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Canon minor character death ahead

Chapter 6

Tim stared at the alert that had popped up, unable to comprehend what he was seeing. It…it couldn't be real, could it? He picked up the phone and dialled without thinking, listening to it ring. There was no answer but that wasn't exactly unusual, even before Dick had gotten custody. He hung up and called Thomas Wright, head of the Board of Drake Industries. And not five minutes later he was hanging up again, forcing himself to take deep, slow breaths.

Drake Industries did not pay ransoms…he knew that; his kidnappers would have known it when he was five if his parents had answered the ransom call. He'd been lucky, they took pity on the small boy and let him go, he'd never seen their faces after all. But surely the owners of the company were a different matter. They were his parents, he loved them…even if they didn't seem to love him. He didn't have the funds to pay the ransom himself, he could if he had access to his trust but that would only happen when he turned eighteen or he was emancipated/orphaned.

He hesitated but then called Dick. He didn't have the money either but maybe they didn't need it, maybe Batman could save them.

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Dick took a deep breath and called his number, wondering if he would answer. He had the Batplane on autopilot, heading for Haiti. But the deadline was far too close and he wasn't sure he'd make it in time. A bank transfer would be quicker and might buy their freedom or at least buy some more time. He was a little surprised when the call was answered.

"Dick." And his voice was as unreadable as ever.

"I need help, it's the Drake family. Janet and Jack have been taken for ransom but DI doesn't pay ransoms. Tim would but can't access the funds, I don't have that much either. I'm on my way to Haiti to try and save them but I'm not going to make the deadline." He paused to take a deep breath. "However you feel about what I did…Tim's just a kid, he doesn't deserve to lose his parents."

"Even after they gave you custody?"

Of course, Bruce knew that. "He still loves them, he's only fifteen."

"How much is the ransom?"

"Six million," Dick answered.

"Send me the details," Bruce said, and Dick closed his eyes.

"Thank you."

"This might not save them," he warned.

"I know, Tim knows too, but it's the best shot to at least buy me time to find them."

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Alfred set the hot chocolate down beside Tim who was glued to the computer. He was glad that Master Dick had insisted Timothy remain behind. If the worst should happen, better the child not be there, no matter how mature he was, no child should ever see such things especially when it was their own family. With everything he had learnt about Tim's childhood, Alfred greatly disliked the elder Drake's but he would not wish them dead.

Seeing he didn't even seem to realise the drink was there, Alfred moved it, pressing the mug to his hand and Timothy blinked up at him in confusion. "A warm drink Master Tim," he murmured, relieved when the boy took it.

Once, he might have considered slipping something into the drink to ensure a charge got some sleep but he would never do that to Tim, not after everything he had been through. Any drugs given to Tim were only done with his understanding and agreement unless he was too badly injured and they had to act immediately.

"You should try and get some sleep."

But he shook his head. "I can't, the deadline is in fifteen minutes. Dick will be there in forty. If…if they take the money and let them go, then we'll have news soon."

Alfred nodded, reaching out to rest his hand on Tim's shoulder, offering support, getting a tired smile.

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Bruce found that the security on the Batcave was even better than he remembered but he had created it, everything was built off what he had made so his backdoors were still there. And finally, he saw Alfred with a lanky teen with black hair and blue eyes. He could see the resemblance to Janet easily, so that was Tim Drake. He remembered the tiny, silent child who would stand at Janet and Jack's side at galas, so serious and observant.

He wondered how Dick had come to look after him, though he knew how much Janet and Jack travelled…had Tim been left behind? They were neighbours so if Dick found out then reaching out to a lonely child was something he would do. But the Batcave? There was no new Robin but…could Timothy Drake be Ghost?

That didn't matter at the moment, he had sent the ransom money and now all they could do was wait and see if the Drake's were released or not. If not, would Dick make it there in time?

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Dick landed the plane as close as he dared to where he had tracked the Obeah Man and his followers. The Batsuit felt heavier than ever as he made his way through the jungle, praying he would be in time. He'd gotten confirmation that Bruce had paid the ransom so he was hoping they had been released but something told him they hadn't been.

Finally, he hid himself in the shadows of the trees, staring at the crowd and fire. And…there were the Drakes, tied up and looking worse for wear. The numbers were not encouraging and he had no back up. He hesitated but then decided to do it, he wasn't Bruce, he knew how to ask for help.

"Superman, I could use some backup. Cult situation with two civilian hostages," he called as loudly as he dared. It wasn't long before he felt the wind of fast movement, Clark dropping down silently beside him

"Isn't Haiti outside your usual territory?" he asked.

"The Drake's live next door," Dick murmured. "The ransom was paid but they haven't been released."

"Ah," Clark nodded. "What do we know about the group?"

"The leader is called the Obeah Man. He's already killed one member of the group to make sure Drake Industries knew the threat was real. The company does not pay ransoms, Bruce Wayne stepped in and paid it as their underage son cannot access the funds."

"They have a child? Is he safe?" Clark asked, and Dick nodded.

It would never not feel weird talking about family and friends in third person, as if they were strangers, to help keep their secrets. Tim had told the core of Young Justice but no one else and Dick would never out his identity to others.

"He's safely in Gotham, Oracle and Agent A have him under watch to ensure he isn't being targeted as well while Ghost is watching the streets and I did tell him to call YJ for backup if he needs it. He is aware of what is going on though, including my presence here to save his parents." That should be enough to keep Tim and Ghost separate, hopefully.

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Clark was glad Dick had called for his help, with those numbers it would have been difficult to fight and protect the hostages. Bruce had stepped in to help? That was a relief, he had barely spoken with the man since the confrontation. He still considered Bruce a friend but Bruce didn't seem to feel the same. Bruce had cut them all off and he could understand, Batman was such a large part of who he was. The thing was, he could have taken the cowl back if he had been willing to put the work in to doing better. Dick would have gladly gone back to Nightwing but Bruce just had to be stubborn.

Knowing the Drakes' child was safe under the watch of Babs and Alfred was good. After all, a group who took two adults for ransom and killed their friend wouldn't be above threatening a child if they thought that would be more likely to get them what they wanted. He had met Ghost once and would never forget it but it had been needed. He didn't hate the kid for what he'd threatened or anything, he'd been right to confront him. He knew Kon liked the young vigilante too, considered him his best friend and really wanted him to fully join the team. He had a cool head and was very strategic so he would surely call for help if he needed it. Gotham was dangerous, especially for a teenager, no matter how well trained.

They quickly worked out a plan and then moved in. Clark took a deep breath and then exhaled, freezing the flames, and causing chaos. They all focused on him as he hovered over them, leaving Dick free to move to free the Drakes. Of course, that was when he realised the Obeah Man had actual magic, that was never fun to deal with.

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Dick moved behind the Drakes and went to work on their restraints. "Keep calm," he growled out in Batman's voice, glad for the vocal unit built into the suit that helped him sound like the original. Bruce's voice was deeper than his and it deepened even more as Batman.

"Batman," Janet whispered.

"Your ransom was paid."

"He said we're to be sacrificed to the spirits of Baron Samedi and Papa Legbra," Jack murmured, sounding angry. "He knew the ransom was paid and didn't care."

"We'll get you out," Dick told them, he may hate them for how they'd failed Timmy but they were still his parents.

It would kill Tim to lose them and Dick knew the kid would blame himself. No matter how much Dinah and Harley worked with him on his tendency to take all the blame on himself for anything that went wrong he still struggled with it.

The Drakes looked a bit rough, pale, and exhausted but there was no sign of injuries. He grimaced as someone spotted them shifting away from the fight, times like this he really missed his eskrima. Instead, he drew batarangs and got ready to defend the civilians.

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Kon was surprised when his communicator chimed. "Superboy."

"This is Agent A of Gotham; I am requesting your presence to support Ghost."

"What happened? Is he hurt?" He demanded even as he rushed to change into his jacket.

"Physically he is fine, it is emotional support he needs right now. I understand he told you his identity and past?"

"Yes," Kon answered warily.

"It has to do with his civilian identity sir. Come to Gotham as soon as possible and I shall guide you from there."

"On my way," he agreed, taking off after letting the team know he had something personal to deal with.

He followed the directions and found himself in a cave system, and then he came out into a massive space full of equipment, strange items like a giant coin and…a dinosaur? And there, pacing before a computer, was Tim. He was a mess but he didn't look injured.

"Tim?" he called, and Tim spun towards him, eyes wide.

"Kon? What…how?"

"You need someone to support you Master Tim," an elderly gentleman, the same voice that had called on his comm, answered, standing by a doorway.

Tim blinked and Kon opened his stance in offering to his best friend. Tim hesitated for a second before he was suddenly clinging to him. Kon gently wrapped him in a hug, giving him the chance to stop him since he knew Tim could have issues with contact. But Tim tightened his grip as if scared Kon was going to let go so he wrapped him in his TTK as well.

"It's okay Casper, I've got you," he whispered, Cassie had been the first of them to use the nickname for Tim since they hadn't known what else to call him.

"Why do I even care?" Tim whispered. "They…they never wanted me, just some doll to use as an heir."

Kon frowned in confusion, he'd gotten the very clear idea from what Tim had said of his past that his parents weren't the best but this sounded bad. "Tim, what's happening?"

"They were taken for ransom in Haiti," he answered shakily. "Bruce Wayne paid it after Dick asked since I can't access the money to pay it. Batman is in Haiti to bring them back."

Kon closed his eyes, focusing his senses. "Clark is with him," he knew Tim knew who Superman was since he was friends with Batman, both of them. "If anyone can save them, it will be Batman and Superman." He hoped he was right.

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Tim didn't try to break the hug, it felt nice and safe. He really didn't understand his own reactions but having his best friend there was really nice. He was grateful that Alfred had called Kon for him, just having him there made Tim feel better, more focused. "I love them Kon and I don't even know why. I know what they did was abuse but…"

"Part of me wants Lex to apologise for everything and reach out and he mind controlled me," Kon murmured. "If he did and meant it…I can't say I wouldn't give him a chance. Your parents neglected you, emotionally abused you, didn't do anywhere near enough after your abduction…but love is complicated," he continued, a hand gently stroking through Tim's hair, it felt really good.

He found himself relaxing in Kon's arms, eyes slipping shut. He didn't even realise he was nodding off, barely aware of Kon gently lifting him.

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Alfred was relieved to see Tim fall asleep in young Mister Kent's arms, he had been so stressed since finding out about his parents. Alfred hoped they would receive word soon, surely Master Dick had arrived? He prayed for good news, for Timothy's sake.

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Bruce was surprised to see Kon-El appear in the Batcave but it did reinforce his suspicion that Timothy Drake was Ghost. He'd looked into the figure, one that had been whispered of since before J…Jason's death. The earliest whispers were off a small figure who would call for help for the injured or of objects falling onto attackers and the like. It was only after he was forced to retire that the Ghost began being seen more, dressed in proper gear and able to fight if needed. And when he looked back through files, he realised the kid had been following him as Batman, had been calling ambulances after he left fights. How long had the boy been out alone at night with no support? He lived right next door and he could have died out on the streets without anyone being the wiser. So much for the World's Greatest Detective.

He lived next door…had he somehow known who they were? Not that it mattered anymore.

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Dick began chest compressions, swearing under his breath even as Clark reappeared with Jack, lying him down. He stopped and breathed for her, no change. He was mentally beating himself up, he should have given them water…but the fight had gotten too close. So Janet had taken a nearby goblet and drank the clear contents, too thirsty to thin how convenient it was.

"I'll take her," Clark reached out, and Dick watched as he took off at the fastest speed he could with a human passenger.

Her fate was out of his hands now so he checked Jack over, getting an IV started to help rehydrate him. She'd reacted quickly enough to the poison that Jack hadn't drunk from the goblet but he'd still been kept in captivity for about a week. Once he was set up, Dick got the plane in the air and headed back to Gotham.

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Clark bowed his head as he heard the doctors call time of death. He finished informing the authorities, letting them know he would be back to take her body home to Gotham once the investigation was done, before leaving to inform Dick. He did not know their son, so it would be better for Tim Drake to receive the news from someone he knew or at least the local vigilante.

He landed as the Batplane did, seeing Kon holding a smaller figure in his arms. Had Ghost called him in for help? Kon reached out and grabbed…a domino, putting it on the figures face. Was that Ghost? He looked so small…then again Dick looked a lot smaller out of the Batsuit. They used armour to look bigger so it could be him.

"Clark?" Dick asked, and he shook his head.

"The hospital tried everything; they got her back briefly but the poison did too much damage. They wanted to do an autopsy and I told them I will go back for her body personally."

Dick nodded. "Jack Drake has been admitted, he's badly dehydrated and has lost weight. They're running full blood tests too since it's possible he was slipped something at some point. He was awake and coherent when I found them but he's been slipping in and out of consciousness since boarding the plane."

Clark nodded. "I'll let you know when they release her body. I assume you will tell Tim Drake?"

"Yeah," Dick nodded. "Thanks for the help."

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Dick approached Kon who slipped the domino back off, his expression drawn with concern, he'd obviously been listening. "How is he?" he asked softly.

"Worn out. Agent A…Alfred called me to come support him," he sounded a bit nervous.

"That's fine, if I hadn't been so rushed leaving, I would have told Tim to call you for support and not just if something happened and he needed backup. Come on, I'll show you his room." Dick led him up from the cave and to where Tim's room was before heading back down to change into civvies and go to bed himself.

He was dreading having to tell Tim that his mother was dead and they didn't know how Jack would recover. He suspected the man had been dosed with something at least. He'd been forced to move further from them during the fight, someone might have slipped past briefly. Or a dart could have hit him. He had sworn he hadn't drunk from the goblet that Janet had and if he had, he likely would have died already.

Tim still loved his parents, despite the neglect, and Dick whished the kid hated them because surely it would make what was coming easier on him. Hopefully in the morning he would know how to tell him, it was different telling a victim to telling his little brother.

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Something had happened, Batman had left Gotham and Ghost had, well, ghosted. And then the news hit the paper, Janet Drake was dead and Jack Drake was comatose at the hospital. There was an image of their son, one Timothy Drake, and standing with him at the graveside was Dick. So, was this kid Ghost? Or was it just Dick looking out for the now alone neighbour kid?

He thought he might vaguely remember the boy from a gala or two but it was fuzzy. He'd been quiet and polite, hadn't he? Sometimes he hated how off his memories felt at times. Brain damage and death had done a lot of damage to him, damage the Pit couldn't fully fix and had added its own issues to.

The paper said that Batman and Superman had been the ones to find the Drakes but that it had been too late for Janet who had been poisoned. Drake Industries had given some vague lines in the papers and Dick had kept the press from the kid which was good. No kid deserved to have those snakes in their face when grieving. No sign of Bruce in it but then, no, there was a comment from Tim Drake, thanking Mr Wayne for paying the ransom when their own company refused. Ouch. Sounded like a lot of people would be losing their jobs once the kid was old enough to step in as owner.

He was moving quietly, not making massive waves yet since he was still getting the lay of the land. He also felt bad for the kid, whether he was a civilian or Ghost, and didn't want to take away his support by forcing Dick into the field. Give them a few weeks to settle since a new article announced that Dick had custody of him. Dick was a dad now, talk about following in Bruce's footsteps. But so far, he seemed to be doing a better job, though how could he do worse?

Three weeks later, Ghost reappeared on the streets, Batman had reappeared shortly after returning with the Drakes. It was still strange they weren't seen together and worrying that the kid was left alone. That was how he had died!

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Harley petted Tim's hair as he curled into her side. She didn't like the Drake's at all, had been happy when Dick took Tim in, but her death had still hurt her baby. She had been a better mother to the kid and what did that say about the dead woman? Ivy hummed softly as she tended to her plants, the air filled with a soft, sweet scent to help Timmy sleep. He needed it and she was glad that Wing had grounded him from going out as Ghost, it was too dangerous with his head the way it was at the moment.

She glanced at the very well-built young man on the other couch, smirking at his discomfort and yet he remained. It was obvious to her, this was Superboy and he was watching over Tim. Tim had told her alllll about the clone and his crush was very obvious to her. And it seemed it might be reciprocated which was good, she'd hate to have to dig up some Kryptonite to threaten him over breaking her baby's heart.

TBC….