Parody of a Vigilante
Chapter One: Return
It hadn't been long since he'd been back in Bludhaven. Since his reintroduction to his family. Yet here he is, alone, sitting upon the tallest building in Bludhaven. Drenched in the rain as it pelted his shoulders. His jaw aching from the unrestrained blow from Jason. He could understand of course, the pain and betrayal from what he had done. What he had been forced to do. It hadn't been his choice, wasn't his plan to deceive and lie his way to victory. Yet here he was suffering with the blame of lies he never wanted to tell in the first place. So he sat with blood running from his split lip and the cool rain slowly soothing the ache in his jaw.
The reunion with Tim hadn't gone much better. It wasn't violent but the burning anger and sudden distaste that appeared after the shock had worn off was more than apparent. It had gouged at his already trembling heart. The loud scoff after his greeting followed by the preamble of ignorance to his existence, well it cut deep.
Honestly at this point he should've had an idea with how things would go with Barbra. He had experience with her and that made it so much harder to approach her. Perhaps it was because she believed he had willingly accepted this mission, or that he had wanted to hide behind an empty grave, but her words tore at him. Devoured the last vestiges of will he had to try and talk with her. So he let her go. Let her grapple away from him as he stood watching her leave.
Maybe it was because everyone thought he faked his death. After all, isn't it better to believe he faked dying than the truth? It didn't matter that he had to take a minute to mentally prepare himself before taking any type of pill now. That it had taken months before he could eat anything solid. He'd gotten over that during his time at Spyral, of course, but the anxiety was still there on bad days. It didn't matter that a simple heart monitor beeping away was enough to give him pause. It just didn't matter. Everything he'd been holding onto to make it through Spyral was unraveling in front of him. Falling through his fingers like a thick smoke.
So here he sat in the freezing rain wondering if he should even try for any of the others. If there was even a glimmer of hope that his receptions thus far had been the rule and not the exception. Bruce had made it abundantly clear this wasn't something he would for sure come back from. So now he had a choice to make. To go back to the man who had beat him into submission, to go play spy as his family thought he was dead, or he could leave. He had options. New friends he met during his time in Spyral. If he was lucky, maybe even some of his friends before he had died.
"Agent 37, do you copy?" the thickly accented voice came into his ear unbidden. Dick took a moment to quell the rising torrent of emotions before pushing his fingers delicately against his temple where the Spyral 3.0 implant remained hidden.
"Go ahead Tiger. I read you loud and clear." His voice droned out in a monotone. None of his roiling emotions even treading to the surface. He should've known he couldn't completely hide his turmoil from Tiger. The man was nothing if not perceptive. So of course he wouldn't miss the lack of communication from him.
"Don't take that tone with me. I'm just checking in." A slight pause before Tiger heaved an uncharacteristic sigh. "You know you can always come back 37. Spyral isn't as it once was." He felt himself shuddering at Tiger's voice. They'd been through a lot at Spyral and it shaped the relationship of trust they had now. All the fighting to make right the wrongs Minos had done. Just to secure the future of his family and friends. People he wasn't even sure would want him back in their life givin his current reception. Let alone if they knew the things he had done.
"I know Tiger. I know but I. . ." Dick paused, his teeth firmly biting his lip . What was the point of coming back if his family didn't want him here to begin with. Maybe going back to Spyral was an option. Not the best option but one regardless. It wasn't like he could go back to Wayne manor.
"You still have your equipment right?" Tiger inquired a hint of something coating his voice making it sound heavy over the comm line. Dick took the out for what it was.
"Yes Tiger, I still have my equipment. Never leave home without at least some of it. Can't if I wanted to, you know that. Still have that Spyral implant after all." Dick said with a self-deprecatory laugh. His fingers twitching at the thought of the implant embedded in his head. A constant reminder of his time spent at Spyral. Just another scar to add to his ever growing list. A loud sigh fluttered in his ear from Tiger.
"The benefits outweigh the possibilities of having it taken out. I know this Tiger. We've been over it several times. I'll let you know my plans as soon as I figure them out myself. Don't worry too much. Just Try and keep me off of everyone's radar." Dick muttered as he dragged a hand down his rain slick face.
"You know I will 37. M has been asking about you to say the least. Might want to give him a call before they find their own way to you." Dick felt himself smile at the thought. Regardless of the falling out with his family he still had people who would worry after him in some form.
"Is he still in California? I never could get the appeal. Always hot, always on fire. I'll be sure to give him a call or stop by soon." He reassured Tiger.
"You better or I'll be stopping by instead. I have to go, keep in touch 37." The line fuzzed out for a moment and again he was alone. Kicking his feet against the building Dick launched himself off the edge. He still had a few lifelines he could draw on.
~~~~~~~~
Waiting was not Dick's forte. Sure he could pull a long stakeout with the best of them but this? The suspense and anxiety was pulling taut on the string holding him here. Waiting outside Damian's school was nerve wracking. His leg wouldn't stop bouncing and he couldn't keep his eyes from shifting to different points as if looking for danger or an escape. His fingers twitched to turn on the hypnos device just for that extra layer of reassurance. The high pitched ringing of the bell had him jumping out of his own skin. Taking a shaky breath and running a hand through his hair Dick waited albeit nervously.
Dick's anxiety notched higher as each group of students filed out of the building.. His eyes washed over each one looking for that tuft of black hair he was sure he would recognize. Soon enough he saw it the moment Damian cleared the door. He watched with bated breath as Damian noticed him. He waited with baited breath as shock was replaced sudden relief before a grin threatened to split Damians face. Damian moved swiftly then, pressing through the horde of people in his rush while attempting to maintain some composure in public.
"Richard?" Damian asked tentatively the moment he was all but a foot away. He looked almost hesitant now. Abruptly unsure of Dicks presence here. as if realizing he may have been mistaken.
"Yeah Dami, it's me. I'm here." Dick said with a watery smile before he suddenly had an armful of his Robin. Decorum be damned he thought as he hefted Damian up and clutched him to his chest. Dick felt his shoulder grow slightly damp as Damian gave a bodily shudder.
"I'm here Dami." he whispered before crouching down and gently setting Damians feet on the ground. He wasn't going to let go until Damian was ready.
"I've missed you Baba." Damian all but breathed out as he released Dick with a deep contorted sigh. A small smile still pushed at his cheeks and Dick couldn't help but be happy that at least this was an exception. His Robin, his son would of course always be the exception.
"How about we go get Alfred and see if we can't stop for some ice cream on the way home?" Dick bargained, nearly forgetting he had yet to reveal himself to his grandfather figure. Instead he took strength from Damian as he clutched at his hand. Alfred was already standing by the back passenger door waiting for Damian. Dick could see the moment Alfred had registered him. Clocked his presence and then recognised who he was looking at.
"Hey Alfie." Dick said under his breath waiting to gauge his reaction. He could see as the shock gave way to awe then Alfreds eyes seemed to fill and overflow with tears. Suddenly and without warning Dick was engulfed in strong arms as Alfred pulled him in closer.
"Welcome home son." Alfred whispered against his shoulder. Once again he could feel the wetness soaking into his shirt but he didn't mind. Instead he wrapped his other arm around Alfred and clung just as sharply to him as he did to Damians hand at his side.
"I uh, told Damian we could stop for ice cream Alfie, I hope that's okay." Dick said into Alfreds shoulder as the hustle and bustle brought them out of their reunion.
"That's quite alright, Master Richard. Shall we invite any of the others?" Alfred intoned while pulling back and opening the back door. Dick felt himself stiffen at the mention of their names. The incidents from the other night are still fresh and his jaw now pulsed with pain at the reminder. He'd hidden the deepening bruise under a layer of makeup but that wasn't always enough. he wou;d've used the hypnos to divert attention but then they wouldn't have recognised him.
"No Alfie. they already know I'm back. We can see them at the manor later." He said with a forced smile hiding behind the fact he had no intention to go to the manor.
"Very well. master Richard." Alfred said before gripping his arm and giving him a look overflowing with emotions. "I'm glad you're back son." If Dick took a little longer to climb into the vehicle after Damian then that was no one's business but his own.
~~~~~~~~
It seemed any other happy reunions were out of the question. Damian and Alfred had been, as he feared, the exception to the rule and not the standard. Bruce was less than receptive of his arrival when Alfred and Damian had all but pulled him through the door of the manor. He should've known better.
"You shouldn't be here." Bruce stated. The furrow in his brow was the only indicator he was feeling perturbed. Dick had almost fled at that. Yet rather than flee he felt himself bristle with an unbridled anger. A slow stoked fury had been burning in his veins since Luther had shoved that damned pill down his throat. Since Bruce had so easily blamed him for dying, for not being good enough. He was never good enough.
"We need to talk Bruce." He'd said.. The rage simmered through his tentative hold. He could feel the tempest of anger, fear, grief, resentment as it twisted into a cold frozen wave and settled on his skin. "I'll meet you in the kitchen Dami, Alfred." Dick said with a nod and tight smile at the pair before stalking off down the hall.
As he pushed through the doors of Bruce's office he could hear the metaphorical cracks and snaps as though ice was shifting. Bruce was behind him he knew and it took everything he had not to put himself into the safety of a corner. He kept the man in his peripheral, of course, he couldn't not keep an eye on the man who beat him into compliance. How could he. The old scars on his back screamed at him in warning that this man was and still is a threat to him.
"What are you doing here Richard?" Bruce asked, his voice dripping with a preconceived disdain. Richard wasn't ready for this. He hadn't prepared and was still feeling the raw hurt from Jason and Tim. So this? whatever this was, he wasn't ready. Then again when was he ever when it came to Bruce.
"Whatever do you mean Mr. Malone?" Dick dropped the name with venom and spat it out like a curse under his breath. "Did something not go to plan? Perhaps there was a deviation after all those months of radio silence?" Finally dick turned around to face the man. His once sky blue blue eyes simmering into an angry ocean. "Or is it that I'm back that's the problem?" Bruce said nothing. Just let his own gaze lock onto Richard.
"Oh or was this supposed to be a suicide mission? Bit late on getting killed a second time I suppose." If Dick hadn't been paying attention he would've missed the flash of guilt in Bruce's eyes at his statement. If Spyral had been any less demanding in its training Dick could've pretended he didn't see it. However he was paying attention and Spyral had been demanding and then more so of its agents. So that flash of guilt was as good as an admission that Bruce hadn't wanted him to come back.
"I see." Dick said quietly as he felt his heart splinter and crack.. He turned his head down in thought for a moment attempting to control the torrent of emotions rampaging within him once again. His two exceptions to the rule were all that was holding him here. Alfred would understand what he was about to do but Damian? There was no way he would fully understand. He could leave him a lifeline. A way to get in touch. With his mind made up Richard looked up and locked his gaze back onto bruce. "Very well Bruce. Since my death was the outcome you so desired, so shall it be. I won't haunt your halls or your city. You won't find me near Gotham. You won't find me at all."
"Wait." Bruce warbled out as Richard shouldered past him and out of the office. He was done listening to this man's wants and needs. Done playing soldier for his demands. Opening the door he wasn't expecting to see Jason or Tim seemingly walking past. He froze a moment as their eyes met and he saw their anger begin to boil. He still loved them. He wouldn't ever not love them. Yet right now, after that heart wrenching truth, he couldn't deal with their anger.
His swirling emotions made it easy to brush past the pair and down the hall at a fast pace not even sparing them a second glance. He couldn't help as his fingers flexed and clenched before relaxing to wrap around an invisible thread of fury and hurt. In the haze of emotions he saw the doorway to the dining area. He could hear Damian and Alfred talking through the cloud of anger billowing in his ears. He took a breath, held it, and let go.
"Hey Dami, Alfred." Dick said, swooping in and grabbing Damian in a hug. " I can't stay." He paused for a moment trying to find the words. "Something has come up." It wouldn't do to give anything about his plans away here. He reached into his pocket and pulled out a small device barely larger than a thumb drive and a small headphone case. It was one of his few emergency communication devices should his hypnos fail. He played with the dial on the device and set it to his private frequency. "If you need me Dami, for anything, use this okay? Even if it's just to talk. I'm sure Alfred would like to use it at times if you'd be willing to share." Richard said while pressing the two devices into Damians hands.
"What are you talking about Richard?" The slight quiver to Damians voice tore at the shards in his heart. Still he couldn't stay. It would put his body in the empty grave Bruce had for him. He wrapped Damians hands in his own and pressed them to his forehead.
"I'm so sorry Dami. I can't stay." He choked out barely above a whisper. He knew staying would kill him but that this could also be the last time he spoke to Damian. The familiar clenching in his throat had him taking a steadying breath.
"Then take me with you." Damian demanded. The quiver in his voice was replaced by a determined growl. "If this is because those imbeciles can't see what's in front of them then. . ."
"No. No Dami." Richard interrupted. "Let me get settled and then we can talk about you coming to visit."
"Two weeks Richard. Two weeks and then I'm coming." Damian said with a false confidence as he clutched the communicator in his hands.
"Ok Dami, Two weeks." Richard said as he pulled Damian in for a final hug. Standing he couldn't help the guilt settling in the pit of his stomach as he looked at Alfred. His grandfather had been there through so much but the man was Bruce's father. so instead he moved to hug the man with an apology already slipping between his lips. "Alfie. . ."
"None of that now Master Richard. Should you require anything you call me. I'll expect a call at least once a week." Alfred said as he embraced him. With a final hug Richard fled Wayne manor.
~~~~~~
The cab ride back to his apartment was awkward to say the least. His driver seemed to pick up on his temperament and wisely just stayed silent after asking for their destination. After about 30 minutes they came to a stop in front of some debilitated apartments. Broken brick and mortar walls with several boarded up windows and only a single flickering street light marked their destination.
Dick handed the man a handful of money, enough to easily cover the trip, and climbed out of the cab. He could've chosen a nice complex, heaven knows he had enough in his bank accounts, yet this had felt right. He wasn't sure if it was because subconsciously he already knew he'd not stay. Or if he was too used to not even having proper shelter half the time. Too much time in the field laying under the stars or sleeping against the ruins of a building had given him a sort of claustrophobia.
Marching himself into the broken down building he pushed past the door barely hanging on its hinges. Climbing to the third floor Dick paused momentarily as he fished the keys from his pocket. Unlocking and stepping past the flimsy door Dick sank to the floor after closing the door for some semblance of privacy. He didn't have long to settle himself but the writhing mass of emotions demanded his attention.
Standing he gathered a few sets of clothes and all his Spyral gear into a nondescript black duffle. His bike was still parked in the alley next to his apartment building. it would make for a quick and easy ride back to gotham to the closest Spyral 'safe haven' as they liked to call them. in reality it was just an overly large safe house.
With Bruce's technology he had no doubt his apartment was already compromised. After all he'd come back with the intention to stay so why would he hide from his family. As soon as he shut his apartment door he tapped at his temple to activate his Hypnos. With the assurance that his features were distorted Dick fled.
Upon entering Gotham Dick kept to the back alleys and side roads. His hypnos easily adjusting the local cameras away from his position. It wasn't a full proof system but it was more than enough to escape a bat if they didn't know where to look. After taking a roundabout route he abandoned his motorcycle somewhere near Crime Alley. He was more than willing to bet that there would be no evidence of a bike within the hour. Ducking into old shops to help the Hypnos avoid cameras he made it to one of Spyrals many safe havens. It was honestly more normal than he was expecting.
The foyer of the hostel he'd entered was drab at best. A flickering light barely illuminated the front desk behind which sat a petite blond Dick knew was an agent. Tapping his fore fingers against the implant at his temple Dick deactivated the hypnos. There was no point in it being active within a Spyral safe haven. He dropped the duffle in front of the desk with a loud thump as the blond eyed him.
"How can we help you tonight sir?" She asked with a bell like lit to her voice. Dick gave her an unimpressed stare as he debated about calling Tiger or just using the tele-tube system to visit M.
"Agent 37 requesting access to Patrons location for immediate transport. Express code 96 Alpha extraction." The loud clacks of an old keyboard hit his ears like nails on a chalkboard as he waited for confirmation.
"You're approved. It'll be room four. Hall on your right at the end. Please enjoy your stay." She said while gesturing towards the hall.
Grabbing the black duffle from the floor he gave a quick nod before making his way down the hall. It was just as dreary as the foyer. Dim lighting and paint peeling on the walls. There was one window but it was boarded up with plywood. Now whether that was to keep up appearances for being in the slums of gotham or privacy for Spyral Dick would never know. Regardless He pushed open the debilitated looking door at the end of the hall. It was heavier than it appeared considering it was a ruse and honestly he doubted superman could get through that door easily. If they infused a layer of kryptonite most definitely not. maybe he should point that out to Tiger Dick mused.
Upon closing the door he heard several locks click into place before a set of laser scanners pulsed over his figure. The room was quaint and gave off the appeal of a rotting trash can. He wasn't to be here long either way. Tossing his duffle onto the single queen size bed Dick stretched while he waited for the scan to finish.
"Welcome Agent 37. Your destination is preselected for Patron. Starting up tele-tube systems. Estimated time until completion: 20 minutes." A feminine robotic voice filtered through the room. Heaving a sigh Dick thumbed his temple again. Instead of activating his Hypnos fully however he just connected to the Spyral communication network, specifically a private channel he shared with M and Tiger. He sank down beside his duffle on the floor as he gave the device a moment to connect. A Click of static signaled his connection.
"Tiger you copy?" Dick inquired to the empty room. He knew his voice most likely sounded off. Compartmentalization can only work so well to stave off the swell of emotions he'd suppressed earlier. His anger was taking a backseat as grief prodded at the forefront. He tossed his head back to rest it against the mattress as he waited for a response. After a moment he inquired again. "Patron, this is Agent 37, do you copy?" He could feel the familiar pinch in his throat. That tell-tell sign that his grief was about to break out of his hold.
"I copy you 37." Tiger's gruff voice came over the line. It sounded deeper, rougher than usual. Dick almost felt bad given he'd most likely woken the man up.
"Sorry for waking you Tiger." Dick sighed out as he dropped his head between his knees. He didn't know how to broach the subject of using the tele-tube to meet the man.
"What's up 37? I wasn't expec. . ." Tiger started out.
"5 minutes remaining. Please prepare for transport." The feminine voice droned out again interrupting Tiger mid sentence.
"Where are you headed 37?" He sounded more awake now Dick thought. Letting out a sigh Dick pressed a hand to his brow in an attempt to stem the overflow of emotions.
"To you if that's okay Tiger. I just. . . I had some bad news is all. I can cancel the jump if it's a bother. Or change course I suppose." Dick didn't want to admit that was the last thing he wanted to do. As much as Tiger was a no nonsense, stick to the book and toe the line, kind of guy Dick knew he had his back if push came to shove.
"My door is always open Grayson. I'm honestly surprised you called first. I'll be waiting." The click of static and the communication line was dead again.
"Temporal Gateway opening. Please stand in the designated safety zone." Droned out the disembodied voice again as an array of lights lit up the floor. a set of yellow lines indicated where he was to stand as the portal opened. Wasting no time he grabbed his bag and stood in one smooth motion. He stood within the line a step later as a set of blue lights cut the room in half.
"Temporal gateway Open. Have a safe trip Agent 37." The gate flickered to life. A swirling mass of blue and purples with a noxious green bleeding from the edges. Stepping into and then through the portal he could feel the barrier give way. It felt as though he was stepping into a pool of cool slime as it washed around him for a moment before he was suddenly stepping out into a living room.
Floor to ceiling windows were blocked by a set of shutters to keep the sun out as well as any number of things. A set of lights lined the ceiling and illuminated the space in a pale yellow glow. Dick immediately dropped his bag on the plush carpet before sinking into the faux leather couch. He dropped his arms over his eyes as he laid his head back against the couch. It had been an exhausting week to say the least.
"There is a guest room." Tiger stated his voice coated in sleep as he entered the living space. "I hear it's actually quite nice all things considered."
"Ya, just give me a moment Tiger." Dick said unmoving from where he'd settled on the couch. After several moments of silence Tiger joined him on the couch. Dick relished the presence the man gave off, soaking in the warmth that radiated from him.
"If I'm being honest here Grayson. I did not expect you to come back, at least not so soon. What happened with your family?" Tiger inquired, his voice heavy with sleep. Dick knew Tiger was watching him, trying to discern any information from his body language. What a shame he had his emotions so tightly under wraps nothing beyond the apparent exhaustion was showing.
"Needless to say, it didn't go well. Thanks for letting me crash here. Do you mind if I bother you till I find a place? I could ask M but I don't want to bother the married couple." Dick asked while adjusting his arm so he could peek at Tiger for a moment.
"You're always welcome Grayson. Just don't fill my cabinets with that atrocious cereal." The smile that played on Tiger's lips gave off a feeling of endearing amusement rather than the implied annoyance.
"There is nothing wrong with Frosted Flakes! You even share the same mascot!" Dick said with an exaggerated tone attempting to mask the emotional exhaustion he felt. It didn't last. The fragile mask of a jovial smile fell just after a moment of Tiger just watching him with suspicion.
"It is okay to not be okay Grayson. I may not be good at speaking of my own problems but I am here. Do not put up that pitiful performance for me." Tiger said as he clasped a hand on Dicks shoulder for a moment before withdrawing. "If you'd like, we can discuss this more after some sleep."
With a jerky nod Dick stood from the couch and grabbed his black duffle. It had been an exhausting week and he wasn't quite ready to face everything that had happened over the last few days. Reaching for what he knew was the guest room door Dick paused for a moment.
"I'll see you in the morning Tony." Dick was shifting and hiding behind the closed door just as several solid thunks slammed against it. a light smile played against his lips despite the turmoil buzzing under his skin.
"What have I told you about that name Grayson!" Tiger's voice came muffled through the door. as the sound of another door closing reached him.
The 'guest' room as Tiger had put it felt more like his personal room at this point. As far as he was aware no one else had stayed in this room besides him. His clothes were still hanging in the closet and folded in the single mirror dresser. The blanket that covered the queen mattress was one he had chosen when Tiger had picked the place out. It was comforting knowing Tiger would always have space for him here.
Not bothering to change Dick climbed under the covers of the familiar bed. He'd take a shower in the morning and start his search for a place to live. Maybe Tiger would have some ideas. He fell asleep then with emotions more subdued than before but still present.