Disclaimer: not mine

Happy New Years everyone!

So…I kind of want to turn at least some of the bats for poor Tim's sake, so he doesn't watch most of his family age and die. What do you all think?

Again – do not message/review about art unless you wish to be blocked. How hard is that to understand? If I get many more of these messages I will disable PM's which sucks for the people who genuinely want to chat about my stories.

Chapter 2

Tim blinked at the ceiling, the dream fading even as he blinked rapidly to keep the tears at bay. Once, those dreams had given him the courage to run for freedom and now…now they just hurt. He rolled over, burying his face in his pillow, letting the grief come for a little while at least. But then he sat up, wiped his eyes, and picked up the thermos to drink. He then showered and dressed, heading to the kitchen for a proper meal.

Jason wandered in, ruffling his hair as Tim drank his full meal of blood. The bedside thermos was a great immediate pick me up and to ensure he could get ready before heading down for a proper meal. "Someone's been messing with some of the girls, no one's gotten a good look at him," Jason offered as he drank his coffee.

"But I might catch a scent," Tim finished his blood. "Good thing I'm Hood tonight."

Jason grinned. "Seeing you as Red Hood never gets old, such a tiny little thing," he teased, and Tim punched him in the arm.

"Five eight is a respectable height," he huffed.

Despite being dead, being turned and the Pit had both given him a little boost in height. But he had still missed out on a lot of the filling out he should have done with maturity. No matter what he did, he would always look like a teenager. It meant that unlike Jason and even Dick, he had to put up with being…cooed at by some of those in the Alley.

"Whatever you say," Jason taunted. "See you in the Cave."

He left the kitchen and Tim moved to wash out his mug, feeling more and more awake as the night deepened. Once he was done, he went downstairs to get ready for patrol.

He got out his version of the Red Hood gear, stripping to pull on the grey armoured cargo pants before pulling on the skintight black compression top. Did he actually need the top? Probably not, but it was standard so he wore it. He then pulled on the armoured shirt with the red bat across the chest. He then placed and fastened his utility belt, making sure it settled comfortably. He grabbed the armoured boots and pulled them on, then the heavy armour-lined leather jacket. He grabbed his gloves and domino, not putting them on yet.

He left the change rooms to find Jason was already suited up, just missing the cowl. Cass and Steph were across the room, Tim purposely ignoring their voices. He was getting better at ignoring things he wasn't meant to be able to see or hear. It really gave him a glimpse into Clark and the other Kryptonians lives…and made him feel all the more sympathetic to what they went through every day. He was very glad his senses were no match for theirs.

Dick, Nightwing, would be working out of Blüdhaven tonight along with Kestrel to bust an arms ring. Batman would be splitting up Gotham with Black Bat and Batgirl while Hood took the Alley.

Tim moved to the weapons locker, getting out his equipment, including the guns Hood was known for.

"It'll never stop looking odd, seeing you strap on guns," Jason admitted softly.

"If Shiva'd had her way, I'd have been using a sword or something," he shrugged. "Not like I'm using lethal ammo." Most of the time anyway. There'd been that fight…but he'd made non-lethal shots, he'd gone for knees and elbows as much as possible. "Least I haven't needed a rocket launcher." Tim grinned, and Jason laughed.

"I'm not sure if that scares me or is hilarious, so please don't."

"No rocket launchers for any of you!" B called from over by the Batcomputer.

"With all the explosions he's been close to, how is his hearing so good?" Jason grumbled.

"Well…he was a bat."

"Very funny Timbit."

,

He hissed, teeth clenched in pain, but slowly unwound the bandages, staring at the mix of red and green soaked into them. That…that wasn't good. Every breath rasped through his lungs, his ribs screaming in protest. He fought through the pain to clean the wound as best he could, struggling to rebandage it, silent tears falling. It hurt…why wasn't he healing yet?

He took a breath and then tried to get up, he needed somewhere secure…needed food… the room spun about and he slumped back, darkness claiming him.

,

"Hood, you busy?"

"Just finished up," Tim answered, staring at the rather battered men around him. "Need the cops for collection."

"Understood," she agreed.

"Got something for me?" He checked the ammunition in his guns.

"Northeast side of the Alley. It's…camera interference," she answered, and he froze.

"Camera interference?" he asked, fighting to keep his voice steady. If his heart still beat it would be racing. "Oracle is it…" he couldn't say it, throat closing.

"Breath Hood," B's voice cut in. "Breath with me," he ordered, and Tim obeyed.

"It's similar to what happened back then but it's concerningly similar," Babs explained gently.

"Can be there in twenty," Black Bat offered.

"I've got it," he answered, forcing his voice to be firm and steady. If they had come back…then he was the best person to send. He couldn't be mind controlled like a human after all. Even Kon was vulnerable to that, even if they'd break their fangs trying to bite him. "Send me the camera locations."

"Alright but stay on comms."

"I will." Tim fired his grabble, getting back onto the roof to run. The data came in and he headed for the first camera.

,

Bruce stared at the data, watching Tim's trackers move ever closer. He had four, two in the suit, one in his phone, and the final one implanted into his body. It hadn't been easy since his healing meant his body had tried to expel it, but John had come up with a spell that basically made his healing ignore its presence. It was hidden deep, lodged into the bone of his spine, which meant no captor should ever find it, allowing them to track Tim.

All of them had trackers planted internally now after what had happened, even if being turned had disabled it, having one could have let them find the nest quicker once Dick had been taken. Even Kon had lined up for the surgery, under the influence of red sun lamps to drain his powers so that the tracker could be implanted. The data was under the highest possible security to ensure no one else could access it, only the Batcomputer and Oracle's set up, though it could be accessed by a Bat via the Watchtower.

If this was more vampires…it was Tim, Dick, and Bernard's worst nightmare. Dick had recovered from what had happened thanks to years of therapy and his stubborn refusal to blame or fear Tim, even when they thought Tim dead forever. If they were back…he would be calling Clark immediately. The whole super family, the speedsters, Wonders, JL Dark…they could handle it. Not his family. They couldn't go through that again.

,

Kon grabbed his phone to check the message, frowning at the alert. He swallowed, not again. And Tim was out there, somewhere in Gotham, hopefully with backup. They'd be pairing up if they weren't already, it was harder to grab a pair than someone who was solo. And even if it was vampires, there was no reason to assume they had come for the same reason. It could be someone passing through who had to stop and shelter for the day. There was no reason to panic.

He saved his work and went downstairs to find Bernard curled on the couch watching a movie. Kon sat and drew him into his arms, holding him close.

"Kon?" Bernard turned his head to look at him.

"Camera interference, Hood is investigating," he answered softly.

Ber frowned. "Tim's Hood tonight."

"He'll be careful," Kon stated, and then grimaced at the look Bernard shot him. Yeah… "Let's head into the Nest, we can listen on comms. He runs into anything, I'll be there in a second," he promised, and Bernard nodded.

"Thanks."

They both knew Tim likely wouldn't like it, but they couldn't lose him again.

,

Babs checked the cameras again, there'd been no further interference. That suggested the cause had stopped moving or somehow left without messing with any other cameras. The thought of more vampires in the city terrified her. What they had done to Tim, Bernard, and Dick…

So much had changed the first-time vampires came to Gotham in numbers, none of it for the better. There were a small number still in the city, they tended to stick to the Narrows and fed without killing, knowing they were being watched. It had been made clear to them that any negative action would bring the Justice League down on them.

And then Tim swore, something he was more prone to these days which was interesting given the rather formal language used by the LoA. Or was that why? A subconscious rebellion to the years under their rules?

"What is it?" she asked, worried.

"Blood…and what looks like Lazarus Water," he answered stiffly.

"Hood, get out of there," B demanded. Any hint of the League had them all very protective of Tim, Damian, and Jason given their history with Ra's.

"It's dry," Tim argued.

"It could be a trap baby bird, get out of there," Jason thankfully agreed with them.

"I can back him up if he won't leave," Kon's voice joined the line.

"Give me a moment," Tim grumbled. "Got a sample, on my way to the Cave."

She watched Tim's tracker and the cameras around him, looking for anyone tailing him. Sadly, the area was one where they hadn't yet managed to place enhanced cameras for tracking the supernatural. You'd think after eight years they'd have managed the whole city but the altered cameras were expensive and not as durable, making it difficult.

Thankfully, Tim made it to the Cave and she could stop actively tracking him.

,

Okay…ouch…maybe moving so soon after cleaning up hadn't been his smartest idea. He grimaced and very slowly began pushing himself up. He reached for his powers and they flickered erratically. Looked like he was doing things the hard way then. He had to keep moving, couldn't risk being found.

,

Dick really wanted to be looking into whatever Babs and Tim had found but no…there just had to be an Arkham breakout. Seriously, weren't they all getting a bit old for this? Freeze wasn't much of an issue anymore, not with a nicely funded lab to keep looking for a cure and the fact he was heading towards his fiftieth birthday. But others just didn't get the hint that they were getting way too old for this.

This breakout was Scarecrow, Bane, and a handful of lower-level threats. Supernova and Orioles were going to be tag teaming Bane given they both had super strength. Bane couldn't hurt Kon and while he could theoretically rip Bernard apart, the kid was too fast to be caught and would bite in self-defence if needed. Batman and Kestrel, Jason and Damian tonight, were rounding up the others and making sure no one else broke out as well.

Dick grinned as Tim joined him, the two of them going after Scarecrow. Fear gas didn't work on Tim or Bernard since they didn't need to breath, it didn't work on Kon since he could hold his breath plus, he was only partially human.

Blackbird and Nightwing made their way through the city, searching for the creepy doctor.

"Anything?"

"No movement at any of his usual haunts," Tim answered as he checked his computer.

"Which means a longer search, fun," Dick swung around to land beside his brother.

"Maybe he left on vacation?" Tim asked, a smirk visible.

"Ha ha." Scarecrow take a vacation? Yeah right.

"Got something," Tim called. "He's headed for Gotham U!"

That wasn't good. Sure, it was almost midnight, but the dorms would make a good current target or he could set something up to blow and gas the students the next day. They raced across the city, Dick on his bike, Tim shadowing him from above.

The campus was eerily silent, everyone locked away in their dorms or the library, maybe the 24-hour coffee shop that gets a wistful glance from Tim…he'd liked their coffee, hadn't he? Even out of town students would know this far into semester to get indoors with someone like Scarecrow on the loose. Now they just had to find him.

,

Blackbird slipped easily through the shadows as if he was part of them. He'd stopped breathing though his chest moved as if he was, just in case he came across anyone. He didn't want to freak any civilians out after all. But even if he was breathing, the gas wouldn't affect him since he was basically a walking corpse.

He didn't like splitting up but there was a lot of ground to cover. It would be quicker once the others had Bane wrapped up and could help. Kon could just look the campus over from the air to find the creep.

"Hey Blackbird, got some…"

He hissed as Dick's comm ended in a high-pitched squeal of static. "Say again Nightwing?" but only static answered him. "Blackbird to Oracle, location on Nightwing?"

"Near the campus library, something's interfering with the normal trackers. Activating internal…"

Tim was already moving that way, narrowing in on the right building as she told him the exact location. The backup rebreather he carried sat securely in its pouch, the same with his fear toxin antidotes. Dick would be fine. Scarecrow…well, that would depend.

,

There was a funny noise in the distance and he tried to focus on it, able to sense the tension and fear in the air. A part of him screamed to transform, to go and help…but he couldn't. He whined softly. He wanted…he wanted his Fraid…wanted the cold of the Far Frozen, the comfort of the Realms…

,

His lips curled back in a snarl as he saw his big brother down, Scarecrow over him, an empty syringe…Dick's heartrate was already accelerating, his breaths coming in pants. No! He launched himself from the beam, slamming into the shocked human. He heard bones snap and didn't care, quickly cuffing the villain before he could even attempt to fight back, knocking him out.

"Wing?" he called softly, remaining crouched so as not to loom over his fallen brother.

Hearing Dick whimper hurt, but who knew what he was seeing?

"It's okay Dick," he kept his voice quiet, soothing. "I've got the antidote," he promised, shifting closer, and Dick cried out in terror, an arm between them.

"Pp…lease…s'me…Timmy…don't…"

He froze, horror sinking in. Dick was…Tim swallowed, feeling sick despite not being able to throw up.

,

He scrambled away from the monster his baby brother had become, pleading for him to remember. Tim would never hurt him…this wasn't Tim…. Please not again…it hurt. He could feel cold hands on his body, touching him, a mockery of something that should never happen between brothers… "NO!"

Vague sounds…words…something sharp…he scrambled away, panting, vision blurred.

"It's okay Dick, you're safe. I gave you the antidote, you'll be okay. I'm staying over here; I won't come closer. Jason's on his way; he'll take you home."

Slowly the words broke through the fear, repeating over and over until he could hear them all. He blinked and the room was gone, revealing a…classroom? He shook his head, what? The air was cool but not cold. His clothes…Nightwing's suit?

"Dick?" a hesitant voice called, almost too soft to hear.

He looked over and there was a figure in mostly black, crouched to make themselves' small. A bird on the chest… he swallowed, throat aching, had he yelled? "T…Tim?" he croaked.

"It's me," Tim whispered, shifting to sit properly. "Do you remember what happened?"

Dick shivered, rubbing at his arms. Tim had…no…that had been years ago. It hadn't really been Tim, just his body. Tim would never do that.

"Dick?"

What had… "Fear toxin," he whispered.

"Yeah, Crane got you good." Tim sounded unsure, sad… what had Dick said?

He shifted, forcing his body to move, crawling towards his brother. Tim watched him, eyes hidden behind the lenses of his cowl, his body tense. He fought back a shiver of fear, Tim wouldn't hurt him, he wouldn't. He grimaced though as something in his leg pulled. He stopped and moved to touch it, feeling blood. He looked up at Tim, seeing his nostrils flare slightly, feeling his pulse pick up in response. Tim immediately pushed himself further away across the floor.

"I'm not going to hurt you, Dick. I'm not even peckish," Tim promised.

Dick moved to sit, stretching the leg out, seeing the tear in his suit. Huh, he didn't remember that happening. He reached shakily for his utility belt and the medical supplies but he couldn't manage the clasp. He looked back at Tim again, seeing how he'd leant back on his hands, his head tipped back slightly, baring his throat to Dick… "Help," Dick called.

"You sure?" Tim asked softly, and he nodded.

"It wasn't you; I know you'd never hurt me," Dick told him. "Please Timmy."

He reached for his brother, and Tim moved slowly across the floor till he was kneeling beside him. Dick reached up to his cowl and Tim lowered his head, letting him pull it off, risky, but Crane was out cold. Tim's eyes were blue, his fangs retracted, he was in full control of himself. This was Timmy, his baby bird, he wouldn't hurt him. Dick reached out again and Tim took his hand, the gloves hiding the coldness of Tim's skin.

"I'll get that bandaged," he murmured.

"Just lick it," Dick told him, and Tim froze, glancing up at him. "Not the first time you've done it in the field Tim, who knows what germs were on whatever cut me."

,

Tim hesitated, but Dick seemed fully focused and aware now. His pulse had slowed and his breathing was better even if he looked a mess. He'd tried to crawl to Tim. So, he couldn't be hallucinating anymore. He shifted and leant down, pulling the suit away from Dick's leg, lapping at the wound gently. The slight taste of dirt wasn't pleasant, but Dick's blood was, which was why he'd been so careful around him, he remembered feeding freely from Dick and never wanted to make Dick think he'd hurt him.

He stopped and pulled out bandages to wrap the wound. "How's it feel?" he asked.

"Well wrapped," Dick murmured.

And then Batman dropped down. "Wing?" he demanded.

"M'okay," he offered a small smile. "Just Crane being Crane."

"I've cleaned and wrapped his leg and he's had one fear toxin antidote. Seemed to have been the normal strain," Tim explained.

,

Jason relaxed when Dick looked at him, seeing his bandaged leg and pallor. "Okay, up we go Dickie," Jason warned before hauling his brother up and over his shoulders.

"I'll make sure Crane gets to the cops," Tim told them as he stood as well, and Jason motioned at his mouth, seeing the small smear of red. That answered how well the wound had been cleaned.

"Let's get you home," Jason told Dick, carrying him to the Batmobile, Damian on watch outside. "Stick with Blackbird, Kestrel."

Damian nodded, a hand resting on the hilt of his katana.

Jason got Dick settled in the car and then got in as well, setting the autopilot for the Cave. "You need another antidote?" he asked, grabbing the solvent from his belt and carefully moving to remove Dick's domino.

Dick blinked at him, his pupils looked normal thankfully and his colour was improving. "Someone needs to stay with Tim," he mumbled.

"Dick?"

"I hurt him."

"What? Dick…Tim was fine."

But Dick shook his head. "The toxin…I couldn't…the warehouse." Dick shuddered. "I'm not scared of Tim, I'm not."

"Hey," Jason grabbed his brother's hands. "It's okay, no one can control what happens under that stuff. Tim knows you love him, Dick. You've been at his side since he came home. He'll be back soon; you guys can talk then."

The Batmobile pulled into the Cave and Bruce was there, helping Dick out. Jason slumped back in the seat, closing his eyes for a moment before getting out, pushing the cowl off. Kon and Bernard had dealt with Bane, Crane was on his way to Arkham, and they'd rounded up the others. So a mostly successful night.

,

Tim paused when he saw Dick lying on his bed and then he realised he was asleep. Looked like he'd be sleeping in the cave then. But then sleepy blue eyes opened and Dick smiled at him.

"Come on baby bird," he mumbled, sleepily patting the bed.

"Dick…you don't need to do this, it's okay."

"Want to," he insisted, patting the bed again.

Tim yawned, hesitating, but then he crawled in beside him.

"Love you little brother," Dick promised, curling around him.

Tim closed his eyes. "Love you too," he whispered, feeling the dawn approaching. Hopefully, the tests he'd set up on those samples would be done when he got up. If Ra's was in town…

,

Bernard lay in Kon's arms, feeling sleep pulling at him even as Kon's breathing slowed to normal. A good fight always led to fun before bed. He was worried about Tim and Dick, what little had come over comms…fear toxin was never fun, he was so glad he didn't have to worry about things like that anymore. It was easy to guess what Dick had seen, how that would affect Tim… he yawned, snuggling closer to Kon's warmth.

"Night," Kon whispered, the room pitch black now as the sun rose.

"Night," he replied. He turned his head enough for Kon to kiss him. "Hope tonight's…quieter…"

"Hopefully, but it is Gotham."

"Hmmm, true." He yawned again, he was tired and the rising sun didn't help.

"Go to sleep," Kon kissed him again, and Bernard let his eyes close.

,

He dragged himself down the alley, keeping to the shadows. He needed somewhere to hide for the day, if anyone saw him…it was Gotham, they might not call the cops but he didn't need attention. He had to find somewhere safe where he could stay for good while he healed, if he healed.

TBC….