.
The cozy café in Rome smelled amazing—freshly baked pastries and rich coffee filled the air. When Talia al Ghul walked in, the bell above the door chimed, and her presence seemed to make the place feel a bit more serious. She scanned the room with a look that made everyone pay attention, then headed over to where Jason was waiting at a corner table. He looked up from his tiramisu, a big smile spreading across his face when he saw her.
"Hello, Umi," Jason said, standing up to give her a hug. Talia smiled and took her seat across from him, her eyes softening just a bit.
The café had a warm vibe, with soft light coming through the lace curtains and delicate pastries on display. The owners, who were old allies of the League of Shadows, kept a discreet eye on the mother-son reunion.
Jason dug into his tarte tatin, savoring the sweet flavor. "How's everything with the League?" he asked, genuinely interested.
Talia set down her pistachio cannoli and twirled her rings. "Oh, you know, as efficient as always. Arianne's been holding things down while you're away. She's doing great."
Arianne, the granddaughter of the café's owners and Jason's reliable ally, had been handling things well. Talia's eyes showed a rare touch of pride.
With a playful glint in her eye, Talia took a sip of her coffee and leaned in. "So, sending Rose Wilson my way, huh? That's pretty bold of you." She smirked, clearly enjoying the moment.
Jason's cheeks reddened a little. He swirled his tea, trying to find the right words. "Well, Rose has her... advantages," he said, stumbling a bit. "She's got skills and some unfinished business. She could be a good fit for the League. Besides, she needs us right now. With her father's enemies on her tail, it's safer for her here."
Talia raised an eyebrow, clearly not entirely convinced. "Advantages, huh?"
Jason cleared his throat. "Okay, she might bring some... complications. But she's strong, and she knows she needs us. Plus, she'll be safer with the League's protection."
Talia leaned back, thinking it over. After a moment, she nodded. "Fair enough. Nyssa's taken her under her wing and will be overseeing Nika's training."
Jason relaxed a bit, relieved that his mom was on board. "Good to hear."
The warmth between them was clear in their easy conversation and shared glances. Talia's eyes sparkled with pride as she spoke.
"Congrats on the awards, abni," she said, her voice full of admiration. "I'm not surprised, but I'm still thrilled for you."
Jason's face lit up. "Thanks, T. The tours have been... a lot, but Ethereal Echoes of Bly Manor is really taking off. It's amazing to see how excited the readers are. And it's good practice for the Netflix series. I've got a solid fanbase eager for the story to hit the screen."
Talia nodded, genuinely interested. "That's great to hear. And how are Damian and Billy doing at the Nanda Parbat School for Magic?"
Jason smiled, thinking of his younger brothers. "They're doing awesome. Really thriving with their magic studies."
"It's nice to hear they're doing well," Talia said, her voice tinged with nostalgia. "The school's a great place for them. And it's reassuring to know they're in good hands at Wayne Manor while you're away."
Jason nodded, a mix of pride and longing in his expression. "Yeah, the Batfamily's been a huge support. It's comforting to know they're well looked after."
Talia's gaze softened with maternal concern. "And Damian? How's he handling... his father's passing?"
Jason paused, setting his cup down gently. "It's been tough on him. Losing Bruce was huge. But being around the Batfamily in Gotham has helped a lot. He's finding his way, and the Batfamily understands loss in a way that's really supportive."
Talia listened closely, her emotions a mix of gratitude and sorrow. "You were right about bringing them into the Batfamily," she said, her voice carrying a rare vulnerability. "They needed that connection to Bruce's legacy."
Jason gave a small, understanding smile. "Family's important, Umi. We lean on each other and find our way through it."
After Batman's death, the Birds of Prey stepped up to help balance things in Gotham. They were the perfect link between the bigger superhero world and Gotham's own crew. Oracle, running things from the Clock Tower, made sure everyone stayed in the loop. Black Canary and Huntress split their time between Star City and Gotham, keeping an eye on things.
It wasn't like the Birds of Prey were just dropping in; it was more of a teamwork thing. Oracle's tech skills and smarts kept the Batfamily connected with the rest of the superhero community, while the Birds of Prey lent their expertise when needed.
Nightwing was pretty grateful. Black Bat and Spoiler had joined the Birds of Prey, and he'd always wanted them to have their own team outside the Batfamily. Just like the Titans had helped him, the All-Caste had helped Red Ghoul, and the Teen Titans had been a second home for Robin. Still, even with all the help, they weren't exactly "Bats" and didn't fit into the Batcave. So, Oracle's Clock Tower became the go-to spot for the Birds of Prey and the Batfamily to swap info and plan stuff.
The Gotham Sirens, surprisingly, became good allies too. They got more involved in fighting crime and helping out, especially during Arkham and Blackgate breakouts. The Clock Tower also turned into their meeting spot.
Poison Ivy, in particular, felt a deep connection to the Batfamily after seeing their efforts to fix up Gotham. Their work on cleaning the city's water and revitalizing Slaughter Swamp really struck a chord with her. She decided to leave her greenhouse in Robinson Park and move to the now-thriving Slaughter Swamp, feeling a strong bond with the area. Harley Quinn, being Harley, wasn't about to let Ivy go alone, so she joined her in the move.
Things were shifting within the Batfamily too. In the Batcave, Batwoman was adjusting her utility belt while Batwing worked on a new drone prototype. The mood was serious, with everyone focused on their tasks.
Batwoman looked over at Batwing with a mix of admiration and nostalgia. "Never thought we'd be working side-by-side like this," she said. "Batman was all about keeping us separate."
Batwing met her gaze, nodding. "Gotham's changed. We've got to step up."
Batwoman thought about Nightwing and how he was handling Batman's absence. It was a heavy burden, and Nightwing was juggling a lot while dealing with his own grief. To better support Gotham, Batwoman and Batwing decided to move their operations to the Batcave. This move marked a new chapter for Gotham's heroes, who were now working together as a true Batfamily. The Gotham Gazette even started calling them "The Colony."
Batwoman's thoughts turned to Tim, and she couldn't hide her concern. "And Tim..." she said, her voice trailing off.
Batwing sighed. "We'll find him. We have to."
Just then, Black Bat landed nearby, looking serious. "We've got a lead on the Scarecrow," she said. "He's planning something big."
Batwoman and Batwing shared a look, ready to act. As they geared up, Batwoman felt a surge of pride. They weren't just a bunch of solo vigilantes anymore. They were a team, united in their mission to protect Gotham.
Batwing flashed a determined smile. "Ready to save the city?"
Batwoman grinned, feeling the shared purpose. "Let's do it."
As they took off into the night, the Bat-Signal shining overhead, they knew they were stronger together.
Morning sunlight streamed through the windows of Wayne Manor, giving everything a cozy glow. Alfred had gone all out for breakfast, whipping up a spread that included a mountain of waffles, Steph's favorite. When he heard she and Cass were coming over, he couldn't resist.
At the breakfast table sat Dick, Cass, Steph, Damian, and Billy. Dick had this big grin on his face, the kind that could light up the whole city. It was rare to have so many of the Batfamily together, and he loved it. Cass was munching on fruit and yogurt, while Damian had his usual request—an omelet with cheese and mushrooms, which Alfred had nailed.
Billy, in his Nanda Parbat Academy uniform, sat quietly but confidently. Dick couldn't help but be impressed by how Damian and Billy had embraced magic. Gotham, known for its crime and grit, had turned into a hotspot for magic and mystery. But Dick had learned not to underestimate his Little Wing; he had a knack for making the impossible happen.
Dick's attention shifted to Cass and Steph, who were not regulars at Wayne Manor breakfasts. He remembered the day Steph got her acceptance letter from Gotham University and Bruce's proud smile as he handed her the Wayne Scholarship. Bruce had even set her up with an apartment near campus, which Steph moved into as soon as she turned eighteen. Cass followed her there, and they lived together happily.
Their routine had been predictable—Cass with her ballet rehearsals and Steph with her early classes. So, having them disrupt the usual breakfast routine was unusual. Dick's mind started racing, wondering if there was a reason for their surprise visit. Threats, emergencies, challenges—he thought of all the possibilities.
After breakfast, Damian and Billy headed off to Nanda Parbat for their magical studies. Once they were gone, Steph turned to Dick. She looked nervous but determined, fiddling with her napkin.
"Dick," she said, her voice a mix of hope and worry, "I've found someone. Another vigilante like us." Cass nodded in agreement, giving Steph's hand a reassuring squeeze. "Her name's Harper, but she goes by Bluebird. She's been through a lot, like me, like all of us."
Steph continued, her voice gaining confidence, "She's got a lot of potential. Built her own gear, including this cool Bluebird Rifle."
Cass chimed in, "She's skilled. I can help train her, make her stronger."
Dick ran a hand through his hair, trying to process everything. He knew the responsibility of evaluating a new recruit wasn't something to take lightly. "I get it. But you know how tough Gotham is. It's not just about finding someone new; it's making sure they're ready for this life."
Steph's eyes were full of determination. "I know. But we all got a chance to make a difference. Harper deserves that too."
Dick looked at both of them—Steph's fiery resolve and Cass's quiet strength. With a sigh, he said, "Alright, I'll check her out. But for now, she shadows you, Steph. We'll take it step by step."
A wave of relief passed over them, and the tension lifted. Dick got busy digging into Harper's background, checking every detail to make sure she wouldn't disrupt the balance they'd worked so hard to create.
The more he learned about Harper, the more he realized she had faced challenges that would have broken most people. Her resilience and determination reminded him of his own struggles and those of his siblings. Her skills in engineering and her resourcefulness showed she had the heart of a true warrior. And Cullen, her younger brother, had a knack for hacking that couldn't be ignored.
Dick decided they deserved a fresh start. He offered them a place in the Batfamily and a Wayne Scholarship for Harper at Gotham University and for Cullen at Gotham Academy.
When they moved into the apartment near the university, it was a whirlwind of excitement. Steph and Cass helped them settle in, sharing laughs and assembling furniture. Bluebird joined Black Bat and Spoiler in the Birds of Prey, and Cullen became Oracle's new cyber partner, working late nights with her on hacking and cyber warfare. Their partnership was the start of something legendary, making Gotham's underworld tremble in fear.
The Barcelona sun was doing its thing, turning the streets golden and making everything sparkle. Jason was taking a break from his book tour, soaking up the lively Spanish vibes, diving into some delicious local food, and trying to forget about the usual responsibilities that always seemed to follow him around.
But then, as he was chilling at a cozy outdoor café, Roy Harper showed up, looking as rugged and intense as ever. Seeing Roy brought a flood of emotions. Jason wondered why he was here and where Lian, Roy's daughter, was. Deep down, Jason knew why Roy had shown up. They had this unspoken thing between them, made even more complicated by recent events like Bruce's death and Tim's disappearance. It felt like a perfect distraction from the conversation they both knew was coming.
Jason wasn't oblivious. He knew Roy's feelings for him were real, and he felt the same way. The pull between them was strong, threatening to break down the walls Jason had built around his heart. The thought of losing Roy was terrifying. Letting Roy in completely meant exposing his deepest fears, and that scared him more than anything.
Jason looked at Roy, feeling the weight of unspoken words pressing on him. He put his utensils down, focusing entirely on Roy.
"Roy," Jason said quietly. "Life's like a storm, right? It's intense, knocks you around sometimes." He paused, thinking about Essence, a storm that had once swept through his life. "Essence was a hurricane, and I thought it'd change everything. It did, but when the storm passed, I was still here."
He looked at Roy with softer eyes. "But you're different. Not a hurricane, but a steady, warm flame. A calm, comforting presence."
Jason continued, wrestling with his fear of permanence. "Our journey's been different. It's not the explosive stuff; it's a steady, burning fire. It feels intense in its own way, but it's lasting."
He took a breath, glancing at Roy with a mix of fear and longing. "I'm scared, Roy. Not because I don't want this, but because it means something real, something that stays. And that's both beautiful and daunting."
Roy's laugh broke the tension, a warm and genuine sound. "You had to go all novelist on me," he teased, a playful grin on his face. As the laughter died down, Roy's expression grew serious.
"Jaybird," Roy started, his voice filled with emotion. "My life's been a rollercoaster. After my parents died, I felt lost. Oliver took me in, but it came with its own set of pressures. I ended up on a dark path—drugs, messes, and more."
He took a breath, looking back on those tough times. "Then Lian came along. She was my light in the darkness. I kicked the drugs and focused on being a dad. But the pressure and fear of messing up lingered. Losing Lian, or so I thought, sent me into a tailspin again."
Roy looked at Jason with a mix of pain and gratitude. "You brought her back to me, and I owe you more than words can say." He reached across the table, taking Jason's hand. "With you, it's different. No pressure, no expectations. Just freedom."
He added with a shadow in his eyes, "I'm scared too. Love has always been messy for me, but with you, it feels easy. It's light and pure, and that confuses me." He searched Jason's eyes for reassurance. "But I've learned that running away isn't the answer. I want this with you, whatever it is. A relationship, if you're up for it."
Roy's words hung between them, filled with raw honesty. Jason felt every word hit him deep, stirring feelings he'd kept hidden. He took a moment to steady himself, overwhelmed by the emotions.
Unable to find the right words, Jason simply nodded, holding Roy's gaze. It was a silent but powerful affirmation of what they shared and what might come next. The bells of La Sagrada Familia rang softly in the background as Roy leaned in and kissed Jason gently. Everything else faded away, leaving them wrapped in their own world.
Driven by the passion sparked by their shared confession, Jason and Roy headed back to Jason's hotel suite. The night was filled with unguarded emotions and passion, every touch and glance charged with meaning. As dawn's first light crept in, reality set back in. Roy had to go back to Star City to pick up Lian from Dinah's care.
"I can't wait for your tour to be over," Roy whispered. "I'll be waiting for you, Jay."
Dick's heart was racing as he stepped out of the car, his usual excitement about being back in Fawcett City overshadowed by a creeping sense of unease. The Head family home was crawling with League of Shadows agents—yes, the same League of Shadows Dick had been fighting for years. Instinct kicked in, and he positioned himself protectively between the danger and his younger brothers, Damian and Billy.
Dick's mind was buzzing with questions. Why were the League agents here? Did Jason call them for some reason, or were these rogue agents doing their own thing? The uneasy alliance between Jason, Damian, and Billy didn't do much to ease Dick's deep-rooted mistrust.
Even with all the uncertainty, Dick's resolve was solid. No matter what, he was determined to protect his brothers. The history between the Colony and the League of Shadows was messy and filled with scars. The past battles, sacrifices, and losses weren't just going to disappear with a truce.
Damian stepped forward, his frown showing both curiosity and concern. Arianne, Jason's lieutenant, was barking orders, organizing the League agents around the Head House. Dick tried to keep Damian away from any danger, but Damian had his own plans. Seeing the respectful bows and the way the League agents looked up to Damian and Billy, Dick's suspicion turned into a calculated understanding. Damian was clearly commanding respect here, and Dick realized he needed to let Damian take the lead.
The air was tense, every eye on Arianne as Damian stepped up, determination written all over him. Damian's voice, usually so calm, had a sharp edge as he demanded, "What's going on here? Why are you at the house?" The worry for his brothers was evident, sending a chill down his spine.
Arianne, ever composed, greeted Damian and Billy with a reverence that showed their status within the League. She called them "princes," acknowledging their position with respect. Her nod towards Dick was brief, acknowledging his Nightwing persona with a curt nod.
The mention of Tim brought a glimmer of relief to Damian, but it also stirred up old emotions. "A lead on Tim?" Dick asked, his voice laced with hope and worry.
Arianne's intense gaze met Dick's, her silence speaking volumes. But Billy's sincere question softened her stance. A restrained smile appeared as she said, "Yes, we've found something. For more details, you'll need to ask my prince."
Arianne led Damian, Billy, and Dick into Jason's home office. Jason was deep in thought, sifting through some cryptic information at his desk.
Dick couldn't help himself. He asked casually, "So, what did you find, Little Wing?"
Arianne, noticing the lack of formality, interjected sharply. "Show some respect! You're speaking to a prince of the famed Al Ghul bloodline, the eldest son of our Lady Head of the Shadows, Talia Al Ghul."
Dick raised an amused eyebrow at the formality, but Jason just waved off Arianne's reprimand and sighed. "Turns out, Robin had a meeting with Gold Booster before he disappeared."
"Gold Booster?" Dick's confusion was evident. "Why would Tim need him?"
Jason, looking a bit annoyed, clarified, "To time travel." The revelation hung in the air, disbelief spreading among the group.
"Is he trying to stop Dad's death?" Damian's question was filled with a mix of hope and fear.
Jason shook his head. "No, he thinks Bruce is alive. Just lost in the timestream, and he's planning on bringing him back."
A heavy silence filled the room. The idea of Tim's plan was a lot to process. The news hit hard, stirring up a mix of relief, disbelief, and anxious anticipation.
Dick felt a surge of guilt. Could Tim really be onto something? Was Bruce out there somewhere? The thought was both thrilling and terrifying. The possibility of Bruce being alive was a wound he wasn't sure he wanted to reopen.
Damian was torn. He wanted to believe that Tim was right and that he might finally meet the father he'd only heard about. But he also feared that this quest might lead to disappointment and painful truths.
Billy shared Damian's hope, not just for Damian's sake but also for the chance to meet Batman. The idea of a family reunion stirred up a mix of emotions in him, hoping for the joy it could bring.
Jason, on the other hand, was grappling with his own fears. Revealing the existence of his family to the Justice League and Batfamily had now become a risk. If Tim's mission succeeded and Bruce returned, it could mess up everything Jason had tried to build. The thought of Bruce finding out about them and making their lives a nightmare filled him with dread. The delicate balance Jason had worked so hard to maintain was on the brink of crumbling, and the consequences could be severe.
The tension in the room was thick, with everyone feeling the weight of disappointment. Jason, decked out in his Red Ghoul gear, was practically radiating fury, his eyes burning with an intensity that could melt steel. Arsenal was scowling hard, his face showing a mix of anger and frustration, while Nightwing, usually the calm leader, had an icy glare that made everyone shiver.
Superboy, Wonder Girl, Blue Beetle, and Impulse, normally full of confidence, were shrinking under the intense scrutiny of the trio. Jason wasted no time, his voice slicing through the silence.
"What the hell were you thinking?" he roared. "Letting Robin go time-traveling on his own and keeping it a secret while everyone else was busting their butts trying to find him? I might not always agree with you guys being out in the field, but you're supposed to be heroes, not reckless idiots!"
Arsenal's face was set in a hard line. "Gold Booster's getting benched for this. Putting a teenager's life on the line without talking to his guardian? That's a disgrace, and you're all part of it."
Nightwing's disappointment was as cold as ice. "We're supposed to look out for each other. But instead, you went behind our backs and put Robin in danger without a second thought. Do you have any clue what could've happened? What is happening right now? No, you don't! Nobody knows where Robin is in time, not even Gold Booster!"
The Teen Titans were getting a harsh dressing-down that left them feeling exposed. The reality of their mistakes was hitting hard.
"We were just following orders from our team leader and we trust Robin to handle his mission!" Conner's protest was weak against the barrage of criticism. His defense barely made a dent, and the tension stayed thick.
Nightwing's gaze hardened. "Believe in him? He's a mess, Conner!" Nightwing's frustration was evident. "And your excuse is you were following orders? Orders from a leader who's clearly struggling? You put your trust in someone who's not in the best state of mind. Great call." He scoffed. "Even if Robin was right about Batman being lost in time, that mission should've been handled by the Justice League, not someone whose personal issues are getting in the way."
Wonder Girl stepped forward, tears in her eyes. "We thought we were helping," she said softly, regret clear in her voice. "We thought we were giving him a chance to make things right."
Arsenal shook his head, disbelief written all over his face. "Helping? By sending a teenager on a mission this risky? You need to get it," he said firmly. "You're not just following orders blindly. You should've informed an adult and not risked Robin's life. What's your excuse now? 'I was ordered to'? That's just a cop-out."
Impulse stared at the floor, his usual energy gone. "We messed up," he admitted quietly. "Big time."
Jason leaned in, his gaze sharp. "And what about his mental health?" he growled. "Did any of you think about what this could do to him? He's already carrying so much, and you just piled more on?"
"We get it, we messed up!" Jaime snapped at Jason, flinching as a wave of oppressive energy seemed to hit them.
"You get it?!" Jason shot back. "You thought it was a great idea to let him handle a time-travel mission alone? Brilliant move. He's lost in the timestream, and even Gold Booster can't get to him now because nobody knows where he is!"
Nightwing's stern face dared anyone to argue, Arsenal's no-nonsense attitude showed deep disappointment, and Red Ghoul's raw anger made it clear this wasn't just a screw-up—it was a serious betrayal of trust and a risk to Robin's safety. As the harsh truths sank in, the young heroes were left to face the full weight of their mistakes, feeling the crushing guilt and reality of their decisions.