Archive of Our Own

Work Text

Main Cast

Maddie 'Madolyn' Wilson
Eren John

"In my defense, he was a really shitty dad."

Jason Todd

"I'm the pretty one in this hypothetical relationship."

Tim Drake

"Is it because you were sleeping with Jason?"

Supporting Cast

Damian Wayne

Bruce Wayne

Clark Kent

Ra's Al Ghul

Talia Al Ghul

This book does contain potentially triggering content regarding child and adult abuse and death. Please read responsibly.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

I stared at the mirror in front of me, hands on either side of the sink while medical supplies lay forgotten at my side. My hair might be different, but it was still me.Underneath it all.The cut on my arm needed to be checked and cleaned.To be fair, I had tried, even going so far as to unwrap the original bandages on it. The dark circles beneath my eyes distracted me and the following emptyness held me in place.It had been a long time since I'd seen my reflection. In my plight to be rid of Slade Wilson forever, I had become exactly what I feared.Ruthless and unforgiving.Like
him.Mindlessly, pulling off my shirt, it left me in a well worn sports bra. Scars littered my skin, more than I had when Dick was alive. Slash marks and punishments left raised welts and sunken indentions. Even the old wound from when the mountain was invaded held a prominent place among them.Messy stitching marred my arm where Slade had made his final mark.At least he couldn't hurt me anymore.I was supposedly safe here in Metropolis, against my better judgment I'd let Superman take me to the sunny city. Bruce wanted me in Gotham but I couldn't take the memory of Dick. Not when I was the reason he was gone. Alfred had given me the old Flying Grayson's poster from Dick's old room.Perhaps the butler had known I was mourning. Maybe he didn't. Slade never really gave me the space to simply miss my best friend. I couldn't even attend the funeral. Closing my eyes, I gripped the counter top as bubbling grief began to swell to the surface.No.I needed to get settled in my new apartment, I needed food and I needed the cut on my arm to be wrapped.There, that was something.Focus on that."Do I want to know why you're bleeding?" Tim's voice made me jump. He was leaning against my bathroom doorframe with his arms crossed.How hadn't I noticed his arrival? Slade would've punished me for being sloppy."Probably not." I grabbed at the scissors, carefully cutting each stitch. "Don't you have a patrol or Wayne Enterprises meeting to attend?""I'm not the one with a bloody arm to clean up." He loosened his tie and rolled up his sleeves. "Besides, I was just
in
a meeting that happened to be in Metropolis. Lex Luthor is a piece of work in business deals."Luthor. What a prick. "He's also a special kind of annoying when he's on the board of directors for the Light.""You've met?" His brow furrowed."Tim." I set my scissors down, picking the now loose threads out of my skin. "Slade was my father. Of course I've met other supervillains." They were all irritating. It was the one of the few things Slade and I had in common."Can you prove it?"Right. The new Team had a few run ins with the Light. "Course I can Timbo. Doesn't mean I will."He stared at me. "Why not?""I have secrets of my own I need to protect, I'm trying to build a new life here and I can't do that if my old one is breathing down my neck."Tim sighed. "You could come with us, on patrol I mean."Switching gears. I see.I couldn't help but laugh. "I'm not made for the hero business kiddo." If he wanted to play the distraction game, I could too.He gave an indignant squawk. "You aren't even that much older than I am. I'm not a kid.""Five years is a big difference." Wrapping my arm one handed, I tied a knot at the ends, pulling it tight with my teeth."Still. You've been cooped up in this apartment since you got here." Tim shrugged. "You might even like it."I didn't even want to know how he knew that."No thanks Timbo. Maybe in another life I could've been a hero, but not in this one."He pointed at me. "Ah so you're open to the idea that you
could
be a hero."I grabbed my shirt off the counter, slipping it over my head. "If I went on one patrol would you leave me alone about it?"Tim slid his hands into his pockets and shrugged. "Mayhaps.""Fine." I tucked a few knives into their hidden holsters, ignoring the raised eyebrow I received in response. "I feel naked without them."Instead of commenting on that, Tim took a bracelet out of his suit pocket. "You need to wear this at all times. We'll make you something more practical but for now it'll do.""What is it?" I asked as he moved forward and slid it onto my wrist."Tracker." He held up his own wrist where a watch sat neatly. "We all have one." He then pointed to the clasp. "That's your panic button, press it and any Bat within a hundred miles will come running."I shot him a deadpan look. "You're telling me Jason
or
Damian will come running to my aid?" The Wayne boys weren't my biggest fans."This is a last resort kind of thing. They know not to ignore it." Tim took a step back, allowing the both of us some space.And I was grateful for it."Thanks Timbo, but I think Kent already has that covered." I nodded to the watch on the counter, it had a subtle Superman crest on it, something that could likely be mistaken for merchandise. "He gave it to me when he helped me set up the apartment."Tim's brow furrowed. "You should wear that too. It doesn't hurt to have back up.""What sort of trouble are you thinking I'll be getting into?""I don't know." He shrugged. "Just promise me you'll keep them on?""Fine." If it made the little Bat feel better, I'd do it. "Is that the real reason you snuck into my apartment?"He shook his head. "Well, partly. I came here to tell you to be careful. Bruce withdrew from the League after Dick's death. Tensions were getting too high. Superman is an ally for now. The rest of them..."Not so much.After everything that happened, I couldn't say that I'd blame them.

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The diner wasn't very busy today, a couple of my coworkers even went home. James wiped down the counter next to me, and I set a cup of coffee down in front of a waiting customer."I think the girl in the corner booth has a crush." James teased."Oh?" I caught the girl's eye and winked. She blushed, ducking her head out of sight.Cutie."I don't know how you do it. Men and women come from all over to see the magnificent Eren John. The girl with two first names." He bowed dramatically, the water from his rag flinging every which way.I rolled my eyes. "This is why I get the big tips James. Just be playfully flirty with everyone and they eat it up.""Me? Flirt with men? No way." James tried and failed to hold a straight face, a grin overtaking it soon after."Right right." I spotted another customer at the end of the counter."Mhm, well if you ever want to share your stash of men's numbers, I wouldn't mind." James winked and backed into the kitchen dramatically.I'll never know where that special type of confidence I have comes from, but James seems to be the only one who can manage to bring it out."Long day?""Clark!" I grinned, moving to stand in front of him. How had I not recognized him? "What are you doing here?""I came to see how you're settling in, maybe get a bite to eat too." He smiled back. "James seems fun.""Yeah." Grabbing him a cup, I poured him some coffee. "It's been kind of an adjustment, but I like it here. Also yes, James has been helping me kind of find things I missed out on, like I think that maybe I like boys
and
girls.""I'm happy that you're figuring that out." His eyes twinkled, he then sent a glance at where James had disappeared. "On a more serious note, as a heads up, Barry is going to be in the city soon with an assist."I leaned against the countertop. "I'm not really worried about Barry Allen recognizing me, especially because I don't exactly look like I used to."A customer was waving me down."I'm just saying, maybe it'd be wise to go to Gotham for a few days. Barry wouldn't dare go into B's territory."He just wants me to be safe.It sort of made me uncomfortable. To have someone else care for my safety. Dick was only three years out of the twenty four I'd been taking care of myself."If I go, will you stop pestering me about it?""Is this guy bothering you, Eren?" James appeared at my side."Scouts honor." Clark ignored him, blue eyes trained on me."Fine. I'll text Tim about it." Then I turned to my coworker. "Everything's okay. Just a concerned friend is all.""I'll hold you to it." Clark warned lightly before throwing a few bills down on the counter and exiting the diner."Who was he?"Sighing, I ducked into the kitchen, getting my phone out of my bag and sending a quick text to the only teenaged CEO I knew. It took me a moment to notice I'd been followed by James.No one here really knew anything about me, just my new name."James, leave it alone." I pinched the bridge of my nose. He was just concerned. Just like Clark."Was he a boyfriend?"Gross. "He's so much older than me." He was Bruce's age want he?"Hey, I'm not one to judge."I sighed, I felt like I couldn't think. "Clark is just a friend that's looking out for me. I'm probably going to need to be in Gotham for the next little while, would you cover my shifts?"James rubbed the back of his neck. "I guess? Did you clear it with Isaac?"Right. Isaac, our boss.The cooks were busy, clearly pretending they weren't hearing anything. They were probably wanting to know what was going on, but were wisely staying out of it.I texted Isaac, requesting the next few weeks off work and citing a family emergency.He gave me the go ahead, along with a plea to not only be safe but that he hoped everything would be okay. He was a good man.Hopefully I wouldn't lose this job.My phone buzzed, notifying me of Tim's response. 'Just in time for family game night'.
Inwardly I groaned. That was code for patrol and now I was being roped into it.Barry Allen could suck it.I hated that I had to leave my life for my safety. Then again, it would be rather unfortunate if I had to put a bullet in his brain for trying to attack me.Us meeting again could have some rather violent repercussions.o[]xxxx[]:::::::::::::> • <::::::::::::[]xxxx[]oAfter my shift, dodging more questions and absolutely exhausted, I trudged into my apartment. I still needed to pack and Tim was going to be stalker level for the next few hours. I also wouldn't be surprised if Superman was keeping an eye on me.Someone tutted in the darkness, making me jump. Then I realized who it was and flipped on the lights.Damian sat on my counter top, twirling a dagger between his fingers. "I could have killed you several times over.""Why are you here?" I set my stuff on the table, settling heavily in one of my seats. "Aren't you supposed to have a babysitter?""Drake is in a meeting with Father at Wayne Enterprises and Todd's taking care of his business.""So, why are
you
here?" I repeated. "I thought you despised me.""I despise everyone." He lifted his chin proudly."You're avoiding my question.""And you couldn't tell there was a stranger in your home."I took a deep breath, pinching the bridge of my nose and reminding myself that he was just twelve and annoying. "Damian, don't make me call Alfred."He stared at me. "Fine. I demand you return to Gotham.""Why?""Must you be so insufferable?" Damian huffed."Must you be a miniature pain in my ass?" I shot back, getting up and retreating to my room where I got my go bag. "But really, why do you want me in Gotham?""Todd has been intolerable, fix it."I spun around in shock. Did the gremlin just ask for my help? With Jason? "Wouldn't Alfred be a more capable candidate? Jason hates me.""He does, but you spent the most time with Grayson. I thought perhaps his annoying optimism had rubbed off on you." Damian crossed his arms, looking entirely
uncomfortable and more his age than I'd ever seen him.He had an adorable pout.Sighing dramatically, I ruffled his hair. It got me a knife pointed at my throat, but at least he wasn't threatening me like last time. "I suppose I could help. I'll even give you a ride back to the manor."

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Jason laid on his stomach looking into the sight of his rifle. It was loaded with rubber bullets, as per Bruce's orders. We'd been paired together to stake out the perimeter of a bank while Tim hacked into the security feeds. Bruce and Damian were on another potential heist halfway across the city."How much longer before you're in?" I leaned against a brick structure.Tim glanced up at me from across the roof, sitting crisscross near the edge. "Harder than I expected. The bank must have outsourced outside of Gotham.""Can you do it?""B trained us with hacking the pentagon." Tim deadpanned, cracking his neck.I hummed, kicking at the gravel rooftop. "You know the little demon visited me in Metropolis.""What'd he do this time?" Jason asked, acting as uninterested as ever.Like he didn't care."Nothing much, asked for my help. Apparently, biggest brother isn't his favorite right now." Tim snorted, never looking away from his screens. "What'd you do to annoy him so much that he came to bother me."Jason waved me off and resumed watch on the building."That's Jason for 'I'm not gonna talk about it'." Tim offered. "But they've been arguing since-""Code names Replacement." Jason interrupted. "It's not something we need to talk about so shut it."We descended into silence, I lightly kicked at the gravel again, eventually making my way to the edge, while holding my arms out for balance, I walked along it like I was on a tight rope.Dick used to do it all the time.I didn't fear falling. I suppose it would be an end to a rather miserable life and though I was finally in a place I objectively knew I was safe, I couldn't help but feel like the other shoe was going to inevitably drop.Again.Just over two months ago, I was stuck under Slade's thumb, I wasn't myself, I couldn't be. I was just playing a part.It ate me up inside, how easily I could pretend. It's what I had to do in Metropolis.I
could
disappear, pretend the whole thing didn't happen.No one but Tim would
really
miss me. The rest of the hero community hated me because of what started at the mountain two years ago and because of my stint as Slade's apprentice, the villain community feared me.Well. They feared the Apprentice."Hey E." Tim approached me cautiously. "Can we maybe step back from the ledge.""Why?""You're making me nervous and you don't have a grappling hook to catch you." He held his hands out as if confronting a wild animal."Just get back onto the roof before he pulls something." Jason huffed."Shut it Hood.""Seriously E, you look like you're contemplating jumping." Tim stressed."Well not anymore." I half-joked, reluctantly taking his offered hand. Tim pulled me away from the edge and didn't let go until we were near the brick structure again. "It really wasn't that high, Red""I'm trying to keep you alive, okay?"I set a hand on his shoulder. "I can take care of myself, promise. I lasted a full twenty years without anyone's protection.""Were the other four the years you stole Nightwing from us?" Jason snipped, his temper on the tip of his tongue."There's a lot about that you don't know,
Hood."
I shot back.Jason got up, crossing his arms. "Then explain it to me.""No.""And why the hell not?!""It's none of your business, Todd.""Names." Tim admonished."You made it my business when he came back dead after going on a trip with
you."
Jason stalked toward me and Tim got in his way, holding him back. "You and Dick were always weird together. Like you knew something the rest of us didn't. All you really did was steal our older brother." He threw back bitterly.My throat felt tight.
No.
I absolutely would not allow him to see me cry. "Of course we had something to hide! I know everyone's identities." As much as I hated it. He was what stood in the way of me being the apprentice. I took a breath. "Dick knew what he was doing, he died protecting everyone.""And there. It. Is." Jason spat, throwing his hands up. "The real truth behind his death. Not what really happened of course, that's some huge secret.""Jason-""No I don't want to hear it. Dick
died.
What could've possibly made you worth it?"Ouch."Stop." Tim stepped between us. "You both need to cool off. Hood maybe you should just go find B and Robin.""No, it's okay Red. I'll go back to the house. I think I'm done playing hero for the night." I fiddled with my sleeves. Why did I let them convince me to come out with them again?"That's fine." Tim sighed tiredly.I set a hand on his shoulder. "Maybe next time buddy." Before I could leave and figure out my own way back to the mansion, Tim stopped me, tapping on his screen and showing me a route."It's already on its way." He gestured to the little motorcycle graphic heading toward us."Text me if you need back up okay?" I sent Jason a nasty glare and tried to quell the hurt in my chest.It was my fault that Dick had spent the last few weeks of his life in agony. If I could've realized Titans Tower was a trap earlier..My gut twisted and nausea rolled in my stomach. All I wanted was to get home so I could curl up on my bed with my bunny and perhaps one of Dick's pillows so that I could..Wait.Where was my bunny?It wasn't in the manor and it certainly wasn't in any of the compounds. Panic began drum through my veins, making my skin itch. Where on earth was it?The only other place it could be is the mountain. With all the craziness, I wouldn't be surprised if I accidentally left it there. I can't believe I forgot about my bunny.It was one of the few prized possessions I had.Seems I was making a trip to the mountain, as risky as that was.
Joy

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

The computerized voice announcing my arrival made me jump. Why did it have to be so damn loud and emotionless?When no one immediately attacked me, I felt a little better, though I remained on guard as I snuck through the abandoned hallways. Perhaps they'd abandoned the place?It
was
a pretty dumb base.What was it that Tim had said about the leaguers? I nervously played with my Superman distress signal. I think I'd rather have a superhuman golden retriever on my side than my very breakable batfriends coming to rescue me.
This was the first time I'd been here in almost two years and the memories were making my skin crawl with an approaching panic attack.So far so good."Keeper?" I spun around to find Megan. She had shorter hair and her skin was pale instead of green, but it was still the Martian girl."Hi?"Megan flew forward and before I could throw my hands up in defense, I was being hugged. I tensed up, my arms caught awkwardly between us.I hated being touched if it was by someone I didn't trust. Especially someone who'd wished death on my best friend.Guess she got what she wanted."It's been so long since I've seen you!" She mercifully drew back."Um." I offered dumbly. "Last I checked, you hated me."Megan blinked. "Oh, I forgave you a long time ago." She waved it off. Like it was nothing. Like it hadn't killed Dick to know that his friends couldn't stand him. "I wanted to tell you but you'd already disappeared."Right.
She
forgave
me.It'd taken me a while to understand that the attack on the mountain wasn't actually my fault. That I'd been manipulated and tricked by the assholes who'd raised me."I'm so glad." I smiled instead."So what brings you here?""I think I might have left something in my old room.""Anything left behind would've gone into our storage boxes, you know because we only have so much space and we had to free up rooms for our new team." She offered brightly.My heart twisted at the reminder. "Could you lead me there?""Sure! We'll just have to stop by the newest recruits to tell them that they're going to have to take a break from training. I'm sure they'll love to hear it.""Why? Who's training them?" From what Dick told me, Canary was the one who lead that."Tonight it's Conner and tomorrow it'll be Flash.""Oh. I know Batman took over training when..." Canary died. "After the attack on the Mountain, but he's.. not doing that anymore right?""He left after Nightwing died." She then paused. "I'm sorry, I knew he was your friend too." When I gave no reaction, she continued. "According to my uncle, he said that since you were under Nightwing's protection then you were also under his protection"Damn, announced it and everything. Now Clark's warning makes more sense than just Barry Allen's hesitation to enter Gotham.I don't think I know how to process that information.My body instead gave me a helpful reminder that I had a panic attack on the horizon. "Hey, could we maybe skip talking to the next generation of heroes and just go to the storage room? It's kind of urgent."Tears swelled in my eyes for some freaking unknown reason and my chest tightened.Great. I didn't have a lot of time. That and I needed to get out of League territory as fast as possible."I guess so" Megan looked so disappointed, though either didn't see me on the verge of crying or didn't comment. "Follow me."She lead me through the hallways, when we walked through the common room, I couldn't help but feel like we'd purposefully taken a detour.Several of the teens looked up at me, one in particular was staring at me with a wide eyed wonder."No way!" He hopped up and suddenly appeared in front of me, holding out his hand while the other rubbed the back of his head. "Names Bart Allen. It's my secret identity. I gotta say it's really crash to finally meet you. You were one of my favorites growing up.""Excuse me?""Bart is from the future!" Megan offered helpfully."Oh, uh, thank you?" I hesitantly took his hand. "Wait, did you just say favorite?""Well yeah! Your story went down in the history books, you have the youngest Robin to thank for his accounts." Bart paused. "You were totally a hero! Or well, antihero I guess, or you will be one. In the future."Before I could say anything, the computer went off again, announcing the arrival of Superman.Had I pushed the panic button?The reporter came out, looking more frazzled than usual. "Keeper, Flash and Arrow are on their way." He managed. A sudden gust of wind blew past us all.
Oh.

Fun.
I didn't have any weapons on me, I'd only kept the mask and left everything else in the Batcave.It wasn't like they were going to try and kill me or
anything.
They definitely didn't blame me for their kids' deaths.Flash set down his friend. "What are you doing here?" He demanded. "You disappeared before you could face justice.""Justice?" I huffed. At least this was a good distraction from the crawling sensation under my skin. "Wintergreen tricked Nightwing and I. If we had known.."Dick might not be dead.Barry looked like he was ready to pounce. "I tested your blood you know."I froze. "You what?"Green Arrow frowned and looked at his friend. Apparently he hadn't known that.No no no no.This would ruin everything if people knew. "Think about what you're doing Flash." I tried to maintain an air of calm. I needed to be calm.
"Why would Nightwing and I try
so hard
to keep this a secret?" My blood wouldn't be registered under my name in the system, league or legal, but Slade's most certainly would
and
it's would link me to dozens of crimes over the last two years."I don't care. You killed Wally.""Gramps." Bart sped over to him. I guess neither speedster particularly cared about secret identities. Or the present team already knew. "Can I talk to you?"Wait.
Gramps?!
The Flash reluctantly followed his, grandson? Green Arrow was watching me like a hawk. Perhaps now would be best to get back to the manor."Megan, do you guys remember cleaning up a stuffed bunny to put into storage?" I could almost kick myself for not thinking of just asking sooner. When she shook her head, I inched toward Clark who was standing between me and the zeta tubes. "Would you mind helping me? I'm gonna go back to the cave before anything gets worse.""Gonna run back to the protection of the Bat?" Olivier Queen scoffed. "Like a coward.""At least I don't blame innocent people for shit they didn't do."Clark appeared to the side of me and suddenly I was at the zeta tubes.I still needed to find my bunny.

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"What were you thinking?!" Tim exclaimed."It wasn't like they were going to kill me." We were in the Batcave, Jason and Damian were leaned against the wall, Bruce had his arms crossed and his hip against the table I sat at while Tim was seated next to me, pinching the bridge of his nose.Alfred set a tray of tea on the table."I'm not so confident with Barry or Oliver." Tim folded his arms. "Why were you even at the mountain anyway?"I felt more like a scolded child. "Everything turned out alright. Clark was there.""You're lucky he was." Bruce said gravely."Might I also remind you guys that I was in a room full of heroes, you're telling me that a single one of them doesn't have the 'no kill' rule." I stood. "Not that I don't love this little interrogation, but I have one more place to go tonight.""Sit." Jason pointed at my chair. "We're not done with this conversation Princess.""I'm done with it." I briefly considered making a run for it."Eren, we need to talk about this." Bruce nodded toward my chair. I reluctantly took a seat again. If Bruce 'emotionally stunted' Wayne was asking to talk over something, its best to let him. "Things have changed within the league, while Clark Kent is on our side for now, I have little faith that he will remain that way, especially when certain things come to light." He sighed. "The deaths of Aqualad, Kid Flash, and Artemis were devastating to their mentors. I don't think they'll ever fully recover."My stomach dropped. "What
things.""Master Bruce, I believe now would be a good time to stop." Alfred glanced between Bruce and I, sending a disapproving look at his charge.Oh they definitely know something.Bruce sighed. "Barry reached out to me when he realized who your father was. He sent over the file."Jason and Damian perked up while Tim looked worried. I schooled my expression into cool neutrality.Stay calm."Your father was Slade Wilson." He watched me carefully, when I didn't react, his eyes narrowed. "You knew didn't you. You knew you weren't just a sought after pawn to him.""Wait wait, her old man is Deathstroke?!" Jason stormed up to the table, pointing an accusatory finger at his father. "When did you find out?""Before Eren started living in Metropolis." Bruce responded calmly. "I deleted the file as soon as I saw what it was."That explained why I didn't find it on the batcomputer when I'd been snooping."So was everything a lie?" Jason rounded on me."Leave her alone Jay." Tim warned, I set a hand on his forearm."No, it's okay." The cat was out of the bag it seemed. "Alfred, Damian, Jason. You might want to sit down for this."I controlled the narrative. Perhaps I could do some fine tuning to the story, make it something new, something that didn't ruin their image of Dick.Once everyone was seated, I began crafting. I was honest in the beginning, relaying my rather...
eventful
childhood, until I hit where I met Dick. I shouldered the blame for everything, how it was my fault Wintergreen was in the Mountain. I left out the parts about The Room and Dick's torture. They didn't need to know.
"Inevitably my friendship with your older brother lead to his eventual death. It wasn't until Slade realized that he couldn't use Dick to control me, that he killed him in front of me. Then he threatened all of you, he had me for a while. It took me two years to finally kill the man and destroy his empire."Silence descended on the cave, broken only by the bats squeaking above us and the sound of the computer running."Is Eren your real name?" Damian was the first to speak."No. It's Maddie, I dropped it when Dick died. The association that went along with the name hurt too much, I also couldn't go by Charlie either. So I named myself Eren John. The last name is to honor Dick and everything he did for me.""You would still prefer we call you Eren?" Bruce steepled his fingers."Please do. I'm trying to move on with my life, all that trauma, it dies with Maddie."Tim and I made eye contact. He knew I was lying to some degree. Dick and I hadn't told him everything."How could you not have known that your father was abusing you?" Damian asked it quietly, he looked like a kicked puppy.I shifted slightly in my seat. "After Dick told me what was happening, I did a lot of research. It's not unusual for a child to not know that they were being abused. Their life is normal to them and I was very sheltered growing up. Slade and Wintergreen were my
only
points of contact with the outside world. I didn't know any better.""You said you had to be told?" Jason seemed to have finally grasped the rather solemn atmosphere.Alright, so we were having this conversation.Nodding, I steepled my fingers in my lap. "When I was young, Slade and Wintergreen were my whole world. I knew how to handle my father's emotions and caught on to every shift in mood by the time I was seven. I knew how to avoid his wrath, when he was calm, Slade wasn't
that
bad. Maybe a little stern, but Wintergreen was my true caretaker, even then he was only around a few times a week.""They were good?" Tim's brow was furrowed."The issue with abused kids, whether it be emotional or physical, is that no kid is abused twenty four hours a day." I paused, allowing that to sink in for a moment. "They will have happy, or as close to happy, memories with their abuser, but those memories are often too overshadowed by the negative ones."And damn do I feel guilty for living in the happy memories."How come you don't flinch?" Jason didn't mean the question maliciously. He was curious, they all were it seemed.That's okay, I've had some time to process bits of my childhood."You haven't done anything to warrant that kind of reaction." I offered. "But yes, I do flinch." This time when I stood, no one objected. "I still need to go out one last time tonight, I'll be back."This little blast to the past certainly wasn't helping the itch beneath my skin.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

Dick's apartment was deathly still when I slipped through the window. Dust swirled in the air, settling on his stuff in a thick layer.It was clear that it had been two years since anyone walked into this apartment. Bruce, after I'd managed a meet up, bought the place.To my surprise, the refrigerator and anything that would have spoiled was already gone and it was cleaner than it was last time I was here. Must have been Alfred.This place was a time capsule. It still smelled vaguely of Dick and his cologne. I spotted my bag across the room and couldn't help but run to it.Please please please be in here.Inside I found my bunny neatly placed on all my other little nicknacks, a note pinned to it. The paper was old and crinkly.
Mads,
You left this at the manor. I picked it up before Alfie could find it, I know how much this all means to you, especially the bunny.
- Dick
I held my bunny to my chest, letting out a sigh of relief. The weight that I didn't know had been sitting on my chest finally eased as did the nausea.It was getting easier to talk about Slade and everything he did, the more I shared it with others. That didn't stop the physical reactions I kept having.Nausea being a key symptom.My bunny offered a sense of security that I hadn't felt in a good two years. Dick made me feel that way and it was often easy to forget my old comfort item when I was with him.Now that he was gone, it was only fitting that the thing that outlasted every move, every fight, and all the running I did in my twenty four years of life was still here.I still couldn't believe I'd managed to properly trauma dump and get away with lying to
Batman
and his brood.Except Tim, but he doesn't need to know the gritty details."My, what a touching scene"I just about jumped out of my skin as I whipped around. An old man was standing not ten feet from me with his arms held behind his back. It was frighteningly similar to how Slade always did it."Who are you?" I demanded as I gently set my bunny back in my backpack and faced him.The man merely tsked and it reminded me of Damian. "I see the detective hasn't taught you anything, neither has the replacement for that matter."My mind immediately jumped to Bruce and Tim. "What do you mean?""Forgive me and my manners. My name is Ra's Al Ghul. Your father has a life debt that is yet to be paid and well, the sins of the father..."My stomach dropped.
This
was Ra's Al Ghul?! "As far as I'm aware, a life debt ends with that person's life." I causally adjusted my left sleeve where a dagger lay, firmly pressed against my skin.On my other wrist was my emergency buttons."Yes, normally so, however I was made aware of your talents." Ra's calmly walked around, calmly. "I was told you can figure out a given identity by merely watching mannerisms.""Sounds really cool. Wish I could do it, sorry to disappoint." This was bad.Ra's hummed. "Do not attempt to lie to me girl." He admonished. "When you are in the league, such a sin is punishable by cutting out one's own tongue."Okay, switch tactics. "I won't be another criminal's pawn.""I'm sure with the lives of your precious Robins on the table, you might change your mind."I was sorely tempted to push the distress signal. It would be so easy, but it would be my fault they were in danger. I didn't need another death on my conscience.Slade had forbidden me from ever digging into Ra's Al Ghul and his league of shadows, yet as he is one of Bruce's rouges, it was an opportunity I couldn't pass up at the time.Though I never could find a picture of the ever elusive man and all I got on the organization was merely rumor.Child's play."Careful." I warned. "The last man to threaten them ended up buried under concrete."Ra's laughed. "I'm immortal, child. You cannot kill me.""I'll find a way. You do not want to make an enemy of me Ra's Al Ghul, nor do you want me to make a habit of killing supposedly immortal men."Slade thought he couldn't be killed."Is that a threat?""It's a promise." I crossed my arms, lightly brushing my fingers across the knives hidden along either side of my rib cage. "The knowledge I posses exists only in my mind. There are no computers to hack or safes to crack. If you force me to join you, it will never be yours.""And if I don't?""You still don't get it. I once swore to someone that I'd never reveal what I knew, and I won't." Not after Hal. I'd never forgive myself for his death.Ra's eyebrow rose. "You seem rather confident.""I am. I've been subjected to every form of torture, be it mental or physical, you think you can break down my defenses but you won't be able to."If he does, maybe it'll crack my brain enough to see Dick again. The hallucinations had stopped for now, but I'd almost kill to see my best friend again, to hear his voice."Interesting." He held his hands behind his back. "Out of respect to Richard, I won't take you here. In a month, no matter where you are, the same mercy shall not be extended. Do what you must to say goodbye."How was I supposed to avoid being dragged into the league of assassins? I took out a knife, twirling it in my hand. "Hear me well, I
will
follow through on my threats and you'll have to kill me before I betray anyone."He shook head with a smile. "I like your spirit." Ra's Al Ghul melted into the shadows as if he wasn't there at all.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

"I still don't understand why I must be the one to be insulted." Damian huffed as he pulled his armor on. I was seated on what was usually the lab table while the others got dressed."Because you're the only one who's a minor Damian." Bruce rubbed at his stubbled jaw tiredly. "It would make sense for Eren to visit you here."Ah, our cover story.Because of course Bruce Wayne would've a really thought of a million different contingencies.This was only one of many."Mother would never sleep with someone lower than you Father." Damian's face screwed up in distaste. "She has higher standards than that.""Good thing it's fictional then." I deadpanned, mindlessly swinging my legs. "Wouldn't want to insult Talia Al Ghul.""Be that as it may." Bruce continued as if he hadn't heard me. "The both of you are going to have to act like siblings, long lost as you are,
if
the tabloids wonder who she is.""For the sake of following your orders, I suppose I shall call the harlot my sister."I held a hand to my heart. "Ouch Dames." And here I thought the little gremlin wanted me at the manor."Don't call me that." He snapped."Damian don't you need to check your utility belt?" Tim quickly stepped in before turning to me. "You ready for this Eren? If it makes you uncomfortable, you don't have to do it." Tim was fully decked out in his Red Robin persona, adjusting his gloves."I can handle a little undercover work Timbo." I leaned back on my hands and then nodded toward the house entrance of the cave. "Aren't we going to wait for his majesty?" I'd been roped into a case while I waited for Barry Allen to vacate Metropolis.Jason was late and we were going to miss our window if he took any longer.After that rather uncomfortable patrol the first night I got back here, I didn't think I'd be invited out again.But something had shifted. It was different now. Jason and Damian weren't nearly as hostile as they had been previously."I'm sure he'll show. You're wearing that?""What's wrong with what I'm wearing?" Jason and I were meant to go to a party. As a couple. It was going to go
so
well. "I didn't have a lot of options." At least, options that didn't reveal all my scars."Yeah but if you get shot at... it's not a lot of protection.""You and Bruce will be right around the corner, no need to worry." We were using Jason's reputation as a wayward child to get our foot in the door of this drug ring.The owner of it was a rather avid fan of cage matches. My job was to get close to him, he apparently had a thing for blondes, so for tonight, I would be. It was mostly thanks to Bruce's ability to apply disguises."It's not like she'll be the one fighting." Jason appeared, dressed in a white dress shirt and slacks, his sleeves rolled up to the elbow. The goal was to make it seem like he wasn't there to get in the ring.Damn he looked good. Was I...
attracted
to that?"My job is just as hard as yours." I defended "I have to pretend like we like each other."Jason rolled his eyes. "Just don't go falling in love with me.""Please.
I'm a professional." I got off the table, adjusting my uncomfortably short dress self consciously.I kind of missed being on the run with Dick, not being chased by Slade but I did miss sitting on rooftops with Dick. No one expected anything from me then.o[]xxxx[]:::::::::::::> • <::::::::::::[]xxxx[]oThe ring was noisy and it had anxiety rolling through my gut. I practically clung to Jason's arm, hyper aware of how close we were. It was all for the act, I tried to remind myself.Please Jason think I'm just acting.People were
everywhere."Who are you?" A tall, bulky man approached us, his arms crossed. "Tonight is members only."Jason slipped into his media persona, sending him a cocky grin. "I don't think you wanna kick a Wayne outta here." His Gotham accent was bleeding into his words. "Better yet, why don't I go have a talk with your boss."The man blinked in surprise. "Let me go check." He lumbered off."Are the Waynes really that influential?"Jason side eyed me. "Bruce is the wealthiest man in the city. Of course we are. Though I'd rather paparazzi not catch wind of this" he gestured between us. "Last thing we need are rumors about us dating.""Right, because everyone would wonder why you're dating such a goddess." I grinned, though the confident words felt odd on my tongue.Jason rolled his eyes. "I think you've got all this turned around m'lady." He jabbed a thumb into his chest. "I'm the pretty one in this hypothetical relationship."I smacked his shoulder lightly with a grin, catching myself in how easy it was to joke around with him. He was supposed to hate me, I was still supposed to be mourning Dick.Jason saved me from having to respond by slightly jerking his head in the direction of our target. "Time to put on a show." He slung his arm around me and I did my best to make it seem like I was hiding disgust with a fake smile. "Tell me if it's too much, yeah?" I gave him a slight nod. It was a foreign feeling to have a mission with a partner who actually cared whether or not I was comfortable.
I let Jason steer me, making it seem like he was controlling the situation, as we approached the table."Mister Mason." Jason greeted cheerily, tucking me into his side further. It would seem like an aggressive move to anyone else, but I drew comfort in the fact that we knew what we were doing and it was just a role.Just a role."Mister Wayne!" The man looked like he was the human embodiment of a weasel. His hair was slicked back, though I couldn't tell if it was from grease or gel. The man's face was pointed and long. "I didn't know you were interested in fighting matches.""I was out for a night on the town with my girl, gotta get out of that dreary manor sometime." Jason laughed.Mason's attention turned to me and his eyes lit in interest. "Oh? And who is this fine thing."I made a show of making eye contact with him before looking up at Jason, who nodded. Reluctantly, I held out a hand for Mason, quietly telling him my name was Lilly."I like a man who's got his woman under control." Sucker. Mason laughed and he kissed my hand instead of shaking it, leaving behind a slobbery stain on my skin.Gross gross gross.Instead, I gave him a shy smile, one that could easily be mistaken for interest. Jason sat me in the seat closest to us, his hands resting on my shoulders"I'm gonna go get us some drinks, don't go anywhere." Jason left and I instantly missed having someone I knew near me. He was by the bar before Mason spoke again."You're a pretty little thing." He remarked, licking his lips like I was something to devour.Swallowing down my pride, I tucked a strand of hair behind my ear. I had about thirty seconds to sell this. "He's so mean to me." I pouted. "Gosh I'm so sorry, I don't know what came over me." I laid my hands on the table, folded together, as much as I didn't want him to touch me, I needed to establish contact."Oh baby, I could take care of you." Slimy. Another word to describe him. He took the bait, encasing my hands in his own. "I'll save you from the big bad Wayne." He grinned."Would you?" I poured as much as I could into a hopeful expression, sending a weary glance toward the bar."Certainly. Wouldn't be a gentleman if I didn't.""But Jason, if he sees.." I gasped. "Maybe-" then I shook my head. "No that's a stupid idea.""What?" I had to hide my grin at his eagerness. Got him."If he were fighting" I deliberately sent a glance toward the ring. "We could escape.""Sucker won't know what hit him."
Jason's voice crackled over the coms. "Wonderful performance by the way, almost got me convinced.""Shut up Jason, she needs to concentrate."
I could almost hear the eye roll from Tim. "But if this gets to be too much, just signal us. We've got eyes on you."That did make me feel a little better.Mason's lips stretched into a Cheshire grin. "Of course baby. Whatever you want.""Really?""Really really." He suddenly withdrew, sitting against his chair and I felt a presence behind me. I desperately tried not to flinch, especially once Jason put his hand on my shoulder again, his other setting a drink in front of me on the table. "I had a swell idea Wayne." Mason gestured to one of his guards.I was alright.
Jason
was behind me. There was no reason to be afraid."Oh yeah? What's that?" He seemed to sense my discomfort and gave my shoulder a squeeze. "You know what, I think I'll go home for the night."What was he doing? He was going to mess up our entire plan. I grabbed at his hand, trying to silently tell him I was alright.Instead, Jason moved to my side and helped me up. "My old man texted, said it was a family emergency.""What the hell is he talking about?"
Tim muttered across the com channels. "Are we abandoning the mission?""Is everything alright?" I curled an arm around Jason's, more confused than ever."Yeah, this is something we could talk about outside." Jason began moving toward the door and I sent an apologetic look toward our target. Perhaps I could get to the bottom of this and salvage the mission.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

As soon as we were away from the ring, I rounded on Jason. "What are you doing? I had that guy. We were so close!"Instead of saying anything, he reached up, carefully taking my earpiece as well as his own out of our ears, turning them off and pocketing them. "This isn't something anyone else needs to hear."I crossed my arms. "Alright?""You flinched."That took me aback. "What?""You said the reason you don't flinch around us is because we didn't do anything to warrant it. It's a safety thing right?""You pulled me out of a sting because I flinched?" I took a step back. "Jason I've been on hundreds of missions where I was uncomfortable. This would've just been one more
and
we would've gotten the bad guy.""Eren you don't have to do anything that makes you uncomfortable. Not with me." Jason was looking at me differently. Like he didn't hate me.I didn't know how to react. He was trying to help me. He took me out because he knew I was uncomfortable.That's never happened to me on a mission before.What was I meant to do?"Jason-"Maybe it was my tone of voice or expression, but his lips pressed into a thin line. "Right." He took a couple of steps away. "I'll see you back at the manor." He gave me back my ear piece and ran before I could even get a word in.Even if I'd had the time, what would I have said?Tucking my earpiece back in, I turned it on. "Hey Tim, Jason just took off. What are we going to do about the mission?"There was a heavy sigh, one that didn't come from Tim. "We'll let Mason go for now." Bruce. "He'll slip up and when he does, I'll get him.""I can finish this.""Eren, you don't have to-"
Tim started."Can you?""Yes, I'm not entirely incompetent. You'd actually be surprised how well my acting has improved." Slade was good at his job at least. "Let me finish this for you. It's better than sitting around, waiting for Barry to leave Metropolis."Plus I needed the distraction from Jason. The slime ball inside was as good as any."Fine. I can pull you out as a man named Matches Malone if you get too uncomfortable.""Noted but unnecessary. Have you notified GCPD yet?""They're en route. All we need is for them to see Mason's face and they'll storm the place."
Tim offered helpfully. "We think he's got his entire operation running in the basement.""Cool cool cool." I shivered in Gotham's chill air. This dress did
not
provide the needed coverage.Damian tutted over the coms. "Drake has you watching that infernal television program.""Don't disrespect Brooklyn Nine-Nine, Demon Spawn."
Tim chided."Boys. I'm going back in." I jumped in before Damian could spit a reply. The ring was noisy, conversations broken up by the sound of flesh hitting flesh.Two men were in the ring, matching each other blow for blow. They were evenly matched, I couldn't help but wince in sympathy when I saw one bodily slam the other into the mats below."You came back." Mason held his hands out, a grin on his face. "Not carting that boyfriend of yours anymore I see.""Wayne matter only I guess." I wrapped my arms around myself. "Though I do get lonely when he goes off like that."Mason moved to my side, wrapping his arm around my shoulder and I had to hide my shudder. I did not like this man at all, his body language was screaming how unsafe he truly was. "Don't worry sweetums, I'll take good care of you."Meekly, I sent a glance around the room. "Do you think we could sneak out of here? I'd rather not be where Jason thinks I am." There was a little truth to that."Of course. We'll go back to my apartment. Maybe have a little fun." He wiggled his eyebrows.I forced myself to lay a hand on his chest, fighting against the utter repulsion I felt while doing it. "You'll take care of me, won't you?""Oh I'll do more than take care of you." Mason steered me toward the door."GCPD is still two minutes away. Stall."
Tim relayed."Wait. Could we get a drink first, to loosen up the nerves. This is a dangerous game we're playing after all." I intentionally worked a sultry tone into my words, biting my lip.Mason grinned, making my gut twist. "You read my mind. I'm not afraid of Wayne though, if that's what you're worried about." Alright, steer him away from the idea of drinking. I didn't trust him to not drug me."One minute.""If you really aren't afraid of my boyfriend, you wouldn't mind taking a picture of us kissing?" I pulled my phone out of my pocket, waving it around lightly. "He'll be pissed.""Living life on the edge, right baby?"I laughed, opening the camera capability, it didn't detect any light. Luck appeared to be on my side tonight. "Ugh, stupid phone. Can we go outside, I could've sworn I saw a street light that would give us perfect lighting." Mason hesitated and I sweetened the deal by getting close to him, barely grazing my lips against his.Just a case."Whatever you want." Perfect. Idiot was putty in my hands.I grabbed his tie, letting my fingers glide along the material until I reached the end before finally letting it go and walking toward the exit. I could make out him stumbling to catch up.Red and blue lights flashed as cops told us to put our hands in the air. As much as I disliked working with any form of law enforcement outside the Bats and Superman, I couldn't help the relief that they'd come before I had to kiss Mason.He tried to run, but I stuck my heel out just in time for him to trip over it. He tumbled to the ground as a man with gray hair and a mustache approached, his gun drawn."Who are you?" He demanded."Love to stay and chat, but I'd rather go wash off the feeling of creep this guy gave me." I gestured to Mason. "Since you don't have anything to hold me and there's only a warrant for this guy and about half this ring, I think you have bigger fish to fry.""You remind me of someone." James Gordon narrowed his eyes at me.I shrugged. "Guess I have one of those faces." I wasn't overly concerned he'd recognize me. "So am I free to go?""Have you two met?"
Tim asked over the coms."Fine. Let me get a statement first." He turned as two uniformed officers took Mason away and I used it as an opportunity to slip into a nearby alleyway.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

Metropolis was beautiful at sunrise, especially from the Daily Planet's rooftop. A breeze ruffled my clothes, comfortably warm in the summer air. Gotham always had a chill to her air, at least here I could actually feel the sun."That watch is supposed to be for when you're in danger." I didn't react to his presence, merely fiddled with my fingers."Dick mentioned that Nightwing's name came from a story."Clark sat down on the roof's edge beside me, he wasn't dressed in his Superman attire, rather a suit and tie. Much like the one he wore when he'd come to my diner. "It did, Nightwing and Flamebird.""They were heroes right?" I watched the city below as it began to wake up, traffic was moving sluggishly this morning."Yeah. In a sense." He bumped my shoulder with his lightly. "They were doomed lovers, always betrayed by a friend in every life they lived.""Why did Dick pick Nightwing?""Well, Nightwing was always a creature of the night and justice while Flamebird was day and destruction. I think he leaned into Bruce's darker theme, while also making Nightwing a symbol of hope on earth too."Of course.If Dick was justice, did that make me destruction? It fit more than I wanted it to."Eren, why did you call me up here? Why are you here? Barry is still in the city.""Are you afraid of dying Clark?" I could, not tell him, I could keep this all to myself and figure out a way around it, and if not.No one would truly miss me.My month deadline was closing in on me. I'd already wasted a week of it in Gotham, building relationships that would likely fall apart the moment I disappeared into the league of shadows."Why do you ask?" He watched me carefully."I'm not. It's kind of hard to when I've faced the idea since I was a kid. My father, he was never a good man. I think at some point you just get numb to it, and it doesn't scare you anymore." I wasn't confident that I could withstand any torture, especially if I saw my father instead of Dick when I inevitably hallucinated.I'd rather die."Eren, would you like me to call Tim? Alfred? Bruce?""No, that's okay." I gripped the ledge. "My name isn't actually Eren, it's Maddie." The mindset I was in, it both disturbed and intrigued me. It was like my head was filled with cotton, suppressing any sort of reason. While it also scared me because it made me numb and unconcerned. It left me feeling dazed.It was a potentially deadly mixture."Do you want me to call you Maddie?""No." That much I knew was true. Madolyn held too negative a connotation to it, and it made my chest feel warm inside every time someone called me by my chosen name.Maybe I was chasing any sort of feeling."Then you're Eren to me." He answered simply. "I know we haven't known each other long, but I'm here for you if you need to talk.""Clark I'm in a lot of danger, I'm not sure how I'm going to get out of this one." I admitted, the sun was higher in the sky now."What's the danger?"Instead of answering, I watched my feet dangle. "Jason's been acting really weird. He pulled me out of a sting." I relayed what happened last night. "Then we had an argument about whether or not I was emotionally ready to finish it."Clark took a breath, clearly wanting to know what was going on, but was following my direction. "It sounds like he likes you.""Likes me?""Well yeah, if he was so worried he stopped one of Bruce's operations... I'd say it's a pretty safe bet that he has a crush. He's never done that for anyone before, at least, not to my knowledge."I hardly believe that Jason has a crush on me. Not too long ago, he hated me."I don't want to die." I finally looked up at the man. "I've got the League of Shadows on my ass. Ra's Al Ghul is going to snatch me in three weeks.""Okay." Clark said slowly. "Is there a way we could hide you?""Ra's Al Ghul wants me for my mind, he's not going to stop, even if that means killing the Bats." Killing his grandson."You said he wanted you for your mind?""I retain everything I see." I waved him off, watching for any change in facial expression. I couldn't remember if Clark was fully 'in the know' so to speak, about my ability."That is a lot of danger." He stared out at his city. "I'll call in the Justice League. This is a bigger threat than just you, he's threatening to take out the
Bats.""But they hate me" at least the ones who are left do."Doesn't matter, they know you're an innocent, they just need some assistance getting their heads out of their asses. Does Bruce know?""No."Clark blinked, eyes going wide. "Eren, you have to tell him, not only is he in danger and doesn't know it, but so are his sons.""I can't tell them Clark." I don't know what held me back. "It would be better to let him have me than for the Bats to get involved because I know they will be.""They have a right to know.""Maybe when I'm gone, you could tell them that I did it to protect them." It was a moment of weakness, to want out of this. This was my own damnation. If I didn't have this cursed ability, I might have found rest by now."No. You're not going to die." Clark swore. "Eren, I'm going to help, just let me call the League."He got up, presumably to summon his friends. Perhaps the League of Assassins wouldn't be as bad as I'm picturing. If I agreed to go without a fight, I could negotiate to only help them with non hero targetsThat had to be the solution. There was no way Barry Allen and Oliver Queen would help me, not when they blamed me for Wally and Artemis' deaths.Compromising my morals once again to protect the Bats would be worth it.In the end.By the time Clark turned around again, I was gone.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

"You're not seriously thinking of joining Ra's Al Ghul. You have no idea what they did to Damian, and he was a kid." Jason burst through my open window while I cooked my breakfast.I was grateful that I'd actually worn pants to the kitchen."Not that it's any of your business, but yes. He made an offer." More like a threat. It'd only been a day since I told Clark and apparently he was a blabbermouth.Thus far I'd been visited by Tim and Alfred. Surprisingly no Bruce quite yet. I expected some sort of broody silence, but no such luck.
They'd come yesterday, each at separate times and the butler only stayed for a bit because I made some tea."You can't go.""Seems the deed has already been done." I scooped out my waffles onto a plate. "He's coming to get me at the end of the month." Regardless of the fact that I don't want that. Why couldn't I just retire? Grow a garden- unlikely, I'd kill every plant I tried."And you didn't consult any of us before you made a deal?" Jason paced in my living room."Not that it's really any of your business, I'm a grown woman. Making decisions is part of the job description." At least this way it
sounded
like it was my choice. They were less likely to go snooping this way and get themselves killed.It was the league of assassins who gave Slade his ruthlessness. Wintergreen might have trained him how to kill, but it was the league that honed those abilities.Going there was the last thing I wanted to do. I didn't want to become my father any more than I already had."I call bullshit." He crossed his arms."Why would you do a thing like that?" I questioned calmly, moving my plate toward the table that already had a glass of water on it."Joining the league would mean killing people." Jason said it as if it were his smoking gun."I've killed people before. I might not have the same taste for it that Slade did..." And wasn't it strange I was talking to
him
about this, I'd hidden my past for so long. "Why do you care so much?""I don't know!" He ran a hand through his hair, he was frustrated with something, maybe himself. "Just promise me you won't go.""The deal has already been struck Jason. You think I'm gonna be able to back out now?" Why couldn't I just tell him the truth?"How long do you have?""Three weeks, technically. Unless something happens between now and then, I'll have to go." He acted like I was
dying.
"Relax, he's not going to force me to do anything I don't want to do. I have all the knowledge up here." I tapped my temple. "Safe and sound.""He'll torture you.""I'm not scared of a little pain." My mind would have to be utterly shattered before I revealed another identity, and by then, it would be useless gibberish. "Remember that this isn't my first rodeo. I hardly believe he can be that much more creative than Slade Wilson."Merely jumbled words and phrases.A shudder visibly ran through Jason. "Ra's Al Ghul is crafty, but he'll likely leave it to Talia.""Ah yes. Talia." The woman disgusted me.
"We'll get along swimmingly.""How can you be so calm?" He finally made his way toward the table, dropping bodily onto the chair across from me."I was neglected until the age of twelve, always fighting for my father's attention. Though when I got it, it was for a punishment. He controlled every aspect of my life, when I ate, slept, trained. Yet he remained distanced, an emotionless figure. Then when I showed him how smart I was, how I could figure out secrets, he upped my training. Torture was my morning exercise, I was starved, deprived of various senses, beaten until I couldn't breathe." I fiddled with my mug. "My life has been nothing but survival. This," I gestured around me. "Is nothing but a brief reprieve. Slade didn't care about me, neither does Ra's. I can handle the League of Assassins."Jason's jaw worked, clenching and unclenching. "You shouldn't have to.""I'll let you in on a little secret." I leaned in. "Yes, I do. This whole thing, nothing but a bargain forced on me by Slade Wilson. He owed Ra's a life debt and now it's passing onto me and he's using you guys to do it."Shit, I hadn't meant to say that. Why did I say it.Maybe I was more frustrated than I gave myself credit for. I'd tried to shove away any emotion, tried to make this as easy as possible but I couldn't.Obviously.Jason just stared at me. "What?"Sighing, I ran a hand over my face. "Ra's Al Ghul wants me for my ability, he will stop at nothing, given his willingness to threaten you guys. The Bats. Even his own grandson."He swore, actually getting out of his chair to pace. "So that's the real reason, for us."I shrugged. "It worked for Slade and it'll work for Ra's. He can do what he wants to me, I don't really care. But you, Damian, Alfred- Bruce and Tim? I can't let that stand. Though I will kill him eventually, there isn't a resurrection pit in the world that could save him from my wrath."Jason looked at me with an unknown emotion swirling in his eyes. For the first time, I had no idea what was going on. Usually I could have a pretty good guess at what someone was thinking based off their body language, but Jason always managed to evade me. He was hard to read.It was both irritating and intriguing."What?" I questioned."Nothing." He seemed to snap out of it. Whatever
it
was. "So you have a plan?""It might take me a minute, but I'll have one. Ra's Al Ghul shall know fear."

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

The warehouse where Slade was buried stood before me, unimposing as ever. It was odd to think that almost four months ago I was half crazed, burying the man I once called father in concrete.I'd meant to check on it sooner, but between settling in Metropolis and Ra's' impending threat, I couldn't find the time. For the last week, Jason had been acting as century outside my apartment, granted it was on my fire escape, but he still stuck around.Though it was nice to have company, even if said company wasn't speaking half the time and the other half was him ranting about one of the books he'd brought along to keep himself occupied. Apparently he wasn't usually a fan of most book to movie adaptations.
It made sneaking away to do this, that much more difficult.
I pulled out a flashlight, sucking in a deep breath before I entered the warehouse. It smelled of death, bodies still littered the floor and if there wasn't a body, it was parts of them.Lovely.Blowing up my cleaning crew hadn't been my smartest idea. Though I'm more surprised it was so untouched. Surely someone owned this factory.By the time I reached the portion of flooring that we'd used, my stomach was churning. I held the light over the pit, fear churning in my gut.It was just that.A pit.Slade Wilson was gone.Fuck."Eren." I nearly jumped out of my skin as I whipped around, Tim was standing not five feet from me, his own flashlight in his hand. "What are you doing here?""What am I- what are
you
doing here?""A shady person entering a warehouse in the dead of night, right in the middle of my patrol route. Hm, I wonder why." He drawled."Shit, I thought no one was on route tonight." I'd even left my bracelet at the apartment so I couldn't be tracked."We change them up every so often to ensure no one can keep a pattern.""Do you think maybe we could finish this conversation outside, I'm gonna puke."He stepped to the side, as if to say 'after you'. I hurriedly made my way toward the exit, throwing open the door and happily breathing in fresh air.Well, as fresh as it could get in Gotham's warehouse district."No, we're going up to the roof. Never know what kind of goons could be skulking." Tim shot a grapple up, holding a hand out."How chivalrous." I deadpanned, taking the offered hand and allow him to wrap his arm around my waist, pulling the both of us up to the roof.I was doing my best not to panic.Holy shit.Not only was Slade potentially
alive
but he was probably royally pissed. He was going to kill me, I was going to die. Guess Ra's won't be getting his hands on me after all."Eren!" Tim set his hand on my shoulder, I hadn't even realized that I was doubled over, my own hands on my knees, hyperventilating.Lovely."I'm good, just-""If you say anything else besides panicking, I swear I'm gonna lose it." Tim warned as he helped me stand up straight. "I mean it.""Okay fine, I was freaking out. You happy now?"He crossed his arms. "What were you doing in the warehouse? Why is it full of dead people? I mean obviously it's been a while, I'll have to look closer to determine how long exactly they've been like that..." he muttered."That's where I buried Slade. He got out somehow.""Wait wait. Got out? So you're saying you buried him alive?!" The whites of his mask widened. "Did you kill everyone down there?" He pointed at his feet.I rubbed the back of my neck. "In my defense, he was a really shitty dad.""You did!""It was the only way to ensure I could start over, the less people who knew about Maddie the better." Plus it didn't hurt that it felt like I was literally murdering my past."And did they? Know about Maddie.""They knew about Charlie Gray, which is arguably worse."Tim threw his hands up. "How is that worse?""Maddie was an unknown, Slade poured time and energy into ensuring I didn't exist. Charlie was a rumor, no one could really even get a description, but if even one of those men or women down there revealed who they were working for.. my freedom would be gone. I'd be hunted by the criminals who wanted the top spot. Now they won't go for it because I killed Slade so I get the title.""So you killed them." Tim deadpanned."Technically speaking, yes. I gave the order for the bombs to go off. Max pulled the trigger.""First. That's still murder. And who's Max?""Maxwell. He was my second hand man. He helped me ensure Slade's death and now he died for nothing." Guilt began to settle where the panic was, then it quickly turned to anger. I kicked at the gravel. "Ugh. Every time I think I'm free, something always happens."First Ra's, now this."Okay." Tim muttered. "This means that Ra's can't collect on the life debt right?""How do you- Jason." Was everyone in my general vicinity a gossip? "Anyway, fine. But I still have a larger issue. Slade Wilson's body is gone, which means he's either alive or someone stole it. I have two weeks until Ra's Al Ghul comes after.." I had a better idea.One that could save me."Gotta go Red." I ignored his calls, running across rooftops to metropolis.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

Ra's Al Ghul was seated across from me at my own table, his daughter, Talia, stood behind him, still as a statue."You intend to negotiate with me?" Ra's leaned forward, amusement dancing in his eyes."The way I see it, my father is still alive." Probably. "So I'm free from his alleged life debt. I propose a better offer, one we would both benefit from." I sat back against my chair, hand under the table, on a dagger placed on my thigh. Just in case. "Kill Slade Wilson, I'll come willingly and provide the same service I provided for him.""Is that all?" His brow lifted."Leave the Bats out of it. Slade will go after them when he realizes what I've done. I want them protected.""And you swear your allegiance to me if I do this for you?""I do, however I reserve the right to withhold an identity or weakness from you if I believe it will affect any of the Waynes in any way." I had no real ties to this world except them. "As well as Superman.""Why so insistent?" Talia tilted her head to the side."The last time I revealed a hero's identity, not only was he murdered, but it affected Dick Grayson's place in the hero community and by extension, all the Bats. Green Lantern's funeral was a tipping point and Dick Grayson's death further drove a wedge between the heroes. We need them to get along to ensure this world's continued survival, do you disagree?""You have a point." Ra's held up a hand, halting anything Talia had to say. "I shall agree to your terms.""Wait." Jason stumbled through my window and I briefly closed my eyes. "No deal."So close.Tim was close behind his brother, dusting off his sleeves."Any more I need to be worried about?" The
last
thing I needed was for Bruce to be here and I'd rather not have Damian in the same room as his maternal relatives."No. B's distracting the demon." Tim set his hands on his hips. "This isn't happening.""If I couldn't kill Slade, surely Ra's could." I gestured toward the man, who was entirely unimpressed by the turn of events. "All it takes is to be an informant."Jason moved closer to me. "Can I talk to you" he glanced at the Al Ghuls. "In private.""Fine." I addressed Ra's. "Tim will entertain you until I get back." Talia scoffed.I allowed Jason to drag me into the hall outside my apartment. "You're seriously giving yourself up? Again?""Above all else, my mission in life is to destroy Slade." I lowered my voice as some people passed. I think one of them was my neighbor. "If I have to work for Ra's to do that, I will. Plus it guarantees everyone's safety. Slade will get back at me, and he'll do it by killing you or Tim, anyone I care about.""You think we aren't in danger every time we face on of Gotham's crazies?""Slade isn't like Scarecrow or the Joker." Jason flinched. "He's cunning and brutal. I know his methods more than most, which means I know how dangerous he is.""I know too. The League has faced Deathstroke before, I read the reports.""But you've never
faced
him. Dick ensured you or any other Robin never would." I shot back. "This is the only way I can see that almost everyone wins, even if it means that I lose."Jason's jaw clenched. "You're so desperate to be a martyr, you don't see the damage it'll cause.""I am not a martyr.""Oh yeah? Selling yourself to fucking Ra's Al Ghul to kill your old man and protect
us.
That doesn't sound like self sacrificing shit?""What do you mean 'damage'. I hardly believe I'm worth it." It might have been a cruel move, to throw Jason's words back in his face, but I needed him to understand. This was for them."You're blind if you can't see the affect you're having." Jason ran a hand through his hair.What affect? "I don't know what you're talking about.""Nothing." He sighed. "Just, we don't need to be saved.""Neither do I.""So why are you trying to protect us?"Frustration burned in my chest. "No one else is going to die because of me." Isn't that what it all lead back to? Dick Grayson would've never died if I hadn't existed. If he wasn't so determined to help me. "I won't let it happen again."
This is what happens when you are disobedient.
"Eren." Jason took ahold of my shoulder and pulled me into his chest, tucking my head under his chin. "It's not your fault, it's okay to let go." At first I tensed. "You're safe, you don't have to be strong anymore." He soothed. Tears began to fall of their own accord and soon I began sobbing, maybe for the first time since the night Dick died.It was like a floodgate had opened and there was nothing left to do but cry. Why did I have to have a break down right here? Now? My chest tightened and I could hardly breathe.Jason rubbed my back, muttering encouraging words.He just held me.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

By the time I was alright enough to come back into my apartment, Tim was sitting at my counter, sipping a cup of coffee.
Alone.Ra's and Talia were gone."Enjoying yourself?" I shoved my hands into my jeans. The smell of it made me nauseous. Any food did at the moment. Jason stopped beside me, choosing instead to lean against the wall with his arms crossed.I wanted him nearer than that."I was just letting you and Jay have some quality time." Tim shrugged. "Plus I needed an energy boost." He nodded toward his cup, hunched the counter."Where are the Al Ghuls?""Oh them? They won't be bothering you again tonight." He said it so causally, like he was commenting on the weather."Timberella here found some rather good blackmail." Jason smirked. "I couldn't be more proud."Tim rolled his eyes, though his cheeks colored and he ducked his head. "Whatever. We've scared them off for now and that's the only thing that matters.""What's strong enough to deter Ra's Al Ghul?"Instead of answering Tim drank from his mug and Jason shrugged. "Don't worry about it Princess.""I'll stab you.""Oho I'm
so
scared." He held up his hands in surrender. "You gonna come at me with a toothpick?""Fuck you, Todd.""Promise?" Jason wiggled his eyebrows."Gross." Tim's lip curled in disgust.Jason rolled his eyes. "Oh please, we're all adults here. What's wrong with a little harmless flirting?""The issue with it Jay, is that you said it in front of your
brother."
I moved into the kitchen, grabbing a water out of the fridge to hopefully soothe the fluttering in my stomach."So you're not denying you like it. Noted." He grinned.He also didn't correct me when I called him Jay. Maybe Clark had been right, maybe Jason did have a crush on me. But it didn't bother me as much as I thought it would, Jason Todd was a fucking sight to behold."Back to the matter at hand." I cleared my throat. "Slade's still loose somewhere, personally I'll be sleeping with an eye open.""Your apartment has some of the best security in the world, as of right now." Tim tapped on his phone. "Which means you don't have to, or you know, you could always come back to the manor and hide out in the cave.""When did that happen?" I hadn't installed any security, the only thing I could qualify as any kind of safety measure are the watch and bracelet on my wrist."It was part of the reason I came here." Tim pocketed his phone. "When you ran off, I contacted the cave and we figured out what you were trying to do.""So now what, I sneeze wrong and suddenly I have the Justice League knocking on my door?""Not the League, no. We're still not on good terms with them." The youngest drained the last of his coffee. "But any Bat in Gotham and Clark will be here as soon as we can. Though the security system is designed to recognize your genetic 'finger print' so to speak. Slade doesn't have the other half of your DNA and the sensors will pick that up.""I'm also gonna be hanging around for the next little while." Jason set his hands against the edge of the counter. "I'm not leaving you alone in a city with only Superman to protect you again, plus I don't really have any obligations in Gotham at the moment, so that helps."I was about to argue that I could protect myself, but by the look Jason gave me, he already knew what I was about to say. "Fine."Tim yawned, checking the watch on his wrist. "I should really head back, I have to patrol before I can go to bed.""Why don't you just stay here? If B says anything, I'll just
convince
him what a good idea it was." I set my water bottle down. Now that I was really looking at Tim, he was pale, sweat had broken out on his hairline. "You know what, yeah. Go lay down on the couch and I'll get you a wet washcloth."Tim tried to protest, but Jason was already on it, ushering the nineteen year old to my sectional."How long were you gonna wait before you told anyone you were sick?" I wrung out a rag before joining them, Tim was already laid down and I sat beside him, laying the folded washcloth across his forehead."I'm not sick." He protested weakly. "Just a little tired is all.""Tim, honey. You have a fever." I turned to look at Jason. "Why didn't
you
see it?"He shrugged, a defense at the tip of his tongue. "He was fine when we left."That didn't make any sense.Wait.I rushed toward the coffee, dipping my finger in the powdered mixture to taste before abruptly spitting it out. "Poison."This had no doubt been Slade. Except he didn't know that I didn't actually drink coffee very often, I mainly kept it around for sleep deprived Bats that always seemed to show up on my doorstep.So that meant he knew where I was and hadn't made a move yet.Why?"How did someone poison your coffee?""Doesn't matter, we need to get out of here, now." I grabbed at a pen and paper, writing down the plan of escape, I showed the only standing bat. Jason nodded, scooping his younger brother up and throwing him over his shoulder. "Be careful, he might throw up.""Do you have a better idea because he's heavier than he looks.""Just- be careful. The poison is really only meant to take you down, makes you very ill, but it can't kill unless consumed in large quantities.""Sounds like a shit poison.""There are many ways to use poison." I rambled, going into my room, shouting to continue the conversation while I got my essentials. "Killing someone is only one of them, you should go on ahead though, I'll catch up."I didn't actually know if Jason followed the suggestion, I was more afraid that Slade knew where my apartment was and was just waiting to pounce, maybe even listening in on our conversation."But all poisons have the same end game. Take enough and it'll kill you." That damn voice chilled me to the bone, freezing me in place.Slade Wilson was sitting at my desk, draped in shadow.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

"Slade." I swallowed my fear. This couldn't be real. It had to be some sort of nightmare. Was I hallucinating?"Madolyn." He twisted a knife in his hands. "Or should I say, Eren.""You keep my new name out of your mouth." I should call for help, press the panic buttons, something. "What are you doing here?""I can't see my daughter?" Slade's brow rose.Shit shit shit."Oh, so now you claim me as your child?" Backpedaling into the hallway, I was relieved to see the living room empty. Jason had taken Tim away. "How much did you hear?" My heart slammed against my ribs. If Slade knew their identities because of me..."Enough to know that you knew about the poison. Why, someone out there you don't want me to see?" His smirk said it all. "Tell me, dear daughter, who is Tim?"It was fine. We weren't even in Gotham. Make up something Eren. "Coworker of mine.""And why would your coworkers be so calm about your knowledge of poisons? How much do they know?" There was a dangerous glint in his eye that had my gut churning. He wanted to know how much I'd told."I see that your eye healed." Damn it. The theory had been wrong, but it also begged the question, why hadn't his other eye ever grown back? Who was powerful enough to take it?"It was a gift from my benefactor. They're rather motivated to use your gift."My blood chilled. "What?""Your little stunt slowed my healing factor, I don't know how, but it will not be happening again." Slade stabbed his knife into my desk, making me jump. "Stop dancing around the subject, tell me what your
coworkers
know."He stood and I panicked. "Nothing! They don't know anything. I made up a story!" I blurted, throwing up my hands in defense.Believe the lie, believe the lie.The things he'd done to ingrain keeping his secrets still haunted me.
This is what happens when you are disobedient.
Heavy boots made their way toward me, Slade caught my wrist, dragging it into the light. My heart nearly stopped when I realized he was inspecting my panic buttons.I tried to wrench it away but couldn't. He was stronger than me."Buddies with Superman are we?" He unclipped the watch, ignoring the bracelet, and let it drop to the ground before he stepped on it. There was a loud crunch as he ground it into my floor."No, I swear." The last thing I needed was for him to go after Clark. Slade's grip was unyielding and all I wanted was for him to leave me alone. "Please." I was most definitely going to have bruises. "It was a gift."Believe my lie."You think I don't know that you've been with the Waynes." I froze. No no no. "At first I was confused, why would Wayne care about a runt like you." Please don't figure it out. "Then I saw the news."What?The shock must've shown on my face because he chuckled."You and Jason Todd. Paparazzi found the both of you arguing." Relief flushed under my skin. So he hadn't figured it out. "Witnesses in the club placed the two of you as a couple, that's where you got this." He touched my bracelet. "Perhaps I'll pay Todd a visit."My head spun. Wait. Slade thought Jason and I were together. That was so much
worse.
"What do you want?""I want you dead, but that'd be breaking a contract
and
a life debt. Making you suffer is the next best thing.""Go anywhere near him and I'll kill you." I managed to get a knife from under my shirt, stabbing his forearm in an attempt to get him to let go of mine.He swore, grabbing a towel I had on my counter, he pressed it to his wound.I immediately backed up, holding my bloody blade out in front of me defensively. I needed to not be afraid for once, to trust that I could protect myself from this monster."You're going to pay for that." Slade dabbed away at his healing wound.My first instinct was to plead for mercy, to try and somehow lessen my punishment, but I couldn't do that to myself anymore. This was undeserved, his treatment of me my entire life. I should've had a family who loved me and instead I got him. "I'm not afraid of you."His eyebrow lifted. "Aren't you."I swallowed, adjusting my grip on the dagger. "Not anymore."Slade took a step forward but before he could get any further, the Red Hood burst through my window, gun raised. "I'd back off, if I were you.""What are you doing here?" I panicked, automatically going to set myself between him and Slade."The security system notified us, someone else was in the apartment." He shrugged. Had they wired my windows too? Surely not. "Move out of the way Princess, I want to shoot this bastard.""It wouldn't do anything but piss him off." Slade merely watched, unimpressed. I gripped Jason's jacket, planting myself firmly between the two. "Please.""You heard her." Slade crossed his arms, a smug smirk plastered on his face. "I'd lower the gun,
boy,
lest you meet the fate of your brother."Shit.Jason lunged at him, knocking Slade to the ground.Shit shit shit.I pressed the panic button.They tussled on the ground, Jason was holding his own surprisingly well, considering who he was fighting against. I slipped past them into my room, desperate times call for desperate measures. Bruce and Damian were in Gotham and there was no way Tim would be in any condition to fight tonight."Hey! Asshole and dumbass!" I yelled and both of them froze when they saw what I had."You wouldn't dare-""Put the grenade down." Jason backed away from Slade, closer to me with his hands up like he was calming a wild animal.Neither man moved, it was a silent stand off."You don't think I will Slade? You've made me desperate. I'd rather die than go work for your benefactor." I held the pin, the intent clear. "I don't even care that there's civilians beneath me and that you'll likely survive, I'd be too dead to mourn the loss."I'd never go back to being under that monster's thumb."Eren." Jason had removed his helmet, domino, thankfully, firmly in place over his eyes. He spoke slowly and gently, inching to where I was. "Put down the grenade. Like you said, there are civilians in the building and Red isn't too far from here, he'd get caught in the blast radius too.""I can't do it. I can't. Nightwing won't be there to save me again.""Then pull the pin." Slade looked like he was seconds away from lunging at me himself. "You're useless to me. Brainwashed by these
heroes."
He spat."Hey, hey." Jason had arrived at my side, his hands inches from my own. "How about we just take a breath and not do anything too hasty." Then he looked over his shoulder. "You're not helping anything.""I wanted to torture her before I turned her over, but this works too." Slade replied stonily. As if I was nothing. It hurt more than I'd like to admit."Alright, do you want to hear my secret weapon?" Jason took an earbud out of his utility belt, before pushing it gently into my ear.It was an interview.That wasn't what got me. It was Dick. He sounded bored out of his mind, droning on about some speech he'd given recently. A second voice asked him questions, and he answered.As if he were still alive.Jason carefully took the grenade out of my hands, settling it in his utility belt. "I'd be gone before Bats gets here. He gets testy when he faces the people who have killed his kids." His masked eyes were still on me, carefully gauging my reaction.I was frozen.Slade tutted. "I'm not afraid of the Batman."Scuffing from the other side of the room drew our attention. "You should be." Superman squeezed through my window, an easy smile on his face that held an underlying danger to it. The scene would've been comical if Clark didn't look murderous. "You know, I don't think we've met." I'm sure he continued talking but I became hyper aware of the fact that Jason was still holding my hands. This was the second time he initiated contact today.There's that damn fluttering in my gut. What
was
that?I was shaken out of my stupor when Clark decked Slade. There was a echoing crack that split through the air like a knife.Superman broke his jaw.Jason pulled me behind him, backing the both of us as far away from the tension riddled fight as he could.We hit a wall.Slade gripped his jaw, grotesquely resetting it. "I didn't think you had it in you, boy scout.""Kick his ass Supes!" Jason called, Clark sent us a grin before lunging at Slade the way Jason had earlier but his strength sent the man through my kitchen wall. "Alright, time to go." Jason tried pushing me toward the open window but I dodged his grip, running into my room. I managed to snag my backpack along with my bunny right before the two broke through my bedroom wall."Now we can go." I tucked my bunny away, slipping the backpack on my shoulders and clipping it to my body.Jason smirked. "Cute."My cheeks burned and I couldn't stop the warmth that bloomed in my chest. He helped me out the window, shooting a grapple and pulling me to him.We jumped.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

Jason and I climbed through the window to another apartment. It was about the same size as mine, but vastly different furniture.Tim was passed out on the couch, arm thrown over his eyes haphazardly."What the hell was that Eren?!" Jason rounded on me the second we had our footing. "That would've only killed the both of us.""I'm done being afraid of him.""So you pull a grenade?!" He threw his hands in the air."He was going to kill you.""So were you!" Jason ran a hand through his hair.There was a groan from the couch. "Stop arguing." Distraction. Good timing Timbo. I wasn't really in the mood for another Bat lecture.Residual fear and anxiety were still crawling under my skin. Slade scared me to death. Hopefully Clark would be able to get a handle on him or we'd all be screwed.I went over to Tim, crouching down on the floor next to the couch. "Hey, how're you feeling?""Like I had a boxing match with Bane" He was still burning up, a sheen of sweat lining his brow. His sweatshirt likely wasn't helping anything."Something's wrong. Tim should've recovered by now." I looked up at Jason who was hovering near by.Whatever it was, seemed to dawn on him. "Fuck. It's his spleen." Jason rushed to his cabinets, rifling through the different bottles."What's wrong with his spleen?" I tried to get up but Tim caught my sleeve, a crease between his eyebrows. What was more worrying was that Tim's eyes were barely open. "Jason.""An asshole cut it out of him and left him for dead." Jason found what he was looking for because he was by his brother's side, bottle of water at the ready. "C'mon Timber, you think you can take antibiotics for me?"He groaned again, batting at Jason weakly. "Don' like the way it makes me feel." He mumbled. "Makes me sleepy."I set a hand against his forehead. "That's the best thing for you Timbo. You need rest." What did poison do to someone without a spleen? Would it kill him?Tim grumbled something under his breath but allowed Jason to give him the medicine. His eyes began to droop after a few minutes, even asleep however, his grip on my sleeve wasn't loosening."I swear if Slade killed Tim.." I sat on the ground in front of the couch, still quite attached."He didn't. Tim's lucky I still have his antibiotics in my medicine cabinet." Jason watched his brother. I knew it wasn't an accident, despite his bravado, Jason is as much a mother hen as Dick was. He just doesn't show it as often."Very lucky." I set a hand against Tim's forehead again, relieved that his fever seemed to be going down, if only a little bit. It'd likely take a couple of hours for those antibiotics to finish working their way through his system, hopefully we wouldn't need to do anything more except let him rest. "What is this place?"With a sigh, Jason collapsed on the couch across from us. "It's my metropolis safe house.""I didn't know you had one.""One of the many things you don't know about me." He leaned his head back, staring at the ceiling."So tell me."His head snapped up. "What?""Tell me about yourself Jason. What's something you've never told another person?" I wanted to know him, it might be selfish, but I knew I was falling for him. After all this was over, I needed to disappear.No more Bats or superheroes.He narrowed his eyes, maybe watching to see if I was bluffing or not, but I only adjusted, resting my back against the couch and shifting my arm so Tim and I could both be more comfortable.He hesitated."When I came back from the dead, I looked for Dick." Jason suddenly didn't want to hold eye contact, choosing instead to play with his jacket zipper. "I didn't find him. Then Tim was at the manor, already Robin. I hadn't even been in the ground for six months.""That's where the Replacement nickname comes from right?" It wasn't something he called his brother often, usually it was when he was angry."Yeah." Jason cleared his throat. "What about you.""Oh. Well, you kinda know my whole life story. Is there anything pressing you wanted to know?" I rubbed the back of my neck, while I remembered most of what I'd told the boys, that'd been weeks ago.What if I slipped up?I couldn't ruin their image of Dick like that. I had to honor his memory."How did Dick die?" Jason set his forearms on his knees.
This is what happens when you are disobedient.
"Wintergreen, he um, he ran a sword through his chest. Dick wasn't in any condition to defend himself and neither was I. Slade held me back." There wasn't any way around the gory details.The image of Dick falling to his side flashed through my mind. If only I could've done something. Anything.Bargained or been faster."Why do you keep blaming yourself for his death then?" He was watching me intently.Here's where it got tricky. The lie and the truth were so vastly different. "Dick's need to protect me is what killed him in the end." That and his unwaveringly kind heart that prevented him from taking lives like I did. "Slade thought that if he could make an example out of Dick, I would believe him when he threatened you guys, and I did."If I hadn't needed saving, Dick could've escaped Slade a long time ago."So how did you get out?""It took a lot of death on my part. I had to fully convince Slade I was on his side or he would've seen my plan coming from a mile away." I took a breath, focusing on stilling my shaking hands. I'd had to kill a lot of people. "I don't know who got him out of that concrete pit, but I'm gonna kill them, and then I'll kill Slade, for real this time.""You think he'll fall for it again?""No, he's motivated to either kill me or hand me over to the highest bidder. My only chance is to catch him unawares. It'll take stealth and a little swindling. Plus there's the added benefit that Slade doesn't have anything near the resources he had before I put him in that pit.""Where'd it all go?"I grinned. "I have it of course, locked away safe and sound." Where no one can ever touch that blood money.He returned the smile. "Badass.""Much appreciated Todd."

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

I sat in my shower, fully clothed, the water hotter than I could stand.

Dick Grayson was dead.

My best friend.

Gone.

It felt like my heart had been ripped from my chest, like I couldn't breathe. The water stung my skin in a way that barely registered on my radar.

But at least it was something.

Something other than this overwhelming grief. Dick's death replayed itself ruthlessly in my mind, the sickening sound of metal pulling out of his chest was almost too much to bear.
This is what happens when you're disobedient
it was a dreaded whisper that'd invaded every waking moment I had. It was my fault- that he was dead. My father's cruel words stayed with me, even as I begged Dick to stay
.

Wintergreen had betrayed me. Which meant that he had known all along, that he stood there, cooking dinner, while Father did what he wanted.

And he was the one to run the blade through my best friend's heart.

He was as much to blame as Father.

That certainly hurt as much as anything else.

Everything shifted, the tile melting away to concrete.

Dick curled up on the floor, blood leaking from his mouth. He was mumbling something, his hands clutching his gaping wound, but he was alive and breathing, that's all that mattered to me. I couldn't help the pure relief that swelled in my chest, I rushed to his side.

"Dick!"

"All your fault." He mumbled. "All your fault."

"I don't understand." My stomach dropped as I pressed on his bloody chest, anything to stop the bleeding.

There was so much of it and it was everywhere.

"I'm dead because of you."

No no no no.

Please.
o[]xxxx[]:::::::::::::> • <::::::::::::[]xxxx[]oI startled awake, frightened by the darkness that surrounded me. It was too unfamiliar and I panicked."Eren" The whispered word helped to calm me down. I knew that voice. He was familiar.I sat up, nearly knocking heads with Jason."Eren, it's okay. You're safe, in my Metropolis safe house. I heard you and I came in to check on you." He soothed, I could barely see the silhouette of his hands raised in surrender. "I'm not gonna hurt you."We sat in silence and it was strangely comforting to hear him breathing, it was grounding."You okay?" He whispered."No." I pulled a pillow to my chest, it smelled like Jason. Everything did. It helped, the smell of leather and cigarettes and books."Wanna talk about it?""Not really" I muttered."Okay. Do you want me to leave?" He began to get up, only for my shaking hand to grab at his wrist. "Okay." He whispered softly, sitting back down."Sorry" I was grateful for the darkness, it hid the heat blooming on my face. "I don't know where that came from." I tried to pull my hand back but all Jason did was find it again."You're okay." He assured. "Everyone has nightmares.""Even you?""Every night." His free admittance was a little bit of a shock, but after our talk last night, it seemed like something he'd do.I scooted further back, a silent invitation hanging in the space between us. Jason adjusted to lay down, never once letting go of my hand."Do
you
want to talk about it?""No."It was kind of nice, Jason seemed to be drawing as much comfort from the physical touch as I was. I threaded our fingers together. "That's okay."And it was."Can I ask you something?""Shoot.""What changed?" I'd been wondering about it since that night outside the ring.Jason sighed. "When Dick disappeared and Tim came into the picture, suddenly the role of the big brother role fell to me, and then Damian showed up with all his angst and trauma and I had to figure out how to fix it too. I never felt like I was enough for them, you know. Not in the way Dick could be. I had to pick up the pieces, especially when Bruce was being an emotionally stunted asshole." He ran a hand over his face. "And then you came along and it was so easy to be mad at you, to blame you for his absence, but when you told us your story, I realized that maybe you needed Dick more than I did. So I let my anger around you and him go. It wasn't fair to you and it wasn't fair to Dick. He made his choices, I did too."Damn.Had I really stolen Dick away? He was so focused on me, he missed out on his actual family.I knew he visited to keep up the pretense that I didn't exist, but for Jason to feel this way? To take on the burden of the eldest."You're a good big brother Jason." I wanted to reassure him. "Damian and Tim adore you, I know they do.""They don't. Damian hates me half the time.""They do, I've watched you guys interact. Even someone without my superpower could see it.""Do you know how creepy you sound when you say that?" He joked, though his voice cracked suspiciously."Hey! I didn't pick how my superpower works, it just happens." I shoved his shoulder playfully."Whatever, I'm just saying, people watching isn't a superpower.""Ah, but the extent of which I can read body language
is, therefore I am a super." I grinned, even if he couldn't see it."I hate to break it to you Princess." He turned on his side, facing me. "I can read body language too. So can all the Bats. It's like, training one-o-one.""That why you suck at it?""I never did finish that training." Jason had gotten closer without my notice, I could feel his breath fanning my face."Sounds like excuses to me." I whispered.That odd fluttering sensation in my stomach was back.Jason's lips brushed mine and my breath got caught in my chest, his other hand settled against the side of my neck, thumb gently stroking my jaw. "This okay?""Yeah." I gripped his forearm, my other hand still holding his between us.He leaned in again, a hairsbreadth away."Is Eren okay?" Tim called through Jason's door.Jason sighed, grudgingly sitting up. "I was
this close
to getting her back to sleep.""Oh, sorry, I'll go.""Liar." I teased and turned the lamp on, ready to jump up so I could talk to Tim. I hadn't seen him since we'd all gone to bed. Before I went, I gave Jason a peck on the lips, running away so I couldn't see his reaction.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

The early morning sunlight broke through the blinds in Jason's room and it took me a moment to realize who it was that was laying on me.He was still fast asleep, arms curled against my sides.Jason tried to kiss me last night.It would've been my first, real one too. I mean sure, James had described
some
things to me, but to have Jason, here and with me. It was felt too good to be true. When James told me what it was like to see someone and want to be with them, I didn't expect it to be like this.But Jason couldn't want to be with me. I was too broken. If he truly did have a crush, I couldn't let myself fall for him.I was poison.Look what happened to Dick.What happened to Wally, Artemis, Kaldur. Black Canary. Hal Jordan. Raven, Gar, Cyborg, Starfire.They were all dead because of me.
This is what happens when you are disobedient.
But Jason made me feel safe.In a way that not even Dick or Tim could give me. He shifted, settling closer, if that were even possible. Now that he was asleep and the worry lines had gone away, Jason looked every bit the twenty two year old he was.The very same age Dick was when he died.As long as my father was alive, we could never be together. I couldn't risk him. Not when he had his whole life ahead of him.Jason Todd needed to forget I ever existed.I needed to run.Even if it killed me.He acted tough on the surface but was actually really sweet and thoughtful. He wanted his brothers to be safe. Jason took on too large a role before he was ready and now that he was settled in to it, he was doing well as the eldest Wayne boy.He was a Bat after all."I can feel you staring." He grumbled, voice heavy with sleep."Sorry."Instead of replying, he settled back down. He didn't seem to notice or mind that he was almost completely on top of me.I didn't.There were bruises decorating the skin I could see. He'd gone toe to toe with my father and
lived. I was more surprised he wasn't more hurt.Slade knew how to push him. How to push me. That was terrifying. He was always waiting for the opportunity, to make any of of us angry, utilizing Dick's death for his own sick gain.How far would he go?And who was his benefactor? How did they even know where Slade was buried. I thought I'd been careful enough.Someone could've slipped past me, maybe? I hadn't exactly been checking pulses on my way out. But it would've had to have been done fairly quickly. While that amount of concrete wouldn't have dried in a short amount of time, the oxygen was leeching out of it.Slade should've been stuck.And yet.Who had the resources to dig him out? They would have risked getting trapped themselves and as there wasn't any residue, that means that the concrete was moved to a secondary location.As far as I was aware, Wintergreen was Slade's only friend and he was dead.It just didn't make any sense. My father was the most sought after man in the criminal underworld, whether it was to kill or hire him. Everyone wanted his spot at the top.My phone buzzed on the nightstand.Who the hell would be texting me right now?Carefully as I could, so as not to wake Jason again, I reached for the device. It was James.'Isaac needs you at the diner. Said if you don't come, you're fired."
Damn it. I forgot about work.'Tell him I can't make it.' After I got everything sorted, I guess I'd be job hunting again. I could live off Slade's wealth but I felt dirty doing it. I knew where it all came from.It was blood money.'You sure?''Yeah, sorry. I've got this whole thing with my dad going down. I'll text you about it later.' I really liked James. He was fun and free spirited, he'd helped me explore a lot of the world.Either I'd have to lie to him, or ghost him.It's easier if I just chalk it up to it being for his safety.I wanted him to live a long life, which meant I had to stay as far away as I could. Slade would never leave him be, at least the Bat boys had a fighting chance.As much as I didn't want to ruin this moment, I needed to get up,
we
needed to get up so we could figure out what we were all going to do.Slade was slippery, I didn't have the greatest confidence that any sort of cell Clark could put him in would be able to hold him.He would escape.Then he would come for those I loved.For now, I'd enjoy this.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

"Morning Timbo." I slipped past the nineteen year old on my way to the kitchen. "You look better, how're you feeling?""Really good, actually.""That's good. No upset stomach or anything? "He shook his head. "You'll let me know if that changes, right?"He voiced his acceptance, taking a seat on one of the stools at the counter. If I really was going to run, I needed to act as normal as possible. Tim would catch on to anything different.I began to rifle through Jason's cabinets in search of coffee. "What about you? It's pretty late." Tim nodded toward the early afternoon sun peeking through the windows."First good night's rest in a while actually." I grinned, grabbing three mugs and starting the brew.The apartment immediately began filling with the smell of coffee beans. It was a pleasant one that I rarely indulged in.He hummed, accepting his cup as soon as it was ready. I took a sip of my own, savoring the hot, bitter flavor. "Is it because you were sleeping with Jason?"I choked on my drink, spitting it into the mug. "What?" I coughed out, wiping my mouth on the back of my hand.His mouth twitched in amusement. "I mean because you two were
sleeping
in his bed, what else could I have meant?" Tim's head tilted innocently, eyes wide. "That must be why you're wearing his clothes, right?""You little gremlin." I set my mug down, cheeks burning. "We didn't do anything and you know I didn't have any pajamas from my apartment.""Mhm. I just need to know if I have to give the 'if you hurt my big brother I'll murder you' speech. Unless the two of you aren't an item,
yet." He smirked behind his cup.What?Jason stumbled into the kitchen before I could answer, dropping his phone on the counter. "We have a problem."Tim and I exchanged a glance."What now?" Tim reached over the counter, setting his mug in the sink."Supes couldn't contain Slade before Bruce could get there, which means he's loose." Jason ran a hand through his hair, messing it up gloriously.Damn, it looked good.I tore my gaze away. Focus Eren. "I'm more concerned about who this mysterious benefactor is. Slade said it was a life debt he'd be breaking as well as a contract if he killed me, so who's got that kind of power over him?""Ra's?" Tim offered."Then why would Ra's make a deal with me if he was just going to send Slade anyway. That wouldn't make any sense."Had Ra's known Slade was alive the night he visited me in Dick's apartment?"He could've saved Wilson first and then when you contacted him, decided that would be a better route." Jason set his hands against the edge of the counter. Damian crawled through his brother's living room window, Bruce following closely behind. "Does no one use doors anymore?!"You're one to talk."My grandfather would never deal with that traitorous scum." Damian ignored him. "Wilson deserves death.""Not that I don't agree." I glanced between Tim and Jason. "But Ra's did initially approach me with the whole 'your father owes me a life debt' thing.""When did this happen?" Bruce demanded.Had he not known about that? "It wasn't long after me visiting the mountain."
I
never told him about it, with everything that'd happened I didn't have the chance, but why didn't Jason or Tim do it?"How long have you been keeping that a secret?" Damian crossed his arms. "I could've offered assistance.""I told Clark." I defended. "And these two.""We meant to tell you B, but we wanted to keep Damian out of it and you suck at keeping secrets from us." Tim rubbed the back of his neck.Ah.That's why.Damian's mouth twitched downward. "I suppose I'm not trustworthy enough then.""What? No!" Jason huffed. "Everything's been going really fast and that was an on the spot decision.""Boys." Bruce moved closer, gently guiding his youngest with him. "That's not what we need to focus on. Slade has a benefactor, we can't rule out Ra's or Talia. She isn't above going behind her father's back.""But why would Talia deal with Deathstroke if he's a traitor to Ra's. She's still loyal to a fault." Tim leaned against the back of his stool."If my mother believed it would give her some sort of advantage, she would stoop to his level." Damian perched on the couch, arms crossed and a frown on his face. "Eren has a valuable skill, who better to hunt her down than her father.""Aw Dames, you called me by my first name, I'm touched."He rolled his eyes. "I was simply referring to you. It is not my fault you chose two first names." He didn't correct me on his nickname this time.Progress."He doesn't even do that for me, and I'm his favorite sibling." Jason reached over and ruffled his hair.Damian bat his hand away. "Regardless. The likelihood my mother is working with Wilson depends on her motive. I don't think she has one. Grandfather on the other hand will do whatever it takes to get what or rather who he wants.""I say we go scout out Infinity Island." Jason crossed his arms. "Maybe one of us can suss out if they're blackmailing Slade or not.""Eren should go to Gotham. She'd be safe there." Tim glanced at me out of the corner of his eye."I'm not sitting out on the sidelines. I was trained as an assassin, I can think like one. Infinity Island is bound to be riddled with traps."Bruce sighed. "Damian, Jason, and Eren will go. The boys have been there before and Eren has a point. I won't make her sit out when it's her future that's being determined. Keep each other safe.""I'm not getting benched either." Tim stood."You're not. I need you in Gotham looking into any other possible clues as to who else this benefactor could be." Bruce was quick to assure. "I'll follow up with Clark and assist in finding and capturing Slade as well as smoothing out tensions with the League.""I thought we were protesting their behavior." Jason set his hands on his hips."As much as I hate to admit it. The League could be pivotal in hunting Wilson. He can exchange blows with Superman. We need backup.""Go team I guess." Jason muttered sarcastically as he started walking down the hall to his room.This wouldn't bode well for my escape plan.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

Damian had gone ahead, crouching somewhere in the tree line above us. Jason and I were hiding behind a boulder, laying low on the ground level and using the cover of darkness to sneak onto an island full of assassins."So, are we gonna talk about last night?" Jason pushed his helmet off."You mean where you almost kissed me?" Should I indulge this? Would I be leading him on if I still planned to run?His cheeks flushed. "You kissed me!"I shushed him, sending a wary look around us.
"We're on an enemy island.""Don't you think I know that." He whisper-shouted back before taking a breath. "There was a lot of information shared and I understand if you felt caught up in the moment and you don't feel that way."Was Jason babbling? Was he flustered?"Do you?"God, please say yes.What if
he
had been the one to get caught up in our talk last night and he was just trying to tell me he didn't like me?That would make this morning rather embarrassing.Before he could respond, a twig snapped somewhere nearby. Jason shoved his helmet back on, taking out his guns and switching off their safety. He then took two silencers out of his utility belt and applied them.I unsheathed a couple knives, twirling them lightly to test the weight. Damn I missed having them.Alfred had apparently been making me a suit since my arrival. He said it was 'just in case'. Whatever that meant.But I appreciated the armor now."If the two of you are finished acting like foolish lovers. We have a mission to complete."
Damian muttered over our comm line. "I can hear everything you imbeciles are saying.""B said radio silence unless absolutely necessary, little demon." Jason chastised, scanning the trees around us, body tense and ready for attack.His mask probably had infrared capabilities.Lucky.Alfred wasn't done with my mask yet so I had to borrow a regular one.Several shadowy figures emerged from the tree line, the moonlight only making them that much more ominous.They attacked."Okay, but hypothetically, if you did like me
in that way, would you tell me?" Jason shot one and punched another.I threw my knifes, nailing two in the head. "We're a little busy, Hood." A shadow assassin came at me, their katana held high over their head.Why was I avoiding it?"Though, if you had to answer it, would
you
say you like me that way?" I took a hit and Jason shot them. "I mean, i-if you do.""Ugh just admit you like each other. You're going around in circles and it's disgustingly cute.""T- I mean Red? What the hell are you doing on comms?" Jason hesitated and almost got decapitated. I threw another knife, hitting the shadow in the head."B's hunting down a lead and I'm managing the computer. The cave always has an active line to any live comms. I was bored.""Glad to know we're entertaining." I pulled my knives out of the dead bodies, wiping the blood on their tunics."Todd. I've been surrounded.""Where are you Robin?" More shadows appeared from the trees. "Back up might take a minute there bud." I tensed, shifting my weight to the balls of my feet.Okay. Let's be smart about this.There were way too many for Jason and I to take them all on. I think they knew that too. The previous group had to just be the first wave.I readied my knives, twirling one in each hand. Jason reloaded his guns. "Is serving Ra's Al Ghul really worth dying. I know I don't have a problem killing you." I called to them.They just stood there."What's happening?" I whispered over my shoulder. "Why aren't they attacking? Robin?""They're not fighting.""If Ra's is really the benefactor, the three of you just walked into a trap."
Tim muttered. "I'm sending B and Supes to your location.""No. Don't do it quite yet. The last thing we need is Ra's Al Ghul getting his hands on them too." What were they all waiting for?"Hello daughter." Slade stepped from the line of shadows, my blood ran cold. "Did you really think that sending that lumbering buffoon after me would work?"Shit shit shit.Stay calm Eren."So it's true. Ra's Al Ghul raised you." I moved between him and Jason.There was fighting on the other end of our comm link. Damian was attacking. Why was he attacking?Or were the shadows trying to capture him?If that were the case, why weren't the ones on our end doing the same?"As we speak, your precious Bats are being rounded up." Slade walked forward, his hands behind his back. "Bruce from Metropolis, Tim and the butler from the manor, adorable little Damian. They will die."He'd been toying with me that night in my apartment. Slade had known who Tim was, he was screwing with me. He'd been reminding me why I was afraid of him."Unless what? There's always some sort of lesson or deal." There had to be a way to save them all.Slade chuckled. "I see they've been dressing you up as the hero. Another bird theme? How original." He rolled his eye."Stop stalling Slade." Jason adjusted his stance."You're very bold." He unsheathed his katanas. "What do you say, daughter, shall I set my sights on another Robin, former that is."Instead of answering. I threw my knife at him, it buried itself into his shoulder and he dropped one of his swords to pull it out."Run."And we did.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

"You know" Jason muttered as we crawled through the underground tunnel system. "I'm just going to say it. Might as well rip the bandaid off.""I don't think now is th-"He grabbed my arm. "Eren. Just stop for a minute." Jason sighed. "I've been mulling it over in my head since that night at the ring. You're this strong, independent badass that I couldn't imagine returning my feelings. Why would you? I wasn't exactly a prince when we met.""Jay-"He tucked some hair behind my ear. "And then the more that I got to know you, the harder I found myself falling. I regret making the assumptions that I did. I'm sorry.""Are you doing this because we might be about to die?" I just needed to be sure."No. I care about you Eren. A lot. I don't want to lose you." His fingers ghosted along my jaw. "I wanted to find the right time to tell you. Do all that romantic shit Tim does for his boyfriend, but life always got in the way. It never felt right. Then Harley kept trying to give me pointers, which her and Ivy are doing really well-""I never needed all that. I just needed you." I wanted to him to kiss me, I grabbed his hand instead, threading our fingers together.No Eren. This wasn't going to end well when I disappeared. But maybe I could let it happen, let myself have these little moments before I have to leave.Jason grinned. "Does that mean you like me back?""Yes, you idiot.""Finally!"
Tim cheered over the comms. "Can I send in the Calvary now?""Timbo?!" I touched my ear. "I thought you were captured.""Almost was. Thanks to Wilson's little warning, I was able to get out a distress signal in time and I'm hiding in one of Dick's old crawl spaces. I'm not as flexible as he was, just as an aside.""But you're safe?""For now. If the League can get their shit together, we might have a shot."I let out a breath. "So we have to stall until they can get here. Great.""Give me a minute and I'll connect you to the watchtower.""Did he just say-""You're about to give the League your first hero pep talk." Jason looked way too smug about it, he even went so far as to wipe a fake tear from his eye. "My favorite antihero is growing up so fast.""Shut it Todd."He held his hands up. "I'm just sayin'.""Connected. Might want to use codenames from now on.""All yours, Flamebird." Jason nodded at me."Okay." I took a breath, I could do this, it was only the
justice league. "I know a lot of you hate me, blame me for the actions of Deathstroke. I wanted to explain, Nightwing and I were tricked, just the same as all of you. I was in a difficult situation and William Wintergreen acted like he was my friend, I thought he was. He told me he'd help and I believed him. Nightwing believed me. We've all lost people to that monster. Sons, daughters, mentors, partners, friends. I ask you now to help me save the Bats. They're in trouble and the League of Shadows has partnered with Deathstroke to either kill or capture your allies, your friends. I'm not asking you to save me, but them? They don't deserve this."The connection broke off.Holy shit. That went better than I thought it would. Maybe Tim made it one way. So they couldn't express their discontent.Hopefully, that would work or we were going to be royally screwed."Got me all choked up there Birdie." Jason teased, placing a hand on his chest."Is that really going to be my nickname in the field?" I deadpanned.He shrugged. "There's no way in hell I'm calling you Flamebird every time I need your attention.""That's rich,
Red Hood""Whatever; we need to go find Damian. He's gonna be somewhere above us." Jason pulled a holoscreen hub out of his utility belt and pointed to a blinking red dot. "That's us, and that's him."A separate green dot flared not far from us."Lead the way."Jason started back down the tunnel."Hey Timbo, has anyone responded yet?"
"No, but your message was received. Bruce checked in as well. ETA thirty minutes. I believe Clark went up to help coax the league."
"They're not much of a hero squad if they ignore distress calls." Jason grumbled. "We can get out of this alive on our own.""While I don't doubt our abilities, we won't be able to take the entire League of Shadows. Besides, we don't know if Damian is hurt or worse, one of us might be indisposed if he is.""I'd come but I'm grounded in the Batcave. The zeta tubes are down and B took the jet.""Why don't you call one of your buddies on your team?" Jason crouched as the ceiling dipped."We broke off all ties, remember. They have to get Leaguer permission to perform any type of mission.""Isn't sticking it to the mentors the entire reason the team formed?" I dodged an overgrown root."Maybe the old team. The new one has strict restrictions."That was probably smart."Not that it matters anyway. When B left the league, it got dicey on the team. People took sides.""Sorry to interrupt, but aren't you hiding from a ton of assassins?" Jason pushed on a grate above us, carefully setting it to the side so as not to make a sound. He then helped me up. He then put his helmet on."I'm hiding with Alfred in the safe room. They couldn't get in, even if they wanted to.""You guys have a safe room?" I whispered."B has one in the manor and the cave. His paranoia works out sometimes." Jason suddenly pulled me against the wall with him. Before I could ask him what he was doing, a swarm of guards moved past us. "When we get out of here, I'm gonna take you out on a real date.""That'll be
after
I've slept for a week." If I was still in town at all. My father was an annoying thorn in my side. Every time I thought he was dead, he popped back up again. I was just tired of it all. He was the whole reason I had to leave.Once it was safe, we were on the move again, slowly but surely moving toward the youngest Wayne."Is that a yes?"Talia stepped into our path, a squadron of shadows behind her. "I wouldn't have thought one of my beloved's own would be stupid enough to walk into a trap."Shit shit shit."Yes. Well it seems Madolyn needs a refresh." Jason and I moved to stand back to back. Slade had his own groupies.We were surrounded.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

Damian, Jason, and I were on our knees in a triangle, forced to face each other, stripped of any armor that we could use to escape. This was so bad. We were royally screwed.My hands were shaking.
This is what happens when you are disobedient.
No no no. Not again.Stay present."What is the meaning of this?" Ra's Al Ghul threw the doors open as he stormed in."Seize him." Talia pointed at her father.My my. What a turn of events.I exchanged a glance with Jason. Whatever was happening, Ra's had apparently not known about it."B is still ten minutes out. Stall."
Tim warned.Noted."Damian. You're okay! Why didn't you answer us?" I whisper-shouted, keeping a wary eye on Slade and Talia."They took my communication device." He glared at his knees. "I was captured.""Hey. It's okay kiddo. We were too." Jason tugged lightly against his ropes. "This sucks." He grumbled."Enough!" Ra's struggled against the shadows. "I am Ra's Al Ghul, I will not be bested by underlings!""It's time for your reign to end." Talia held a gun to Damian's head. "Perhaps if I kill your legacy, you might take my threats more seriously."No no no."If you're gonna point that that at anyone, do it to me!" I fought against my ropes. I wouldn't let another Bat die.Not again."You bitch. Killing Damian would be killing your legacy too Talia." Jason yelled. "You've lost your mind!"She regarded the both of us, before a wicked grin stretched across her lips. "You're right of course. I wouldn't murder my only child." I let out a breath I didn't know I was holding. Talia nodded toward a couple of shadows and they dragged Damian further away. "The both of you, however..."Slade strode forward, katana in hand. "It wasn't Ra's that dug me out of that concrete grave.""It was me." Talia walked over to him and stood by his side. "It wasn't until one of my loyal shadows notified me of Slade's burial that I realized we had something in common.""Blasphemy." Damon growled."Our wayward children think they know what's best for them." Talia took a dagger out and began playing with it. "Do you know what I could do with the girl who knows every hero's identity? Damian would finally rule.""What is this. Wilson betrayed the league." Ra's tried and failed to escape his captors."You once called me insane for utilizing my daughter the way I did. Seems yours agrees with me." Slade walked toward him. "I think it's time you retired. No Lazarus pit for you this time, old man." He forced his blade though Ra's chest and all I could do was watch. Damian cried out.The squelching sound of it made me nauseous.
This is what happens when you are disobedient.
Ra's fell to the floor, his eyes wide in shock. "Take him away and give him his final rights. Treat him with honor or it shall be on your head." Talia commanded. "This is a hostile take over."Stay present. Don't go back there.It's only going to hurt."Y-you killed him." Damian had the most devastated expression I'd ever seen. "Bastard!""Five minutes out."Jason must've managed to get free because he lunged for the biggest threat in the room, my father.Slade caught him by the throat, lifting him off the floor, despite his struggle. "This is the one you've chosen, Madolyn?" He
laughed.
"He's brave, though not strong enough.""No! Let him go!" I wouldn't lose Jason. "Please.
Father. I'll do whatever you want."My throat became tight."It's a little late for that Madolyn. You need to be reminded who's in control." Slade squeezed and Jason gasped for air, limbs flailing wildly as he struggled for purchase.No no no."I'll tell you them all! I swear! No more plans or betrayals!" Just a little more time and I'd be able to get out. I just needed to slip- a loud, echoing crack reverberated around the room."NO!" I cried out in anguish."What?! What's happening?"
Tim asked desperately. "B is still two minutes out."Jason's body fell to the floor, limp and unmoving.I finally managed to free my hands and all I wanted to do was see that he was okay. That he wasn't actually dead.Damian struggled, tears streaming down his face.I scrambled to Jason's side. "No no no, you're alright, you're okay." I grasped his face, his eyes were still wide in surprise. "No." I choked out.I wasn't fast enough."Don't you see, darling Madolyn. Everything you touch is infected. Everyone who has died, they were all so determined to protect
you.
It's better if you realize that no one is coming to save you. You're nothing more than something we can use." Talia grabbed a handful of my hair, dragging me away from Jason, even as I desperately tried to get back to him."I'd rather die." I kicked up, breaking her grip, rather painfully. She had a chunk of my hair.Talia laughed. "You think you can best me child?" She held out her hands. "If you have a death wish, so be it.""Maybe. Maybe not." I just needed them distracted till Bruce could get here. "I'll make you a deal." Then I could fall apart. Damian still needed to stay alive and if I could keep their attention on me.. so be it."Enough with your games Madolyn. Grief makes you weak." Slade kicked Jason for good measure as he strolled over. As if he hadn't just killed a good man. "Your betrayal some months ago was admirable, it will not happen again.""I was only doing what I was taught." My voice wobbled.Damn it.Keep it together."She weeps for the street rat." Talia tutted. "My my, what have you raised her to be Slade? Though remember, we need her alive."I adjusted my stance, subtly moving to stand between them and Damian. "Give me a sword and I'll show you." I used the sleeve of my undershirt to wipe at my eyes.She smirked, tossing me a katana. "Let me see your mettle."Slade stood off to the side, though I kept a wary eye on him. Talia came at me almost immediately and I barely lifted my sword in time.Blood and sweat melded together as the fight progressed, my split attention was going to get me hurt.Or worse.She slashed again, slicing my arm."For the daughter of Ra's Al Ghul, you suck at swordplay." It was just a tease, anything to get her angry, make her slip.I realized my mistake too late.Batman burst through the doors and the air stilled, everything felt like it was in slow motion. A stinging pain ripped through my chest and I could only observe in a numb haze, the sword protruding from my sternum. "Killing Wintergreen was a mistake." Slade whispered in my ear.I took one last stuttering breath.
This is what happens when you are disobedient.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

A steady beep ripped through the darkness. My entire body felt like it was on fire, every nerve ached.
Was I alive?
There was a warm weight on my hand, though it burned, I didn't have the energy to move it. Last thing I remembered was..
Oh god.
Jason.
Tears pricked at my eyes. I knew I shouldn't have entertained it. I shouldn't have let myself fall for him. If only I'd pushed him further away.
"You should get some rest." Bruce's tired voice drifted through the air. "She'll still be here when you wake up."
"I almost lost her. She saw me die. If you guys hadn't-" Jason's grip on my hand tightened. Wait. He couldn't..
Lazarus pit.
It was the only explanation.
Ra's Al Ghul and even Talia herself were rumored to have used it to ensure their immortality.
Seems that was only true for one of them.
"You love her, don't you?"
I wanted to move, why couldn't I move?
"I- we have to take things slow. I've never felt this way about someone before and I don't want to screw it up."
Before Bruce could respond, a drowsy darkness began to settle in my mind, forcefully dragging me away from consciousness.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

Eren will return…