Grayson and Jason were working at the monitors and reading the reports of the fires. They were unnatural and random, or that's what people were saying.

"There has to be a pattern. And a reason. Could they be terrorist attacks?" Grayson questioned and looked at Jason for his opinion.

He hummed. "I don't see a pattern, And I don't think it is a terrorist attack. As you said, they are random. I mean we got an attack close to Star Labs in Central City. An attack near Turkey, and the last one with the most fires…. Iraq."

"Hmmm, none of those places are close to each other… check for any boom tube readings."

"Uh, alright." Jason messed with the board and a second later a message showed up. Grayson's eyes widened.

"I knew that something wasn't right! These readings show that there are traces of Boom Tube activity."

Jason looked confused at the screen. "But why those locations? It still feels… random."

Grayson slumped back into the chair. "That's still a mystery to me. I mean, if Star Labs was attacked then the person behind the attacks could have been after stopping or slowing the advance science research, but the other two places weren't even lavatories."

"You said that there were Boom Tube readings….. so, this is an attack from the Light, right?"

"As far as we know, it could be. They use father boxes to travel."

Jason stared at the screen. He thought of something. "Hey, can you possibly…. Reverse this map to a different time?"

Grayson glanced at Jason. "Why?"

"Well… it's just a hunch, but I know that people tend to attack where it would hurt most."

Grayson frowned at his brother, but he did have a point. It's a great way to leave a mark on someone or even draw them out. He had their map keep going back until Jason had him stop.

"There. That was the attack on Turkey….."

"It's Ancient Greece. Wait. Central City, that's Wally's city. Ancient Greece is Achilles… you don't think…."

Jason eyed the screen, worriedly. "One way to find out."

Grayson continued until he finally stopped. "Uruk….. These weren't random. These attacks were against the spirits that were summoned on our side. Someone who knows them and their home, their past, attacked these places."

"I'd say…. And I have a really good feeling of who did this. The one person who has been around since the beginning of time. This is Vandal. He's trying to draw them out."

Grayson nodded, agreeing with Jason's statement. "He attacked Iraq the most. He might still be there. He seems to have a grudge against Gilgamesh. I don't exactly know why, but he has done more personal attacks on the guy than anyone."

"Hey," said a voice suddenly - Ritsuka had (unintentionally) crept up on the brothers, and now peered over Grayson's shoulder. "I heard you guys were down here - what're you working on?"

"Oh, hey Ritsuka, we were looking at these Fire attacks. When the first attack hit Central City, I thought it was Heat Wave, but he's still in Iron Heights and hasn't left. Also take a look at this. Each attack was where a spirit we summoned used to call home. That can't be a coincidence. Not only that, but we found boom tube traces at each location. What are your thoughts on this? Jason and I think this is Vandal trying to draw out our spirit friends."

Ritsuka frowned. "This isn't good - not just because that's where the Heroic Spirits lived, but because people still live there. But….yeah, I don't know how this guy ticks as much as you two, but I think it's probably Vandal."

"We need to get the others and strike when we still know where he is."

"While I agree with you, Jason, but at the same time…. We would just be falling into his trap. He wants us to go there. We could make up a plan to strike, but he has the upper hand since he chose the battleground."

"Ritsuka, what do you think? Should we even bring this up to the others and wait until we can choose the battlegrounds, or strike him down when we know where he's at?"

"Well….I think we have no choice but to go and fight him," she said. "We know where he is now, and I think it would be difficult for us to pick the battle ground. He doesn't need to fight us, but we need to fight him - plus, the longer we let him continue, more people will be hurt…."

"That is…. That is true. Alright, let's take this to the others. Can you have Merlin do that thing again, where he talks like he's everywhere?" Grayson questioned Ritsuka.

"My greatest apologies," came Merlin's voice. "My, I can't help but listen in on conversations! But, alas, I can't tell the king the news, since he is outside….everyone else in the building though, I can tell them the news."

"That would be appreciated. Tell them to meet us on the bottom floor. If you don't mind."

Grayson smiled.

"Alright, you can count on me~" Merlin cleared his throat. "Everyone! Make haste to the basement of the penthouse! Magi Mari is not here this time, but we do have some news!" Merlin paused. Then: "There we go, that should do it."

"Thank you."

Not too long after did people start to show up. Kaldur showed up with many of the younger heroes, Jaime with Bart, Artemis walked in with her hands entangled with Wally's. Conner, M'gann and Wolf entered at the same time. Rin, Shirou, and Achilles walked in together - Cu and Mash came in moments after.

"Nightwing, why have you called us all here?"

"Because, Kaldur…. We found Vandal and the three of us discussed it and thought that we should strike him now. Here's every place he attacked, or at least… every place that was recorded of a strange and sudden fire."

Grayson pulled up the map and let the group of heroes, mages, and spirits see.

Achilles frowned. "Hey, Turkey - isn't that where part of Greece used to be?"

Grayson nodded. "Yes, and Iraq is where Uruk used to be."

Achilles crossed his arms. "So I guess Vandal's trying to lure us out...though I lived in a different city-state than that, we've still gotta pay him back ten-fold for this."

"I agree. But we shouldn't make hasty decisions. And we should have Gilgamesh and Enkidu here to pitch in their thoughts. While I think we should take this chance and strike, Gilgamesh might have a different idea. Where are they anyway?"

Jason hummed. "Uh, on the beach…."

They look at Jason. Since knowing the older version of the King, he wasn't into down time.

"Why is he there?"

"Enkidu wanted to go and I tricked him into going with him."

Kaldur gave a smile. "Well, at least he's enjoying himself, I guess. Conner, you and Wolf go fetch them. Wolf can track Enkidu's scent."

"Alright. Come on Wolf."

Wolf barked and followed Conner outside to the beach. Kaldur looked at the rest of the group.

"While we wait, we should make some plans of attack."

"Wait a second," said Cu, who was studying the map. "Star City, Greece, Uruk….everyone's home city but mine is under attack. Why the hell isn't Ireland being attacked? Honestly, it's as if he doesn't see me as a threat or something. I mean, I won countless battles for my master! I beat not one, but multiple Demon Gods….Sheesh, you'd think that would give me some credit, right?"

"Don't worry, Cu," Ritsuka said, patting the spirit's arm. "I know you're strong and capable."

Cu sighed, shoulders slumping. "Thanks, master."

Jason looked at Cu. "I do find that odd, myself. I mean, you and….. well I don't know Mash and where she's from, but we never considered that he could be attacking Ireland next. That or he doesn't know you are here and that means you help us have the upper hand."

"But he has to know I'm here - I stopped his - or, well, Ra's' - servant from butchering you and taking Goldie," Cu protested. "But he'd better not touch Ireland - I swore to protect that place, so let's take him down before that happens."

"Which leads us back to strategy," Rin said, putting them back on subject. "From what we know, they have five servants. A caster, an assassin, two unknowns, and….. Saber."

"Yeah," Shirou said, frowning. "We'll have to face her in battle."

Rin nodded. "It's unfortunate, but….. it is what it is. Anyways, it really depends on how they come and meet us, but preferably we should have Goldie take on Assassin, since Casters are strong against them. If not Assassin, then I suppose he'd do well enough against the other classes….hopefully they don't have a rider class, or at least Goldie shouldn't face a Rider.

As for our two Riders, it would be best for one of you to take on Caster - Wally, if you come across her, can I leave that to you?"

"Sure thing! Achilles, you already faced her, So, before I face her, get any tips for me? If you do, tell me on our way there."

"Well, she specializes in long ranged attacks for the most part - throws icicles, among other things." Achilles smiled at Wally. "You'll do fine though, just be careful. When we were fighting she said something about being a god. I don't know what that was about, but she's no pushover, for a caster."

"Well, nothing I can't handle. I mean, we've faced Icicle junior before. And a few other ice villains. Peace of cake."

Grayson chuckled at his friend's comment. He looked at Tim and Jason. "I've faced Saber before, and I think that I should go again. Not…. By myself. Jason and Tim, we can take her."

Jason and Tim exchanged looks before turning to their eldest brother. "Sure. We've got your back."

"No way," Rin vetoed their plan. "You were lucky you got out of that alive. You three are skilled, but Saber…..she could wipe you out in a second, if she wanted to. If you come across her, you can fight her but I want Achilles to be her main opponent. It's a shame we don't have an archer, but riders aren't weak to the saber class."

Achilles nodded. "Got it, master - if we come across her, I'll take her on and keep everyone else safe."

"I was trained by assassins and Artemis is an Archer."

"If you think a normal archer - no offense, Artemis - will cut it, you're dead wrong," Rin shot back. "She can provide support, but she doesn't have the firepower you'll need to take Saber on. If Artemis were a Heroic Spirit, then that would be entirely different. Thankfully, that's not the case."

"We've seen a normal human take down a super powered alien before. More than once, too. And don't forget, a heroic spirit has weaknesses too. We've seen firsthand that a heroic spirit can be taken down by a normal human as well."

Kaldur stated.

"Not to mention, If a heroic spirit isn't going against another heroic spirit, they will underestimate them."

"I know that," Rin sighed. "I was in a Holy Grail War, after all - I know how this works. I'm not saying to not fight, but think about it - Jason here was almost killed by Assassin, and Grayson by Saber. It's better to plan to have a Heroic Spirit near so they can help you, otherwise it'll be a much different battle."

"She's right," Shirou said. "I know it doesn't mean much coming from us, especially since how we conducted ourselves in the war, but that means we have experience in that sort of thing. It is possible for us to take our Heroic Spirits ourselves, but it's very difficult and could be fatal. You guys don't know this, but I was nearly killed by Cu at the beginning of the war."

Cu simply shrugged at that. "It happens."

"And with Medea, the Caster of our war, we had planned to fight her ourselves, without a Heroic Spirit…. kind of. And that could've been disastrous if even one thing went wrong. Luckily, some Heroic Spirits were able to help last minute. If they hadn't….well, you guys see where we're going with this, right? Just make sure you're capable of beating your opponent before you jump in, is what I'm saying."

At that moment, the door opened up, admitting Conner, Wolf, Enkidu,and Gilgamesh - the latter of the two soaking and covered in sand.

Gilgamesh surveyed the room, ignoring the stares. Walking over to the map, he asked, "So what is the situation?"

Jason looked over and started laughing. "I take it you had fun."

Gilgamesh arched an eyebrow. "You are brave to face me in such a mood, despite your previous deceit."

"What he means is, yes, we had a lot of fun," Enkidu smiled.

"In that case, I regret nothing." Jason chuckled. "Anyway, we were just discussing how to handle Vandal and the spirits. Uhhh, we still have the locations he did attack. He's either still in Iraq or he could go to Ireland. Although, that part is doubtful."

Cu deflated at the last statement, but was ignored by all but Ritsuka.

"I see he targeted the places we lived while alive," Gilgamesh stated, looking at the map. "Obviously, he wants us to attack first. He believes he is controlling the fight by goading us out, but by picking the places we used to live as the battleground…. perhaps we won't be as blind as we may think we are, going in."

"That might be true, but we should go in with caution. I am still having a hard time finding any traces of any material he used to start a fire. Reports say it is a sudden combustion. Others say it was a bomb. But, there were no traces of any bombs at any site. I'm still running the search though."

Grayson stated. He had shifted over to the computer to see if anything was found, and was met with a dead end.

Gilgamesh frowned. Something was off about the fire…. "Has the mongrel ever used fire like this before?"

"Not that we know of. There is still a lot unknown about Vandal Savage. We don't know where he got alien technology before. We don't know where he was for a year when he took Warworld. He may have found an alien tech that causes these sorts of fires, but we won't know for sure." Grayson replied. "We did think it was Heat Wave at first, but records check out, he's locked up."

The king shared a look with Enkidu, then sighed. "I see. I do not believe the item causing the fires is alien technology. Rather, it is one of my own weapons."

Grayson stared at him. "That night I first saw you….Ra's and you were trying to make a negotiation on a weapon… did you show him any other weapon other than that spear? Did he take any weapons from you then?"

Gilgamesh scoffed. "Of course not. I would never allow a mongrel to take any of my treasures, fool. I showed them only a few weapons...I do not think I showed the mongrels that weapon, but he must've selected it from my treasury when he possessed my key."

"Do you have any way to get…. Whatever weapon he took with that key of yours?" Wally questioned. He was curious about that Key when Enkidu went to go get it with his friend.

"Under normal circumstances, any weapon I use would return to my vault naturally," Gilgamesh said. "But since it's in use right now, I don't believe I have a way of getting it back besides forcibly taking it from the mongrel."

Kaldur thought over this new found knowledge. "So, we should have Gilgamesh focus on taking back that weapon instead of facing the Assassin."

So they had been making battle plans without him…. "That is not quite necessary," he said. "It should be fine as long as someone takes the weapon away from him. In fact, if one of you do manage to take it away from him, you are welcome to use it yourself."

"We have thought some things, not all things through. While we have thought about the spirits, this new weapon that Vandal holds could force us to change things. Gilgamesh, what can you tell us about this weapon?" Kaldur asked.

"Its name is Sul-sagan," Gilgamesh said. "Truly, a powerful weapon in my treasury. It is a Divine Construct blade containing the concept of the horizon - it can launch beam like attacks, as well as setting things it cuts aflame. It's such a shame that mongrels keep using this treasure of mine, as it deserves much better than that."

"That would explain why I can't find any readings of anything that is used to cause massive fires. How do you even stop a weapon like that? With a weapon that can create water burst?"

"Magic can create some shielding," Rin suggested.

"Or you just have to be quick enough to dodge it until you have a chance," Cu input. "Though water sounds like a pretty good counter to me."

"We'll go after the weapon!" Ritsuka volunteered. "I mean, Vandal is likely to have the weapon, as well as the fake Holy Grail in this era, so it should be us that at least keeps him busy. Plus, Mash can shield us from the flames, and Cu can be our offensive."

"Oh! Oh! My buddy Blue and I can help with that too! I'm quick on my feet and can help grab the weapon while he's distracted! And Blue can help with the distraction." Bart chipped in. Jaime shrugged and silently agreed.

"That would be great, thank you!" Ritsuka said.

Gilgamesh watched them converse, then sighed. "Silence. We can not make plans based upon our limited information, though I do agree it is prudent to strike soon. Obviously, it is a trap, but we shall meet it head on. Let's simply focus on team composition instead, so each team may be prepared for anything."

"Vandal thinks he can't be beat. But he doesn't underestimate his enemies either. So I agree with Gilgamesh. Best to be prepared for anything. But at the same time, we don't have much time to prepare."

Grayson spoke his thoughts.

"But a Heroic Spirit must be with each team, and we can't have people going off on their own," Gilgamesh added. "After all, in a grail war, even a king must do battle. It is natural for servants to do combat with servants. The rest of you may provide support, unless there is no other option. I will not argue on this - am I understood?"

He felt rather strongly about that. In the past, his masters had all been different. Rin's father, his first master in the fourth war, had left all fighting up to him, while Kirei got his hands dirty against other masters - not servants. But he could remember - blood, lots of blood in snow. It was something he did not want to see again, though he was unsure to the context of these fragmented memories of his. Probably, they were from when he had turned into a child.

"That could be possible. One spirit for each group going against another spirit and then we have an extra one to go after Vandal."

M'gann spoke up. Even without a solid plan, this was still better than nothing.

"Very well," Gilgamesh said, looking at the heroes gathered. "Kaldur, you may draw up the teams for the battle. We should head out by tomorrow morning at the last location the mongrel was in. Everyone else, take the rest of the day to rest up, for you will need all your strength tomorrow."

"Of course. I already have some ideas in mind that we can discuss ourselves. And I agree, everyone here should go and rest."

Kaldur spoke out. The heroes, mages, and spirits left the room. Grayson caught up to Cu. "Uh, Cu, can I talk to you?"

Cu glanced over his shoulder at Grayson. "Yeah, sure kid, what's up?"

"I was looking things over and I think a city in Ireland was attacked. I just missed it because I was distracted by the random fires. I didn't think to look for anything else at the time. As a detective and me missing such a big detail is not good. It was only after you made that comment I looked into it. I…. I made a mistake…. Sorry about that."

Cu's brows rose. "Really? Huh, it looks like you're being serious….well, no harm done kid, don't stress too much about it. Don't worry, that Vandal guy will have another thing coming - we'll get him for this."

"Yeah, I agree. I guess I should get some rest before I get in trouble for not sleeping. Again. Although…. I'm used to working long hours so this should be fun."

Grayson chuckled. "You get some rest too, Cu. And again, I'm sorry I indirectly made you feel like you weren't important. Everyone here has an important role to play… including you."

Cu patted Grayson on the back. "Nah, it's fine, really. I think I'm going to go fish some, then turn in for the night. Finally, we'll get to do some battle soon. Gotta protect Ireland, and all that."

"Don't stay out too late, got it?"

"Eh," Cu replied grinning. "I won't stay out too late, mom."

"Hey, I just mean it in the best way possible."

"Yeah, I know," Cu said. "How about this - if you get some rest, so will I. Sound fair, kid?"

"How do you know I won't get any rest?" Grayson questioned.

Cu arched an eyebrow. "People talk, and word gets around pretty quick here. Don't get mad at the others though, they're just worried for you. It's a lucky thing, to have friends like that."

"Hey, I'm not that much of a workaholic. I just like to get things done and if that means I have to focus on that, so be it." Grayson crossed his arms.

Cu shrugged. "Sure, kid, sure. But thanks for telling me about Ireland - I don't really need a reason to fight, but it helps."

"Tell me, Cu, What drives you to fight?"

Cu looked back at the young man. "These days I don't really need one - fighting for fighting's sake is usually good enough. But luckily, my master is a good person, she's very human. So I fight for her sake, I guess, and to save humanity." Cu gave a wry smirk. "Was that the answer you were looking for?"

Grayson chuckled. "Whatever answer you gave me would work fine. It answers my question either way. Anyway, you should go get some rest now. I held you back too long."

"Alright," Cu waved at him as he turned around. "See you tomorrow for the battle."

The Irish man walked off, likely to go and fish a bit before it got dark.

As much as Grayson wanted to go and continue with his investigation, he decided he would rather not get yelled at by his family or his friends, so he headed to bed.

Jason stood out and waited for Gilgamesh while he talked to Kaldur. He just waited and leaned against the wall with his eyes shut, not sure how long they were going to be.

Finally, Gilgamesh seemed to have finished with Kaldur, as the king began walking out with Enkidu. Gilgamesh paused, and looked at Jason. "Did you have more matters to speak with me about? The war council has wrapped up, you know."

Jason opened his eyes and yawned before looking at Gilgamesh. "Uh, no, nothing for tomorrow, I just wanted… uh, well… I have something for you. I needed something to do while I was in the medical wing…. Here."

Jason handed Gilgamesh a blade. It wasn't a sword, more like a dagger. There looked to be symbols engraved in the handle. "It reads Mukhlis, Yathiq, and Sawiana. Loyal, trust, together would be its translation. I made the dagger for you."

"You made this?" Gilgamesh asked, studying the blade.

Jason nodded. "Yeah, I got pretty good at making blades and swords. To be able to use a weapon well, you must know it from the beginning. You must know everything about it. I know you have a whole treasury of weapons, but I thought you would like this."

"My treasury houses thousands of weapons that outclass this one," Gilgamesh began. "But, it always has room for an original. It is well made, and thus it should serve its job well."

Jason yawned again. "I hope so, although, you probably won't need to use it, I know how you attack long distance or with an Axe. A blade would be a downfall for you if you don't know how to fight with it."

"Enough with this small talk," Gilgamesh said, dismissing Jason's comment on actually wielding the blade. "You have obviously exhausted yourself - I will not have it be said that I wear down those in my care. Now, get some rest while you are able, for tomorrow shall be a long day."

"I will…. When I'm certain that you go to bed. Ritsuka told me something….. Something about you….."

"Oh?" Gilgamesh asked with a raised brow. "And what has the last master of Chaldea told you?"

"That you…. Died from not... Sleeping…."

Gilgamesh gritted his teeth. His first instinct was to yell at Ritsuka for divulging such information, but…..technically, that information was open to everyone, after he had showed most of the heroes his life. "I promise you, I won't die an embarrassing death such as that again. A king should die in battle, or in old age. Not in his prime - so you needn't worry of such an incident occurring again."

"Gil's right," Enkidu agreed. "You don't need to worry about him, I'll make sure he gets the rest he needs."

Jason hesitated but then nodded, but he suddenly slumped forward onto Gilgamesh, his eyes closing. Kaldu looked at the two. "I didn't think he would fall asleep from the medicine we gave him. I can take him if you want."

Gilgamesh steadied himself, and carefully handed Jason off to Enkidu. "That will not be necessary - we will take him to his rooms."

Kaldur nodded. "We gave him that medicine to help him heal faster, while there was that chance, he didn't show signs. I apologize for that, or at least, not informing you until now."

"That is fine," Gilgamesh, waving aside Kaldur's concerns. "He has long overexerted himself. You made the right call, though next time I wish to be informed of such a decision."

"Of course. If you say you have everything under control here, I shall retire to my room. I shall see you in the morning." Kaldur left the three in the hallway.

Enkidu bridal style carried Jason - or rather, like they were carrying a small child, despite their apparent similar height. Together, the two began walking. Enkidu peered at the blade in their friend's hand. "It looks like a wonderful tool. Jason put a lot of thought into that, I think."

"Indeed he has," Gilgamesh said, admiring the blade. True, it didn't have anything special to it, but Gilgamesh was already envisioning where he'd put it in his treasury - there was a perfect spot in between some items from Siduri he had received when he was alive. True, he didn't use those items often, but they were special in their own right.

"So are you going to give him anything back?" Enkidu asked. "That is customary when gift giving, right?"

Gilgamesh nodded. "Yes. I actually already had something in the workings for him, but I am unsure as to how he will react to this gift in particular….especially since he will not likely recall me when this is said and done."

"Oh? Must be quite the gift, for you to be worrying like this."

Gilgamesh smiled at his friend, though he was still distracted by everything he still had to sort out. "It is," he claimed. "It is something I would like to entrust to him."

"Well, I'm sure it will be fine," Enkidu reassured their friend.

They arrived at Jason's quarters, and Enkidu laid the young man into the bed, happily tucking him in. The two quietly exited the room, the door clicking shut.

Enkidu and Gilgamesh lingered outside the door for a moment, when Enkidu nudged Gilgamesh. "Hey, I still need to fulfill my promise to Jason, and get you all tucked in too."

"I am not some child in need of swaddling, Enkidu."

"You sure about that?" Enkidu asked, their eyes gleaming. "I think you might be wrong about that~"

Gilgamesh laughed, and the two set off towards his quarters. "Give me your worst, my dear friend."

"You are so on." Enkidu answered.

Jason awake gasping for air. He looked around the room confused and trying to catch his breath. He couldn't recall how he got here, nor when he got here. He found a clock in the room and saw that it was roughly two in the morning. He remembered that he gave Gilgamesh the blade and almost nothing after that. He must have passed out, he concluded. Someone must have brought him to this room so he could rest. Too bad it was for nothing.

He sighed and got up and left the room. He needed some air. He walked through the halls and found himself somewhat lost. He realized that he hadn't been on this floor. As he walked down the hall, he found that each room contained members of The Team, spirits or even mages. He came to a room at the end and found Gilgamesh and Enkidu. He found them surrounded by little white feathers and Gilhamesh was passed out on Enkidu. He quickly took a picture, thinking Enkidu would want it later and another thing to tease Gilgamesh with. He closed the door, quietly, and left.

He turned a corner and found a door. He opened it and found it was stairs. He decided to go up and see where they lead. He followed them up to the top and found himself on the roof. He walked to the edge of the roof and leaned over the railing. He looked up at the clear sky and looked at the stars.

"Can't sleep?"

Jason looked behind him and saw Grayson leaning against the wall. He was not in his Nightwing attire, rather jeans, a black shirt and a blue and navy blue jacket.

"Uh, I was asleep. I just… needed some air."

"You had a nightmare."

Jason looked at Grayson as the older walked next to him. He was stunned for a moment.

"How did you-?

"I know you, remember? I also know what it's like to sleep only to be woken by a nightmare. I have one some nights. Many times before a mission."

"Can I ask what you see? In your nightmares?"

Grayson looked up at the night sky.

"Depends on the night. Sometimes my parents, other times Wally, rarely I revisit that training session where everyone I knew died and I had to become something I wasn't. Sometimes you, or even people that didn't die end up dying because of a mistake I did. Sometimes a mix of them."

"What was it tonight?"

Grayson hesitated.

"I saw my parents tonight." Grayson sighed and looked at his younger brother.

"What about you? I can't be the only one sharing."

Jason looked down. He wanted to forget his dream, no, the memory, he had experienced. "I died."

Grayson frowned and looked over at Jason who was looking at the ground below, just looking at the ocean.

"Like a memory?"

Jason nodded. "The Joker….. I remember every blow he made to me. I remember every word he said. I remember him ramming my face into the ground. Him leaving with his insane laugh. I remember trying to get out. I knew I had to get out. I found I was trapped….. I thought for a moment…. Bruce will find me…. He did before. I'll be fine…. Only to see a bomb next to me. It was then that I gave up hope. I had no more fight in me. I closed my eyes as the seconds counted down and I heard a sound before I felt the heat, then pain, then I woke up. I was alone when I died. I remember that. I-"

Jason started shaking as he talked about his memory outloud. He never really knew how he died, only that he had. Knowing how he died, and his final thoughts, they were making him unstable. He wanted to forget again. He didn't want to remember this. He didn't want his brother to see him like this.

"Jason… Bruce found you as the building blew up. He had…. He had hoped that you were still alive, but he was too late. The fact that you are here now, it's thanks to Ra's. It was partially his fault you died, but what he did, to try and redeem his mistake, but, at what cost. You didn't even know who we were."

"Not blaming yourself anymore?"

Grayson chuckled. "Not completely. I still should have been there for you, but I wasn't."

"You had your own thing, it was fine. I took up the role of Robin, now it's Tim. I'm here now, so, we can both look after him."

Grayson sighed and smiled. "We Bats all have something that messed us up, didn't we?"

Jason nodded. Grayson, who despite being a little shorter than the younger one, ruffled Jason's hair. A memory that they shared that was a good one. When Jason first joined the family. Jason whipped his head toward Grayson.

"Hey!" He shouted, but had a smile on his face.

"It doesn't matter if you were dead or not, grown up or not, you are still my little brother. I will look out for you."

"Thank you."

"There you are. Oh, Jason is here too."

The two brothers turn to see Tim.

"What are you doing up, Tim? Shouldn't you be asleep?"

"Well, so should the two of you. I heard you cry out in your sleep from my room. It took me a minute to realize that it was you since I was asleep and thought it was a dream. I decided to go check on you and found you gone. I then had to go and find you, so I looked somewhere high…. Like the roof. So…. are you okay? Both of you?"

"Nightmares."

They both respond, before Grayson gives Tim a small smile. "But, we are both okay now."

The youngest walked over and stood next to them. It was pretty peaceful out, and with the calm, cool breeze, it was a perfect place to talk and unwind. Grayson looks at the two before looking up.

"You know…. Jason is now a little scared to be alone, and I think maybe we should, I don't know, just stay up here and spend the night together."

"Scared!? I am not- Sure why not." Jason stated with a defeated tone, but smiled. Tim shrugged, but was actually really happy with the idea.

"Great! Stay here!" Grayson ran inside the building and left the other two who exchanged glances. A few moments pass before he comes back with a few blankets and pillows and his signature smile.

"Oh, that's where you went. You left withou-" Jason couldn't finish his sentence as a pillow landed right in his face.

"Did you want to get cold? I could have left you in the cold, Jaybird."Grayson said teasingly. Jason rolled his eyes and Tim chuckled.

"Alright, but now is the time for you two to sleep. Got it?" Grayson took his role as their older brother rather seriously.

"You too, Dick."

"Fine, fine. I will."

The three of them spread out a blanket to lay on and as they laid on the blanket, did small talk and looked at the stars. Tim was the first to fall asleep. Jason and Grayson kept quiet so as to not wake the youngest one.

"Good night, Jason. You aren't alone anymore."

"You don't have to carry every burden."

"We will stop Vandal…."

"Together."

The last two brothers quickly were succumbed to sleep.

A/N: Welp, I said screw it. This one was a shorter chapter and I edited it really quickly (not well) and said, I have long updates in-between, might as well give y'all a double update.

Hope you like this one. Two more chapters remaining and this is over. Or at least... this first one is over.

~Akira

Posted: 11/23/2024