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Nightwing 6/17/2017 06:14 Thursday
‘Next time the Titans ask if they can join me on a bat recon mission, I’m saying yes!
Batman sent me to Brazil. The League’s global scanners had been getting some odd readings from the rainforest. They wanted a small stealth/science team who could notice anything unusual. A team that could blend in, and possibly get some locals talking.
As one of the few that fit in that last, I was chosen to go. As I filled all the necessary requirements Batman thought it was best if I went alone. For how smart he is he still doesn’t seem to grasp the concept of ‘TEAM’.
Well, thanks for that, Bruce. Now I’m being chased through the jungle by some off-world creature and none of my comms are working. To top it off the creature introduced itself by destroying my transport!
36 hours! Just need to stay away from if for 36 hours. When I don’t check in in 24 hours’ time Batman will send reinforcements, whom I am granting a generous 12 hours to find me! DAMN!’
Batman 6/17/2017 17:30 Thursday
‘Hasn’t even been 12 hours. So, why am I so worried? Something just doesn’t feel right. I can’t get the feeling that Nightwing should have found something to report already.’
*beep beep* “Yes?...He’s already back at the Watchtower?...No, he didn’t contact me first. I haven’t heard from him since he left for his mission….Yes, be there soon.”
‘Odd. Why didn’t Nightwing contact me when he got back to his transport? That’s what he usually does.’
18:00 at the Watchtower
“This device is what caused the signal?” Batman questioned.
“Yeah, Batman. It matches the League’s reading precisely and was only about three miles from our estimated start point.” Nightwing answered with a roll of his eyes. ‘Nightwing’s report was quick and succinct, not much embellishment. Well, I guess there really wasn’t much to embellish.’
“Why didn’t you contact me once you arrived back at your transport?” Batman did not quite demand.
“There was no need. I was coming right back to the Watchtower and didn’t notice you’d still be at Wayne Enterprises at the time.” Nightwing answered easily with a shrug.
“Hummm” ‘Why am I doubting him so much? He has no reason to lie about anything. And the mission was short enough that checking in less than an hour before reaching the arrival point for the end of the mission does seem superfluous.’
“I know Alfred said to be there at 6 on Sunday, but I would appreciate you being home an hour or two earlier.” Batman changed the subject.
“Ohhh, ummm, yeah. That’s fine, whatever you want.” Nightwing seemed distracted with his reply.
“See you then.” Batman returned with narrowed eyes.
“Yeah, see ya.” Nightwing answered easily.
‘Hummmm, he’d tell me if something more happened in Brazil. Why is he being so quiet?’
Red Hood 6/18/2017 00:15 Friday
‘Ugh, Bludhaven. How does Dick stand this town? If this wasn’t connected to Black Mask I would have just passed on my intel and stayed out! *sigh* but I’ve made Mask my responsibility—for some stupid reason.’
“What are you doing here?!” A harsh voice growled behind Red Hood.
Jason whistles. “Calm down Golden boy. I told you I was coming. You’re the one who offered the help. If you don’t want to help, fine. You don’t have to get all pissy about it.” Red Hood replied teasingly.
“Sure, I’ll help. Help you back to your grave!” Nightwing growled as he lunged at Red Hood.
“HEY! Wing, calm down. Stop! Don’t make me hurt you!” Red Hood yelled while dodging and blocking hits. ‘Why the hell is he attacking me? The last time I saw him he was being sickenly cuddly, now he’s trying to kill me?!’ *Shing* ‘Literally kill me!?’ Red Hood started freaking out when a blad came out of Nightwing’s Escrima sticks.
“Watch it, you almost chopped off my head! Wait! When did you put machete in your escrima?” Red Hood was starting to freak out a bit…not that he’d ever let anyone know. ‘I’m ending this NOW!’…
‘Ok, taking him down was too easy. Has he lost weight? I’ve never felt his bones so prominent. Or maybe I just haven’t had to sit on him lately pointing a gun to his head.’
“What are you doing, man?! Are you under mind control or something? What the hell?!” Red Hood yelled.
Nightwing chuckled. “Just wanted to make sure your fighting skills were up to snuff. Chill dude. Now get off of me so we can do whatever it is you need doing here.”
‘Nightwing’s laughter was kinda dark….Something’s not right here!’ Red Hood let up the older man slowly not fully trusting his sanity at the moment.
“We’re gonna follow some of Black Masks goons and see what they’re up to.” Red Hood explained. ‘Didn’t I already tell him this?’
“Simple enough. Let’s go.” Nightwing replied grudgingly.
‘Yeah, something’s off. Wait and watch for now Jason, see what you can learn.
Nightwing 6/18/2017 06:00 Friday
‘God, I’m exhausted! At least I’m at my 24-hour mark. They’ll know now that something’s wrong. And bonus! I haven’t seen nor heard my new stalker for over an hour, maybe I finally lost it?’
Red Robin 6/18/2017 12:15 Friday
Jason was over at Tim’s Robins Nest trying to convince him of their older brother’s odd behavior.
“I’m telling you, Tim, Dickiebird’s on something! The way he attacked me last night, I would have sworn he had just got out of a Lazarus pit.” Jason complains.
“Maybe you just caught him on a bad night” Tim replied with a shrug.
“Dick doesn’t have bad nights. He’s too chipper for that.” Jason grouses.
Tim’s response is an eye roll.
“Anyway, it wasn’t just that initial attack. His style all night. It’s Dick, no doubt but…wrong somehow,” Jason tried to explain.
“Maybe you just haven’t spent enough time with him lately and he’s adjusted his style? I’ll ask him to spar on Sunday then I can tell you if you’re crazy again or not.”
Jason shoves Tim good-naturedly. “Thanks, Replacement.”
“Hey, no need to get huffy,” Tim replies with a laugh.
Jason leaves after giving Tim a noogie.
Not Nightwing 6/19/2017 15:17 Saturday
“Molothrus ater to Mistress.”
“I’m here.”
“Mistress, I have made contact with two of the four Bats. And there is a family dinner tomorrow, all are expected.”
“Good. Keep me informed. If all goes well, we should be able to start removal this week.”
"Thank you, Mistress.
Batman 6/20/2017 17:30 Sunday
‘Damnit, where the hell is Dick! I wanted to discuss plans for father-son bond building. He’s far better at family things in general and seems to be the only one Damian will respond to even remotely positively.’
Bruce hears footsteps in the hall.
“Dick. Finally—” Bruce starts.
“Sorry, Dad, not Golden Boy. ‘Finally?’ You expecting him early or something?” Jason asks combatively.
“Jason, sorry. How are you?” Bruce replies not quite hiding his disappointment.
Jason just shrugs in response.
“Have you noticed if Dick has arrived yet?” Bruce asks.
“Alfred said I was the first here that he knew of and you know Dickiebird would have said ‘hi’ to Alfie,” Jason responds lightly.
Bruce growls frustratedly.
Jason mock gasps. “Is Golden Boy in trouble? Could it be?”
Bruce glares at Jason. “No, but I did ask that he arrive an hour or so early to discuss some things.”
“Humph! Need a fortifying dose of your favorite before you can deal with the rest of us?” Jason tries to tease but can’t quite hit the tone.
Bruce sighs exasperatedly. “Jason why are you immediately getting hostile? I have no favorite and love you all equally.”
“Right! I noticed that none of the other birds seem to have gotten the ‘come early’ request.” Jason argues.
Bruce returns to glaring at Jason. “None of the rest of you are as family oriented as Dick—” Jason scowls back “—but more importantly Dick is the best suited to help me connect better with Damian.”
Jason looks shocked. “Oh, so you’re trying to get Dick to ‘teach you his ways’ with Damian?”
“Something like that,” Bruce sighs. “I guess we’ll have to talk about it some other time.”
Robin 6/20/2017 18:20 Sunday
“Has anyone heard from Grason today? It is most unlike him to be late for a family gathering!” Damian demands through his pout.
“He was acting weird on Friday morning, but I haven’t talked with him since.” Jason shrugged.
“Weird how?” Bruce demands.
“How about he tried to decapitate me, weird?” Jason challenges.
“WHAT!?” everyone shouted.
“Hey guys sorry I’m late. There was this—” Dick tries to explain as he walks in.
“You tried to decapitate Jason?!” Bruce yelled.
“What? No, Jason’s right there—it was traffic, of sorts.” Dick continues what he had been saying.
“BattyDaddy is talking about Friday morning when you almost took my head off.” Jason shoots at Dick.
Dick laughs. “Oh, that. Just making sure you’re keeping up to snuff.”
“Since when do you even carry blades, Dick?” Tim asked.
“Since I thought they might be useful. Did Jay tell you fast the fight was over?... No? Well, I let him take me down with his counterattack to show I wasn’t serious. Sheesh, a guy changes one little thing….” Dick explains.
“Jason, did Dick go down with your counterattack?” Bruce demands.
“Yeah, but, bladed—”
“You didn’t say he had gone right down after.” Tim sounded like this put his world right again.
“Whatever, it's over, it's in the past. Sorry if I scared you Jaybird. Let’s eat, I’m starving!” Dick tried to end the discussion.
“Still Grayson, blades? That is odd for you…. As is such tardiness on such an occasion.” Damian didn’t want his favorite to become harsh like the others. He needed him to stay the way he was.
“Just making extra sure I’m able to hold up Bludhaven by myself. No worries Little D.” Everyone appeared to take this at face value so focused on their diner.
Nightwing 6/20/2017 18:30 Sunday
‘Ok, if no one was looking for me before, I’m sure the whole family is looking for me now! I can’t believe I’m missing family dinner tonight! Should have rested more with that one hour and a half this thing gave me. I cannot believe it circled around to get ahead somehow!’
Red Robin 6/20/2017 20:00 Sunday
“Tim? Do me a favor and still ask him to spar.” Jason approached Tim.
“Where was he keeping the blades?” Tim responded.
“Hidden in the shaft of his escrima….” Tim stared at Jason wide-eyed.
“In his escrima?! No way!” Tim finally got out.
“Yeah, so maybe suggest no weapons.” Jason teased.
“No, duh!” Tim was a bit flabbergasted. ‘Dick would never make his escrima into deadly, well more deadly, weapons. They were dangerous enough just in his hands, let alone the charge he could light them with.
“Hey, Dick?” Tim called.
“Yeah, Timmy?” Dick answered.
“We haven’t sparred in ages. Let’s go a few.” Tim offered.
“Really, Master Timo—” Alfred started exasperatedly.
“Yeah, let’s do it!” Dick interrupts.
“No weapons, though. I want to try a few new things without my staff.” Tim requests.
Dick shrugs in response. “Sounds good. Let’s go.”
20:15 In the Batcave
‘Jason’s right. There are subtle differences in how he’s fighting. And they aren’t things you change either. It’s like Dick was trained by someone else….’
Batman 6/20/2017 20:10 Sunday
“Don’t you guys want to watch?” Jason asked Bruce and Damian.
“Actually, if you don’t mind Jason, I’d like to have a discussion with Damian,” Bruce responded. Jason nodded, knowing what was about to be discussed.
“What is it that I have done this time, Father?” Damian asks defensively.
“Nothing! Humph! You and Jason jumping to conclusions tonight….” Bruce grouses.
Damian lifts an eyebrow. “You must admit that private conferences between us are usually you scolding me.”
Bruce sighs. “I’m sorry about that, Damian. I would like to try to change that. Next weekend, perhaps, you and I could go camping? Try doing some of the things I did with the others. What do you say?”
Damian’s unguarded blue/green eyes met his father’s. “Are you attempting to try a typical father-son-bonding excursion?”
Bruce immediately bottled up. “If you don’t want to, I under—”
Damian quickly hugged his father. “I’d like that very much, Father.” Bruce smiled warmly and returned his son’s hug.
Red Hood Batcave 20:17 Sunday
‘He’s definitely moving differently. It’s subtle but anyone who knows Dick’s fighting style would notice. Tim sees it too; I see that in his eyes.’
Nightwing 6/21/2017 01:00 Monday
‘Out here three and a half days with only about three hours of sleep spread through that. Where is everyone? I don’t think I can last much longer.’
Stop that, Grayson! Bruce and Damian would kill you for giving up. Hell, the whole family would probably kill you. Besides they have to be looking. They’ll be here soon enough, then I can rest.’
Not Nightwing 6/21/2017 03:24 Monday
“Molothrus ater to Mistress.”
“I’m here.”
“Mistress, as suspected the whole ‘family’ was at dinner and the Red Robin even challenged me to a sparring match.”
“Perfect! Now all that’s left is Robin.”
“The other left a note reminding himself that he is to train with Robin today at 4 pm.”
“Then tonight we start the removal. Remember, descending order!”
“Yes, Mistress. Thank you.”
Red Robin 6/21/2017 05:00
‘Reviewing the Cave’s security video the differences are even more noticeable. I missed some while sparring, but otherwise, I would swear it’s Dick!
‘Ugh! I’m thinking in circles! I need to bounce ideas off someone. And seeing Jason is kinda my only option right now….’
“Do you know what freaking time it is, Tim?!” Jason answers half asleep and annoyed.
“Huh?... Oh, sorry didn’t realize it was so early.” Tim replied apologetically.
Jason growls. “Then call back when you know what time it is.”
“WAIT! Don’t hang up! We need to talk about Dick. You have breakfast plans?” Tim offers.
“Yeah, it’s called lunch,” Jason grouses back.
“Jay, this is more important than your beauty sleep!” Tim demands.
“Ugh, fine, be there in an hour,” Jason acquieses.
06:03
“Ok, Replacement, what have you got?” Jason asks as he climbs through Tim’s window.
“Ok, so we both noticed the subtle, but fundamental, difference in his fighting,” Tim dives right in.
“Yeah. Things that don’t really change either. It’s like he was retrained by a different person. Some of those movements you just don’t learn from Bruce.” Jason agrees with a shrug.
“Agreed. But I don’t know…while we were sparring he was still his usual chatty self. Even did his little ‘remember when’ thing. I swear he has brain damage; the things he remembers are so out of place for the moment he remembers them!” Tim starts on a tangent.
Jason laughs “Yeah. I know what you mean. It’s like no matter what he’s doing he’s always in his own dream world.”
“Humph! And this is what I’ve been doing for the last four hours! Pointing out obvious ‘not him’ behavior that leads to ‘only him’ revelations!” Tim states in frustration.
“Hummmm, did he bring up specific memories or more of a vague reference?” Jason asks.
“Specific! Details that match what I remember. I feel like I’m losing my mind! Should we tell the others?” Tim asks.
“Are you kidding?! Try to throw dirt on Golden Boy? No, we wait, watch, and gather more evidence. I think it’s time I reconnected with my older brother….” Jason decided.
Nightwing 6/21/2017 16:40 Monday
‘Ugh, where am I now? Oh, still jungle. Hairy must have knocked me out and now he’s taking me somewhere I doubt I want to be! Well, at least I got a few hours rest and now I’m in the perfect position to take this thing out!
Robin 6/21/2017 17:00 Monday
“You keep showing me old routines, Grayson!” Damian complains.
“Yeah, today is review day. I want to make sure you’re keeping track of everything I’ve already taught you,” Dick answers.
“Tt! Ohhph,” Damian replies before hitting the ground.
“And that’s why we need review days!” Dick states cheerily.
“You seem distracted today,” Damian adds getting to his feet.
“…” Dick doesn’t reply.
“And atypically quiet. Richard, what is bothering you?” Damian demands.
“You not getting all your moves correct right now! Come on, again!” Dick states annoyed.
“Humph! What has Father done this time?” Damian ignored the direction to run through his moves again and instead sat down looking at his favorite brother. Something was off with him today.
Dick gave Damian an eye-roll. “It really is none of your business, Squirt.” With his anger and annoyance at the younger growing the older man abruptly left the cave. He wasn’t fond of children and this one was the worst of them all.
Red Hood 6/21/2017 21:00 Monday
*Tap Tap Tap* “Mind if I come in?” Red Hood yelled sitting on the ledge outside Dick Grayson’s apartment window.
‘Wow, that smile is the evillest thing I’ve seen since Joker. Definitely not Dick!’
“What brings you to the ‘Haven tonight? Need more help Baby Brother?” The older’s mocking tone was vicious.
‘Definitely not Dick. I don’t care what memories this guy claims to have. He’s not Dick!’ Hood turned his back to the other as he entered through the window, which was when the other struck.
“What the—“ Hood spun around at the feel of the needle finding its way between his hood and jacket collar.
“Hummm, only half a dose. No matter. That seemed too easy anyway.” The older stated while he flew to attack Red Hood.
Red Robin watching the live feed from Hood’s helmet.
‘Not good, not good.’ Tim was immediately patching the live feed to the cave while calling its occupant. Bruce had to see this for himself.
“Tim?” Bruce answered.
“Get to cave. I sent you a live feed link to Jason’s Hood feed. He’s at Dick’s but Dick isn’t himself. He just drugged Jay and is now attacking him. I’m en route to them now.” Tim signed off not caring to hear Bruce’s reply. His video package was attached to his notes and annotated surveillance of his sparring match with Dick.
Red Hood
“You are not what I anticipated. My Mistress told me that the two of you were estranged. I thought I’d have to hunt you down to remove you from the field. So, I guess I should thank you.”
“Ugh” ‘Half a dose or not that shit is strong.’ “Where’s Nightwing?!” Red Hood demanded.
“Why, I’m Nightwing—I have his face, his memories, everything that was his is now mine. Now I am him.”
“Don’t think so confusious. What did you do to my brother?” Red Hood tried again.
“Oh please! You don’t even like him. You know getting that pathetic look to come out right every time you were less than gentle with his feelings? That took me months to get it to be satisfactory to my Mistress.” The older demonstrated a pained expression that was almost but not quite covered by an attempt at a calm appearance.
‘Yeah, I know that look. Love it, hate it; that is my look. It's how I know I got to him, how I know he still cares. Even if I hate seeing him hurt.’
Distracted with his thoughts Jason missed the taser the other brought out, sending enough voltage to bypass his suit's insulation. Jason was down.
Batman watching the previous footage and listening to the live feed.
‘Fool! Admitting he’s not really Dick and just a pawn to this Mistress, but where is Dick? He can’t still be in Brazil, can he?’
Robin watching and listening to the fights Batman was viewing
“Father, Let’s go!” At Batman’s confused look, Damian explained. “Perhaps Grayson has been brainwashed, perhaps that is someone who has had surgery and lessons to look and act like Grayson—unsuccessfully! Either way, we must capture that man while also ensuring Todd’s survival.”
That got Bruce to regard his youngest with pure shock.
“Grayson would want Todd safe and would feel terrible if something happened to the delinquent—especially if Todd believes it is Grayson doing this.” Bruce gave his son a half smile at the younger’s attempt to cover his concern towards the family outcast.
“You’re right. Let’s go!” Bruce agreed.
Red Robin 6/21/2017 21:27 Monday
‘Dick, or whoever is tying up Jason. Good no need to tie up a corpse.’ Tim thought as he jumped into the still-open window and tackled the older.
‘Whoa! Dick could look terrifying when he’s mad! But it's not in him to hate this much, god it cannot be in my happy brother to hate this much!’
“Heh. That sparring match. What gave me away? I thought I’d be safe using my machete on this one” he kicked Jason’s prone body “but it seems that the two of you got together on this. So, tell me. I have to know! Where did I slip up?”
“Your basic underlying form is all wrong. Dick was an acrobat before anything else, you weren’t! It’s clear in your form to anyone who knows Dick. Whatever you look like or remember, you aren’t him!” Tim replied. The older seemed to fall deeper into a rage and charged just as the current dynamic duo entered.
‘For someone who supposedly has Nightwing’s skills this guy went down really easily. Just like he did with Jason. What is lacking in his training?’
Nightwing 6/21/2017 22:00 Monday
‘Over four and a half days, approximately five hours of sleep and that is if I count the time I was unconscious! Continuous running and fighting and barely any food all adds up to one 20+ Wonder going on fumes and pure will.’
‘God I would take anyone’s help right about now! Heck, I’d even be happy to see Flamebird’s leer right now!’
‘Come on Batfam, where the heck are ya?’
Batman 6/21/2017 22:45 Monday
“Master Jason has awoken and—” Alfred starts.
“And wants to know what the hell’s wrong with Dickiebird!”
“Language, young sir.” Alfred chastised in his most mild, put-upon voice.
“Molothrus ater to Mistress.” “I’m here.” “Mistress, I have made contact with two of the four Bats. And there is a family dinner tomorrow, all are expected.” “Good. Keep me informed. If all goes well, we should be able to start removal this week.” “Thank you, Mistress.”
“Molothrus ater to Mistress.” “I’m here.” “Mistress, as suspected the whole ‘family’ was at dinner and the Red Robin even challenged me to a sparring match.” “Perfect! Now all that’s left is Robin.” “The other left a note reminding himself that he is to train with Robin today at 4 pm.” “Then tonight we start the removal. Remember, descending order!” “Yes, Mistress. Thank you.”
“What are you listening to? It’s creeping me out!” Jason asked unnerved.
“Molothrus ater was Grayson’s voice. That one” Damian pointed to the prisoner expertly tied to a chair. “The female—Mistress—sounds like Mother.” Damian sounded disgusted looking at Bruce to tell him he was wrong.
“Yes, and the blood work shows that one is a clone.” Bruce clenched his fist. Outrage and disgust met that revelation. “We need it to tell us where Dick is. I don’t think Nightwing came back from Brazil on Thursday. But I can’t locate any of his gear.”
“Well, then we backtrack! Start from his last known transmission from Thursday and track all signals—or lack of signals. Look for patterns and the like.” Tim explained as he was already reaching over Bruce to work on it.
“Bruce, where’d you get those recordings?” Jason looked mildly horrified.
“Dick placed bugs around his own apartment,” Bruce answered with a shrug.
“Ok, that’s weird! But I guess potentially helpful. Can we delete them now? It’s kinda sickening hearing Golden Boy’s voice talk to Talia in that adoring voice the clone uses.”
“Agreed!” Damian seconded.
“As much as I also agree, you should both know better than to discard any evidence before the case is closed.” Batman reminded them.
“Guys look at this!” Everyone returned to Tim at the computer. “Ok, here’s Nightwing’s signal when he gets to his grid coordinates. Then is almost immediately cuts out and then shows up twenty miles away. Since then there have been two blips that register as his tracking beacon, but they cut out so fast the computer doesn’t make the connection—only someone looking for it would see it.”
“Both were still in the Brazil Jungle but spread far apart.” Bruce noted the distances between the blips.
“Yeah, but Burce the first was recorded hours after his original signal and barely within a potential travel radius if Dick were running. And the second—literally days after the first—today in fact!” Tim rationalized. They all heard a dark chuckle behind them.
‘The clone will have answers. Seems he can do one thing right. I wasn’t even aware he had woken.’ The fake Nightwing was glaring at them all with a triumphant smirk on his face.
“Why would Nightwing need to be traveling at such a pace as to make this first so far from the original?” Bruce demanded.
“Hard to say really… there are so many strange, new dangers in the jungle nowadays.”
At hearing such a familiar and loved voice speak in such an evil tone, empty of natural human emotion, Bruce was unsuccessful at suppressing a shudder.
“Red Robin keep looking. Hopefully, we get another blip soon. Robin, Red Hood—batwing now. We’re going out to collect Nightwing.”
The clone laughed. “Ohhhhh Batman…. You don’t want to do that. If her new pets failed to collect your gipsy and I couldn’t finish my mission then this is exactly what she expected you to do. Leave the castle unguarded—an old man and one boy will be no match for her assassins. And just imagine what traps my Mistress could lay while the Bat is away….” The clone laughed again.
“Father! We must get Grayson!”
“Hood, Robin, go!” Batman ordered.
“But—” Robin started.
“GO!” Batman ordered again.
Nightwing 6/22/2017 00:05 Tuesday
‘Ok, guys. It’s now, or…never!
‘Those beasts…must have poison…or something…on their…claws.
‘I shouldn’t feel…this weak. …Or…maybe…I’ve lost… a lot more…blood than…I thought.
‘Either…way, even…with it down…and out, I’m…not far behind it…
‘Ok,… six miles…between it…and…me…time…to…rest….
Red Robin 6/22/2017 00:06 Tuesday
“Red Robin to Batwing! Nightwing’s beacon has reactivated and is holding. Sending coordinates. Hurry! He seems to have stopped moving and I don’t like the implications of that!”
“Roger. We are approximately seven minutes from the location.” Red Hood replied.
“Roger, keep us updated!” Red Robin requested strain clear in his voice.
“Yep!” Red Hood agreed.
“What was the plan?” Bruce demanded of the clone. ‘Bruce hasn’t gotten anything out of the clone. Just taunts and sneers—so unlike Dick! How did this guy fool us for even a second?
Batman 6/22/2017 00:17 Tuesday
“How did you know Nightwing would be sent on that mission?” Batman demanded.
“Ohhhh that one I’ll answer. The signal type my Mistress sent out? You would only trust a Bat to investigate. You hate the jungle so your next choice would naturally be your gipsy. We had set off the signal when we knew he had no other missions so would be available to you.”
“Why Nightwing?” Batman continued.
“What would be worse, Detective? Watching your precious gipsy kill? Watching him die? Or even on the chance I would be caught—having to forcefully interrogate your gipsy? Maybe you can make the distinction, but it's still his voice screaming in pain, his face contorted in agony. Now Detective ask your questions. I’m all yours to torture….” The clone laughed.
Robin 6/22/2017 00:15 Tuesday
“Cave this is Robin. We have Grayson! He’s alive—wounded, dehydrated, and exhausted but alive! Heading home.”
Alfred 6/22/2017 05:30 Tuesday
‘I love my boys and am so proud of what they do for others, but when I see one of them like this—when I hear that tone—telling me one of my precious charges is hurt, possibly dying—I just want to be selfish and keep them safe at home. Not allow them to go off into the night to battle unknown evil.’
‘Each of these boys have lost so much and they give so much more, still.’
‘I want to be selfish and forbid them all from ever again entering this dark place or donning their masks.’ Alfred sighs. ‘But Master Richard has already proven just because those that love you and are trying to protect you want you out of the life doesn’t mean that you’ll stay out. They will find a way back in because that is who my boys are. They will always lay down their life for others.’
“Master Richard will recover! The lack of sustenance and rest already had him near complete exhaustion when the beast clawed him. The wounds themselves are not bad. You may see him two at a time! I do not want him over-excited nor his rest disturbed. Am I understood?” Alfred instructed his other boys.
“Two at a time and keep quiet. I think we can handle that, Alfie.” ‘Jason, always acting so strong. Like nothing gets to him, but I see. I see the relaxation around his eyes and shoulders as I give my prognosis. He was worried for his brother, but would never admit it.’
“Where are we keeping…?” Alfred starts.
“Tied up in the decon chamber. None of us really wanted to hear him or look at his so, out of sight but still closely monitored.” Tim answered.
“Humm…Master Jason, would you accompany me? I wish to check on something regarding that one’s person.” Alfred requested.
“Yeah, sure. Only if you don’t get mad when I punch him for speaking.” Jason replied. Alfred silently rolled his eyes.
Not Nightwing 6/22/2017 05:50 Tuesday
‘No! They all look too calm! My Mistress’s beasts did not finish the job! I will have to do it for her. I’ll bring her the gipsy’s trash heart!’
‘Why is the old man inspecting me? Tracing some of the scars my Mistress needed to give me to match the other.’
‘What is he doing?!’
“What are you doing to me?!” The clone shrieks.
“Dear lord! Jason fetch Master Bruce!” Alfred demands in a shocked voice.
“STOP! Ohhhh it burns! What are you doing?”
“Alfred--?!” As Bruce enters the chamber Alfred steps aside showing where the clone's body is turning to ash. “What the hell is this?” As little as Bruce wants to be anywhere near this clone he runs his hand along the ash area, where Alfred had just traced a scar.
“Ahhhh! STOP! Don’t touch me! What are you doing?!” ‘I don’t understand, I have touched their skin before now. Why does their touch now turn my skin to ash?! Was there a flaw in his Mistress’s genetic altering?’
“Tim get some ointment and gauze. Jason, you and Tim need to wrap that up. Alfred and I can’t seem to touch him.” Bruce directs.
“Fine. Tim give me the ointment.” As Jason started applying the ointment his touch too turned the other’s body to ash.
“Ahhhhhhhh! STOP!!! Just get away from me!” This time the afflicted area kept enlarging.
“I don’t think Talia ever expected you to survive this mission,” Tim stated coolly.
“What?! My Mistress would not abandon me!”
“Let me guess, the creatures were supposed to capture Nightwing. Then once you had killed the three of us in front of Batman—making him think it was the real Nightwing –Talia would have you and Nightwing fight. She’d ensure Nightwing was too wounded to survive but each time his blood made contact with your skin you would also slowly disintegrate.” Tim laid out coldly.
“NO! My Mistress was to keep me as a reminder to him what would happen if he left her again! I was to stay by her side always!”
“Wow. I’m glad our Dickiebird is smarter than you are. She wasn’t going to let Bruce have any of us, real or not.” Jason agreed with Tim’s assessment.
“NO! God make it STOP!” The dried blood on the other's hands from where they had tended to Nightwing’s wounds had transferred to the clone and gotten into his system. Tim was right, Talia had ensured Bruce would suffer as much as possible if in no other way than to listen to a voice he loved cry out in such agony while the cloned body of his son slowly burnt to ash.
They got the clone into the med bay and put him into an induced coma so as not to feel the pain. They couldn’t figure out how to save him.
Nightwing 6/22/2017 17:30 Tuesday
Opening his eyes to see his father, brothers, and grandfather all milling about his room gave him pause! ‘One or two of them here at a time I get, but all here just waiting for me to wake up?!’
“Let me guess: The rest of the manor is infested with purple people eaters?” Dick joked drily.
“Dick! How are you feeling?” Bruce jumped up from his chair to be closer to his oldest.
“Annoyed.”
“Well, maybe next time we won’t bother coming to save you, Dickiebird. Next time we’ll just let you bleed to death in the jungle.” Jason tried to tease but again could not quite get the tone right.
“That’s why I’m annoyed. I started to think that was the plan. I expected you—any of you, shoot! anyone!—days ago. What kept you?”
“Mother cloned you. It took a bit to be positive that he wasn’t you.” Damian answered flatly.
“WHAT! Talia cloned me?! And NONE of you could tell?!”
“Actually, we all noticed discrepancies immediately, but they were so subtle that we individually waited for more evidence or explanation,” Bruce stated calmly.
“‘Discrepancies’ ‘individually’? NO! That clone made it deathly obvious to me and I went right to Tim!” Jason decried.
“Jay? What did he do to you?” Dick looked petrified and sick to his stomach.
“First time I ran into him he tried to decapitate me. He had machete in the shaft of your escrema sticks. The second time we fought he drugged and tazed me.” Jason explained.
“Jay—” Dick started.
“Stop Golden Boy. It wasn’t you and I knew right away that it wasn’t my brother. Then I got to watch that thing turn to a pile of ash while you recovered, so I’m pretty happy with the situation.” Jason answered happily.
“What…?” ‘Great is Jay falling back into his pit crazy ways?’
“Relax. Talia had set up the clone to start failing—literally turn to ash—at the touch of your blood. See: after he killed us he was gonna kill you while also killing himself. We accidentally set off his decompose settings.” Tim quickly explained.
“Well, sounds like you have been having much more fun than I was. All I did was run through the jungle trying not to get eaten.”
Red Hood 6/22/2017 20:00 Tuesday
“How’s recovery?” Jason asked.
“Ugh, the way Bruce and Alfred are acting you’d think I was on the verge of death. I was tired and hungry and the cuts were just the last straw. But now that I’m fed, hydrated, and stitched I’m fine. Not that you’d think that with how those two are acting, though!” Dick groused.
‘I have never seen Dick acting so childish and ungrateful.’
“I’m sorry, Jay. I shouldn’t have freaked out like that. I know you’re all just worried. Heh I guess I’m just peeved they didn’t instinctively know it wasn’t me.” Dick continued before Jason could respond.
“In all fairness to them, he put on a decent show. If he hadn’t tried to kill me that first night I probably wouldn’t have noticed either.” At the blasé mention of his near-death experience, Dick looked stricken.
“Jay, I know it wasn’t me but, I feel like I should try to make it up to you. Only Hallmark doesn’t make a ‘sorry my evil clone almost chopped your head off’ card. And you were in the ‘Haven for that Black Mask thing, weren’t you?”
Jason just nodded.
Dick sighed “I was so happy you called and asked for my help with that. Heh, I was thinking maybe this is all we’ve needed. A good case to get us back on track.”
“Do you want to ‘reconnect’ with the psycho failure, Golden Boy?” ‘Ahhh there’s my special face, god I hate it!’
“Jay! You are neither a psycho nor a failure! You are, however, my bone-headed brother. Of course, I want our relationship to be at least close to what it was. No matter what you do or how much you try to push me away I’ll always love you, Little Wing! I’ll always be here for you!”
“I-I didn’t really need your help. I-I just, sort of—Idon’tknow—wanted it, I guess.” Jason mumbled rubbing the back of his neck.
“I have a great urge to hug you right now, Jay. Unfortunately, I know how you feel about showing affection and I’m not in a condition to absorb your counterattack.” Dick said with complete seriousness.
Jason surprised them both by going over and hugging his older brother.
“…If you tell anyone about this—”
“Shhhhh, Little Wing. Your secret is safe with me. So don’t spoil the moment.”