.

"Done, let's go home."

That…that was the same voice, was this fun? He looked over at the man. Richard…no…Dick?

"Hey baby bird, with us?"

"What's," he shook his head. "Can't…"

"Shh, just relax Tim. We've got you, we're going to take you home, to your Nest."

Nest…an image flashed through his mind of metal…computers…the bright-eyed boy smiling at him. Home…a man…

"B?"

"Yeah Tim, B's coming," Dick promised.

"Home." He let them lead him, he wanted home.

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Jason knew he was driving recklessly, but he didn't care, even as he felt Steph tighten her grip. His bike had been closer so they were stuck riding together, there was no time to grab her bike, not when they had to make it to the vampire base to extract the three. Could they do it with no casualties? That he didn't know and it worried him. Of all times to need to do it, Kon had wanted to remain behind but it was bad enough diplomatically that Tim wasn't there since he'd been the team lead. And with Superman already unavailable… he hoped one of the Flashes was on standby.

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She clung on tight to Jason as he drove through the city. She kind of never wanted to be on the back of his bike again, flattening herself against him as they skidded between two trucks. He was nuts! But she couldn't blame him for driving so recklessly, not when Tim and Dick needed them immediately.

They couldn't lose them, they couldn't. For all they'd been through, she did love Tim, not the way she'd thought she might when they'd dated but he was her friend, family. So was Dick. Hadn't they had enough pain?

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Bernard hissed softly as the scent of smoke began to spread, fighting the instinct to bolt, not yet. He kept a tight grip of Tim's hand; he seemed a bit more present at least. Dick was swaying on his feet which wasn't good but if he carried him, then he wouldn't be able to fight back if they were attacked. He didn't think Tim was up to carrying him yet either, he was better but still too vague to trust to be able to do it. He wasn't trying to get away from them or go to Mistress at least. There was some level of trust there even if his memories were a mess.

Tim hissed too, whining softly, and Bernard purred softly to try and calm him. He tugged him closer, nuzzling at him to help keep him calm even as the scent of smoke spread. Calls began to be heard as the others started moving about, trying to find the fire.

He was worried about Dick; they could stop breathing to avoid the smoke…he couldn't. Smoke inhalation was bad and could kill Dick fairly quickly.

Bernard cringed as he heard her yelling orders, feeling Tim tense in reaction to her voice.

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Sophia looked around as the scent of smell became stronger, ordering them to find the fire. "Where is Timothy?" she demanded, but no one could answer. Where was her Childe?

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They moved carefully, staying low and using the spreading smoke as cover. Bernard was in front since it wasn't affecting his vision, Tim in the middle so they could keep him on course. Dick was in the back, struggling to keep moving and to not cough. Bernard had handed over a ripped off strip of his own shirt for him to use to cover his mouth and nose which helped a little. And then the building shook as the first furnace blew, sending panic through the vampires.

Dick was shocked when Tim froze and then spun to face him, eyes wide with panic and then Dick found himself being scooped up by his little brother. He then ran for the doors, Bernard picking up speed once he saw them. Dick heard Bernard yelp as a burning beam fell, separating them.

"Ber!" Tim yelled.

"Go!" Bernard yelled. "I'll find another way out."

Tim hesitated and Dick buried his face against him, trying to keep from breathing too much smoke. Tim shifted his grip and then they were moving again. There was a crashing noise and then cold, fresh air hit him. He ripped the cloth off and coughed, inhaling clearer air. Tim put him down and Dick staggered away taking deep breaths. He turned and saw Tim way too close to the building.

"Tim!" he coughed. "Come on, it's going to blow."

Tim stared back at the building, torn, and he felt a jolt of terror. The building would go up any moment and Tim was way too close. Tim was way more vulnerable than Dick at the moment to what was about to happen.

"Tim? Come on baby bird. It's going to be okay, we're going home now," he called, and Tim glanced at him, crimson eyes darting about.

He hated those creatures for doing this to Tim. He didn't deserve this, to have his life stolen from him…his memory.

"You trusted me enough in there, please Timmy. Come home, we all miss you so much."

"I don't remember…not him…" Tim shook his head, stepping back towards the barricaded building.

"Kon-El, if you can hear me, I've got Tim. I need your help, he's got amnesia and the building's going to blow," he called softly. He knew Kon didn't like him, but Superboy had promised to listen for all of them ever since Tim's disappearance, since any of them might find a clue. "Tim please. Maybe your memory will come back fully, maybe it won't, that doesn't change the fact that you're my brother and I love you. You remembered my name, Bernard, you can remember more with time."

"Monster," Tim denied, shifting back again.

"No Tim, you aren't a monster. You saved me, didn't you?" though the fact that he was calling himself one suggested he was beginning to remembering more human morals since vampires seemed to have no issue with killing to eat. "There's a part of you that still knows us, knows who you really are. You are Tim Drake-Wayne, you're Red Robin, you were the smartest Robin, even the Rogues respected you. That's all still inside you."

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Clark had just hit the atmosphere when he heard Dick! And he was calling for Kon… who Clark couldn't detect. He quickly altered his course and hit top speed, he had to get there in time! He could hear the bats as they raced towards where Dick was and now, he could hear Tim, heard him call himself a monster. What had he been made to do? He pushed harder, Gotham appearing before him.

He flew over the buildings, seeing a burning warehouse. Dick was leaning on some boxes, reaching out to Tim who was way too close. Wide red eyes snapped up to meet his and then Dick screamed as the warehouse blew up. NO!

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"TIM!"

He felt the blast of heat, pain! Burning…he was flung forward and then his whole being was consumed by burning pain. Better…this…way…

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Bernard scrabbled across the roofs, heading for the front and then the warehouse went up and he was flung off the roof, hitting the water of the bay, hard. When he gasped back to awareness, he was lying half in the water, coughing up some he must have swallowed when he went under. He looked around and found he must have floated part way around the bay, dragging himself from the water. He pulled himself out of the water and staggered to his feet. Tim…Dick….he had to find them.

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He stared in horror as Tim hit the ground, burning. Clark landed and inhaled deeply before exhaling, cold air spreading, dousing the flames. Dick staggered forward, reaching for his brother and then he collapsed with a scream as Tim…Timmy…he tried to…but there was nothing left but ash.

Clark grabbed him, pulling him back, holding him as Dick fell apart. He passed out in a few seconds, overwhelmed, and utterly exhausted.

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Bruce barely waited for the Batmobile to stop, seeing Clark with Dick in his arms. But where were the boys? He rushed towards his friend but then froze at the grief in his eyes.

"I'm sorry Bruce…" he whispered. "Tim…he…he just turned to dust; I couldn't put the flames out fast enough. I heard Dick begging him to move away from the building but he refused."

Bruce shook his head, no, not Tim. He wouldn't…he wouldn't just let himself die. He looked at the ash at Clarks feet and sank to his knees.

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Damian heard Kent's words but he couldn't believe them. Not Drake…not Tim. He never gave up. When Father fell to his knees, he moved forward to support him. And then the sound of a bike approached at high speed. It had just pulled in when Duke and Cass swung in as well.

They were all too late.

TBC…