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Chapter Text

The loud ringing in his ears from the gunshot won't go away as he kept his eyes on his parents laying on the ground, eyes still wide open in terror.

He did not hear anything other than the ringing when he was helped off the ground, when had he fallen? He doesn't remember, and the ringing is starting to give him a headache, he did not protest as a jacket is placed over his shoulders and he is lead away from his parents. Nothing actually registered until a pair of hands rest themselves on his shoulders and he looks up to see Alfred.

The ringing is getting louder, his head is killing him, all he could do was let out a weak, "Al-Alfred..." before the pain overwhelmed him and he passed out.

~Gotham Hospital~

Bruce woke up on a hospital bed with an IV drip in his arm, he has to force himself to calm down and ignore it as he sat up carefully and look around.

It is a private hospital room, a chair is next to his bed with a half-empty bottle of water and empty wrappers in the bin, someone has been sitting in the chair watching over him as he slept. The room is dark so is nighttime, whoever was with him, most probably Alfred, had to go home.

He lay back down and rest his arm that isn't connected to the IV drip over his eyes. He should still be mourning the loss of his parents but he just went through memories of another life so it felt like his parents died years ago, not just recently. Yes, he is upset he lost his parents. He missed the very much and he misses his family in his previous life as well, he wonders how they reacted to his death. Hopefully, they'll be alright. He sighs softly, there is so much he needs to possess, not only his past but his future as well.

He holds up his hand as he stares up at the ceiling, he can't believe it, he is Bruce Wayne, the Batman. He knows what's going to happen in the future and he has so much he has to prepare. He clenches his fist and slams it against the bed. He has to start planning his training and he doesn't care if he isn't just a normal human dressed up as a bat, he knows that is one reason why most people likes Batman but this isn't a comic, cartoon or movie. This is his life now and he can't...he can't allow any of his future children to die. He will Not allow it.

Chapter Text

"Master Bruce." Bruce was so lost in his thoughts that he did not realised time had passed till a familiar voice snapped him out.

He turns to the voice to see Alfred standing there with shock and happiness on his face. "Alfred..." He whispered in a hoarse voice.

Alfred is immediately by his side with a bottle of water. "Drink." He said softly as he helps Bruce sit up and hold the bottle close to his lips.

Bruce drinks greedily and tries to grab the bottle so he can tilt it up, even more, to get the water in him faster but his hands were gently batted away by Alfred and he let out a whine when the bottle is taken away from him.

"Master Bruce, you've been asleep for almost a week. It won't do you any good to drink too quickly or too much in one go." Alfred explained when Bruce moves to grab the bottle.

Bruce sigh when he heard Alfred and nods his head. "So what happens now? When can I go home?" He asked in a soft voice.

"I'll ask the doctor but most probably you'll be released after they've checked to make sure you're alright." Alfred hesitates for a few seconds before speaking again. "The police will also like to speak to you...about..." He trails off, not knowing how to put it without hurting his young ward.

Bruce closes his eyes to hide his pain at the memory of his parents being gunned down as he nods his head. "Yeah...okay. I don't know how much of a help I'll be. It was dark and he was wearing a hat so I can't see his face." He lied through his teeth as he looks down at his hands, he doesn't even have to fake the sadness in his eyes.

Yes it was dark and he was wearing a hat but he saw his face and thanks to his new memories he even knows the name of the man who killed his parents, Joe Chill. The only reason why he is keeping the information to himself is that he wants to be able to confront him once he becomes Batman. Obviously, he can't give them false information and risk them accidentally catching the wrong person so the best is to pretend he doesn't know who the killer is.

Alfred gently places a hand on Bruce's shoulder. "It's alright, Master Bruce. Just tell the police everything you know and let them do their job." His heart goes out to the poor child, no children should have to watch their parents being gunned down, especially at such a young age.

Bruce nods his head as he keeps his eyes on his hands. He does feel bad for lying to Alfred but everything will be alright in the end. He clutched his hands, he'll make sure of it.

~Hours later~

The doctors had checked and gave him the clean bill of health, he's currently getting ready to leave as Alfred sign his release papers when Jim Gordon walked in.

"Hello, I'm Detective Gordon. I'm in charge of your parents' case, is it possible for me to ask you a few questions?" Gordon asked with a soft smile on his face, not wanting to traumatise the 8-year-old anymore than he already is.

Bruce nods his head. "But there's not much I can tell you, it was too dark and he was wearing a hat."

"That's fine, just anything you can remember, anything at all." Gordon pressed a bit, hoping Bruce would be able to remember something.

Bruce frown as he pretends he's is struggling to remember before shaking his head. "I can't remember..."

Gordon is disappointed but he didn't let it show, he can't fault the boy for not having more information. "It's alright, Bruce. Thank you for your time. How are you feeling now?" He was worried when Bruce suddenly fainted and is glad he's being discharged right now.

Bruce looks away with an aura of sadness around him. "I'm okay. The doctors said that I'm in good health..."

Gordon wants to know more but didn't push it so he gives Bruce another smile and nods his greeting to Alfred as he walks towards them. "Well seeing as your guardian is here now I'll take my leave. Good day." He gives Bruce a friendly wave before leaving.

Bruce watches Gordon leaves before turning to Alfred. "Can we go home now?" He asked softly.

Alfred gently places his hand on Bruce's shoulder. "Yes, let's go home." He said as he leads the young boy to the car to drive them home.

~Wayne Manor, Night time~

Bruce is glad to be home but at the same time he's upset, as being home made him more aware that his parents are no longer with him. Alfred tried to cheer him up when he saw how upset he was but now that he is alone in his room, with his own thoughts, it's impossible for him to sleep, so he got up and head to his parents' room, like he used to when he's unable to sleep.

He entered their room and look around, it still looks the same. He wonders how long that will last, how long before everything is boxed up and he moves in instead.

He opens up their wardrobe and carefully picks out a suit and dress, they were his parents favourite and he remembers how stunning they looked in them.

He crawled into bed with his parents' clothes and hug them close as he curls up in the middle of the bed, pretending that his parents are there. Hugging him and making him feel safe in their arms.

Perhaps it is exhaustion or the fact that this is the first time he is spreading a night without his parents in the same house as him, but tears start rolling down his face and it isn't long before he's crying his heart out. The memories he has gotten no longer helped him with his grief as the reality of the situation finally hit him.

His loving parents are gone. They won't be here to guide and teach him to be a good man. It doesn't matter how many years are added to his memory, he is still a child even if he has memories of an adult.

"It's not fair!" He yelled through his tears and buries his face into clothes he's hugging tightly as he sobs till he runs out of energy and sleep takes him to spare him from reality till he wakes.

~Alfred pov~

Like Bruce, Alfred was unable to sleep, so he decided to make his rounds around the house. As he is making his rounds, thoughts of his young ward's future plague his mind. He will have to make plans, for even though the will has not been read, he knows that Master Bruce will be under his care. Master Thomas and Miss Martha had asked him to be their son's guardian if anything happened to them. While he was honoured they chose him to care for the most precious person in their lives, he never imagined the day he'll have to take on the role would ever come.

As he worries for his young ward's future, he noticed the boy leaving his room and making his way to his parents' room. Concerned for his wellbeing, he follows him to his parents' room and stood guard outside. Letting the boy have his space while staying close by to comfort him if needed.

But the moment he heard his ward cry he froze. The most heart breaking cry he has ever heard left the room, but his body would not obey his brain, even as his brain yells at his body to move, to wrap his arms around his young ward and comfort him. He had failed his young ward on the very first day under his care, all he could do is stand there like a statue as he listen to his cries.

Movement came back to him once the cries has stopped and silent fall over the Manor again as he enter Master Thomas and Miss Martha's room. First thing he took note was how small his ward is on his parents' bed, his cheeks still wet with tears as he hugs his parents' clothes like his life dependent on them. It pains him to see that even in sleep his young ward can't find peace from the horror that is his reality.

He carefully remove Master Thomas and Miss Martha's clothes and place them aside as he tuck his young ward into bed. He gently wipe his tears away, hoping that he would have to courage to wipe his tears while his awake in the future. "Sweet dreams, Master Bruce. The future might seems bleak but there is always a rainbow after a storm." He whispered softly to the sleeping boy.

He fold the clothes his young ward had chosen with care and left the room with them. He had prepared outfits for Master Thomas and Miss Martha but their son picked a more fitting outfit for them. He will make arrangement with the funeral parlour first thing in the morning to switch their outfits before the funeral.

Chapter Text

Years had passed since his parents' death and the return of his memories of his past life. In those years he had been pushing himself because of worry for the future and the paranoid feeling he gets whenever he goes out outside when he's in Gotham, he is damn sure that someone is following him but he could never figure out who's following him or if anyone is actually following him and he never felt eyes on him once he left for his training.

He keeps his days busy with lessons and training, leaving him no time to be a child. He knows that Alfred is starting to worry, especially after he started doing some work for the company last year. Alfred did try to get him to have a little fun and maybe make some friends but it never worked.

No one is happy to have a child working but he managed to convince them to let him by pointing out he is the owner of the company and he needs to learn sooner or later and he wants to make sure the company will still be around when he's finally able to take his rightful place in the company. Of course, the work he was given is simple and checked but he isn't even annoyed.

The whole point isn't to learn how to run a company, it is to meet Lucius Fox. Lucius had just joined the company when he first started and lucky for him, Lucius was the one assigned to check his work and teach him. As a result, they got to know each other and Lucius is now one of the few people he trusts.

Getting to know Lucius as soon as possible is part of the plan. He knows how important the man would be for his future as Batman and his company so it's best to get him on his side as soon as possible. Which isn't that hard seeing as the man seems to like kids.

Once he's sure Lucius is a friend of his instead of an enemy, he sat Alfred and Lucius to lay out his plan to them. He isn't going to be like the Batman he knows, he isn't going to try to shoulder everything himself when there are people who can help him take on some of the load.

He remembers how nervous he was when he told them that he was leaving once he turned 18. He had kept his head down so he won't see their faces, worried that it would make him change his mind as he tells them the rest of his plan. To travel the world, looking for teachers to train him, take out the crime bosses in Gotham and clean the streets of criminals when he returns.

They listened to him without interrupting but it's clear to him, even when he wasn't looking at them, that they won't happy with his plan. They didn't want this for him and so they fought and argued, only giving in when they saw that he isn't backing down. Knowing that it's better to be there for him, helping him, than letting him do this on his own.

They won't happy and made it clear to him up until the day he finally put on the bat costume and went out on his first day as Batman.

And holy shit it was fun! Sure being shot at isn't his idea of a good time but scaring the crap out of the criminals more than made up for it.

He had planned what kind of Batman he would be way before he left Gotham to train, he worked on horror movies under a false name, studied urban legends from different cultures and learnt magic just to hit a hundred on the fear factor.

Fear is his main weapon against the criminals, that did not change even as super-villains starts coming out of the woodwork. He actually leans more into it as more of his villains appear as he waits for the day he comes across the Red Hood gang.

When the day finally arrived he did everything he could to break up the gang before they are even anywhere near Ace Chemical Processing Plant and succeeded, so imagine his surprise when Joker appeared. It's like a bad dream for him. He thought he had prevented Joker from being created but how wrong he was...

It just made him more determined to be there for his future children. He most definitely won't be winning the best dad of the year award but he's going to try his hardest to be there for them and make sure they know that they are loved.

Perhaps he was too focused on cleaning up the streets, he did not hear the news of The Haly Circus being in town until the very night of the Graysons' performance.

His heart drop when he heard the news and used his magic to teleport to where the circus was set up, not caring that he's in his civilian clothes, he was hidden by the shadows anyway so no one saw him teleporting.

He runs to the performance tent and entered through the back, greeting people he recognises as he passes them till he's standing next to Dick, watching his parents' last performances...

"Hi, Dick." Bruce greeted softly as he gently place a hand on Dick's head.

Dick look away from his parents and smiled brightly when he saw who was talking to him. "Bruce! What are you doing here?" He asked as he turn his complete attention to the man he had come to love during the time he travelled with them.

"It is good to see you again, Dick." Bruce drops to one knee as he pulls Dick into a hug, tightening the hug and moving one hand to push his face into his chest as his parents' high wire snapped and they fall to their death. "I'm so sorry..." He whispered to the confused boy as he pick him up and take off running before Dick's parents even hit the ground.

Travelling with The Haly Circle had not been his plan, but after leaving the League of Assassins and returning to America he managed to run into them and he thought 'why not?'. To this day he still doesn't know how he got the job as a knife thrower but he did. He has never been so glad that smartphones haven't been invented yet, while he's proud of his skills; he doesn't need videos of Bruce Wayne as a knife thrower all over the Internet.

He actually enjoy his time in the circus, he made friends, learnt new things and most importantly; he formed a relationship with Dick. But that also means he formed a relationship with his parents, they are lovely people...

"Bruce! Bruce, what's going on?" Dick's scared yelled snap him out of his trip down memory lane.

"Dick..." Bruce whispered as he stopped outside the tent. "I-" He feels his words die in his throat. Because how do you tell a child that their parents are gone? No one had to tell him, he saw them die... But Dick...he didn't. He had made sure of it.

"You're scaring me, Bruce. What's going on?" Dick asked as he push against Bruce's chest so he can look at him.

Bruce had no more reason to keep the boy blinded so he let him lift his head as he let his hand slide down so he can hold onto Dick more securely for his new position in his arms. "Dick..." He managed to whisper but luckily he didn't need to say anything else as a pale Haly run up to them.

"Bruce?" Haly is surprised to see the man but he has other priorities to worry about now. "How's..." His eyes flick towards Dick.

Bruce shakes his head. "He didn't see anything." He said as he set Dick down on his feet.

"What don't I know?" Dick demand as he looks up at the adults. "What aren't you telling me?"

Haly walks up to Dick and gently place his hand on his shoulder. "Come with me." He said softly as he lead the boy away to have a private conversation with him. He never wants to do something like this but he is responsible for everyone in the circle. He has to, even if he doesn't want to.

Bruce watch them walk to the side, just far enough out of earshot. He watches as Dick's confused face morph into one of heartbreak as he falls into Haly's arms and let out a cry loud enough for him to hear from where he is.

Tears form in his eyes and roll down his face for the boy he had come to love. He will never be able to fill the hole now in Dick's heart but he promises that he will do everything in his power to ease his pain and shower him with love. He will be there for him even if he has to forgo what little sleep he's getting right now.

Chapter Text

It took Bruce a few days to get Dick out of the juvenile services system, he's kicking himself for forgetting that Dick would get thrown there because it took time for the adoption to go through. The first thing he did once he saw him again is to hug the beaten and crying child close and promise that he will never be alone again, that he will be loved and protected. His magic covers Dick and settles on him as he made his promise, even after two magical teachers he still finds it easier to use his magic without speaking a single word, and being in Gotham just made it easier for him.

The magic he had placed on Dick would protect him from any harm, the strongest protection he's able to cast with his magic and it's better than any bulletproof vest but he'll still be able to feel pain for a few seconds from any injuries he should have gotten so he won't grow reckless, and it will tell him at all time where Dick is, it would also allow him to teleport to the closest shadow to him. He had placed a lot of thought into creating the spell, he has his children in mind as he creates them.

He picks Dick up when he shows no sign of letting him go and carry him to his car and slid into the back seat. "Dick, there is something I need to tell you." Bruce said softly as he gently pats Dick's head.

"What is it?" Dick asked softly as he glance up at Bruce, not dad. He doesn't want to replace his dad even if he loves Bruce.

"The man who caused your parents' death turned himself in." Bruce had to hold himself back from smirking, it's more like Batman scared the hell out of him and he ran to the police to make it stop.

Dick's eyes widen in shock as he pushes himself up so he can get a better look at Bruce's face to see if he's lying or not. "Are you serious? Why would he turn himself in?" He asked in bewilderment.

Bruce can't help but smile at how cute Dick is and gently pat his head. "Because of The Bat."

"The Bat?" Dick leans closed as he asked his question. "He's real?" He had heard about him but he didn't believe that something like that can exist even though he had heard of heroes from the other cities, after all, a Demon bat that feeds on the fear of the criminal and protect the innocent is completely different from a speedster or an alien.

Bruce nods as he pulls Dick into a hug, with him resting his head on his chest as he pats his back. "Yes, he's real." And you are in his arms; is what he wants to tell him but he keeps it to himself. After all, he wants his children to have a normal life.

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Bruce is determined to give Dick the best childhood he's able to give him, which means he took time off from his day job, Lucius is more than happy to take over while he helps Dick adjust to his new life and tutoring him so he can be enrolled into school whenever he's ready.

He has never been as grateful for magic as he is at this moment. He cast a spell on Dick so he'll be alerted whenever he wakes up in the middle of the night. He would quickly finish whatever he was doing and teleport back to his room, using his magic to change into his pyjamas and settle under his blanket just as Dick enter his room, seeking comfort from his nightmares.

He would comfort him, hold him close and sing him to sleep before casting a spell to help him sleep through the night without any nightmares before changing back to his batsuit and teleport back to continue his night work.

It isn't easy to keep it hidden from Dick, especially when Alfred and himself are the only ones in Dick's life right now but it got easier once he befriend Barbara, and he spend more time with her after he invited the Gordons over for dinner. Jim had checked up on him over the years and he is one of the first people he visited when he returned.

He's able to go back to his day job when Dick feels well enough to go to school where he made more friends. Don't get him wrong, he loves spending time with his new son but he's not getting enough sleep because of his worry for him and now that he's doing better he's able to sleep better.

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POV Dick

Dick was supposed to go out with his new friends but one of them couldn't make it so they decided to change the date. Now he's home alone because Alfred had some errands to run and Bruce is at work.

After dropping off his bag in his room he decided to explore the place he now calls home. With each room he explore; the sadder he got, this place is too big, there's too many empty rooms for two people. How lonely Bruce must have felt after his parents were murdered, he had heard his classmates talk about it when they thought he wasn't listening... He shakes his head, it isn't the time to think about that now! He's here now! He'll make sure Bruce isn't lonely anymore!

With determination in mind he head towards Bruce's office after making a quick stop at his room to pick up a card he made in art class, it would be a nice surprise for him to come back to.

He place the card in the centre of his desk and was about to leave when he noticed the grandfather clock. "Is it already that late?" He asked in confusion as he look down at his watch. "No, guess the clock is on the wrong time." He was going to leave and let Alfred handle it but isn't this another opportunity to show Bruce that he cares about him even if he can't bring to replace his dad?

He pulls the chair towards the grandfather clock and jumps onto it as he adjusts the clock's hand. He had never adjusted the time before so when he heard the sound of something shifting he jumped off the chair in fear, he just wanted to help! He didn't mean to break it!

But before he can go into a full-blown panic attack; the grandfather clock started moving, revealing a hidden doorway.

"This..." Dick walks closer to look through the doorway. "No way...a hidden passage!" His eyes light up, the fear he had before completely forgotten as he skips down the stairs, excited to see the secrets hidden in his new home.

He starts hearing...chirps? But not like a bird's chirp, it's closer to squeaking? And growls? Just what exactly is below their house?

Curiosity is a dangerous thing, especially for a young kid heading towards the growling and snarling because of it.

Before Dick can regret being so curious he is at the bottom of the stairs; face to face with The Bat.

The Bat is pure black with white eyes that had widen in surprise when he saw Dick. And being so close to The Bat; Dick can see his head is covered in fur and the two things on top of his head that looks so much like horns are actually his ears.

Dick wasn't able to take in more because The Bat opened his mouth and started to speak. "What are you doing here?" The Bat asked in a voice that sounds...wrong. It sounds like it came from a creature that isn't supposed to speak any human language. It made Dick shiver and take a step back in fear even though he knows that The Bat doesn't hurt the innocent, it doesn't help he saw the sharp fangs poking out when he spoke.

That seems to make The Bat pause and when he spoke again it sounds like a completely different voice, much softer, lighter...but still wrong. "Sorry, I didn't mean to scare you." More like the chirps and squeak of a bat than the dark heavy growl of a Demon when it first spoke.

Before Dick can say or do anything; The Bat...pulls back his face???? Revealing a concern Bruce underneath. "Dick, are you alright?" Bruce asked as he pull off his glove to place his bare hand on Dick's shoulder.

That broke Dick out of his shock. "You're The Bat!?" It wasn't much of a question he's made it sound like.

Bruce let out a soft sigh and smiled at Dick, forgetting at that moment his fangs are still in. "Yeah, I am." He said as he takes off his other glove and place them aside before picking Dick up. He carried his son over to the huge computer surrounded by smaller screens and sat down in his chair with Dick on his lap. "I know you have a lot of questions and I'll answer them to the best of my abilities."

"Where were you doing?" Dick asked as he examine the rest of his outfits, his body is also covered in pure black fur, it feels soft and silky. The inside of his cloak is covered in the same fur as well but the outside of the cloak feels more like leather even though he's sure it isn't actually leather.

"I made some changes to the voice modification spell so I was trying it out." Bruce answered after removing the fangs and placing them on the table.

"You can use real magic?" Dick asked in awe. "Is that why people think you're a Demon?"

Bruce chuckles softly as he gently pats Dick's head. "I rarely use magic on the field, I don't want to rely on it too much."

"Then...that means I can join you right?" Dick asked hopefully.

"No." Bruce immediately shot him down. "You're still young, Dick. I want you to live your life and have a normal childhood."

Dick looks down dejected. "You helped me bring my parents' murderer into justice, didn't you? You said The Bat was the reason he turned himself in."

"...Yes. I hunted him down once I left and scared him into giving himself up." Bruce gently runs his hand through Dick's hair.

"I can do that." Dick lookup with determination in his eyes. "I can scare people, there is nothing scary in horror movies than a Demon child."

Bruce hesitates for a moment before nodding his head. "Alright. I will train you and only let you out once you are done training. You will be able to drop out whenever you want, understood?"

Dick smiled brightly as he nods his head. "Understood! Don't worry, I won't give this up!" He will help Bruce with his mission so no children will have to go through what they went through!

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POV Riddler

Edward Nygma, aka Riddler, started his criminal career to force the citizens of Gotham City to use their brains, to force them to be a better version of themselves.

He had been around non-Gothamites and every time Gotham is brought up every single one of them had nothing but negative to say, they look down on them, sneer at them. As a Gothamite it makes his blood boil. They don't have any idea what they are talking about.

He had hated it so much whenever he heard non-Gothamites insulting their city, the city they had long abandoned, not even the other heroes bothered lending a hand to help them.

But, one day everything changed. The Bat grew out of the shadows of the city long abandoned by their country and heroes. He takes out bad guys like other heroes but, Gothamites do not view him as their hero, no. This is Gotham after all, the abandoned city, their Bat will not be put in the same category as the so-called heroes of other cities, those cowards who don't dare take a step into their city...yes, their Bat will not be lumped together with them.

The Bat is what he is known by everyone but he is also known by the criminals as The Darkness and by the citizens, he is known as Dark Angel. It is the names all Gothamites, no matter which side of the law they belong to, guard against non-Gothamites. They are names specifically for their use only and they all take it very seriously.

The news outside Gotham might show news of Gotham but their information of their dark city is limited, even so, it shows the world what they had known all along. Gothamites are strong, they help their own and will not allow outside force to interfere. They had been abandoned long ago, during that time they had learnt to be strong and independent from the rest of the country, they do not need the government or heroes to pretend now they are worried about the demon bat in their city.

Each time a supervillain makes the news outside Gotham there are more and more people seeing the good in Gothamites but none had tested their smarts so he took it upon himself to be the one to put it to the test.

The first time he went against The Bat he had thought he wouldn't be able to get through his riddles and puzzles but he breezed through them like they were nothing and something in him stirred. While he had not made it too hard but it isn't something that can be considered easy, for their Bat to be able to get through them so easily... He needs more. More and more tests just for The Bat. He needs to keep challenging The Bat because even if little to no information of The Bat leaves Gotham; information of his traps will make its way out. Everyone will see how smart their Bat is, to be able to solve it all so easily.

Just the thought of it makes Edward grin in excitement, let's see how non-Gothamites look down on them now. Though he has to admit, there is another reason for him to continue testing their Bat. Watching The Bat go through his puzzles, the very puzzles he had worked hard to design for him, please him, even when he is gliding through them like they are nothing.

He never felt anger that his hard work doesn't faze The Bat. It had confused him at first because he had planned to go down shooting, even had his gun ready, but as he watch The Bat go through his hard work like it's nothing; the plan completely left his mind, and when The Bat finally reached him; he is more than happy to chat and wait with The Bat as they wait for the police to take him away, he didn't even need to be restrained.

The Bat was rightfully suspicious of him and stayed silent in the shadow, his pure white eyes being the only thing visible, but over time he started moving closer and have even started replying to him. When he first spoke he was surprised but thrilled and ended up rambling about random facts of different bats and trying to guess what species The Bat could be even though it is obvious that he doesn't fit into any species.

He swear his heart skipped a beat when he saw The Bat smile a small smile in amusement and ended up rambling even faster as he tries to hide his embarrassingly red face.

It wasn't until he spilt his gut to Harley that he got his answer, he's a sapiosexual and he is attracted to The Bat's high intelligence. The villains that were around at that time had shown different degrees of worry for him, all but Joker. He swear all madness had disappeared from Joker's eyes and turned deadly serious as he watch him quietly from his corner for the rest of their time together, which if you know the Joker, you'll know that is unnatural for him but he doesn't know to know what's going through the clown's brain so he focused on the worried villains.

He is the only villain other than Joker who doesn't have a hint of fear for The Bat and everyone knows it. Add to the fact he is the youngest villain in The Bat's rogues gallery and he is more than happy to help his fellow villain with their plans, he is quite liked by the others. After all, he isn't here to step on anyone's toe, only to test The Bat.

But it also means that the others are worried that he might do something stupid, can you believe it? They believe that The Riddler would do something stupid! He rolls his eyes at their unfounded worry.

He shake them out of his thought as he heard the door open, signifying The Bat's arrival. He had started going through the door like a normal person recently, treating him like another person once the puzzle ends because The Bat knows that once he wins Edward will go with him. No more tricks as they wait for the cops.

"Did you enjoy yourself?" Edward asked as he turn to face The Bat, he's probably the only villain who had a good close look at The Bat, who knew that he has fur?

The Bat lets out a chirp and nods his head. "Yes, it was fun and a little harder than the last time."

That made Edward smile, he loves being praised by The Bat and his voice...don't get him wrong, he loves his heavier voice but his lighter one...he's the only villain who had ever heard it because he has trust and bond with The Bat and he loves that even more. "I'm happy to hear that." He wants to reach out and touch The Bat once he stop in front of him but he kept his hands to himself and turn around to pick up the box.

"I heard that you enjoy sweets and I did some baking while I was planning, would you like to try them while we wait for the police?" Edward open the box to reveal the strawberry macarons, he took baking lessons and asked Poison Ivy to grow him some strawberries just for The Bat.

He had overheard the guards talking about Commissioner Gordon feeding The Bat a doughnut and was allowed to pat him after. He is man enough to admit that he was insanely jealous after confirming the story, why didn't he think of it first? Even a fear-eating Bat would enjoy sweets.

The Bat lean closer to sniff it before looking up at Edward and out a soft chirp. He leans back and holds out his arm.

At first, Edward thought The Bat is going to pick up the macaroni himself, he will admit he is a little disappointed as he wanted to feed him, but he kept his arm straight without moving it, and before he can ask; a green feathered claw hand emerges from the darkness created by The Bat's wings. The other soon followed and before he knows it; he's staring at a child.

He might have hair on his head but there is no doubt he is some kind of bird, his pale face is covered in small feathers that would be mistaken for skin from afar, pure white eyes like The Bat's is surrounded by black feathers, red feathers cover his chest and stomach with a yellow 'R' right over where his heart should be, his wings is a covered with feathers, black on the outside and yellow on the inside, his hands are green that travels halfway up his forearms with the rest of his arms covered with black feathers, yellow feathers in the shape of a belt around his waist, black feathers goes down his legs, stopping just below the knee and finishing off the rest of his legs and feet with the same green as his hands.

The child chirped and tweeted happily as he lean forward to take a bite of the macaroni and freeze in place with his mouth open, showing his sharp fangs when The Bat spoke. "Manners." He chirped.

The child smiled sheepishly as he stood to his full high and give a showman's bow, moving too gracefully and fluidly to be human and the complete opposite of The Bat's jerky movement while chirping away.

"English." The Bat chirp with a fond smile on his face.

"Sorry!" The child chirp in a light hauntingly childish voice. "I'm Robin, Bat said that you're fun even if you're not food but you have food and it smells nice, can I have some please?"

Edward chuckled softly, Robin reminds him of a chattering bird. "I made them for the Bat as a reward for clearing my test for him. But I'll give you one if you can answer my riddle, I am the beginning of everything, the end of everywhere. I am the beginning of eternity, the end of time and space. What am I?"

"E!" Robin trill happily as crouch back down and open his mouth, waiting for his reward instead of trying to take a bite straight from the box again.

"Correct!" It's an easy riddle but Edward is still glad that Robin got it right, he can't wait to see if he's as smart as The Bat. He carefully pop the macaroni into Robin's mouth without touching his fangs and smiled when he saw Robin's eyes light up as he eats the macaroni.

Robin climbs up The Bat's arm and settles on his shoulder as he chirps and trills in pure happiness.

The Bat gently pats Robin's head and lifts the right side of his wing, even with it lifted it is still impossible for Riddler to see his body as it is still covered by darkness.

Robin shake his head and let out a shriek as his feathers puffed up to show how upset he is at the fact he is asked to leave so soon.

The Bat did not look impressed as he narrow his eyes at his...kid? Is Robin his child? Or another creature that grew from Gotham's shadow? Edward would probably never know but he hopes Robin's existence doesn't mean that The Bat had found himself a mate.

Robin pouted when The Bat didn't let up and crawl under his wing and disappeared into the darkness.

The Bat lowers his wing once Robin is gone. "He's still young, he needs to sleep more to grow." He explained. "I'll take him hunting after his nap."

"Well the night is still young so he isn't going to miss anything by having a nap." Edward picks up a macaroni and holds it up to The Bat. "You haven't had your reward yet."

The Bat opens his mouth and lets Edward feed him the macaroni. "Delicious." He said as he eye the rest of the macaroni.

Edward had to force himself to stay calm as he feed The Bat, he can't believe that he got to feed The Bat! And he loves his baking! Which is a good sign, after all, the best way into any creature's heart is through their stomach. "You can have the rest of it if you want. I have a lot left." He lied, he only made one batch and it's all this box.

Edward closed the box and handed it over to The Bat who happily accept it. "Thank you." He squeaks happily as he nuzzles Edward, pulling away once he heard the sirens. "Take care and thank you again for the delicious sweet." The Bat takes a step back and disappears into the shadows.

Edward swears his heart almost leap out of his chest, he thought he would be able to pat The Bat at least once, never in his wildest dreams would he ever think The Bat would nuzzle him. He drops into his seat and bows his head while covering his bright red face as he tries to gather himself before the police arrive.

He can't wait to tell Harley and Ivy about this. They might not approve of his love for The Bat but they would be happy for him.

______________________________________________________________________________

POV Barbara Gordon

Growing up, Barbara had always looked up to her father, her brave and just father who worked hard to protect the people even if it means butting heads with his boss. She wanted to grow up to be like him but as she got older; she started to see that no matter how hard her father fought for the people it just doesn't work because Gotham is too corrupted, the scale had been tipped for so long it is hard for one man to balance it again.

So when she heard of The Bat she did not have much hope that things would change...at first.

Perhaps if The Bat is alone in trying to balance the scale it would have been hopeless, but he isn't alone. Gotham's favourite son, Bruce Wayne, had returned and immediately started programmes after programmes to help her citizens better themselves and funded many projects to better people's lives, and her father is still doing his best for the people. The combined efforts of the three of them are enough to tip back the scale, even a little.

She wants to help them so badly, but she's just a kid. What can she possibly do? All she can think of is to get as many stories of The Bat out of her father and spread it around, so Gotham's citizens will be able to hear the truth that doesn't get into the news, like how their Dark Angel loves sweet things, and in return, she'll get stories of Gotham's citizens' experiences with their Dark Angel.

Then one day her father comes back with stories of a little bird hiding in The Bat's shadow, helping him bring fear to criminals and she got an idea. She might be human but she has the training needed to fight crime, she can work small so The Bat can focus on bigger crimes with Robin!

It did take her a while to put together a costume that would afford a bit of protection but she's proud of what she had put together.

She managed to stop a few mugging on her first night out but on her second day she accidentally stumble onto something big, too big for her to handle and before she can make a run for it she's caught. It is obvious that she is only human, not whatever The Bat and Robin is so the criminals did not fear her, they beat her up and as she lay there, beaten and bleeding out, The Bat arrived.

He is much more intimidating as her father had described and he looks angry, growling and snarling at the criminals as he backs them away from her.

Once he got them far away enough from her, Robin slipped out of his shadows to treat her wounds as The Bat take down the criminals effortlessly.

Barbara tries to stay awake but she lost too much blood and the last thing she saw before blacking out is the look of concern and worry on The Bat's face as he walks towards them.

Chapter Text

POV Jason

John Todd is really annoyed at the moment, it's cold and the lock he is trying to pick won't budge. He's annoyed, he knows that this family had left for somewhere warmer so why can't they be more considerate and leave their door unlock so he can sleep somewhere warm for the night?

He sighed softly and pick up a brick if he can't pick the lock he will just have to break in and if they can afford to go away then they can afford to change a doorknob.

But before he can bring the brick down; he felt a hand on his shoulder, a hand with very sharp claws, and turn around in shock. Before he can think clearly; his fight or flight kicked in and it choose fight...that is to say, he threw the brick at The Bat...

He swears he saw his very short life flash before his eyes as the brick flies towards The Bat and was caught just before it hits him.

That's it, he's done. It's over for him, even if The Bat doesn't kill; this is his end.

He closed his eyes in fear only for them to snap back open when he heard The Bat. It's not his words that surprised him, it is his voice, everyone knows by now that The Bat speaks to criminals with a deep scary voice and the innocents with a lighter bat-like voice.

Jason snap his eyes open in surprise to hear the light bat voice seeing as he did just try to break into someone's house and threw a brick at The Bat. He looks up to see The Bat on his knee with the brick next to him with a concerned look on his face. "Are you alright?" The Bat asked again.

Jason nods his head nervously as he takes a step back, he is a criminal after all, breaking into someone's home is a crime...

The Bat tilt his head as he studied the child in front of him before saying something that made Jason's blood run cold. "Liar." Was all Jason heard before The Bat launched forward and grab him.

Jason is blinded by darkness for what felt like hours but in reality, was only a few seconds at most and the first thing he saw once the darkness had lifted was the sign for Batburger across the street.

He can only look on in shock as The Bat hand him a $50 note and ask for three chocolate milkshake. "You can get whatever else you want with the rest of the money and keep the change." The Bat said before stepping back into the shadows, his glowing white eyes is all that is visible.

Jason is hesitant to move as he stares at The Bat for a few minutes but decided he shouldn't worry too much. He carefully cross the road and enter Batburger and ordered the milkshakes along with a set meal.

The cashier gave him a suspicious look when he hand $50 but one look out of the window and across the road to see narrowed white eyes glaring at them was all the encouragement they need to put their suspicious away and prepare his order before the others.

He's out of the door and back across the road with his order in less than 5 minutes. He looked around and almost let out a yell as darkness cover him again and when it disappeared he saw that he was on the roof in front of The Bat.

He scowls at The Bat and was going to give him a piece of his mind when two pairs of clawed hands, one is covered in green feathers while the other is covered in yellow fur, leaves the shadow of The Bat's wings and pull two figures out with them.

Everyone knows who Robin is by now but the second figure...she's new. A child who wanted to help The Bat met her end and was turned by The Bat so she can continue helping him with his mission to keep Gotham safe.

Her fiery red hair from her life as a human flows in Gotham's cold polluted air, her pure white eyes wide with childlike curiously shows just how young she was when The Bat stole her from the hands of Death. Her wings are black on the outside to help better hide her in the darkness but the underside of her wings is yellow like her hands and a black bat shape sitting on the middle of her chest with its wings spread. Her hands are yellow that travels halfway up her forearms with the rest of his arms covered with dark purple fur, yellow fur in the shape of a belt around her waist, dark purple fur goes down her legs, stopping just below the knee and finishing off the rest of her legs and feet with the same yellow as her hands and the bat on her chest.

She is also a Bat but there is only one who can be called The Bat so Gothamites named her Batgirl and used her as a warning to their children, stay out of The Bat's business or you will be taken from the grasp of Death when you meet your end and you will never find peace because The Bat will steal you from Death and keep you forever.

Jason is snapped out of his thoughts as a chirping Robin takes the milkshake from him and hand it out to The Bat and Batgirl before scurrying to the side of the building with Batgirl and perch right at the edge to watch the cars driving by.

Jason was so forced on the two children...spirit? Demon? that he did not notice The Bat moving close and gently place his hand on his head. "Eat before it gets cold." He chirped softly.

Jason nods silently and open up the bag and unwrap the burger with shaky hands, god he is so hungry, he doesn't remember when is the last time he ate anything he didn't dig out of the trash. He moans softly at the taste, he knows that it's good because he had it a few times from the trash before but having it fresh and hot is the best! Especially when it is warming him up from Gotham's winter cold.

Just as he is taking a second bite; The Bat kneel down and wrapped his wings around him to protect him from the cold.

Jason looks up at The Bat, with his glowing white eyes as his source of light as The Bat looks down and watch him, and noticed a detail that most people would have missed; on The Bat's chest there is a shape of a bat with its wings spread out like the one on Batgirl but being only a shade different from the rest of his body it is hard to spot and he only spotted it because he's so close and his eyes are shining right at it.

The Bat smiled softly and chirp softly to encourage Jason to continue eating when he saw that he had stopped.

Jason got the hint and dive back into his meal, who knows when he'll be able to have something this good again?

He tried to slow down, to savour the flavour, but he's so hungry he wolfed down everything and had to lean against The Bat as he rub his full belly, he doesn't remember when's the last time he felt so full, warm and safe...

He let out a soft yawn as The Bat pick him up and carefully rest his head on his chest. "So soft..." He muttered softly as he struggle to stay awake but it didn't take long for sleep to take him, and when he wakes he would find himself warm and safe in an orphanage.

______________________________________________________________________________

~The Rogues Gallery hideout~

It may come as a surprise to everyone; but The Bat's main Rogues Gallery, they can't just let anyone in, they have standards after all, have a hideout that they all go to whenever they are out of Arkham. At the moment there is The Joker (real name unknown), Harley Quinn (Dr. Harleen Quinzel), Poison Ivy (Dr. Pamela Isley), The Penguin (Oswald Cobblepot), Two-Face (Harvey Dent), Mad Hatter (Dr. Jervis Tetch), Scarecrow (Dr. Jonathan Crane) and of course, The Riddler (Edward Nygma), the person who is currently annoying everyone with his obsession with The Bat because it is rare to have almost everyone here at the same time.

The only ones missing are Clayface (Basil Karlo, who is still in Arkham), Killer Croc (Waylon Jones, who is currently keeping The Bat busy) and Mr. Freeze (Dr. Victor Fries, who had taken up on Bruce Wayne's offer and is currently working to cure his wife but he is still loyal enough to not inform anyone of their hideout).

They had plans to add Bane and Catwoman into their little group but they aren't Gothamites, even after being in Gotham for years they can't be labelled as Gothamites. There are no boxes that need ticking, it is instinctual for them. A Gothamite can tell if the other person is a Gothamite or not and all of them can feel it in their soul, Bane and Catwoman are still outsiders and outsiders are not welcomed in their city, but they are courteous enough to tolerate them.

Though Oswald has to admit that he is a little jealous of them right now, he regrets coming here today...maybe he should open his own little place for their gathering instead of this rundown place? That way he can kick Edward out when he's going on and on about The Bat. "Edward, as interesting as it is to hear about your mission to tame The Darkness known as The Bat; not everyone one wants to hear it." He said as he rub his forehead in vain to fight back his growing headache.

Edward huffed and cross his arms. "Oh so Harley can talk about Joker even though he is in the same room but I can't talk about the love of my life?"

"It's more to do with who the love of your life is." Jonathan said drying. "Have you thought of pursuing someone else? Maybe Bruce Wayne, he seems to have taken an interest with you with how many times he tries to get you on his side."

"Don't you dare." Harvey growled as he clutch his coin. He is a little protective of his childhood friend, seeing him as his little brother, he remembers how Bruce would follow him around like a baby chick with that bright smile and look to him for guidance before his parents were killed, he is the only one who stayed by Bruce side after his parents were murder in front of him and he closes himself off from everyone, he stopped being the bright child that follows him around and looks up him like he has the answer to the world. He missed that Bruce but it doesn't mean he would abandon him because he has changed. He is still Bruce, he is still the boy who's like a little brother to him so he would join the same lessons as Bruce even if he's not interested in them just to be able to spend time with him and drag him out to have fun when he can.

It was hard work but it was worth it, he managed to make him smile half a year after his parents died, he can still remember his smile, his eyes are still filled with so much anger, pain and sadness but he can see a hint of joy in them.

He was so happy to see that hint of joy and delighted when Bruce came back from his trip with a big smile on his face, the pain, anger and sadness are gone, he managed to find peace on his trip and came back a better man... Thinking about it is almost enough to make him regret the path he's on now, almost. He didn't lose his friend, his brother, even now Bruce would visit him in Arkham whenever he's there to chat with him, to update him on his life, show him pictures of the little boy he had adopted. The love behind his beautiful blue eyes as he talks about his son, the determination as he lay out the plan he has for Gotham relaxes him, makes him feel normal... He will not allow anyone to ruin the happiness Bruce had found for himself.

Harvey narrowed his eyes when he saw a flash of emotions in Edward's eyes, it was gone too quickly so he's unable to identify it but relaxed when he heard his reply to Jonathan.

"Don't be ridiculous! I know Wayne visits everyone in hopes to get us to join him. He has already gotten Victor and he's on his way to getting Pam to agree." Edward nods towards Pamela to get the attention on her instead as he ignores Harvey. Everyone knows that Harvey is still friends with Bruce and he clings to him as the only normality he has left of his life before he became Two-face.

Harley gasped in shock as she turn to her best friend. "Is that true, Red? You're going to take up his offer?"

Pamela glare at Edward for dragging her into this. "Eddie needs to learn to keep his filthy mouth shut before he becomes fertiliser for my babies." She hissed as everyone turn their attention to her.

"Aww, love you too, Pam." Edward chuckle softly as he made his escape before Pamela can shift their attention back onto him.

Edward let out a sigh of relief when he's out of their hideout. As much as he hates it when they try to talk him out of his love for The Bat; they are the only ones he can talk to without worry that it would somehow get back to The Bat.

"Riddle me this, what is The Riddler without The Bat?"

Edward is so used to Joker being silent when he talks about The Bat he can't help but jumped when he heard Joker's voice. "Nothing. The answer is nothing." He said softly as he eye him suspiciously when he saw not a hint of madness in his eyes. "What do you want, Joker?"

Joker grinned his famous grin as he saunters closer to Edward. "Just got to smooth out some details before I let you close to my dear Bat. What will you do if The Bat isn't The Bat?"

Edward narrowed his eyes as he takes a step back. "I didn't fall in love with him because I'm into bats." He growled, he doesn't want to admit it but Joker without madness is much scarier than The Bat.

"Very good. And what will you do if The Bat never loves you back? Would you abandon your love for him and choose someone else?" Joker stopped just an arm's length away from Edward.

Something in Edward roared in anger at Joker's question and he never wanted to kill someone as much as he wants to right now. "Let me tell you something about loving The Bat, Joker." Edward snarled in anger as he got in The Joker's face. "When you love The Bat, it's like loving the stars themselves! You don't expect a sunset to admire you back! He is The Bat, and I will Never stop loving him even if he never loves me back!" He yelled his declaration of love, his pledge to love The Bat forever.

Instead of getting angry, the Joker grinned wider. "Very good, remember your words, Kiddo. I'll break every single one of your bones if you break your promise." He turns around to walk back in. "A word of advice, food is a good way to get on The Bat's good side but if you want his heart you should spoil the rest of his colony with things other than food."

Edward went from angry to confused very quickly. "Why are you helping me? Don't you love The Bat as well?"

Joker laughed so hard he had to stop walking. "Oh Eddie, I might be crazy but I'm not that crazy. Incest is one line I won't touch with a 10-foot pole."

"Incest!? You're related to The Bat!?" Edward yelled as his eyes widen at the bombshell that was just dropped on him.

Joker turns back to Edward with a grin on his face and a finger on his lips. "Shh...I haven't gotten the chance to tell him yet so this will be our little secret, my future-brother-in-law~" He purred before going back inside and leaving poor shocked Edward staring off into space before rushing back to his own hideout. This won't change his love for The Bat but he will have to rethink how he handles The Joker. And even though he isn't too happy to have Joker as his brother-in-law if he does get together with The Bat; he will still take his advice and work on winning over the kids to get to The Bat.

______________________________________________________________________________

~Wayne Manor~

Bruce is glad that Alfred let him sleep past breakfast today, he spent the night fighting Killer Croc and keeping the government's nose out of Gotham's business. He felt his blood boil when he heard that they are looking into his Rogues Gallery, remembering Amanda Waller and her Suicide Squad, and spent time erasing everything they had managed to get their hands on. It is probably in the planning stage but he isn't going to let them get their hands on a single one of his Rogues Gallery, especially the Gothamites.

Don't get him wrong, he still cares about his non-Gothamite Rogues but...it's just different... He doesn't know how to explain it but that's just how Gothamite are like. They can claw and slash each other but they will always prefer each other over a non-Gothamite. While not impossible, it does make it hard for non-Gothamite to set up roots here. They will need a connection in Gotham or a very good reason to be here for them to even think to stay.

Like Dick Grayson-Wayne, who had been officially adopted into Gotham's oldest family and by their Prince after a long talk a year after becoming his ward, or Bane, who stayed in hopes to best The Bat and take over Gotham, not knowing that even with the fall of The Bat; Gotham would never surrender to an outsider.

And that is what Bane is, even after years he is not acceptable by Gotham as her while Dick was accepted instantly.

Speaking of his son... He found him in the living room playing poker with Jason...the boy he left at the orphanage and try as he might, is unable to stay away. He would visit Jason as The Bat, ask him about his days and stay with him until he falls asleep. He has a soft spot for the kid but he is cursed with the knowledge of the future, or at least a general idea of what the future holds, seeing as there are multiple dimensions and he isn't stupid to think he is in the one in the comics.

"Dad!" Dick smiled brightly when he saw Bruce, he is still trying to get used to calling Bruce Dad, he now understands that just because he sees Bruce as his dad it doesn't change his love for his father or replace him in his heart. It just means his heart is big enough to love two dads.

"Hello Dick, who's your friend here?" Bruce asked as he walk over to the boys and lean down to kiss Dick's forehead, having to hold himself back from doing the same to Jason.

"This is Jason, the one I have been talking about." Dick smiled innocently, he knows that he hasn't told Bruce about visiting Jason but Bruce really shouldn't be too surprised. He had been visiting the orphanage to play with the children after his plan to get a sibling the old fashion way failed.

Dick had tried to set Bruce up after he told him that he wanted a sibling and Bruce pointed out that he'll need to be with a woman to produce a baby, he had said that in hopes that Dick had forgotten adoption is an option...well he did forget but clearly he remembers it now if the smile on his face is anything to go by.

"Yes, it is good to finally meet you, Jason." Bruce smiled as he hold out his hand even though he has a burning need to hold the boy in his arms and protect him from the world.

Jason is still suspicious of adults but he shakes Bruce's hand when he saw the hopeful look on Dick's face, clearly he wants him to make a good impression on his dad so he can continue coming back here to hang out. "It is nice to meet you, Mr. Wayne." He said politely as he shake his hand.

Bruce laughed softly as he shake his head. "There's no need for that, just call me Bruce." He smiled as he ruffle Dick's head. "I want to thank you for being here, Dick doesn't have many friends he likes enough to invite here." Barbara is the only one and that is before she became Batgirl, now that she flies next to them at night she is here more often so he is a little surprised that she isn't here. "I have to go for a meeting right now but I didn't want to leave without seeing you, do you mind telling Alfred that I will be back a little late today?" He asked his beloved son.

Dick nods his head with the innocent smile still on his face. "Of course! See you tonight, Dad!" He smiled brighter when Bruce lean down so he can kiss his cheek goodbye, it seems an old bat can learn new tricks.

"See you tonight, Dick. And Jason," Bruce turned to the other boy. "I hope you'll stay for dinner, it will be nice to have you around." He said sincerely before leaving.

______________________________________________________________________________

~Batcave~

Bruce is rubbing his forehead to nurse his growing headache, this isn't what he had expected to find when he finally comes home from a long day at work, as his grinning son look up at him innocently while Jason is looking at him in awe and worry. "Let me get this straight, you were playing hide and seek and Jason is the seeker. To keep things fair you told him that there are secret rooms and he just so happened to find the Batcave?" While it is true, he has a feeling Dick's plan is for Jason to find the Batcave.

Dick smiled innocently as he nods his head. "Yes, that is exactly what happened." He said it in a way that solidify Bruce's gut feeling that he had planned all along.

Bruce sighs softly as he covers his face. "I really should block off that entrance, it is too easy if two kids can stumble upon it." He muttered softly before signing again and looking down at the boys.

"I won't tell anyone about this." Jason is still in awe that The Bat is just a human and he's standing right in front of him but he is also worried that he had upset Bruce by finding out. He likes The Bat, he likes how he would check in on him, would tuck him in, would read to him, stay with him until he falls asleep, but most importantly, he cares. He cares so much about him and he doesn't want to lose it.

"We can adopt him into the family now that he knows." Dick continues the innocent act as he looks up at his dad with hopeful eyes.

Bruce sigh again and walk towards his desk and pick up a file before walking back to Dick and handing it to him without saying a word.

Dick open the file curiously and gasp in delight. In the file is papers for Jason's adoption, Bruce had been thinking about it since the day they met Jason and had the papers filled up on the same day, just in case.

"You don't have to, I won't tell anyone..." Jason would love to be the son of The Bat and brother of Robin but he doesn't want Bruce to think that he has to adopt him.

"I've had those papers filled the day I met you." Bruce smiled softly. "I can't explain it but it felt right. I wanted to adopt you right there but I worry..." Worry about what could possibly happen in the future if he takes Jason in, if he lets him become Robin. "If I do adopt you, I don't want you to feel like you have to join my cause."

"Wha- are you kidding me? If given a chance I want to help out! I want to be a part of this!" Jason said with determination in his eyes.

"I can pass on Robin to Jason when he's ready, it's earlier than we had planned but I'm fine with it." Dick threw in his two-cent to help Jason change Bruce's mind. Bruce had talked to Dick about taking up another name when he's old enough because he can't be Robin forever.

Bruce raises his eyebrow. "Is there a rule that says there can only be one Robin at a time?" He realised exactly what he had planted in the boys' heads a little too late.

Dick and Jason turned to look at each other and grinned the most mischievous grin.

...He would say he pity the criminals of Gotham but the thought of them freaking out even more puts a smile on his face...perhaps Gothamites are onto something when they all agreed that he fed on fear.

______________________________________________________________________________

POV Riddler

Riddler had thought long and hard on what to gift Batgirl and Robin when he had a light bulb moment. It is almost Christmas and it is cold so why don't he knit them a scarf? He can even make one for The Bat and with a goal in mind, he started getting to work.

It took time but with a brilliant mind and restless hands, he managed to make them on time. A light purple scarf decorated with little black bats for Batgirl, a bright red scarf decorated with yellow 'R' for Robin and a pure black scarf decorated with green question marks, he couldn't help him, for The Bat.

He contemplated wrapping them like a proper Christmas present and decided to go for it. He found the best Christmas themed wrapping paper he can find and topped it off with a bow. He is pretty proud of himself and he is excited to see the look on their faces when they open their presents.

Of course, for them to get their presents The Bat will have to beat his riddles, not that there was any doubt that he would be able to. It is pretty calming to see The Bat solve every single one without a problem, it also gave him time to calm his nerves. He really hopes they like their presents.

He takes a deep breath to calm himself when The Bat solved the late riddle and turn around just as he opened the door. "Did you have fun, Bat?" Riddler asked even though he already know the answer. The Bat had always enjoyed his riddles and he's smiling, looking pleased with the riddles but even so, he still wants to hear it from him.

"I love it. This could be your best one yet." The Bat purred as he entered the room and closed the door behind him.

A figure steps out of The Bat's shadow, it's Robin, or he would have thought it was Robin if he wasn't familiar with the child. This Robin is younger and shy, sticking to The Bat even as he tries to encourage him to move closer to The Riddler to greet him.

And he was correct in his assumption that this is a different Robin when two figures step out of The Bat's shadow, Batgirl and the Robin he's familiar with.

"Hold on." Edward told the colony of bats and birds and bolt to the side room he had left their presents and pull out an extra scarf, it is a red scarf decorated with little black bats and green question marks. He was planning to give this to Robin but when he saw it he realised how it would look if the little bird run around Gotham wearing it, but with an extra bird, he'll have to make do with what he had. He wraps it up quickly but carefully and places a bow on it neatly before carrying it out along with all the other presents.

"Hello dear, it is nice to meet you. I am Edward Nygma, otherwise known as The Riddler." Edward tips his hat as he bows slightly while hiding all the gifts behind his back.

The little bird hesitated and look up at his family, only stepping forward to greet Edward when he saw the encouraging look on their faces. "He-llo..." His voice sounded like the first Robin but broken, like he isn't used to speaking human language. "I am Ro-bin..." He chirps shyly as he moves to hide behind his older brother.

Edward smiled at how cute he is, but no doubt the rest of the Rogues would think him crazy for thinking a demonic bird child cute, and hold out the youngest's present. "I was unaware you will be joining us so I wasn't able to personalise one for you but I have an extra, I hope you'll accept it." He explained.

The youngest Robin is still nervous but steps forward to accept the present when the older Robin nudges him. "Thank you..." He chirped, sounding more sure of his speech. He looks down at the present and pokes it with his claw curiously a few times before flickering the bow gently.

Edward chuckled softly, he didn't think he could be any cuter. "Hold on, let me hand out the rest." He said as he pull out Batgirl's and the older Robin's present at the same time and hold it out to them.

Batgirl squeaks happily and Robin thrill in joy even though they clearly don't know what to do with them. "Thank you, Eddie!" They chirped before turning to the youngest Robin to try and figure out what it is.

Edward smiled softly as he turn to The Bat and hand him his give. "I hope you'll all like it."

"Thank you." The Bat nuzzle Edward before turning his children to figure out what they were just handed.

Once Edward had calmed his heart, he noticed that the colony is still confused with their presents. It seems that he is the first to give them presents, they are treating it like one of his puzzles and trying to figure it out, and that is more than made up for him not being the first to feed The Bat sweets.

"You are supposed to rip away the wrapping paper." He explained to them, even though he was more than happy to sit back and watch them try to figure it out on their own; Batgirl had accidentally poked a hole through the wrapping paper and let out a squeak, looking distressed and worried she had broken the present.

Batgirl chirps softly, glad that she didn't ruin the present and start ripping up the wrapping paper along with the rest of her family.

"It's a scarf, you wrap it around your neck to keep it warm... Do you like it?" Edward watches the colony carefully as they examine their new scarf.

The younger Robin smiled brightly for the first time that night and run to Edward to give him a hug while thrilling and chipping in excitement.

"He said that he loves it a lot." The older Robin translated with a bright smile of his own.

"I'm glad to hear that." Edward truly is happy that he loves it. He gently pats his head before fishing the scarf out of his hand. "Come on, I'll show you how it's done." He would leave it for them to figure it out themselves but he is feeling generous and willing to teach them how it's done. "There, that wasn't so hard." He smiled softly. The scarf looks really good on the young Robin, a new feeling grow in his heart as he watches the beaming Robin show off his new scarf covered in his and The Bat's symbol.

Don't get him wrong, he loves seeing them wear the scarf made by him but the young Robin...not only is the scarf made by him but it is covered with his symbol, his signature, along with The Bat's. And nothing says 'mine' like having someone wear your symbol and with it mixed with The Bat's; it's like announcing to the world that they share the little Robin and he regrets not adding his symbol to all the scarf. Oh well, there is always next time. For now, he'll just enjoy watching them coo and squeak happily as they examine each other's new scarf and take pleasure in knowing that he is the first to gift them presents.

______________________________________________________________________________

POV Jason

Jason Wayne, unlike Dick, didn't need time to think about taking up Bruce's offer and he isn't very attached to his last name, learnt very quickly that his new father is a pushover, something Barbara is a little jealous of, when it comes to his children. Case in point, he had said that Jason will need to stay by his side for at least 6 months before he'll let him out with Dick and Barbara but here he is, scaring criminals as Robin with Dick and Barbara just a week after he met Riddler, apparently meeting Riddler first is an unintentional tradition as he is the safest Rogues...more like the best criminal ever! Jason absolutely loves his new scarf!

And he loves scaring criminals even more, even though he knows that half of the fear is of The Bat. Sure he isn't taking them out like Dick and Barbara but that's because he's still young and new to this, he'll get his chance in the future. For now, he'll enjoy appearing and disappearing while chirping and giggling to scare the criminals, knowing that he isn't in any real danger because while criminals are scared of The Bat, they are terrified of him when one of his children are hurt.

They were taught to cry and wail for The Bat whenever they are hit, even if they are not physically hurt thanks to his spell, he will show up even if he is nowhere near them and he will be pissed.

There will be no mercy for the one who hurt his children and they would learn to wish that The Bat doesn't have his 'no killing' rule. Death is quick, it is the end of suffering. What The Bat does to them...is neither quick nor the end of suffering. All they can do is get on their hands and knees while apologising and begging for forgiveness from the hurt child and The Bat and hope they are sincere enough to get away with only a beating.

The criminals will know which it is before The Bat even turn to the offender. If they are forgiven The Bat will let his children stay after he had consoled his crying child, no criminal dare to run or attack while The Bat is busy comforting his child, they know it would just make things worse, but if they are not forgiven... The Bat will lift his wing once he had finished comforting his crying child, a clear sign for them to leave. Jason doesn't know what Bruce does to them, neither does Dick or Barbara, but it terrifies the criminal, he remember hearing the begging grow louder as he left with Dick and Barbara.

Jason chirped and thrill as he dance around the warehouse filled with criminals too afraid to actually hit him and as he is making his rounds he noticed a small figure watching in their hiding spot. This almost made him pause and give away that something is wrong.

A glance to see how they are doing and he made a quick decision to herd the criminals away from the figures, this confused Dick and Barbara because that's not the plan but they played along, trusting that Jason knows what he's doing.

Chapter Text

POV Tim

Tim watched in awe as the Robins and Batgirl take out the criminals, he had been prowling the streets looking for them for months now and this is the first time he's able to catch them in the act, though he is a little disappointed that The Bat isn't with them.

It was only once they are tying up the criminals that he remember his camera but once he got it ready and trained it at them the criminals are all tied up and they had already disappeared. "Oh man..." He said in disappointment.

"What are you doing here?"

Tim jumped in surprise and turn around to see one of the Robins hanging upside-down behind him with Batgirl leaning against the wall with her arms crossed and the other Robin perch on the box the Robin who's now in front of him is hanging from.

"I-I..." Tim is speechless, they are right in front of him and he can't help but smile as he greedily takes in each and every detail and files them away in his mind.

The hanging Robin, and the bigger one out of the two now, flip off the box and land gracefully and silently in front of Tim. "You shouldn't be here." He chirped as he walk towards Tim and wrap his wing around him.

Tim is so excited to finally meet them and for the first Robin to wrap his wing around him as they lead him out. He knows that he is rambling once he is no longer speechless and instead of being annoyed they looked amused and happy as they listen to him and answer as many questions as they can.

______________________________________________________________________________

POV Bruce

As his kids are escorting one Timothy Jackson Drake back home, Bruce is tracking down his future daughter. There is no doubt in his mind he would take her in, she is better off with him than living on the streets, orphanage or foster home and he will try his best to give her a normal life even though he knows she will take her spot next to Barbara as a fellow Batgirl sooner or later.

But that is for future Bruce to worry about, right now he has a scared and confused little girl in front of him and he knows exactly why.

First off, he is The Bat, he probably seems like a Demon to her.

Second, she can only communicate through body language and his body language as The Bat is all wrong. Like a non-human had found themselves in a human body and is struggling to move it without actually knowing how a human should move.

Problem, he can't move normally as The Bat. He had trained himself to only move like this and it stuck a little too well.

Solution, take off his mask and talk to her as Bruce Wayne.

He did a quick sweep of the place with his magic to make sure there isn't anyone or cameras around before he remove his mask. The change was instant, his movements are more relaxed and human-like. It did wonders of lessening the fear and confusion in her eyes and replacing them with curiosity.

He gives her a gentle and patient smile as he uses body language to speak to her in hopes to convince her to come home with him.

______________________________________________________________________________

~Batcave~

Bruce stare down at his sons and partial daughter, shut up, he knows that Barbara isn't his but she is while she's Batgirl so that makes her partially his daughter, who are looking up at him oh so innocently.

He let out a sigh as he covers his eyes. "Explain to me again why the Robins and Batgirl had brought a child to Bruce Wayne's doorstep?"

"The kid has a name." Barbara pretend to look offended.

"Yeah! His name is Tim and he's a really good kid." Jason cross his arms and tried to look like a disappointed parent.

"And he's all alone in his house, Dad. We can't just leave him there, all alone in his big, cold and empty house." Dick said it to guilt Bruce into taking Tim in.

"Besides, you brought back a girl! You can't be mad at us for bringing Tim back!" Jason pointed out and point at the girl sitting on The Bat's seat, watching them quietly.

"She is trained and nonverbal, no orphanage or foster family would be able to handle her. And she has clearly been homeless for a long time so that means she had escaped from whoever trained her." Bruce explained as he rub his forehead.

He knows that he went 'screw the timeline' but he didn't expect his kids to find their future brother all on their own.

"Okay, he can stay and I'll see what I can do to keep him here." He told his kids even though he already have plans on how to get Tim into their family.

Dick, Barbara and Jason cheered as they high-fived each other and once they calmed down; they turned their attention to the new girl.

"Hello! I'm Dick Grayson-Wayne, it's nice to meet you!" Dick greeted with a big smile on his face that fell when he saw the girl back away from him and press herself against the chair.

Bruce gently pats Dick's head. "She needs time to get used to all this, just give her time." He said softly and smiled when Dick nods his head with determination in his eyes.

"I'm Jason Wayne. I'll help you with your studies." He jerks his thumb towards Dick. "He isn't a very good teacher when it comes to things like math, English and all that." He shrugs his shoulders.

"That's not fair, Little Wing." Dick pout unhappily. "I am a great teacher!"

That made Barbara snort. "You confused Jason and he had to come to me for help." She smirked when Dick pout even more before turning back to the girl. "Hi, I'm Barbara Gordon, you can come to me for help with your studies or if you just want someone to talk to. It's nice to finally have another girl around."

Bruce smiled softly as he watch his children bicker playfully and smiled, even more, when he noticed Cassandra's body language, 'curious, longing and relaxed'. Yes, she will be able to find her place here and he will give her a chance to have as normal of a life as he can give her.

______________________________________________________________________________

~Wayne Tower~

It took time because the both of them are on the opposite end of the world but he finally managed to sit down with Jack and Jane Drake, his youngest's parents and yes, he does see Tim as his already and like his other children, including Cassandra, who he had already adopted, he is protective of their baby bird.

"Mr and Mrs Drake, it is nice to finally meet you." Bruce smiled as he wave them to take a seat.

Jack and Jane aren't stupid, they are Gothamites as well even though they are rarely around much. They know who Bruce Wayne is, the face of the most important company in Gotham and while he might be kind and caring he is also ruthless when it comes to what he feels is right. It makes it impossible to bribe him and with The Bat as his protector, no one dares to threaten or hurt him or his family.

The Bat agrees with everything Bruce Wayne is doing, seems to love all the improvements to their city, and he would do anything to keep The Wayne family tragedy from happening again so Bruce and his family would continue to make their city a better place.

The last person who thought they can kidnapped Bruce's oldest child to force him to do what they want... It did not end well for them. The Bat was merciless as he rescue the child while Bruce did not hesitate to destroy their company ruthlessly and made it clear to all that his family is off-limits.

He is truly living up to his name as Gotham's Prince, perhaps even better than any real royalty would have. Then again, The Wayne family isn't that far off from royalty, as one of the founding families of Gotham City, the most powerful of the founding families, and the only one who made it to the modern-day, blood of another founding family, Kanes, running through Bruce's veins.

If Gotham is to have a Royal family there is no doubt in anyone's mind it would be the Wayne family.

Of course, Bruce knows it all so he knows that even though he doesn't inspire the same fear as The Bat when he is Bruce Wayne, he knows that a vicious smile is all he needs to make them nervous. "I'll cut right to the chase, I am going to adopt your son, Tim, and love him as my own."

He takes out the adoption papers and slides them over to them. "And you will let me without a fight."

"But he's our son!" Jane argued as she glared at Bruce for even suggesting that they give him up.

"Mr. Wayne, if my memory served me right, you have already adopted two sons and you just adopted a daughter recently, you don't need our son." Jack said calmly even though he is just as angry as his wife.

"I don't think you understand," Bruce kept the smile on his face as he lean forward, resting his elbow on his knees and resting his chin on his interlocked hands. "You will let me adopt Tim or I will report you to the police for child neglect and drag your name through the mud myself. And just before you think of denying it, The Bat and his colony know that you have been neglecting your son and to what extent the neglect goes, they are actually the ones who brought it to my attention."

He tilts his head and makes his smile look a little more innocent even though they know there is nothing innocent in this situation. "I am only giving you this chance because Tim still loves you for some reason. So sign the papers and let Tim be Timothy Jackson Drake-Wayne, son of Bruce Wayne from now on."

When Bruce put it that way there is no way for Jack and Jane to refuse, knowing how dangerous Bruce Wayne and The Bat can be when they are working together. They both sign the papers and ran the first chance they can.

If they had stayed a little longer they would have seen a grinning Bruce pass the papers to an equally grinning Robin that had stepped out of his shadows, even though it's still day time Dick wanted to pick up the papers the minute they were signed and show it off to everyone but Tim, he'll get to see it once the paperwork went through. And seeing as Bruce gave him more control over where in Gotham he can teleport to, he'll be dropping off the papers and if someone sees him as Robin? Oh well. Not their fault if people start digging because they are curious.

He gives his son a pat on his head before he left and start packing up, he's off work early today to go to a very important meeting he doesn't want to be even a second late for.

______________________________________________________________________________

~Arkham Asylum~

"Harv!" Bruce cried out in happiness when he saw his friend and rush over to hug him. "How have you been? Are they treating you right? Did they make the changes and upgrades with the money I donated?" He asked as he fuss over his friend. He has always been grateful that Harvey had stayed his friend even after he pushed everyone else away, he would have fallen into a dark hole if he was left alone.

Harvey smiled, Bruce's visits have always been a welcomed one, especially for the staff. He would never make trouble if one of Bruce's visit draws near and he doesn't need to be handcuffed nor does he needs his coin, not when it comes to Bruce.

They had been normal friends in the beginning but when Bruce lost his family...he looked so lost and hurt. His heart aches when he saw him and he had always wanted a little brother...Bruce is younger than him and he really likes the guy so... It all worked out in the end. Harvey gets the brother he always wanted and Bruce gets the support he needs.

Harvey's eyes soften as he wraps his arms around Bruce and hugs him close. "I'm fine, they actually treat us as humans instead of animals and yes, they did use your money as you intended them to, the food is so much better." He chuckled softly as he let Bruce fuss over him, it feels nice...it makes him feel normal.

"And how have you been? Has your company gone bankrupt over how much money you are donating and funding into your projects?" Harvey might have said it like a joke but he is completely serious. If Bruce has money problems and goes bankrupt...well he is too nice to lose everything so he might have to find a few people to...make some very generous donations to him.

Bruce snorted as they walk over to the couch and sat down next to each other, being the most generous donator has its perks. And someone who can make someone in The Rogues Gallery behave, even for a while, is a miracle. "I've not gone bankrupt, I've actually been doing well and I'm not going bankrupt anytime soon so don't worry about me." He smiled as he pull out a photo album from his bag and show it to Harvey.

"Dick has grown taller, soon I'm going to have a hard time picking him up." Bruce sigh sadly but give the picture a fond smile. "Jason is growing as well, I have a feeling he's going to be bigger than me when he's all grown." He flips the page to show Harvey his two new children.

"This is Cassandra, my sweet princess, she's the same age as Jason but older. She was homeless and she can't speak but she has grown so much in the short time she's with us. She has picked up ASL very quickly and she's working on her speech. Barbara is helping her whenever she comes over." He has a look of pride on his face.

"And this is my youngest, Tim. He's such a sweetheart and he's very smart. He's a little shy at the beginning but he had opened up a lot and his siblings have taken it upon themselves to spoil him."

Harvey can see the love in Bruce's eyes as he speaks of his children and he is happy for him but it is not going to stop him from teasing him. "You have an adoption problem, Bruce. At this rate, you'll be adopting every child in Gotham."

Bruce rolls his eyes. "I don't have an adoption problem, Harv." If Harvey thinks that he has a problem with 4 kids he can't wait to see what he'll say when he sees how many kids he will have in the end.

Harvey raises his eyebrow but he can't help the smile on his lips. "Two kids not long after adopting your second? Are you trying to fill up your Manor?"

Bruce huffed softly. "To be fair, Cassandra was brought to me by The Bat and Tim was brought to me by the Robins and Batgirl."

Harvey's smile immediately drop into a frown, The Bat might be protecting Bruce in a way but he still doesn't like him around Bruce. "Explain!" He demanded as he clutch his fists.

Bruce is a little sad that Harvey hates the other side of him but he doesn't let it show. "Cassandra can only communicate through body language and you can imagine how unsettling it is for her around the Bat. As for Tim...apparently, he was wandering around alone at night and the Robins and Batgirl brought him home but they saw that his house is empty and got him to admit that he is home alone most of the time so they brought him to me. I just got his parents to sign him to me, had to threaten to report them for neglect if they don't sign." He sighs sadly as he leans against Harvey. "They were so touch starve, Harv. So hungry for love... How could I turn them away?"

Harvey's eyes soften as he wraps his arms around Bruce and holds him close, knowing that he doesn't care about his scar side. "You have such a big heart, Bruce. That's what I love about you but you have to be careful, don't let anyone take advantage of you." He said softly as he gently run his hand through Bruce's hair. Oh, he knows that Bruce can take care of himself but he tends to see the good in people and try to help them even though they don't deserve help... Like he is doing with The Bat's Rogues Gallery.

"I'm not a kid, Harv." Bruce mumbled as he buried his face in Harvey's chest as he cuddle closer, not caring that people would think less of him because he's a man cuddling with a man. Harvey is his friend and he will cuddle with him whenever he wants...or whenever he can.

Harvey chuckle softly and gently kiss the forehead of the man he had come to love as a brother. "I know you're not but I still want you to be careful. Gotham is not a safe place to be."

"And yet we stay with no intention of leaving our homeland." Bruce smiled up at Harvey. "I will make things better for all of us. Just you wait and see."

And Harvey believes him, he believes that Bruce is going to make Gotham a better place. But at what cost? How much does Bruce have to give to make that future he had been working so hard to create happen? It would be so much easier to take over Gotham and force everyone to change, Bruce has the power to do that, but his sweet kindhearted baby brother won't do that to the home he loves, even if the path he chose might kill him someday.

______________________________________________________________________________

~Batcave~

Bruce looks down at his grinning children, and one that is staring up at him in awe, and let out a loud sigh, he really should seal up that entrance. "So let me get it straight, you asked Tim if his house has any secret rooms because manors should have secret rooms and left him to do your 'homework'? Tim decided to see if there's any here and that's how he found the Batcave all by himself?"

"I saw that the grandfather clock isn't working and figure that's the entrance to a secret room." Tim said softly in hopes to get the rest out of trouble, not knowing that they aren't actually in trouble because their pushover for a Dad would probably let them get away with murder.

Bruce smiled softly as he pats Tim's head. "You're a very smart kid, Tim. I'm proud to have you in my family."

Dick and Jason light up at that. "Does that mean baby bird can join us?" Jason asked hopefully.

"No, he still needs to be trained and he is way too young to be running around." Bruce said even though he knows that his two oldest son knows that he can be bullied into letting Tim join them and he had already placed all the necessary spells on Cassandra and Tim. He takes out the papers when he saw their confused look and smiled when he saw all their faces light up.

"How did you manage to get it through so quickly?" Dick squeals in happiness as he hugs the stunned Tim.

"I have my ways." Bruce smiled as he pull Tim out of Dick's arms to hug him. "Welcome home, Son."

Tim tear up as he clings to Bruce. "I'm home, Dad..." He whispered something he had always wanted to say as the rest of his siblings comes in for a hug. He had never felt so loved in his life and he never want it to end.

______________________________________________________________________________

~Riddler's hideout~

Bruce is a weak man. He wanted Tim and Cassandra to enjoy a few years of a loving normal childhood with a bit of training but Tim had been trained by his siblings while he's busy and Cassandra is already fully trained so after a few months they break out the puppy dogs eyes and he crumbled. He gave into them in under a minute, there's no need to worry about Cassandra and Tim is properly protected so why not? If they really want to do this who is he to say no to his children?

Which is why he is currently in Edward's hideout, it is now a tradition for them to meet Edward first but his children are impatient and don't want to wait for him.

Did he mention that he is a weak man when it comes to his children?

Anyway, it seems that Edward has guests over and they are currently frozen in fear as Edward greet him happily.

"Bat, I didn't know you make house visits, what brings you here?" Edward asked as he beam happily

"They didn't want to wait." The Bat chirped, shocking Edward's guests, as he lift his wing and two brightly colour blurs and one dark colour blur rushed out and attach themselves onto Edward.

"Eddie!" Two Robins and a Batgirl chirp happily as they cuddle the man they almost knock over.

"Hello kids, did you miss me that much?" Edward chuckle softly as he sat down and let the older Robin perch on his shoulder like a real bird, the younger Robin cling onto his chest and Batgirl is curled up on his lap, more like a cat than a bat.

"Missed you!" The older Robin chirped.

"But not why we're here~" Batgirl turn to where The Bat is standing with his wing still lifted. "They are shy."

Edward's eyes widen. "They?" It hasn't been that long since he met the second Robin, is it possible that The Bat had gotten more children during that short period?

The first figure to step out looks like Batgirl but her hair is black, she is smaller and her movements is more like The Bat's jerky movements than the Robins and first Batgirl.

The second figure is the smallest out of all of them, slender like the first Robin and shy like the second Robin had been.

The second Batgirl chirp and squeaks as she slowly walks towards Edward with the third Robin hiding under her wings.

"She said 'Hello, it is nice to meet you, Edward. We've heard a lot about you.'" The third Robin translated shyly, he had created a proper language with his siblings' help and Cassandra had picked it up faster than English.

"She's having a hard time picking up human language but we are working on it." The Bat explained when he saw the curious look on Edward's face. "And I won't do that if I were you, Jonathan." He chirped even though he has his back turned to them.

Jonathan jumped when he heard The Bat talking to him, he was going to grab his fear gas, he knows that it doesn't work on The Bat or his colony but it is still comforting to have it in hand. "How do you even know what I am doing?" He asked once he got past his fear.

The Bat glance over his shoulder to look at Jonathan. "I have to be aware of where your fear gas is, I don't want my children to have any more junk food."

"Junk food!?" Jonathan spits out in anger, forgetting that he talking to someone he fears.

The Bat turn around to give Jonathan his full attention and let his children have their fun with Edward. "Yes, junk food." He nods his head like he hasn't just insulted Jonathan's life work.

"Why I ought..." Jonathan growled and would have launched himself at The Bat to strangle him with his bare hands if Jervis didn't hold him back.

"Calm down, my love. He feeds on fear remember? The fear created by your gas probably tastes better but isn't as good for them and that's why he is mistaking it for junk foods." Jervis reasoned, not wanting his love dragged back to Arkham anytime soon.

"That isn't any better!" Jonathan hissed as he struggle to free himself from his boyfriend's hold without actually hurting him as The Bat watched on in amusement.

"Eddie Dear, we'll be going now. Jon is a tad upset." Jervis announced over Jonathan's 'Unhand me! I'll show him junk food!' as he drags him out of The Riddler's hideout; struggling and hissing like a cat about to be forced into a bath.

Edward looks up from the kids that he is entertaining when he heard Jervis call out their leave and is surprised to see Jonathan so angry. "What happened?"

The Bat just smile innocently and shrug his shoulders. "No idea."

Edward knows that it is a lie and made a reminder on his phone to ask Jonathan or Jervis the next time he meets either of them before turning back to the kids who are trying to get his attention away from The Bat. He'll have to say he is completely successful in winning the kids over but the downside is that he doesn't have much time to spend with The Bat...but he is warming up more so he guess Joker was right.

______________________________________________________________________________

~Batcave~

Bruce was getting his kids ready for the night when he got the call and almost lost his shit in front of his kids.

Their universe doesn't follow the comic's timeline but it seems that the majority of the important stuff still happens. That's not good, not good at all but he is glad for the protective spell he placed on Barbara, even though it did not fully protect her at least it won't cause her to lose her ability to walk, but he'll have to figure out why the spell failed in the first place later. "Calm down, Barbara. I'll see if I can find The Bat and pass on the information to him. You focus on recovery now. I'll see you later." He said just in case someone is listening, before turning to his kids.

"That was Barbara, she was shot by The Joker and her father was kidnapped. I'm going to go look for him and I need Jason and Tim to stay while Dick and Cassandra patrol together." Bruce gives them a stern look. "You two are to stay together, even if you are well trained you two are still young and not cleared to go on patrol alone."

Dick, Cassandra and Tim nods their agreement as Jason protested. "We can stick with them too! We can help!"

"Jason, Barbara was shot, she's hurt. My spell failed for some reason and I can't risk you or Tim getting hurt. Dick and Cassandra are trained and have the experience both of you don't." Bruce turns to Dick and Cassandra. "You can go after low-level Rogues but anyone else you must report to Alfred and wait for me to take care of them."

"And if it is the Riddler?" Dick asked as Jason pouted at the side and Tim remove his uniform.

"...You may take Tim and Jason with you." Riddler is the only main Rogues he trusts with his children. "But if they are asleep let them. They need it. I really have to go, be careful." Bruce put on his mask and teleport away to find Jim.

______________________________________________________________________________

~Batcave~

It was scarily easy for Bruce to find Gordon tied up in a warehouse, just tied up, there wasn't anything around trying to drive Gordon crazy and he's still in the clothes he was wearing when he was taken, and he should be happy that Gordon is alright but it just makes him feel nervous and worried that Joker is up to something bigger. He knows that he is planning something bigger...he just doesn't know what yet.

But he had a guess when he teleported to the cave and find his family panicking. "What's going on?" He growled, a quick look shows that Jason is missing.

His children turn to him with guilt all over their faces but Alfred is the one who answered. "Master Jason wanted to help..."

"We...I let him come with us for a bit before sending him home." Dick said softly as he looks away in shame.

*He was supposed to come back but he never returned.* Cassandra chirped as she fight back tears. She has the most training and experience out of all of them but she had already failed her family. She lost her little brother...

"We tried to teleport to his side but it's like something is blocking us..." Tim has a bit of fear mixed into the guilt, he should have done more to stop him.

Bruce sighs softly and pulls off his mask as he walks towards his children and pulls them all into a hug. "Don't worry, I'll find him and bring him home safe." He promised before putting his mask back on and gently pat Alfred's shoulder before teleporting away to Jason's side.

______________________________________________________________________________

~Warehouse~

There is nothing blocking him and he isn't at all surprised that he appeared in a warehouse with a gagged and tied up Jason and Joker standing next to him.

"Welcome Batsy~" Joker giggled as he lean down to wrap an arm around Jason. "We were just about to start the fun without you because you were taking so long~"

"Let him go, Joker." The Bat demanded as he takes a step forward and immediately step back when Joker hold up the trigger for the bomb.

"Ah ah ah~ You don't get to make the demands after all the work you made me go through~ Do you know how long I had to plan all this because you won't come with me?" Joker pouted. He let go of Jason and take a step away from him as he points at the bomb not too far from them. "But this, this is going to get me what I want without you trying to get away!" He laughed as he press the button and drop the trigger as he turn to run out.

Bruce was already panicking when he saw the bomb and when Joker pressed the trigger to start the bomb? He didn't think, he couldn't. He only have a few seconds so he follow his instincts instead of his brain.

He straightens the protection spell he has on himself with as much magic as he can pour into it as he runs towards Jason and transfers it to his son as he hugs him. "I love you, Son." He whispered as he tuck Jason in his arms so his body is shielding him from the blast as the bomb went off.

______________________________________________________________________________

POV Dick

Dick feels nothing but worries and guilt once he found out that Jason is missing, he should have let him stay or sent him back himself, and he definitely shouldn't have allowed him to come in the first place. Dad has always done everything he can to keep them safe and give them whatever they want. He should have known it wasn't a good idea to let Jason go with them when Dad put his foot down on that matter. Some big brother he turned out to be...

He did not have a lot of time to wallow in self-pity, not long after their dad left to find their missing brother a call came through from Jason.

"Help! Dad isn't...Dad isn't waking up! And there's so much blood... Oh god... Dad! Please open your eyes! Please! I'm sorry, I'll listen to you from now on, just please open your eyes!" Dick can hear Jason begging with so much fear in his voice and he felt his heart drop to his stomach.

There is no way...right? Their Dad has the best protection spell in the world! There is no way he could have gotten hurt... But he did say that there might be a problem with the spell because Barbara got hurt and that's why he didn't allow Jason and Tim out today...

Dick paled as realisation finally set in. "Stay here and help Alfred prepare the medical wing." He ordered Cassandra and Tim as he point to the unused but well stock medical wing that he had thought was a waste but is now glad Dad didn't listen to him; where Alfred is rushing around getting everything ready.

Cassandra and Tim are clearly worried and want to follow but didn't. They nod their heads and rush over to help Alfred.

Dick teleport to their location and he's sure his heart stopped when he saw the blown-up warehouse and he can clearly hear Jason screaming for their Dad to open his eyes from under the debris.

He shakes his head, he can panic later, his dad and little brother needs him right now. "Robin, are you alright?" He called out, remembering to use their code name as he starts pulling off debris until he finally reach his father and brother.

What he found almost made him sick, Dad's cape, which they all love to hide under, is buried off along with the back of Dad's uniform, showing the burnt skin underneath and a pole that had gone through his shoulder.

But, even though he is heavily injured, even though he is probably dying, he is on his arms and knees to keep Jason safe and give him space to move around.

And Jason, completely unharmed, is laying under him screaming and crying as he clings to their father.

Dick carefully, and with great difficulty, pulled their Dad and Jason out, feeling sick at the amount of blood but too afraid to see what other injuries he has. "Come on, let's go home." He wraps an arm around Jason and the other around their Dad as he teleports them home.

He doesn't know how but he managed to pull the hysterical Jason off their Dad and place him gently onto the table so Alfred can fix him before pulling his siblings back upstairs so Alfred can work in peace.

The rest of the night was a blur, he knows that Jason, Tim and Cassandra tired themselves out but he couldn't sleep knowing that their Dad is fighting for his life and there's a possibility they could lose him.

He watched over his siblings as they slept and made them breakfast even though no one is in the mood to eat, especially Jason. He looks like a shell of himself but ready to burst into tears at the drop of a hat.

Jason is the first one on Alfred when he finally emerges from the cave, asking him so many questions at a time Alfred couldn't get a word in until he calmed down.

"Master Bruce is stable right now but he needs his rest," Alfred said softly, looking older than he really is. "It is almost dinner time, how about I make something light?"

Dick shake his head. "Go to sleep, Alfred. You look like you are dead on your feet. We'll take care of dinner and check on Dad in a few hours."

Alfred looks like he wants to argue but one look at Dick's face made him shut his mouth and nod his head. "Very well." He tries to hide how tired he really is as he heads upstairs to rest.

He made sandwiches and while Tim and Cassandra are trying to feed Jason; he managed to slip away to check on their Dad.

He really wished he had checked in on Dad immediately after Alfred went to bed because the first thing he noticed is the empty bed with a single joker playing card on his pillow.

His siblings immediately know something is wrong when he rushed into the room, looking as pale as a ghost. "We need to get Alfred." He managed to get out.

"Why? What happened to Dad?" Jason is immediately on his feet, looking as pale as Dick as the worst scenario, Dad is dead, runs through his head.

All Dick could do is lift up the joker playing card and before he knows it, they were all running upstairs to get Alfred, freezing right outside of their Dad's room, Jason, Cassandra and Tim running into Dick's back when he suddenly stopped without warning, when they heard a familiar voice singing inside their Dad's room.

"Hush, little brother don't say a word,
Joker's gonna catch you a Robin bird,
and if that Robin bird won't sing,
Joker's gonna steal you a diamond ring,
and if that diamond ring is brass,
Joker's gonna steal you a looking glass,
and if that looking glass is fake,
Joker's gonna get you a horse and cart,
and if that horse and cart should break,
you'll still be the sweetest little Bat in town."

Chapter Text

"Hush, little brother don't say a word,
Joker's gonna catch you a Robin bird,
and if that Robin bird won't sing,
Joker's gonna steal you a diamond ring,
and if that diamond ring is brass,
Joker's gonna steal you a looking glass,
and if that looking glass is fake,
Joker's gonna get you a horse and cart,
and if that horse and cart should break,
you'll still be the sweetest little Bat in town."

Dick's blood runs cold at the voice singing that song, even if he's ignoring the name used in the song he'll still know the owner of the voice, Joker.

Jason must have come to the same realisation because he started to hyperventilate and Tim is trying his very best to pull him away without any success. "A little help here?" Tim hissed but before anyone could step in to help him; Jason pulled himself free and throw open the door.

"Get away from him!" Jason snarled, his fear changed to anger when he saw Joker laying next to his father, not taking in the fact Bruce is no longer injured as he glared at the clown.

"Now now now, is that any way to talk to your uncle?" The Joker giggled as he run his hand through Bruce's hair.

Jason is far from innocent, everyone knows it, even if still Bruce tries to protect Jason from the worse Gotham has to offer and Alfred tries to correct him; there is no changing the fact. Jason Wayne is far from innocent and in his anger he lets it show.

"Get your filthy fucking hands off my dad or I'm going to rip off your fucking dick and shove it so far up your bloody ass that you'll choke on it, you fucking Pennywise rip off!" Jason snarled as he shift his position to launch himself at the villain that hurt his father.

Dick's eyes widen in shock at his little brother's words and move to quickly cover Tim's ears. "Language!"

Joker burst out laughing before Jason could snap at Dick. "Oh, you are so cute when you're angry." He grinned in amusement as he pull out a gun and aim it at Jason.

Before anyone could react to the gun, Bruce's eyes snapped open and he flip Joker onto his back as he tighten his hold on his wrist until he drop the gun.

"Knew you were awake," Joker smirked, not at all bothered by the glare aimed at him. "Now mind letting me go? Or if you're so overjoyed to have me close we could just cuddle." He teased.

"What did you do to me?" Bruce growled as he keep the madman pinned under him so he can't run or hurt his children.

That question had Tim confused until he looked. He can't help letting out a gasp when he finally noticed that Bruce is completely healed, his not wearing a shirt so they can see his non-injured back, there isn't even a single scar!

"You're welcome, by the way." Joker rolled his eyes. "I'm just doing what should have been done years ago, if you won't so stubborn I won't have to do this."

"Get out of my head!" Bruce hissed, which alarmed his children.

"Oh! You can already tell one of them if me?" Joker looks delighted and tries to hug Bruce only for him to tighten his hold. "I am so delighted, Mother definitely made the right choice~ I couldn't have asked for a better brother!"

"I am not your brother!" Bruce snapped, his hands itching to wrap around Joker's neck and squeeze.

"Maybe not by blood but Mother had claimed you are her Order so you're stuck with me now, Brucie~" Joker looks far too pleased for Bruce's liking.

"I only have one mother!" Bruce snapped, unlike the Bruce he knows from his past life, he has moved on from his parents' death. Does he still want to beat up the man who killed them and scar him for life? Of course, he does but his parents' death isn't what's driving him to put the fear of The Bat in criminals. He had come to love this city even though he would always love his past life's country and is using his memories of it to better Gotham, he can't deny that if given the chance he won't give up Gotham for his old home.

"Well technically Mother is everyone's Mother but we're special~" Joker giggled, knowing that he sounds crazy. "Order and Chaos, two sides of the same coin." He lifts up his head and gives Bruce a playfully kiss on his nose, giggling again when Bruce scrunches his nose. "I've been without my other half for so long, Order."

Bruce wants to call his bluff but just like how every Gothamites can tell when someone is an outsider, he's able to tell that Joker isn't lying to him and the other connection in his head...it's a feeling he has been missing while he's away to train, the feeling of home, the feeling of Gotham. "Don't I get a say in this?"

Joker smirked at his question. "Would you have turned it down?"

That made Bruce think if he was asked; would he had turned it down? To be chosen by the city he loves so much...it is the highest honour for a Gothamite.

And by the smirk on Joker's face; he knows exactly what his answer would have been. "Exactly." He simply said as he pull himself free when Bruce loosen his grip and sat up. "Though I really wish I had gotten to you sooner." He nods towards Bruce's children. "Before you started adopting."

"Why? Can't stand Dad being happy?" Jason snapped, still angry with The Joker but calm enough now to not attack him at the drop of the hat.

"Of course not." The Joker actually looks offended. "I'm happy that he's happy, he used to be so grumpy before he left."

Bruce froze as he thought back to his
childhood. "You were the one following me." There isn't a single doubt in his mind that the person he felt following him around is The Joker.

The Cheshire Cat grin on his face pretty much confirms his suspicion. "Had to make sure that no one tries to finish the job before you were ready to take your place by my side as my other half." He jerks his thumb towards Jason. "And as entertaining he is when he's angry, I do need to tell you the reason why you shouldn't adopt anymore."

"What reason could there be?" Bruce narrowed his eyes, no matter what Joker says he won't stop taking in his children.

Joker is almost like a completely different person now, not a hint of madness in his eyes or smile on his lips. "I am from the first generation of Gothamite that was born here, Bruce. Do you know what that means? I'm old, I'm really old and you will be just as old as I am one day. Mother does not allow Death to take her Order or Chaos. If there is someone you can't live without Mother would take them under her wings but can you ask any of your children to live an eternity with you? One day they would find love and start their own family. Can you ask them to outlive the family they made for themselves just to be with you?"

Bruce bites his lips. To live forever...he doesn't even want it himself but can he hand off The Bat to one of his children? When he is doing his best to raise them to find themselves and be their own person? Can he ask any of them to stay by his side forever and watch their family and friends die around them? The answer is obvious. "You sound like you are speaking from experience." He said softly instead of answering his question.

Joker gives Bruce a small smile, looking almost sad. "What do you think happened to your predecessor? He had a son he loved with all his heart, he asked him to stay by his side and it took two generations for him to break down and asked to be released. It broke his heart to let go but he did and he watched as his son grow old and die..." His green eyes have a far off look in them as he tells the story. "I wasn't enough for him and he went mad. Mother had to let him go...which drove him deeper into his madness..." He let out a sigh and lift up his head to look Bruce in his eyes. "He was my other half, my brother and I had to put him down like a dog because he can't handle the grief of losing his son he had depended on for a long time to keep him sane and I never want to do it again."

"But you will if I go down the same path as him." Bruce said softly, not breaking eye contact with his other half.

"Yes. I will." Joker confirmed as he reach up to stroke Bruce's cheek. "You are my brother now, I will protect you, help you, challenge you, but if you become like the first Order I will become your executioner."

"Then help me." He'll let future Bruce worry about the rest. "There is something that concerns The Rogues Gallery." Bruce stays still and only breaks eye contact to look at his children when Dick speaks up.

"Is it about the government?" Dick asked, he had helped Bruce and Barbara gather information and they had come to the conclusion that they are looking for villains that they can control for dangerous missions with high mortality rates.

Bruce nods as his other children look on curiously, they had been kept out of it but they'll find out sooner or later. He explained everything to them and watch as everyone who was hearing it for the first time grow angrier. "Arkham and the police are blocking the government's attempts of getting information on any of them and closing ranks so the government can't send a spy to get the information they want. We also have a guess on who their first target is, Harley."

"We can't let them get their hands on her!" Jason exploded in anger, he might still be angry with Joker for what he had done but he hates the government more than he is angry with Joker.

"We won't." Joker growled out, his eyes almost glowing green in his anger.

"They won't be able to touch her if she isn't a villain anymore and working for the Wayne." Tim's ice-cold anger is the opposite of Jason's fiery rage but it doesn't mean he's any less angry about the situation.

"I am trying but..." Bruce is cut off by Joker.

"She won't leave me," Joker growled as he clutch his fists. "I will fix that if you have a place for her."

"One of Pamela's requirements is for Harley to have a spot as her assistant when she finally leaves her villain life behind her." Bruce made sure to not let his surprise show, he did not expect Joker to genuinely care so much about Harley, but then again he didn't expect any of this from the Joker. "I will need to leave for a day or two. We need someone on the outside helping us and I know just the group, the League of Assassins."

"No." Joker glared at Bruce for even suggesting turning to the League of Assassins for help. "We will not ask them for help. They are dangerous and their leader is unstable from his many dips in rotten pure magic."

"Oh, so that's what that is?" Bruce hum thoughtfully, he never thought of what the Lazarus Pit could be but it kinda makes sense it is rotten pure magic, it is powerful enough bring someone back to life but it corrupts the person with madness. "But I'm not going to ask them for help, I'm going to take up their offer." He forced a smile, he doesn't want to but he needs someone who'll help them on the outside...so he will kill Ra and take his place. The Bat will not kill so Bruce Wayne will have to make the sacrifice this once.

______________________________________________________________________________

POV Talia

Talia is troubled, she created a child with her Beloved to be the perfect heir but she isn't sure he would have enough time to grow before her Father completely lose his mind. His many dips in the Lazarus Pit has left too much of their mark on him and it is getting harder for him to shake off the madness.

If only her Beloved would take over her Father's place...but he's so against killing, especially her Father because he doesn't want to make her sad and while that is incredibly sweet and one of the reasons she loves him so deeply, she would rather he kill her Father. He is reaching the end of his road and it is time for someone else to step up. If only her Beloved can get past that one kill...The League of Assassins would be his to do as he wishes.

Sadden and deep in her thoughts, she didn't notice anyone in her room until they stepped out of the shadows.

She jumped in surprise but was quick to pull out her weapon, only stopping when she saw exactly who was in her room. "Bruce?" Her eyes widen slightly in shock but she kept her weapons and rush to his side. "Is it really you? What are you doing here?" She press herself against him, resting one hand on his chest while the other caressed his cheek, not even wondering how he managed to get all the way to her room. He was the best student her Father had ever trained so there's no surprise that even after so many years he would be able to sneak in.

"I'm not here because I want to." Bruce's eyes soften as look down at Talia, the woman he had once loved. "It had come to my attention that the US government is planning something and being stuck in Gotham isn't the best way to get any information." He doesn't even have to say that he refused to leave Gotham for a long period of time to get the information himself.

"You've come to us for help?" Talia still doesn't understand why her Beloved is so attached to Gotham, the most dangerous city in the world and has gotten even more dangerous with their villains.

"No, I didn't come to ask for help. As much as it pains me to do this, I am here to take over your Father."

Hearing that made Talia's heart skip a beat, is it true? Her Beloved is finally willing to do what is needed for the greater good? Then...then there won't be a need for her to push their son anymore, he can live a more carefree life now that the pressure is off him.

"That is wonderful news, my Beloved. We'll start your training to get you ready-" Talia stopped when Bruce raise his hand.

"I know that you are looking out for me but I would like to get this done and over with so I would like to do it now." He gives her an apologetic smile. "My children are waiting for me back home."

It made Talia jealous on her son's behalf even though she knows that she shouldn't. Her Beloved would love their son as much as he loves his other children and it is her fault for keeping him away from him in the first place but she can't help feeling bitter that their son hasn't even met his father.

"You have been living a civilian life for years, you have to train for at least a month." Her Beloved is still in shape but it means nothing if his skills are rusty, it would also give her time to introduce their son to him and let them spend time together to bond with her around.

Bruce shakes his head. "Thank you for looking out for me but I'll be fine. I kept up my skills just in case." He smiled mysteriously.

Talia frowned. "Just in case? Of course, My Beloved?"

"Gotham is a dangerous city. She claws and bites every single one of her citizens so only the strong survives and not even her Prince is exempted from her test. I need to be in top shape if I want to protect my family." That smile that hides Bruce's secrets is still on his lips.

"Isn't The Bat keeping watch over your family?" Talia raise an eyebrow, that is what she was told by Bruce himself after all.

"But I can't depend on him all the time. There will be times where he won't be able to help us and during those times I will have to step up and protect them myself and my family."

Talia is pleased with his answer and is now more willing to bring him to her Father right now even though she wants Bruce to stay so he can spend time with their son. "Come, I will take you to my Father." She said as she turns around and walk out of her room, not looking back because she knows that Bruce would follow her.

They walked in silence and she step to the side as her Beloved talked to her Father, even though he hid it well, she has been by her Father's side long enough to know that he was surprised to see her Beloved and delighted that he had agreed to take on his destiny as his heir.

So delighted in fact, he immediately called for everyone so they can watch the match, she managed to talk her Father out of Damian joining them, their son doesn't need his first memory of his father to be of him fighting his grandfather to the death.

The fight was not what she expected, she expected it to be an intense battle but what she didn't expect for it to be quick.

Almost like her Beloved is able to read her Father's movements; he dodged his first attack by stepping aside and swinging his sword to decapitate him before anyone is able to blink.

And just like that, Bruce Wayne is the new Demon's Head. His hardened cold eyes with passion burning under it swept through the crowd until it landed on her.

Her heart skipped a beat and she fall for the only man who had stolen her heart all over again. She felt her heart skip another beat as he hold out his hand for her to take, a silent comment to take his hand and follow him, which she happily followed.

She knows that there will be rumours that they have gotten back together and even though she wishes it to be true, something inside of her knows that they have lost their chances to be together forever when she rejected his offer to stay in Gotham with him.

She is a little curious when he stopped right outside her door with his hand on the doorknob but her blood soon run cold. "Do you think I am an idiot?" He asked softly as he open the door to reveal Damian drawing with an older boy, Bruce's second son, her mind supplied.

"How..." Her son's room is far from hers and there is no sign anywhere that a child could be amongst them so her Beloved couldn't possibly found him because he would have came straight to her instead of looking around out of curiosity...did someone betray her?

"The how doesn't matter. What I need to know is if he is mine." Her Beloved asked in that same soft voice he would use when he's trying to explain to her why Gotham is so important to him.

"...Yes. He is yours, My Beloved." She can't help but answer him in the same soft voice.

"That night..." Her Beloved shook his head. "We have much to discuss but he is coming back to Gotham with me."

"You can't take a child away from his mother!" She protests, not wanting her son taken away even though she knows that it would give her son a better life.

"Mommy?" Her loud protest drew the children's attention and her son had run to her side to comfort her... Her sweet son...

"Hello Damian, I guess you had met your father and his son." She said softly, knowing better than to voice the lack of blood connection. The hard cold look in Jason's eyes with passion burning under it as he stands by his father's side is too similar to Bruce's. There can be no doubt in anyone's mind that even though he was not born a Wayne; he would live and die as one.

"Baba?" Damian turns to face the two male and tilt his head curiously as his mother pick him up and hold him protectively.

The cold looks disappeared and were replaced with soft warm loving eyes as Bruce takes a careful step closer and gently stroked Damian's cheek. "Yes Damian, I'm your Baba." He said with such tenderness and love it made her heartache, he's such a good father...keeping Damian here would be selfish of her...

"You'll be going with him, Damian. Mommy will be busy with work but I will visit when I can." Talia gently stroke Damian's cheek and turn to her Beloved with hard eyes, challenging him to stop her from seeing their son but it isn't needed. The smile on her Beloved's face is all she needs to know that he would never stop her from seeing their son and that made her relax.

"You may visit anytime, Talia. Even if he has many new family members he would still need his mother." Bruce gently takes Damian from Talia's arms and set him down next to Jason. "Finish up your drawing with your brother, we'll leave once I'm done talking to your mother and pack your bag." He gently kisses Damian's forehead before leading Talia out of her room so they can discuss their future.

______________________________________________________________________________

~Batcave~

A simple sleep spell is placed on Damian before teleporting back to the Batcave when they are ready to return. He knows that it is around the time his children return from another night of prowling around their beloved city and he wanted to see them when they returned.

He was ready to see his children and Alfred, what he wasn't ready to see was Stephanie Brown, aka Spoiler, in their medical bay.

"What's...what's going on here?" Bruce asked he wave towards the nervous girl.

"Hurt." Cassandra smiled sweetly, looking as innocent as the day she was born.

Bruce knows that it's all an act, taught to her by her brothers, but he can't help but melt at how cute she is. "I can see that she is hurt but why is she here in the cave?"

"Batcave!" Dick chimed in, looking hurt. "I worked hard on the naming, the least you can do is use it."

"How could you do this to big brother, Daddy?" Tim looks upset as he hugs Dick.

Bruce covers his face, knowing that it is all an act, as Jason tries, not very hard, mind you, to not laugh. "Fine. What is she doing in the Batcave?"

"What is he doing in the Batcave?" Dick points at Damian.

"He is my son." Bruce gives Dick a pointed look that has zero effect on any of his children. "I'll explain once you tell me why you've brought someone to the Batcave."

"Her name is Stephanie Brown, her father is Arthur Brown otherwise known as Cluemaster." Alfred said when the children look like they are about to argue, he's curious about the child in the arms of the man he sees as his own son and he isn't going to wait for his grandchildren to finish annoying their dad. "She dons a costume she put together to help the children take her father down and after deciding to continue helping them."

"So you three let someone who isn't trained to join you?" Bruce turns to his children with disapproval in his eyes.

"She was only hurt when we were about to call it in so I'll say that we did a pretty good job protecting her and she isn't that bad of a fighter herself." All playfulness is gone from Dick as they move onto a serious subject.

"It was my fault, I got cocky and ended up getting shot because of it." The last thing Stephanie wants is for them to get into trouble with The Bat because of her, even if she now knows that they are humans.

Bruce turns to Stephanie and narrows his eyes. "You want to continue." He stated the fact after studying her for a few minutes.

Stephanie's eyes burn with determination as she nods her head. "Yes, I want to undo the wrong my father has done."

"The sins of the Father doesn't fall on the child." Bruce's eyes lit up with amusement when he saw Stephanie getting annoyed.

"Fine, I want to help make Gotham a better place." Stephanie won't back down so easily.

Bruce smiled as he walk towards her and gently place a hand on her shoulder. "I think you'll fit right in. Mind you, you'll have plenty of training to go through and we'll need to have a long discussion before I let you back onto the streets." He said as he heal her shoulder and cast the necessary spells on her.

Stephanie is in awe at Bruce's magic, she had heard about it from Dick and Tim but it is one thing to hear it from someone and another to see it for herself.

"It is amazing, isn't it?" Alfred smiled softly as he careful remove the bandage for Stephanie. "Master Bruce's magic is a wonderful thing."

Bruce chuckles softly. "It most definitely is." For one he doesn't have to spend as much money on being The Bat as Batman and it keeps his children safe. "I'm guessing my children have already told you everything?"

Tim shrug his shoulders. "We figured that you'll just erase her memories if we tell her something you don't want her knowing."

"Not that we had any doubts we can talk you into letting her stay." Dick is looking too smug for Bruce's liking.

"Now about that child..." Alfred hinted that Bruce should start talking before he gets upset.

"Oh right. This is Damian Wayne, his mother was my ex and we spent a day together when she came to our city and he was the result of that night." Bruce doesn't want to say out loud that he had sex in front of the children and definitely not to Alfred.

"Are you really sure he is your blood?" Jason spoke up, he had wanted to ask the question since Talia admitted that Bruce is the father.

"Other than his green eyes and darker skin tone, he looks like me when I was his age." Bruce knows that Damian is his because of his past life's memories but he can't say that.

He can feel Gotham humming with happiness that his blood is being passed down but there is a wave of underlining anger towards Talia for keeping Damian from them in the first place.

Alfred examines Damian and nods his head. "He looks very similar to how you had looked at his age but I would still do a blood test just in case." He carefully draws some of Damian's blood to run against Bruce's.

"No matter the result I am still keeping him. He can't go back." Bruce would fight the gods themselves to keep Damian in his home if he has to.

"I hope he isn't yours." Jason said softly.

"Jason! Why would you say that?" Dick's eyes widen in shock, he can't believe his brother would say that!

"Because Damian will have a hard time if he is." Tim is the one who answered. "You had a hard time as a new Gothamite, right? It would be worse for Damian if he is Dad's biological son."

Dick frowned, even Tim... "Why? Why would it be so bad?"

"Because I am the first child born between two founding families," Bruce did not notice Alfred shift uncomfortably but Cassandra did. Not that she would push for an answer, Alfred will tell them when the time is right. "The only one left of any of the founding families and a Wayne, the strongest of the founding families. For my biological child to be not a Gothamite is a crime in the eyes of Gothamites."

"...Isn't that kinda dramatic?" Dick doesn't know if he should laugh but the serious look on everyone's faces made the decision for him.

"The Crowne family died out because their heir's baby was kidnapped by his father." Jason pointed out. "As the last of the founding family, I doubt people want The Wayne to die out the same way and because the mother isn't here for them to blame they would take it out on Damian in the beginning, it would get better over time."

"Oh...I didn't know that..." Dick muttered softly, a traumatic end of a very important family because of their heir's baby being kidnapped would make Gothamites angry if the same thing happen to their last founding family.

Bruce raises his eyebrow. "What do you mean you don't know? I've told you the story plenty of times."

Dick shrug his shoulders. "You told it to me as a bedtime story so I don't really remember."

"...Dick, big brother, do you know who the five Founding Families of Gotham are?" Tim asked as he stare at his brother.

"Wayne, Kane...I'm guessing the Crowne is a founding family as well?" It is clear Dick only remembers his family.

Bruce sighs softly. "Okay, this is the quick run down, the five founding families are the Waynes, the Elliots, the Dumas, the Crownes, and the Kanes. As you know, Kane merged with Wayne. Elliot's head died in a car accident with his wife who was 2 months pregnant."

"Duma was killed off in the American Revolution they were forced to join but they have a branch family that is now known as the Cobblepot. After the American Revolution; Cobblepot helped the reminding founding families help Gotham recover from the financial damage so even though they would never be seen as one of the founding family; they are still very much respected."

"And lastly, the Crowne, Amelia was the heir, after her baby was kidnapped she fell into depression as the years went on and no hint of her child could be found. Her parents watched her waste away and die heartbroken. Her mother, Mary, went mad with grief at the lost of her daughter and grandchild, she was hurting herself and those around her until one day her husband, Burton, found her face down in the water fountain he had built for her with his own hands. He blamed himself for not being able to protect his family and drowned himself in the same fountain after making sure he has his affairs settled."

"What affairs did he need to settle?" This time Tim was the one who asked, all Gothamites might know the stories but they don't know all the details. The only people who could know is another founding family and Tim is right on that guess.

"Mary was a Cobblepot so he gave up everything to them in his Will to protect for when his missing grandson or his descendants are found." They are Waynes, even not by blood, they have the right to know every secret kept between the founding family.

"How is he sure that they won't use it for themselves?" Dick can't see a greedy man like Oswald keeping his hands to himself.

"Mary was an only child so when she married into the Crowne her father, Nathan, found a wife that would give him a new heir, a son named Theodore. Theodore adored his sister even though she is many years older than him and he grew up with Amelia so the news of their deaths hit him hard."

"I've never personally met the man but I remember going to his funeral when I was very young, Tucker and Oswald both swear to him that they will take care of the Crowne's assets and do their best to find him and they've kept their promises. Tucker never stopped looking for the Crowne's descendants even on his deathbed and neither has Oswald; despite being a criminal now. They have never once touched the Crowne's assets and even paid out of pocket to keep their home clean and well maintained."

Jason, Cassandra, Tim, Dick and Stephanie are surprised to hear something like this about Oswald and even though he is still a criminal they are seeing him in a new light right now.

"Now, if that is all I would like to put Damian to bed." Bruce had a long day and he wants to catch some sleep himself.

"There is one thing the children are neglecting to tell you." Alfred said calmly as the kids starts getting nervous.

Bruce sighs loudly. "What is it?"

"You'll find out when you look into the first guest room." Alfred simply said as he starts cleaning up the cave.

Bruce gives his children a pointed look but none of them would look at him so he just sighs and head upstairs to put Damian in his bed before going to check out whatever his children are hiding in the guest room.

______________________________________________________________________________

Bruce expanded to see a lot of different things when he opened the door to the guest bedroom, a dog, a signboard, hell even The Riddler, yes his children love the Riddler enough that it is one of his guesses, what he didn't expect is to find a drug withdrawal Roy Harper, aka Speedy.

While he knows the basic information about other characters but he had been a Batman fan in his past life so he wasn't too interested to find out more about other characters. Not that it is a problem, he had been gathering information on the heroes and was able to learn plenty about them without relying on his past life memories.

With that said, he can't turn his back on a child in need and he isn't going to make him go through cold turkey when he can do something about it.

He walks up to his bedside and lay a hand on his forehead before letting his magic do its work. Destroying the drugs that are still in his system and putting him in a magically induced coma so his magic can heal Roy's body. "Rest well, Dear." He whispered and place a kiss on his forehead, even though he isn't one of his, before leaving to call Oliver Queen.

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~POV Roy~

The first thing Roy register is someone poking his cheek and no matter how many times he tries to hit their hand away they won't stop. He groaned loudly as he pull the blanket over his head and roll away from the poking and that made him freeze in place. A thick warm blanket? A nice soft bed?

He shot up and is shocked to see himself in a beautiful room that wouldn't be out of place in Oliver's home. But Jason at his side and a child he has never seen before but is probably Jason's new sibling drawing at the table pretty much destroy the idea that Oliver had come to bring him home while he's passed out.

"You're finally awake!" Jason grinned widely. "Here I thought you would never wake up."

Jason...the child he had befriended during a party in Gotham that Oliver had dragged him to. His siblings are all nice but he had always preferred hanging out with Jason...even though he is a little jealous of him.

He's a street kid like him but he's lucky enough to be adopted by Bruce Wayne, who loves him as his own and have siblings who have his back. While he was adopted by Oliver just to be his sidekick and kicked out the minute he isn't the perfect kid he wanted.

"Roy, it's nice to see you awake."

Roy looked up in surprise to see Bruce walking over with the child in his arms, he must have gone to get their dad when he woke up.

It took a few seconds but his brain finally caught up to what Bruce said and his hand shot up to touch his face and to his horror, his mask is still on. "How..." He whispered.

"Sorry, that's kinda my fault. We didn't take off your mask but I could tell it was you. And don't worry! We won't tell anyone!" Jason isn't sorry at all as he drops his body across Roy's lap but he is honest with his promise. "Also, good news! Dad called that dumbass and told him we are keeping you or he'll go to court if he tries to take you!"

Roy pulls off his mask, no point wearing it now that they know who he is, and stare at them with wide eyes. "Why would you do all that for me?"

"Why shouldn't I?" Bruce smiled softly as he sat down next to Roy and place Damian on his lap as he gently place his hand on his shoulder. "You're a child, no matter what you do in your spare time, be it fighting crimes or doing drugs, you deserve a home where you are safe and loved. Oliver's failure as a guardian, a mentor, a father, is not your fault and it doesn't mean you deserve any less love and protection because of it." He moves his hand to cup Roy's cheek and stroke it with his thumb as he looks into his green eyes so he can see that he is being sincere in his words.

Roy froze in place, he doesn't remember the last time someone had looked at him with so much warmth and love, especially someone who's practically a stranger to him.

"Let me tell you, you're life has just gotten a whole lot better." Jason sat up to throw his arm around Roy, making Bruce let go of Roy. "Dad is the biggest most loveable pushover in the world!" He laughed.

Bruce let out a heavy sigh as Damian giggle softly. "It has only been a week and they have already corrupted Damian." He said with a fond smile on his face.

As if to show off how spoiled Damian has gotten, he hold up his arms and made grabby hands. "Daddy! Up up!" He demanded.

Bruce let out another sigh as he picks Damian up and cuddle him close. His face might say that he doesn't want this but his body language says that he will fight anyone who tries to take his son out of his protective hold.

Jason grinned as he lean heavily on the older boy. "He might act like he hates it but he actually loves giving us whatever we want and spoiling us with love and gifts so feel free to demand anything you want from him. If he's able to he'll do it in a heartbeat."

All the warmth and love is overwhelming Roy, the hope that not one word of this is a lie, the relief that he is finally able to just be a kid, to make mistakes and bad choices and still be loved unconditionally, it is all too much for the wall he had built around his heart. Tears roll down his cheeks as the last of the wall crumble away and before he realised what's going on; he's in the arms of all three Waynes as he cries for the stress and pain he had to go through, the relief that he can finally let them go and live a better life.

He no longer has to be strong and suck it up, he's allowed to be weak, to be a child and as he calms down, feeling better than he had ever felt, there is only one thought in his mind. 'I'm home. I'm finally home.'

Chapter Text

Things aren't so bad for Damian thanks to Roy being there to take on some of the heat and Bruce is thankfully for that even though he is sorry that Roy has to go through this on top of everything else. He's also thankful the kids didn't try to lead Roy to the cave, he's not so thankful that the kids carried Damian to the cave. Their argument? Damian is his biological son, he deserves to know what his father and siblings are up to.

Honestly, they just want Damian to join them and the only reason why they didn't show Roy is because he is still healing from Oliver's... parenting.

At least Damian and Stephanie are enjoying training to be Robin together.

Jason hasn't been on patrol since the explosion, instead, he spent his night learning to move like The Bat with the help of Cassandra, who had taken time off to train Stephanie, Damian and Jason.

As to why Jason is training to move like The Bat...well...ever since that day he no longer feel comfortable being Robin and had chosen to be a Bat, of course, he isn't going to be called Batgirl and he doesn't really like the idea of being called Batboy so he settled on the name Batling.

Their training is going slow because they are only training at night so they can spend the day with Roy...until Roy decided to sneak out while he's about to bust a drug deal.

Luckily he placed a spell on Roy so he managed to catch him before he can escape out his window, he left his kids to take care of the drug bust, the criminals know better than to hurt his children by now.

"What are you doing?" The Bat chirped, having teleported into Roy's room as he is climbing out of the window.

Roy is so surprised by The Bat's sudden appearance and voice, he did not expect someone the world had deemed a Demon to sound like this. "I-I..." He swallowed nervously but pushed on because if he is planning on being a hero in Gotham City, or even just living in Gotham, he can't be afraid of the one Gothamites see as their guardian angel. "I want to help protect Gotham. It is my home now and I can't just sit back and do nothing." He said, with each word he grows more confident and determined to protect Gotham.

The Bat is studying Roy closely and perhaps it's because he's looking so closely or maybe it's because he's more in tune with Gotham, but there is no denying what he saw. He saw the very moment Gotham claimed Roy as hers and he felt relief wash over him.

"Roy," The Bat reach up to pull off his mask to reveal Bruce Wayne. "If you want to go out on the streets you'll need a lot more training." He smiled in amusement as Roy.exe crashed then try and fail to reboot for a few minutes.

He let out a chuckle when he can't hold it in anymore and quietly lead him down to the cave where Jason, Stephanie, Damian and Cassandra are more than happy to see him and let him join their training.

______________________________________________________________________________

The bad thing about Roy finally joining them is that his children are now spending both day and night training so they are improving much faster than before. It also means they are begging him to let them out and as he had said many times before, he is a weak man, that's why he is currently leading Roy, now going by the name Arsenal, into The Riddler's hideout.

"Eddie!" The Bat chirped to get his attention and smiled in amusement as Edward, Jonathan and Jervis turns to him, Edward with delight in his eyes, Jonathan with anger in his eyes and Jervis with tired annoyed eyes. "Tea party?" He turns his amused smile into an innocent one.

"And you're uninvited." Jonathan hissed, he still hasn't forgiven him for calling his work junk food.

"Missed you." The Bat ignored Jonathan as he walk straight to Edward and nuzzle him gently while purring.

"Isn't that someone's sidekick? That stupid one who dressed up as an off coloured Robin Hood?" Jonathan growled, not liking how Edward melts under the attention he's getting from The Bat.

"I am no one's sidekick! Not anymore, I'm Arsenal now." Arsenal growled back at Jonathan, he is surprised to see how The Bat interact with his villains, even though he had been warned by his Colony.

Arsenal is wearing what seems like a normal black hoodie at first but closer look you can see that his gloves are actually connected to the hoodie and there is a big red bat on his chest with its wings spread to his fingertips, an idea he had gotten from Dick, that he wears with pride. He wears a black utility belt, blood-red pants and black combat boots. The only thing from his time as Speedy that he kept is his bow and arrows but that is only until the custom made ones Bruce had ordered for him are ready and even then there's a possibility he won't be using bow and arrows for long. He has been training in more weapons and he had taken a liking to bolas, The Bat and his Colony used fear more than they fight and the kids have been warming him up to the idea of how funny it would be to watch criminals fall onto their faces because their legs got entangled.

The Bat nods in agreement. "Partner in training." That is what he sees all his children, as partners in training instead of sidekicks.

"Is he the one you brought to see me?" Edward asked, he might used to be someone's sidekick but he is now a Gothamite and under The Bat's wings so he will treat Arsenal as one of The Bat's Colony.

"Yes...and no." The Bat took a step back and lift up his wing.

A black blur shot out from the shadows and attached itself to Edward's chest while singing a mix of bird songs and bat chirp.

"Little Wing?" He might look different now but Edward can still tell it's his Little Wing, the Robins have nicknames to tell each other apart and he had picked up on them. The first Batgirl is just called Batgirl, the second is called Black Bat and together they are called Batgirls.

The one called Little Wing grinned as he jumped off Edward and spin around so he can take a better look at him. He looks like Batgirl with black fur instead of dark purple and blood-red instead of yellow. "Batling now." He proudly pats his chest, the scarf Edward made him is wrapped snuggly around his neck.

All their scarfs are well-loved and only Dick's scarf has ever been damaged. A criminal has the bright idea of shooting near Dick but not actually hitting him to scare him off and accidentally hit his scarf instead. Dick was so heartbroken and distressed, he couldn't be comforted by anyone but Edward who fixed it up for him on the spot. And as for the stupid criminal...well he'll heal...sooner or later. Until then, he has a nice comfortable room in Arkham all to himself.

Edward smiled softly. "That's a very nice name, Batling, but do you mind if I continue calling you Little Wing?" He's the only one outside of the Colony who calls them by their nicknames and it makes him feel special.

Batling trill in delight. "Yes! Call me Little Wing, Eddie!" He attached himself back to Edward's chest all the while purring happily.

Edward smiles as he places his hand on Batling's back to hold him steady even though he knows Batling won't fall off even if he starts thrashing around like an angry bull, The Bat's children are all very clingy.

"Quit hogging Eddie!"

As their attention is all on Batling; they didn't notice that the rest of the Colony had arrived and there is two new members, both of them are Robins.

Jonathan groans loudly. "Great. There's more of them..." And let out a shout when Jervis hit his side with his elbow.

"Hush now, Love. None of that." Jervis said to his boyfriend before turning to Edward. "We'll be going now. We can continue this unbirthday party another day." He drags his pouting boyfriend out before he can do anything to piss off The Bat.

The Colony as a whole ignores Jonathan and Jervis as they gather around Edward.

"This is Baby Bat," The first Robin, Aka Big Bird, pick up the mini Robin and put him and Edward's lap once Batling had climbed onto the backrest of Edward's chair to make space for the youngest in their Colony. "And this is Changeling." He gestures to the only blonde female Robin.

"Baby Bat and Changeling? That's curious names for birds." Edward studied the two new little ones.

"Changeling is Changeling because she can't settle on a form yet." The third Robin, Aka Baby Bird, explained, completely ignoring Edward's curiosity towards Baby Bat's name.

Baby Bat look up at Edward with wide innocent eyes that tells The Bat that his children had planned something and now his youngest is going to put it into action.

He was proven right when Baby Bat let out a loud cheerful "Mama!" Before hugging Edward tightly while purring joyfully.

Edward's bright green eyes widen and his jaw drops as Edward.exe runs into an error it's unable to process. Did he just...

The Bat is just as speechless as Edward. He knew that his children had planned something, and the smug look on all their faces is enough to tell him that they are all in this.

To be fair to the children, they have been watching the two lovesick idiots for a long time now and they are sick of it, especially Big Bird. He has been watching them the longest and he would like for them to get together before he is old enough to move out of the nest, not that he would move out even if he can.

The newcomers, Roy, Stephanie and Damian were told stories of their interactions and Stephanie was fully on board from the start. Roy was a little sceptical at first but warmed up to the idea while Damian outright refused to be on board...at first.

Every child wants their parents to be together, Damian isn't any different but the longer he stays in Gotham the more he had come to realise that his daddy is too good for his mommy.

"If Mommy can't stay in Gotham to be with Daddy then she doesn't deserve him." Damian had once told his siblings and gotten angry when Dick pointed out that their Dad could have left Gotham to be with her. "To even think that our Daddy, The Bat, would leave Gotham for anyone is stupid. There's no one in the world good enough for him to leave Gotham for." His words made his siblings so proud of him, he had spoken like a true Gothamite.

It is the realisation that his Mommy isn't good enough for his Daddy that allowed Damian to open up to other options, he might have wanted his parents together but he would want them to find happiness elsewhere if they can't find it with each other.

He gave everyone a chance but in the end, only Edward is truly worthy of being with his Daddy.

Which is why he is currently clinging onto 'Mama' for his dear life and shrieking his displeasure when his Daddy tries to pull him away.

The Bat sigh and send his other children away when Baby Bat show no sign of letting go. "I'm sorry about him, Eddie." He said once his other children are gone. He isn't worried about them, the criminals know better and his children know who they should stick with and how far they can be from one another.

Edward leans back and gently rest Baby Bat's head against his chest. "It's alright, Bat. I don't mind." He hums softly as he gently pats his back and smiles when he falls asleep.

The Bat watched with fondness in his eyes. "You're good at this." He said as he pull Jonathan's chair over to Edward's side so he can sit next to him. "I could never get him to sleep so quickly." He's always fighting him for more time to train...

"You're a wonderful father, Bat. You're raising more kids than most people can handle and raising them well." Edward hopes The Bat can't hear his heart speeding up as he hides his face in Baby Bat's hair so he doesn't see his blush.

The Bat is silent for a while before speaking up. "You're a good man, Eddie. Why don't you take up Bruce Wayne's offer?" He's an idiot, a smart idiot but an idiot nonetheless. He can track down criminals, figure out who the killer is with little to no clues and yet he is unable to tell that Edward is head over heels in love with The Bat.

Edward's hand stopped mid pat at The Bat's question. "There is someone I might never be able to meet like we used to again." He said softly as he rest his hand on Baby Bat's back.

"He doesn't care if you visit your friends as long as you're not planning anything illegal with them." The Bat hopes he would be able to get Edward to reform where Bruce had failed.

Edward shakes his head. "It's not one of the Rogues...I know I'll be able to see them again..." After all, Ivy still comes to their gathering and she is still welcomed even though she isn't a Rogues anymore.

The Bat frowned as he tries to figure out who Edward could be talking about. "Then who?"

Edward sighs softly as he lifts up his head to look into The Bat's eyes. "You, I'm afraid I won't see you again if I reform." His eyes tear up at the thought of never seeing him again and he let his emotions get the better of him, he spill the secret, not so secret, that he was planning on taking to his grave. "I love you, Bat. I've loved you from the beginning. I know we can be together because I'm human and you're...a creature of the night," He's unsure of what The Bat is, no one is sure what he actually is."But being able to spend time with you like this? I don't want to give it up..."

The Bat's eyes widen in shock. Edward likes him? Was it obvious? Why didn't he realise it before?

His heart is pounding in his chest, he can continue to pretend to be a creature of the dark and not know what he's talking about or he can reveal everything...

Over the years he had found himself falling for the Prince of Conundrums but he had always been afraid to act on it because he has never shown any signs of wanting to reform and he can't risk his children's safety by acting on his love only for it to backfire but now... He could give it a chance...

The Bat gently cup Edward's cheek and gently wipe his tears away as he uses his magic to scan for cameras or unwanted people before he starts speaking. "What if I am no longer a creature of the night?" He asked softly.

Edward closed his eyes and lean against The Bat's hand, dangerous claws gently brushing against his skin as he wipe his tears away. "I don't care what you are. I fell in love with your beautiful brain," He open his eyes look right into The Bat's eyes. "I continue to fall deeper in love with you as we spend so much wonderful time together, as I keep learning more about you, and I don't want it to ever change."

"Everything's got to end sometime. Otherwise, nothing would ever get started." The Bat said softly, more to himself than to Edward. He should take the leap and trust Edward.

Edward shakes his head desperately as he clings to The Bat's hand. "No, I don't want to change anything if it means losing you." He can't help the tears that are now flowing non-stop. The thought of losing The Bat...he would rather die.

The Bat's heartache as he watches Edward cry. How could he ever doubt his love? How could he walk away without telling him the truth?

"Eddie..." The Bat whispered and gently lift up Edward's head. "We have to end this so we can start something new." Once he's sure there isn't anyone around and he won't be recorded he removes his mask.

The look on people's faces when he unmasks in front of them for the first time will never fail to amuse him. "Edward, I love you as well and I want you to take up my offer so you can be by my side." He said softly as he gently hold his hand.

"Ho-how..." Edward managed to stutter out.

Bruce knows that Edward is asking how a human can do everything The Bat can but he decides to take it as Edward how he can fall for him. "The time we've spent is precious to me, Edward. I've always looked forward to your challenge and I don't know how or when but one day I realised that my feelings for you had bloomed into love. It continues to grow every time I see your handsome face, hears your beautiful voice, see your wonderful brain at work. I've never been so in love with anyone as I am with you."

Edward blushed at Bruce's words, they are sweet but it's not what he's asking and he managed to stutter it out while trying to hide his bright red face.

"You'll be surprised what someone can do with the right train, enough creativity and magic." Bruce smiles at how cute Edward is and leans closer until their lips are almost touching. "May I?" He whispered.

Edward answered by closing the distance and kissing him gently. He has to fight back his moans as he wraps his arms around Bruce and deepen the kiss.

Bruce purr softly as he return the kiss but before he can do more the sound of a picture being taken filled the room and he pull away and look down to see his very awake son grinning on Edward's lap with Tim's camera in his hands.

"Don't mind me." Baby Bat chirped innocently. "I'll just be going now." He quickly dives off Edward's lap and into the nearest shadow to teleport away.

Bruce sighs softly. "I am so sorry about him. He must have planned this with his siblings."

"Wait a minute... If you're Bruce Wayne then... What are you doing letting children fight crimes!?" Edward yelled in anger as he shot to his feet and glared at Bruce. He might love him but letting children run around fighting crimes? He won't allow it! He has come to love the children as his own and he won't stand to have them hurt. And he knows for a fact he only has one daughter so there is the problem of him letting someone else's daughters fight crime with him.

Bruce let out another sigh as he rubs his face. "I really don't have a choice, they have made it very clear that this is what they want and they aren't going to stop." He understands Edward's anger, he isn't happy that his children want to be crime fighters but there's nothing he can do to stop them. "I've done everything to make sure they are protected and safe, as you can see they are all healthy, happy and safe."

"But still! Isn't your youngest only 4?" Edward argued as he cross his arms.

"He was raised by his mother to be an assassin, this is actually a huge improvement from what his life could be." Bruce can't help feeling like he did when Alfred first found out he's allowing Dick out with him... He doesn't like the feeling.

"Wha-" Edward shake his head. "Clearly I need more information here."

Bruce nods in agreement and holds out his hand to Edward. "Yes, but not here."

Edward still blushes even though he's mad at Bruce for putting his children, and other people's children, in danger as he reach out to take his hand. He blush harder as he's pulled closer and rested on Bruce's chest as he cover them with his cape for a second.

Which is all the time needed for their surroundings to change. Instead of the warehouse he's using as his hideout they are now in a cave that is remodelled with a training area, medical wing, a huge high tech computer and an empty space filled with trophies from The Bat's more interesting cases.

"Dick insisted that we keep them as memories of the cases but I am pretty sure he just thinks they are cool." Bruce chuckle softly when he saw Edward staring at their trophies.

"Master Bruce, Master Edward, how nice of you to join us." Alfred greeted from his place in the middle of Bruce's group of children.

Bruce has a tired look on his face as he looks at the grinning faces of all his children. "Were you in on it too, Alfred?"

"I have no idea what you are talking about, Master Bruce." He might say that but the slight smile gave him away. "I've baked some cookies, why don't you have some before going to bed? I'll prepare a set of pyjamas for Master Edward and leave them in your room as it is too late for me to prepare a guest room." He said before leaving. Bruce knows that's a lie, it is never too late for Alfred to open up a guest room for their guest.

Bruce sighs loudly as he covers his face. "Okay, so everyone was in on this..."

Barbara smiled sweetly as she gently pat Bruce's arm. "It's for your own good, Bruce. You're not getting any younger."

Bruce looks offended. "Are you calling me old?"

"Noooo~ I'm just saying that by the time you finally work up the gut to ask him out you'll probably have white hair~" Barbara giggled with the rest of the children.

Bruce turns to Edward. "Do you see what I have to deal with?"

Edward rolls his eyes. "You're the adult here, Bruce. You have to be firm." He turns to the children and places his hands on his hips as he lists out how dangerous it is to be fighting crime and why they should stop.

"Bu-but we want to help..." Dick pulled out his sad puppy dog eyes.

"Gotham our home..." Cassandra followed her big brother's lead, looking like a sad kicked puppy.

"Daddy made sure we're safe!" Tim makes himself look smaller than he actually is as he looks up at Edward with pleading eyes. "Please don't take this away from us..."

They learnt, to the delight of the children, that Edward is as much of a pushover as Bruce. Edward is horrified at how quickly he gave in as the children cheered.

Bruce gently pats Edward's shoulder, he knows very well how he feels. "You'll get used to it. The best we can do is to make sure they are safe." He gently kiss Edward's cheek and left to change as his children run towards Edward and tackle him to the ground.

"Thank you, Eddie!" The children chirp happily as Edward struggle to free himself from the pile of children.

"Okay, that's enough," Bruce said as he walk back to them in a simple white shirt and sweatpants. "Go change and go to bed." He shoos them away and helps Edward onto his feet. "Come on, let's get out of here before they come back." He whispered to him as he lead him upstairs and to his room.

"I can't believe that I gave in so quickly!" Edward whined once they are alone in Bruce's room and drop onto his bed. "How are they able to do that?" He groaned and buried his face into one of Bruce's pillows.

Bruce laughed softly as he sat down next to Edward and gently pat his back. "They are good kids, Edward."

"Oh there is no denying that but it doesn't explain how they got me to give in so quickly." Edward roll to Bruce's side to cuddle with him. To others, they might seem to be moving fast but they spent years thinking they have no chance with each other, they have a lot to make up for.

Bruce smiled softly as he wrap his arms around Edward and can't help thinking how perfectly he fits in his arms. "They are cute children and it's hard to say no, especially when they work together." He leans down to kiss Edward.

Edward returned the kiss as he use Bruce to pull himself up so he can push him onto the bed and deepen this kiss. "You should make it up to me for your children ganging up on me." He smirked down at Bruce as his eyes take in his body.

Bruce smirked as he gently tag Edward's shirt. "If you really want me to make it up to you don't you think you are a little too overdressed?"

Edward is quick to strip off his clothes at Bruce's words. "Do you have some ropes?" He asked innocently.

Now Bruce has been with both man and woman before but his sexual encounter has been limited because he had been more focused on his training and in his past life he had been happy to stay single and had no interest in sex his whole life so his experience with sex is limited and he never thought to look it up so he has no idea what Edward would want ropes for but he summoned the ropes with his magic anyway. "What do you need it for?" He asked curiously.

Now Edward is a proper genius, but it doesn't take a genius to realise that Bruce has no idea what he has planned and it delights him. "Oh you'll see, take off your clothes." He ordered, licking his lips and watching with hungry eyes as Bruce obey him immediately, taking off his clothes and kicking them to the ground. His smirk grows wider as he repositions Bruce's body to his liking, something dark inside of him purr in happiness when Bruce moves obediently and stay in position as he ties up the curious man.

He loves Bruce Wayne with all his being but he would be stupid to gloss over the fact that he is The Bat, the one being that criminals in Gotham fear more than anything. A powerful being even if he turned out to be human, and for him to have the most feared being in all of Gotham tied up under him, looking up at him with so much trust in his eyes... Well, it does things to a man and let's just say they won't be getting much sleep tonight.

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~Next morning~

"Good morning everyone~" A cheerful Edward entered the dining room with a limping Bruce following behind him.

Bruce tries to walk as normally as he can and put on a turtleneck to cover his neck, note to self, the spell doesn't protect the person from any marks left behind by sexual activities, but his children's, the ones old enough to know about sex, grin tells him that he isn't doing a good job at hiding anything from them.

"At least we know who's the bottom in the relationship." Dick is looking too smug for Bruce's liking.

"What does that mean?" Jason looks up from his breakfast curiously.

"You'll find out when you're older." Bruce quickly said and slowly lowered himself into his seat as Edward happily take the seat next to him.

"Dad okay?" Cassandra asked with worry in her voice, she's able to see his discomfort by his body language.

"I'm fine, Sweetheart." Bruce gives his daughter a smile.

"He's more than fine, he had a wonderful time with Eddie last night~" Barbara giggled, she had stayed over because her dad had the night shift and they, as in her dad and Bruce, had agreed it isn't safe for her to be alone at home for a long period of time.

Bruce cover his face to hide his blush as Edward grinned proudly and thank Alfred for the breakfast.

"I'm going to get you released into my custody later," Bruce said when his blush is finally gone and he was able to lift up his head. "You'll be helping my children with their studies until we can agree on a job you'll enjoy." One of the reasons Edward keep rejecting his work offer is because none of them was to his liking, or at least that's what he had said.

Edward shrugs his shoulders. "I'm fine with that, it means I can spend more time with the little ones and get to know them out of costume."

Stephanie scrunches up her nose. "I'm not part of this, right? I'm not your kid." She had stayed because her mom works night shifts so no one would know she isn't home.

"If you want to keep your scholarship and run around with us at night." Bruce isn't going to let any of his children sacrifice their studies for their nighttime activities no matter how much they beg.

"Don't worry, it'll be fun." Edward still has a grin on his face as he digs into his breakfast, too happy to let anyone or anything ruin his day.

Stephanie groan. "Fine." she grumped as she play with her food until she is corrected by Alfred.

"You know, I'm technically not your kid as well and Oliver is still paying for my school fees..." Roy said in hopes of getting out of studying more than needed as Stephanie throws him a look of betrayal.

Bruce smiled in amusement. "My house, my rules. You'll have to keep up your grades if you want to join us." He chuckled when Roy let out a loud groan.

"It isn't so bad," Dick speak up. "Eddie gave us some lessons in the past and he always made it fun and easy to understand for us."

"Of course, you're my student, not my intellectual challenger. I won't make it unnecessarily hard for you." Edward promised.

"And what about last night while you were teaching all those new things?" Bruce whispered into Edward, making sure to cover his mouth so his children can't read his lips.

Edward smirked as he run a hand over Bruce's thigh. "You're still my intellectual challenger even though I'm teaching you new tricks~" He purred, doing nothing to hide what he was doing as he lean closer to Bruce.

"Seriously? There are children in the room, Dad, Eddie." Dick looks annoyed, he wanted them together but he didn't think it'll turn out like this! At least his dad has the decency to be embarrassed, Eddie still has that smirk on his face. "Changing the subject before we throw up, Barbara and I got together."

Bruce turns to his oldest in surprise. "Really? Since when?"

"We've liked each other for a long time now but we agreed to only get together once we got you together with Eddie because you needed a lot of help." Barbara give them a pointed look. "And we will be taking it slow like we are meant to, unlike some people who shall not be named." She smiled in amusement when Bruce blush in embarrassment again.

"You know, you look very cute when you blush like that~" Edward purred, not at all bothered that there are children in the room and is pleased when Bruce blush brighter.

"My god... Get a room!" Roy demanded, he wanted them to get together as much as the rest of Bruce's children but not if they aren't going to keep it PG when they are around!

"That's a very good idea~" Edward press himself against an alarmingly red Bruce. "How about we go back up to your room? You can take some time off work and worry about everything tomorrow~" He playfully nibbles his ear, there is still so much unmarked skin.

"And that's it." Dick got up and with the help of Barbara and Roy they got the rest of the kids out. "How about we go to the park?"

"But Daddy!" Damian whined and pouted, reaching for his father with grabby hands as Dick carry him away.

"I'm not done eating..." Tim grumped, looking at his pancakes longingly as Roy carry him out. He's not a morning person so he should at least be allowed to finish his breakfast if he is going to be awake at this time.

Once Bruce can no longer hear his younger children complain he turns to Edward with an unimpressed look. "Did you really have to do that?"

Edward smiled mischievously as he shrug his shoulders. "Payback for piling on me last night."

Bruce furrows his brow. "Didn't I make it up to you all of last night?"

"They still need a small punishment." Edward gently kisses Bruce. "Besides, now we have time for just the two of us."

Bruce hum softly, he won't deny that it is nice to spend time with just Edward. "But still, don't do that again in front of the children."

"Meaning I can do what I want with you when we are alone?" Edward grinned as his hand move dangerously close to Bruce's crotch.

Alfred entered the dining room and clear his throat to get their attention as he gives them an unimpressed look. "You have a meeting in an hour that you still need to get ready for, Master Bruce."

"I forgot!" Bruce shoves the rest of the food into his mouth to the displeasure of Alfred before standing up. "Do you mind filling Edward in? I didn't get the chance to tell him anything." At least he knows better than to talk with his mouth full.

"Of course, Master Bruce."

Bruce smiled. "Thanks, Alfred." He turns to Edward and kisses him gently. "I have to go but I'll be back as soon as possible." He promised before rushing out to get changed, leaving his lover with his father figure.

Edward smiled as he watch Bruce leave, enjoying the view until Alfred place his hand on his shoulder.

"We have plenty to talk about, Master Edward."

Edward does not like the hand on his shoulder nor the tone in Alfred's voice, he has a feeling they will be talking about more than what Bruce had in mind...

______________________________________________________________________________

~That night~

Bruce didn't manage to return home early but Edward didn't mind, he was still able to spend some time with Bruce before he left for his patrol... And he's also still a little nervous because of the talk he had with Alfred so he's behaving himself, especially with the man in the same room as him.

"Take care of each other and come back safely." Edward gently kisses Bruce's cheek.

"We will." Bruce promised as he steals a quick kiss before putting on his mask.

It still amazes Edward how quick the change is. Once the mask is on Bruce no longer moves like a human but each and every moment still comes so naturally to him and it is the same for all his children, even Roy's movements are different now that his mask is on.

He watched them step into the shadows and disappear before turning to Alfred, he'll be helping him while they are out fighting criminals.

______________________________________________________________________________

~On a rooftop in Gotham nearing the end of their patrol~

Edward did a great job feeding them information through their comm line and keeping them updated on each other but now it is time for them to wrap things up and head home.

Or at least they would have wrapped things up and left if it wasn't for the superhero now flowing in front of them, a very nervous superhero who's smart enough to know that he is unwanted yet stubborn enough to be floating right in front of them.

Arsenal is willing to do all the talking so The Bat stood back and let him do all the talking.

"What are you doing here, Superman?" Arsenal asked as he cross his arms. "I'm not going back no matter what Green Arrow say."

Superman shakes his head, looking very uneasy. "No, I'm not here to talk to you about going back, Speedy. I'm here to speak to The Bat about joining the Justice League."

Arsenal glare at Superman. "I go by Arsenal now and you're not going to speak to The Bat." He knows there are people around them so he raises his voice. "I WON'T ALLOW YOU TO TAKE THE BAT FROM GOTHAM!"

This would never work with criminals but against a hero? It is probably the best weapon they can use against them.

And what is this weapon? Why the innocent citizens of course!

Superman is confused as to why Arsenal would yell and was going to ask but rocks being thrown his way and bouncing off his back stopped him.

"Get away from The Bat!" Superman turn around and is surprised to see the people who throw the rocks is a group of children.

Before Superman can say anything a black figure appears in front of the children and he felt fear for the children when he realised who the figure is. He's going to protect the children from...the Bat Demon? They aren't sure what he is but they know he is dangerous and he won't allow him to hurt innocent citizens! But he's surprised when he heard what The Bat is saying to them, he is teaching them the correct way to throw and stepped aside to let them continue trying rocks at him!

Superman floats down to have a word with the children throwing rocks at him. "You really shouldn't be throwing rocks at people, it isn't nice."

The sound of a shotgun being pumped made him turn to the sound. "It also isn't nice for an alien to trespass and try to take what doesn't belong to him." The old man with the shotgun growled as he slowly move to stand in front of the growing crowd of people standing protectively around The Bat without taking his eyes off the unwanted hero.

"Get out of our city! You're not welcome here!" A woman in the growing group yelled.

Superman holds up his hands to show that he means no harm. "I am just here to invite The Bat to join us in protecting the world together."

Someone in the group snorted. "Yeah, protect the world together, too bad Gotham isn't part of that world."

"That's not true! We'll be helping each other if there is ever the need." Superman said quickly even though it is obvious he wants to be anywhere but here.

"Yeah right!" A girl in the group of children that threw the first rock at Superman yelled. "Where were you when Gotham is stuck in a gang war? I know you have been flying around helping everyone but Gothamites for years by the time the war started so where were you? Where were you when my big brother who looked up to you as a symbol of hope for a better future died? Where were you when my Big brother died protecting me when one of the gangs blew up the building we were in? Do you know what his last words were? 'Don't worry, I'll protect you until Superman comes to save us.' But you never did." Tears are flowing down her face now but she continues. "You never came even with so many people screaming for help and you're supposed to have superhearing, you made yourself to be a symbol of hope for everyone in the world but you ignored the one city that needed help the most because you are a coward!"

"All those so-called heroes are cowards." A man spits the word hero in disgust. "None of them has ever bothered to lift a finger to help us. I've lost my wife in the gang war and would have lost our baby, the only light left in my life if The Bat didn't save him. After years of the world as a whole turning its backs on us; Gotham decided to protect us herself by giving us a protector and you think you are entitled to take him away from us? Over our dead bodies!"

The crowd of people cheer in agreement as they form a tighter group around The Bat, who is now comforting the crying girl.

Superman is speechless, for all the world's joke about The Bat being a Demon they never stop to think how Gothamites see their protector, a Dark Guardian Angel is Gothamites' needs after years of bright shiny heroes ignoring their cries for help. After all, when the light turns its back on you and you have no other hope; you turn to the dark.

But...it couldn't be...right? He knows that he has never been to Gotham as Superman before this day but surely the others have...

"I-I'll give you some time to think about that offer." While he heads back to find out how badly they had messed up a city that was rotting from the inside.

"Don't bother showing your face here again! He won't accept it!" Someone yelled as Superman sped away from the city the world had failed.

Chapter Text

Wally West, Aka Kid Flash, is not happy with the Justice League. First, they told him he is never to take a step into Gotham and told him horror stories about it and now all of a sudden the adults decided to send him anyway? Not that he minds, he knows that Gotham is a dangerous city but all those horror stories of The Bat he was told spark his interest instead scare him but it's the fact they did a complete 180 just because they want something and they can't send the adults so they sent him that pissed him off!

They didn't even tell him how he was supposed to find them! He has been running around the city for what feels like hours now! The only reason he didn't reject this mission is because he'll be able to see Roy again.

He was going to call it a night and leave when something wrapped around his legs, making him fall and because he was running at full speed it really hurt when he hit the ground!

"Oh, man! You guys were right! That was funny!" A familiar voice laughed as Kid Flash groan in pain and push himself up to see his friend laughing at his pain.

"That hurt, you ass!" Kid Flash hissed and glared at his grinning friend before looking down at whatever is wrapped around his legs. "What the hell is this anyway? How do I get it off?"

Arsenal chuckles softly as he parkour his way down the building and removes the bola. "Sorry about that, Kid." He holds out his hand to help Kid Flash up.

"Where did you learn to move like that? And how did you get me? I was running faster than a car!" Kid Flash can't stay mad at his friend when he finally looks so happy instead of being sad and angry all the time. He clasp his hand and let himself be pulled onto his feet.

"We were watching you for a while now and a bit of calculation was all we needed to get you." Arsenal ignored Kid Flash's first question as he pull him up. "What are you doing here?"

Kid Flash open his mouth to answer but stopped when he saw a figure climbing down the side of the building like gravity means nothing to him.

Arsenal turns to see what Kid Flash is looking at. "Oh, this is Robin. Robin, this is Kid Flash, he's my friend."

A shadow glide passed Robin and when it's gone so is Robin.

"Whe-where did he go?" Kid Flash asked as he look around with wide eyes.

"Behind you~" The bird-like voice and breath of cold air on his neck did not make Kid Flash jump into Arsenal's arms while screaming like a little girl.

"Now Robin, Kid isn't a criminal to scare." Arsenal scolded the laughing Robin as he tries to hold back his own laughter.

"Maybe not, but it's still funny." Robin grinned a little too widely and showed teeth that are too sharp to belong to a human.

Instead of being afraid or unsettled, Kid Flash looks at Robin in awe. "What are you?" He asked without thinking.

"Robin." Robin said like it explains everything. He tilt his head and somehow his grin got even wider. "Want to have some fun?"

"What do you do for fun?" Kid Flash asked curiously as Arsenal set him back down on his feet.

"We go hunting for fun." Arsenal answered as he pull out a black marker. "Hold still." He told Kid Flash as he draw a bat over his Flash symbol.

"Hey! What are you doing?" Kid Flash cried out as he jumped back before Arsenal can colour in the bat.

Arsenal gives Kid Flash an annoyed look. "Kid, you're literally a walking 'shoot me' sign right now. At least with a bat on your chest, the criminals are less likely to shoot at you."

Kid Flash gives Arsenal a confused look as he goes back to colour in The Bat. "Why? Won't that make them want to shoot me more?"

Robin giggled as he climb the fire escape and do a handstand on the railing. "They'll be too scared to!" He said as he starts walking along the length of the railing.

"Especially when you're with us, they are too afraid of what The Bat would do to them if they actually hit us." Arsenal explained as the taping of Robin's claw on the railing sounded in the background. "And...done." He said as he put the marker away.

"Why are they so afraid of The Bat? Where is The Bat anyway?" Kid Flash asked when he remembered his mission was to talk to The Bat.

"Uncle J was worried about some civilians that never made it back home so Dad went with him to find them." Robin tweeted as he hook his legs around the railing above him and lift himself up so he was hanging by his legs.

Joker had kidnapped civilians, gas them up and hid them in different locations at the beginning of the week with 24 hours for The Bat to find them all before the effect of the gas becomes permanent. The Bat had found all of them, or at least they thought he did. Turned out someone had stolen one of the clues and taken the group that was in that location. Joker had specially broken out of Arkham to inform The Bat and help him find them.

As to why Robin is calling him Uncle J...well he can't exactly be telling Kid Flash that The Bat ran off with The Joker or that The Joker is worried about civilians.

Kid Flash frowned slightly. "Uncle J?" He has not heard anything about an Uncle J... Then again he doesn't live in Gotham.

"A Gothamite who asked to be called that." Which is not a lie so Arsenal doesn't have to feel bad for lying to his friend, Joker did ask them many times before to call him Uncle J.

Robin backflips off the fire escape and land so silently in front of them that Kid Flash won't have believed it if he didn't see it with his own eyes. "Hunting hunting hunting!" He cheeps as he grabs Arsenal's and Kid Flash's hands and runs straight into the shadows with them.

And the shadow he chose is right in front of a wall...Kid Flash tried to pull himself free before they hit the wall but the horror child is surprisingly strong! All he can do is close his eyes and hope it does hurt.

"What are you doing?" Arsenal asked Kid Flash once Robin had stopped and let them go.

"Wha-" Kid Flash open his eyes and they widen when he saw they are on the roof of a warehouse. "How did we get here?" He asked in bewilderment.

"Hunting!" Robin cheered as he dive into the warehouse where shouts of fear could be heard.

Arsenal shrugs his shoulders when Kid Flash turns to stare at him. "You'll get used to it." He said as he pull out his bola and quietly sneak in while pulling the shock Kid Flash along.

______________________________________________________________________________

Wally is grinning as he entered his Aunt and Uncle's home. He had spent his night with Arsenal and Robin and it was so fun! He never knew scaring criminals could be much more effective than beating them up. It was funny to watch them run into the arms of the police just to get away from them.

Best of all, he is invited to join them again! Robin promised to introduce him to his siblings and maybe he'll be lucky enough to meet The Bat? If Robin is this awesome he can't Imagine how awesome The Bat would be!

Speaking of The Bat...he feels like he is forgetting something...

As he made himself a snack, not everyone can be a creature of the night who feeds on fear, as he racked his brain for what he has forgotten; the noise he was making summoned his Uncle who ran down to check on the noise.

"Wally! You're back!" Barry pulls his nephew into his arms and hugs him close. He was so worried! Especially because he is unable to follow him into Gotham. When Wally was volunteered to be the one going into Gotham because he can easily run away Barry had protested loudly and even offered to go himself but he was outvoted so all he could do was wait for his safe return.

"Uncle Barry!" Wally smiled, no longer in a bad mood and while he was mad at the Justice League as a whole he wasn't mad at his Uncle, he know that he wasn't able to get him out of it. "Give me a minute to finish this up." He gestures to his sandwich and quickly made a few more, clean up and eat it before following his Uncle to the living room, all the while telling him about his night at a speed that would be impossible for anyone but a speedster to understand.

"That's great, Wally." Barry smiled in relief, he was glad his nephew isn't traumatised by his experience. "It's okay that you didn't meet The Bat. We should have never sent you in the first place."

Wally shrugs his shoulders. "It really isn't as bad as you guys make it and I am planning on going back next week."

Barry frowned. "Are you sure you want to go back there?"

"Yeah, Roy said he'll show me how to throw his bola and as long as I'm with them I'll be safe." Wally didn't tell him about Robin promising to let him meet his siblings because as far as he's concerned, the adults messed up their handling of Gotham City and shouldn't butt in now they have found their way of handling things.

Barry smiled softly, of course, it's because Wally misses his friend. "Okay, I'll wait up for you just in case you need my help."

"Or you can just come with me?" Wally raise his eyebrow, did his Uncle not realise that he can join him?

"Wally...do you remember what I said before? Every Justice League member started before The Bat so they are as guilty of ignoring the Gothamites' pain as Superman is so they won't be too happy if I show up with you." Barry explained, he is still ashamed of himself once he realised he did nothing to help the city that needed the most help.

"Yeah, for like a month. Unlike the rest of them who had years under their belt, you were still new and by the time you're at a place where you could be helping out other cities The Bat was already prowling the streets and scaring the pants off criminals." Wally pointed out. "They won't care as long as you don't go around asking The Bat to join the Justice League so come with me? Please? I want you to meet my new friend." He looks at his Uncle pleadingly.

Barry hesitated, he wants to go to keep Wally safe but would The Flash be welcomed? He sighs after a long period and nods his head. "Okay. I'll go with you. Now go to bed, it's late." It's better for him to go and keep an eye on Wally than worry about him at home.

Waly smiled brightly and hug his Uncle. "Thank you, Uncle Barry! You're the best!" He let go of him and head upstairs to his room. "Goodnight!" He called out before closing his door.

He sat on his bed and pull out his uniform that still has a bat in place of The Flash's symbol. He understands why he needs it there but it feels wrong... He pulls out his sketchbook and starts drawing a new design that he can use in Gotham.

______________________________________________________________________________

~Batcave~

Bruce is working on his report while ignoring the stares of his children. He knows that they aren't going to leave until he answers their questions, they can sense something is wrong, but he's also not in the mood to talk right now.

He likes to think of himself as a gentle man, he doesn't enjoy physically hurting anyone, and even his fight against crime in Gotham doesn't see him throwing plenty of punches. He much prefers using fear to scare criminals into surroundings, he enjoys it a lot actually and he might have accidentally rubbed that love for scaring people onto his children.

He is not a violent man but Amanda Waller makes the dark violent side he didn't know existed rear its ugly head. First, she tried to take Gotham's villains out of Gotham and now this?

He clutches his fists as he takes a deep breath to calm himself before he worries his children even more, not that he is very successful. It just made his children even more worried about him.

"Okay children! Off to bed now, it's late. If you stay up any longer I'll increase your homework." Edward's cheerful voice breaks through the gloomy mood and ushers the protesting children upstairs and locks them out of the cave. "Okay, what's the problem, Bruce? If you won't tell your children you should at least tell me." He said seriously as he walk back to his lover's side.

Bruce relaxes his fists and closes his eyes as Edward runs his hand through his hair. "Joker's missing victims...one couple has a son..." He whispered sadly.

"I know. It's why we currently have an extra kid sleeping upstairs." Edward gently wraps his arms around Bruce and rests his head against his chest as he continues running his hand through his hair to calm him.

"Joker killed them all, his victims...an act of mercy so they won't have to live the rest of their lives in pain...but it shouldn't have happened..." Tears roll down Bruce's cheek as he continues speaking, he presses his ear against Edward's chest to listen to his heartbeat. "If the government didn't interfere I would have found them, I could have saved them." He sobbed softly.

God, it hurts so much, knowing that it's his fault. Amanda Waller might not have been there but he managed to get her name out of one of the scientists experimenting on Joker's victims. Because Gotham is so protective of their villains and their work; Amanda Waller decided it's a good idea to kidnap the victims so they can run experiments and hopefully reverse engineer the gas.

Duke Thomas won't have lost his parents...he could have been the one child he was preparing for that doesn't end up under his wings...but...he never could let go of his villains. They are his, they are Gotham's. Outsiders aren't allowed to have them.

At least he doesn't have to worry about the We are Robin group, he thought bitterly as he cry into Edward's chest until he no longer have a single drop of tear to shed.

"I failed to keep them safe," Bruce said with so much pain and sadness in his voice Edward wants nothing more than to travel back in time to prevent this from happening in the first place. "Not just Duke's parents, there were 5 of them. They were someone's brother, sister, daughter, son, and I couldn't save a single one of them." Tears Bruce didn't know he still have continued flowing down his face as he cried for the lives lost. They aren't the first civilians he had lost but it doesn't make their deaths any sadder. "I didn't even realise that I've missed anyone! I thought I've found them all..."

Edward's heart break for his kindhearted lover and his blood boil in anger at the lives lost because of outsiders interfering. He doesn't care about the death of a few people but when it's the death of Gothamites because of outsiders? It never fails to anger him and for it to affect the love of his life so strongly it made him cry? Whoever is behind this better pray to whatever God they worship that he never gets his hands on them.

"It is not your fault," Edward said firmly as he kneels down and cup Bruce's face to look into his eyes. "It is the government's fault for sticking their nose where it doesn't belong, for playing god when they didn't get what they want. You did your best to right the wrong they had done and you will continue to do so by raising Duke with more love than anyone is capable of. He might have lost his parents but he will heal, he will grow up to be a capable and loving adult because of you." He gently wipes his tears away. "Now no more tears, why don't you try giving me a smile now?"

Edward regretted his words, Bruce's smile is filled with so much pain and sadness as tears threaten to continue their way down his cheeks again...it makes his heart hurt so much more and makes him more determined to make the person behind this beg for their life. His face is painted with dark anger as he hugs his lover protectively, wanting nothing more than to protect his kind, loving pure heart from the horror of the world.

That night, Joker mourn the loss of Gothamites who shouldn't have to die by his hands that day, Bruce mourn the lives he was unable to save, and even though Gothamites don't know it yet, they mourn the lives of their fellow Gothamites as Gotham's pain and sadness at the senseless loss of her people in the hands of outsiders wash over her citizens.

Under all that pain and sadness, a burning anger and hatred of the Government that should have kept them safe grow in the heart of each and every one of Gotham's citizens, a fiery rage that will not be extinguished.

Chapter Text

Perhaps it's because of how excited Wally is that Barry finds himself looking forward to their visit to Gotham City.

But that excitement died not even a minute after they entered Gotham when an arrow buried itself into the ground where they would have been if they were a step quicker.

"Dude! What the hell?" Kid Flash yelled as he glare up at where the arrow came from.

Roy, going by Arsenal now, landed in front of them with a grim look on his face. "You can't be here." His eyes were hard and cold even though he tried to keep his voice soft and gentle.

Kid Flash is confused. "What are you talking about? You invited us remember?"

Flash noticed the eyes on them now, unfriendly eyes, and he want nothing more than to grab his nephew and run out of there but stayed to hear what Arsenal has to say.

"Gotham is mourning the loss of its people who lost their lives in the hands of people who were supposed to protect us." Arsenal growled, remembering how depressed Bruce was, remembering how it had affected the people he now sees as his family once they managed to get the truth. They had to stop Jason's rage-filled rampage before he could leave Gotham to wipe out America's Government for their trespass against Gotham and for making their precious Father feel like a failure.

Jason had become protective of Bruce after an incident that those who were there refused to speak of, all he knows is that it had something to do with Joker and even though Jason had forgiven Gotham's Chaos; he would never forget what happened.

Dick, Cassandra and Tim were also there but even though they weren't as closely involved as Jason was, they had become protective as well, not as violent as Jason but just as dangerous if Bruce is hurt in any way, especially Dick.

Barbara wasn't there even though she was a part of their life at that time because she was in the hospital but she is still protective of Bruce. Even if he isn't her father, even though she still has her father, a sweet loving father, she had come to see Bruce as another father to her, her second father figure and she is protective of him, especially after being told what happened to him. She is the only person who wasn't there but was told the whole truth.

Duke is still new so he isn't as protective of his new father...yet. Barbara, Dick, Cassandra, Jason and Tim will make sure he is protective of him by the end of the month as they had with himself and Stephanie. Damian is still young, but growing up with Talia as his mother and then being raised with his siblings had made him just as protective of their Father as his older siblings even if he doesn't know about the incident.

In the children's eyes, even though their Father is capable of being merciless to the evil that littered the streets; he also possesses the biggest heart they have ever met, a kind and loving man they have to protect as he protects them, with their all and with no mercy to the one who hurt them.

And there are also the adults in Bruce's life, Joker isn't protective and more than happy to let Bruce deal with his problems but Alfred and Edward...they are scary on their own but together they make a deadly team. Alfred, who had raised Bruce as his own and watched him suffer throughout his childhood would not stand to have someone else adding to his pain while Edward, who loves Bruce more than anything in the world can't stand his Love being anything but happy.

It is only Bruce's insistence that they don't make enemies with the Government and cause more trouble than they can handle that stops them from letting out their anger but with the heroes here so soon after the news is announced to the rest of Gotham...Arsenal is surprised they haven't been attacked yet.

Kid Flash's eyes widen in horror. "The Bat killed them!?" He did not make the connection that Gotham should be protected by more than The Bat and his Colony.

"No!" Arsenal snapped at his friend in anger for thinking that The Bat can kill one of their own. He had to force himself to calm down because it isn't his fault that he doesn't know the truth. "The U.S. Government kidnapped Joker's victims and essentially withheld treatment so they can experiment on them. They were put down by Uncle J as an act of kindness so they don't have to suffer anymore."

"Why would he? Can't they administer the treatment?" Flash furrow his brow, not liking what he's hearing.

Arsenal shakes his head sadly. "No, the gas has been in their system too long. It is impossible to reverse it and it is much more merciful to end their lives." He pulls out a USB stick and throws it to Flash. "Everything you need to know is in there, nothing more, nothing less. You can come back one month from now, The Flashes are more than welcomed in Gotham as long as they are invited." He said before turning around and walking into the shadows where a pair of glowing white eyes are waiting to whisk Arsenal away.

The USB stick is pure black, inside is proof that the Government had kidnapped Gothamites and experimented on them. It is a copy of the original that is kept in the Batcave, ready to be used one day to keep Gotham safe from the Government.

"You need to go home and I need to call for a meeting right now." Flash said seriously and followed Kid Flash home and make sure he'll stay there before calling for an emergency meeting.

______________________________________________________________________________

As much as Bruce wanted to stay home and hide from the world; crime doesn't stop just because he's not in the mood to be The Bat and he can't let his children go out alone.

But never in a million years would he even think that he would be kidnapped by a Talon...is it kidnap if he went willingly but his kidnapper doesn't know he went willingly?

Anyway, he went because he wants to deal with the Court of Owls as soon as possible...and he doesn't want to risk them going after Dick or his other children, in or out of costume.

So here he is, growling and snarling like a caged animal at the people surrounding the cage he's in. People wearing white owl masks are looking down at him and he's sure if he can see their eyes he would see the hunger in them, the hunger for power and control.

"This...is The Bat everyone is so afraid of? The one Gotham created to be Order? How...primitive. I can see why it managed to fail Gotham." One of the male members spoke.

The Bat continued growling, not letting his surprise or anger show as he crouch down to make himself as small as possible, letting his wings pool around him and hiding the fact he is positioned to attack once the door is opened.

"Now now, as primitive as it is it's still powerful and it has a growing number of...'children' we can use so it is good for...something." Another male member said mockingly.

It made The Bat angry, not that they keep calling him it or the fact he had failed Gotham, it's the fact they think they can use his children for whatever they have planned, that they can control his children. It made him so angry that he didn't care to find out what they have planned for him, he disappeared right in front of their eyes and before they can even panic he appeared in their view again as he's tackling the member that suggested using his children. "If you dare touch a single feather or fur on their heads, I will make you wish you were never born." He growled demonically as he keep the scared man pinned under him and ignored the screams around him.

"You don't kill..." The male member said in a shaky voice.

The Bat grinned maliciously, looking very much like the demon everyone outside of Gotham think he is. "There is more than one way to make someone regret being born." He growled as he dig his claws into the member's neck but did not break the skin...yet. "I can inflict so much pain onto you without you dying~" He doesn't enjoy hurting people...unless the person he's hurting had angered him, and he's someone who's rarely angry. Annoyed, yes, but not angry...unless it has to do with people he cares about, especially his family.

"What are you doing just standing there?" A female member screeched at the Talons standing around them.

The Bat tighten his hold on the man's neck but that is the only sign he had tensed up. He sends out waves of his magic to use like echolocation as he keeps his eyes on the man under him, it is a technique he used whenever he's hunting with his children so he'll know where they are at all times.

"We are the Talons, we were created to serve Order as their weapon. You, The Court of Owls was created to serve Order as their hands that guide their weapon. We have overlooked your crimes for too long and you have grown bold, thinking the servants can control their Master is unforgivable." One of the Talons spoke as he stepped forward. "I am the first Talon lucky enough to be chosen by Order. I fought alongside him for years, I was from before all of this, from when the city was brick and wood. The first Order left his Legacy in my hands and I have failed him. But I, Uriah Boone, will not fail his successor and the first order of business is to cut away the rot." He pull out his custom scythe with a chain hook on the bottom, a gift from the First Order he had kept well maintained. "Talons, kill off every single member of the Court of Owls. Leave not a single one of them alive." He ordered before launching forward to take down the members now running away in fear.

The Bat was not expecting this at all but even so, he doesn't show his surprise as he lets go of the man and takes a step away from him so he can watch the bloodshed around him.

The man immediately clings to The Bat's leg as his fellow members are slaughtered around them. "Ple-please save me. I'll give you whatever you want!" He begged. "Killing is against your rules!"

"I do not kill." The Bat growled as he look down at the man who was so arrogant before begging him on his knees. "But it doesn't mean it is against my rules." He grinned as the horror of the situation finally settle in for the horrible man. "I do not allow my children to kill because they are still young. But once they are grown they will decide for themselves if they wish to kill and I will not stop them as long as they only go after the worst criminals crawling around Gotham's Street." With that, he disappeared from the man's hands and watch the massacre from the shadows with only his narrow glowing white eyes visible.

Once all every single Court of Owls member is killed; Uriah turned to the shadow The Bat is hiding in, he walks over towards him and kneels down in front of him with the other Talons following his lead. "We, The Talons, are yours to comment and do as you please. We will accept our punishment for our crimes under the Court's order." Uriah kept his head down and tried to seem confident with his words but The Bat can hear the nervousness under his confidence.

The Bat keep his eyes on The Talons as he reaches out to Gotham for the first time, feeling her joy that her youngest is finally asking her for help. He asked if they could be trusted and got a wave of fondness and loyalty from his Mother, it took him a long time to accept it but he can't deny that Gotham is his Mother and she has been his Mother long before he knows about his role as her Order.

His Mother's fondness for The Talons, the only thing that remain of her first Order, and the loyalty that took him a second to figure out did not come from her but from The Talons. They are loyal to him in ways that the League of Assassins would never be and they are all Gothamites. He knows that he can trust them and with the Government closing in on them he needs more people he can trust.

"Weapons are not to blame for the crimes committed with it, if you truly are acting as the Court's weapon then the crimes committed are not sins for you to bare." The Bat said softly as he step out of the shadows. "If you wish to serve me raise your head and look at your new Order."

Every single one of them lifts their heads, he wonders if Calvin is among them or if he had already escaped.

"Last chance, if you wish to leave I will let you go free to live your life." The Bat does not want them to think they have to stay but when no one moved to leave; he reaches up and pulls off his mask.

He can see the shock in their body language as he gives them his TV worthy smile, having already scan the area to make sure it's safe before removing his mask. His eyes sweep over the group in front of him and pause at one Talon for their body language has devastation mixed in with shock.

Before he can do anything with that information that Talon shake his head while whispering 'No, it can't be, it can't be.' over and over again as the Talon next to him tries to calm him down "He can't be The Bat!" He yelled and shot up to his feet before the other Talon can stop him. "He is supposed to be safe and living his life happily with his growing family! You promised!" He screamed as he rip off his mask and throw it at the other Talon, who is probably his mentor with how they are interacting.

But that's not what Bruce is focused on, it is the fact the angry Talon looks like a copy of his father...but it can't be, his father died...didn't he?

Now he knows how people he has shown his identity to...and he doesn't like being on the other end of that stick.

Bruce clears his throat to get their attention before their screaming match turns into a fistfight. "Excuse me, if I can have an explanation it would be very much appreciated." He said calmly even though he wants nothing more than to demand answers.

"Do you really not know who I am?" The Talon who looks so much like his dad asked as he walk towards him while taking off his gloves. "Did our parents erase me from my baby brother's life?" He gently cups Bruce's cheeks in his hands as he looks down at him like he is something precious that needs to be protected and yet his voice holds so much anger and sadness.

"...I was raised as an only child, I didn't know I have an older brother..." Bruce said softly, wondering why Alfred never told him as he examine his brother. He is a perfect copy of their Father is not for his eyes, they are ocean blue like their Mother instead of their Father's sapphire blue eyes.

"My name is Thomas Wayne Jr., I'm six years older than you." Thomas gently stroked Bruce's cheek. "You have our Father's jawline and eyes but everything else is from our Mother...you're such a beautiful mix of our parents." He smiled sadly as he greedily take in every single detail of his brother.

"There's so much I want to tell you, do you know that I was your first word? ...Right, they erased me from your life." Thomas said bitterly, their parents erased him and let his baby brother forget about him, how can he forget them for that?

"I'm sure they have their reasons." Bruce takes in all the new information. He has no plan for this, he never even thought this could happen to him but apparently, his life isn't complicated enough.

Thomas shakes his head. "It would be nothing but excuses. They thought me dead so the least they could do is keep my memory alive through you but they didn't." He is so angry that if their parents were still alive they won't be for long.

Don't get him wrong, he loves his parents but his baby brother is everything to him. He was only able to hold on for so long because of him so for them to let his memory fade... It is unforgivable.

"I would like to know more about that, is you are supposed to be dead then how are you still here? And why are you a Talon?" Bruce doesn't like the dark look in Thomas's eyes, it reminds him of Harvey when he learnt that he was being bullied by his classmates...it did not end well and if he didn't throw his name around Harvey could have gotten into big trouble.

"The Court wanted a Wayne under their thumb so they faked my death so they can train me. You were only two when I was taken so I don't blame you for not remembering me." Thomas pulls Bruce into a hug. "I've never forgotten you, I've done everything they wanted just so I can keep you safe."

"...Were they behind Mom and Dad's death?" Thomas would have been a teenager when their parents were killed and teenagers can be rebellious so it won't surprise him if they ordered their parents' death to keep Thomas in line.

"Yes, they did it to keep me in line because I was trying to escape from them." Thomas hug Bruce closer. "They would have gone for you next if I step one toe out of line..."

Bruce closed his eyes as he wrap his arms around his brother. "It's not your fault, it is theirs for being greedy." He pulls back and smiles at Thomas. "I would like to know more about you, especially about our time together."

"You have such a beautiful smile..." Thomas gently stroked Bruce's cheek again. "Your first smile was directed at me, the first time you started crawling, your first step, it was all to me. You were my little shadow, always wanting to be close and copying everything I do. I still remember you crying your heart out when I have to leave for school and only stopping when you're in my arms clinging to me." He smiled at the memories.

"It must have been annoying." Bruce can't believe that's how he used to be as a baby.

Thomas shakes his head. "I would give up everything and go through the hell the Court put me through again just to go back to that time." He gently holds Bruce's hand in his. "Look at you, you've grown up so well... Do you know that you were a premature baby? Our Mother was in an accident when she was only five months pregnant with you and they had to deliver you so they can save her life. I remember the first time I saw you, you were hooked up to so many wires and you weren't able to breathe on your own. You were so tiny and no one thought you would be able to make it through the night but now look at you." Thomas smiled like a proud parent. "You've done so well for yourself and done so much good. Looking at you, no one would think that you were born fighting for your life."

Five months? That's cutting it close, isn't it? And for him to grow up without any health problem...was he chosen before he was even born?

The hum from his Mother confirmed he hit the nail on the head.

"I was only able to make it without any health problems because of Gotham. I was chosen before I was even born." Bruce watched as the smile fall from Thomas's face.

"So there was no way for you to avoid this fate..." Thomas is pained at the thought his brother was born to carry such a heavy burden. "I guess I can't be too upset when it was the only reason you were about to grow up strong and healthy." He smiled slightly.

"And with a growing family, I want you to meet them and I'm sure Alfred would be happy to see you again."

"In my memories, Alfred has always been protective of you but I guess he got over it seeing as he lets you run around fighting crimes." Thomas isn't happy that the same man who would scold him for not being gentle enough towards Bruce would in turn let him run around cleaning up the streets of Gotham with his children.

Bruce chuckles softly as he shakes his head. "I didn't give him much of a choice. I told him I was going to do it with or without his help and he decided that it's better to help me rather than let me do it alone." He turns towards Uriah. "I am going to spend time with Thomas tonight but I'll be back tomorrow if there's nothing my kids can't handle. In the meantime I would like all of you to get rid of any remaining Court, the Court of Owls is over." He gives the Talons one last look before teleporting his brother to the Batcave.

______________________________________________________________________________

~Batcave~

Barbara was training with Alfred and Edward as she would be moving out of Gotham to study soon but doesn't want to stop helping her family so she would be helping behind the scenes and she had even picked a new name for herself!

Her job was to keep an eye on Bruce while Alfred and Edward focus on the children; thus she saw Bruce's kidnapping and everything that happened after...well not really everything. Bruce turned off the camera on his mask when the killing started since he is aware that Barbara had stayed behind today and is probably the one watching over him. He did turn his camera back on right after the killing and she immediately request that all the children return when Thomas pulled off his mask.

Alfred looked like he saw a ghost when he saw Thomas and had to sit down with a cup of tea to calm his nerves as Edward help the children finish up their work to return as soon as possible.

Edward managed to get the kids back just as Bruce return with Thomas and they are more curious than surprised to see their father with his brother but they kept quiet and let Alfred stumble to his feet as he rush to Thomas's side. "It's you. It really is you, Master Thomas..." He lifts his shaky hand to stroke Thomas's face with tears in his eyes. "But how..."

"My death was faked and the body was stolen before anyone can take a closer look at it." Thomas said softly as he look at the man who had stayed to raise his brother. He can't be mad at him even if he had hidden him from his brother but he has to know. "Why did you hide me from Bruce like a dirty little secret?"

Alfred's eyes saddened at Thomas's question. "Your parents never stopped looking for you, Master Thomas, but with how heartbroken Master Bruce was; they have decided it would be best to let him forget and introduce you to him once more when your body has been found so they can give you a proper burial. I've wanted to tell him once he had come into my care but the time was never right and I couldn't bring myself to tell him that he had a brother who passed when he was younger, not when he's already in so much pain..." Alfred looked ashamed as he continued. "He was so much happier when he returned even though he had become The Bat. I have never seen him so happy since he saw his parents being gunned down in front of him and I selfishly wanted to protect him from any more pain even at the cost of keeping you hidden from him forever."

Thomas sigh softly and gives Alfred a slight smile. "I can't be mad when you are just trying to keep Bruce safe and happy." He still doesn't like it but he understands and he would do the same in his shoes.

"Now that is out of the way, you should meet your nibling, they are dying to meet you." Bruce is glad Thomas isn't mad at Alfred anymore and would have given them more time together if his children doesn't look like they are a second away from busting with curiosity.

"I already know everything I need to know about them." Thomas smiled as his nibling rushed over to meet him. "I've heard from the others that your oldest looks like his great grandfather."

Dick stopped in his tracks when he heard that. "My great grandfather...?" He asked in surprise.

"Oh...right. You couldn't have known about it..." Thomas rubs his neck. "Your great grandfather was a Talon, he was ordered to kidnap your grandfather to be raised as the perfect Talon and he killed himself once he learnt what his actions did to the one he loved with all his heart." He sighs softly. "You have to understand, he couldn't go against the Court because they threatened to kill your great grandmother if he didn't do as they say. The only reason your grandfather isn't a Talon right now is because your great grandfather was the only one who knows how to contact Haly's Circus and he took it to the grave with him. It was the only way he knows he can make it up to the family he failed to protect."

"Wh-who? Who was he?" Dick asked as he appeared in front of Thomas instead of taking a few more steps.

He loves his family but he has always been curious as to where he came from. He didn't tell Bruce because he doesn't want him to think that their family isn't enough...but he has a chance to find out now...

Thomas smiled softly. "I didn't know him personally, he was gone long by the time I become a Talon, but I've heard about him from the other Talons. His name is William Cobb and your great grandmother's name is Amelia Crowne."

Bruce already knows that from his past memories and he watches in amusement as his children, Alfred and Edward try to process the bombshell that is dropped on them.

"Holy shit! You're a Crowne! You're related to Oswald!" Edward is the first to snap out of it and is excited for his friend. "He's going to be so happy! He has been looking everywhere for you, he has even joined all the DNA tests on the market."

Bruce walks over to his son who is still in shock and gently rests his hand on his shoulder. "We don't have to do anything with this information, Dick. We can continue life as it is." He said softly as he hook his finger under Dick's chin and lift his head up. "But no matter what you do with this new information the fact that you are my son would never change. I will always love you with all of my heart." He gently kisses the top of his head. "Nothing can change my love for you."

"I-I...I don't want anything to change but..." Dick rubs his arm as he looks down at his feet. "If people know who I am... If Cobblepot knows who I am... He would stop commenting crimes and take up your offer, won't he?"

"He would if you ask him to." Edward said softly as he gently rest his hands on Dick's shoulders. "Family is more important to him than money and I want you to acknowledge your relationship with Oswald because it would make him happy but I won't ask it of you if it makes you uncomfortable and I won't love you any less if you don't do it."

"Can I have some time to think about it?" Dick asked in a small voice as he look everywhere but the two people who had become his parents.

"Of course, take all the time you need." Bruce gently kisses his forehead again. "I'll show Thomas around the house." He said to give Dick the space he need.

"Well, it is about time for my meeting anyway so I'll be going." Edward said as he ruffle Dick's hair.

"The Rogues Gallery at the Iceberg Lounge, right? Don't get too drunk and call if you need anything." Bruce said as he drag Thomas to the changing room.

"How did..." Edward trailed off when he realised it was the wrong question, of course, he would be able to figure it out, he's The Bat. "How long?"

Jason smirked. "Since the first time, you guys met up. Dad was worried you guys were planning something big but when he saw you were just hanging out he let it go."

Tim nods. "Dad said that you'll cause less trouble if you are just hanging out and it's good that you're all socialising."

Edward froze, since the beginning...that means... "How many times did Bruce check in on us?"

"Only the first time, he sent us to check on the meeting after." Barbara smiled in amusement, knowing why Edward is so worried.

Edward sighed in relief, at least Bruce didn't hear him singing his praises as he didn't open up to the rest until months after their first meeting. As much as he loves being praised and praising Bruce it would be a little embarrassing for Bruce to hear him fanboy over him.

"You know~ We could always tell Bruce what you said or have him look through the recordings~" Stephanie smiled innocently as she play with her hair.

Edward narrow his eyes. "What do you want?" He isn't as naive as Bruce when it comes to the children even though he still gives into them pretty easily.

"Less homework. We're getting more than enough from school already! We don't need even more from you!" Stephanie narrows her eyes as well as she points at Edward.

Edward crosses his arms. "They are for your own good, the ones your school gives you are below your level."

"Then get them to give less homework!" Stephanie throws her hands into the air. "I want to bring Cassandra out and I can't if we are stuck home doing homework!"

"I can talk to your teachers about giving you less homework if you continue to do the one I give." Edward was going to have that talk anyway, he isn't happy with how below their level their schoolwork is.

"Yes!" Stephanie cheered as she jump for joy. "I'm going to take Cassandra shopping for a new makeover!"

Edward chuckled softly, he'll keep the fact that he was going to do it anyway to himself so he doesn't ruin the mood. "Then I'll be going now." He teleports away before the others can blackmail him.

Unlike Bruce, he enjoys driving but he can't deny how convenient it is to be able to teleport to the nearest shadow of the location he wants to go.

Edward hum to himself while swinging his cane as he walks past the bouncer, who is smart enough to let him in without any trouble. "Oswald! It's good to see you again!" He had to hold himself back from telling him what he had found out.

Oswald is shocked to see him at first but it soon turns to nervousness. "No one else could make it so how about we do this another time?" He tries to shoo Edward out.

Edward raises an eyebrow, too curious to leave without answers. "What's going on? Are you planning something? Maybe I can help?" Bruce won't ask and he won't tell so it won't hurt for him to look over Oswald's plan.

"Oh, you can help me." Edward heard Harvey's voice behind him as a gun is pressed up against his back. "I have a little problem you can help me solve." Harvey growled into Edward's ear.

"Now Harvey, let's calm down and think this through before you do anything you'll regret." Oswald said calmly as he tries to diffuse the situation before the young Riddler lose his life.

"Oh but I am calm and thinking clearly." Harvey said calmly. "I'm just going to have a talk with Eddie over here, isn't that right, Eddie?"

Edward swallowed nervously and forced a smile for Oswald. "Yeah, we're just going to talk, don't worry about it, Oswald. I'll see you at the next meeting." He gives Oswald a wave as he's being led out by Harvey, knowing that he won't step in to save him because he doesn't want to start a war.

Harvey leads Edward to an empty alleyway, knowing that it will stay empty because no one dares get between two of The Bat's Rogues, even if one of them is no longer in the business.

"Now, let's talk." Harvey growled as he slams Edward into the wall. "I know that I have told you to stay away from Bruce." He pins Edward to the wall with his free hand as he presses his gun against the side of his head. "And what did you do? Worm your way into his heart and home. Why? To get closer to The Bat?"

"I truly love Bruce with all my heart, Harvey." Edward said as calmly as he can as he did the magic equivalent of spamming the button. This is Bruce's problem and he really should have told Harvey a long time ago...besides, he isn't about to test Bruce's protection spell to keep his secret.

The Bat appeared before Harvey can reply and knocks the gun out of Harvey's hand while pushing him away from Edward and placing himself between them. "What are you doing?" He growled, as much as he loves Harvey as a brother, he isn't happy that he was threatening the love of his life.

"It is none of your business, Bat! Stay out of this!" Harvey snarled as he pulls out another gun and point it at The Bat.

"Actually, it is very much his business." Edward cut in before The Bat can speak as he rests his hands on his hips. "You need to tell him the truth, I am not going to deal with your overprotective brother figure just because you are scared."

The Bat let out a sigh as he scans the area and pulls off his mask because Edward is right. He shouldn't have to deal with Harvey because he's afraid of being rejected.

Harvey's eyes widen and he dropped his gun when he saw his little brother smiling at him nervously where The Bat was just a second ago. "WHAT THE HELL!?" He yelled, his undamaged side of his face turn red in his anger.

Bruce's face fall but before he could do anything Harvey continued. "Why didn't you tell me you were The Bat? God I've shot at you! I've tried to kill you and you still visited me like nothing happened!" Harvey is angry at Bruce for not trusting him with his secret and pissed at himself for attacking Bruce even if he doesn't know it.

Bruce's eyes soften and relax now that Harvey doesn't hate him for being The Bat. "You've always joined me in everything even if you have no interest in it and I didn't want you to join this life I've chosen so I've never told you. After you have become Two-Face I fear that you would hate me if you know that I am The Bat." He gives him a small smile. "And I could never blame you for attacking me, even if you knew who I am. You've always been there for me and I will always be there for you even if you hate me..."

It is impossible for Harvey to stay mad at Bruce, especially when he looks nervous and scared of being rejected by him. "I don't hate you, Bruce." He stroked Bruce's cheek. "I could never hate you but I do wish you would have told me sooner."

Bruce smiled and throw himself into Harvey's arms now that it is confirmed that he doesn't hate him. "I'm sorry, Harvey. I really am."

Harvey chuckle softly when he found his arms full of Bruce still dressed as The Bat. "I forgive you for not telling me but don't do it again." He hugs Bruce close and narrowed his eyes when he saw how pleased Edward is. "I'm still not happy that you're with Edward, but at least you're not his plan B." And he had lost his reason to kill Edward and dump his body into the ocean.

Edward smirked as he cross his arms. "But if it wasn't for me you won't have known Bruce's little secret, no one else was going to give him the push he needs."

Harvey grumped unhappily because he knows it is true but doesn't want to say it to Edward.

Bruce chuckles softly as he lets go of Harvey. "But now that you know, how about coming home with me and taking up my offer?" He gives Harvey a pleading look, the very same one his children are always giving him.

Harvey crumbles under that look, but only because it's from Bruce. "Fine, but only because I miss Alfred." He actually misses going over to Bruce's house to hang out with him. It always feels more like home than his place because Bruce is there.

Bruce smiled brightly as he wrap his arms around Harvey again. "Alfred would be so happy to see you and the kids would be excited to meet you!"

In Bruce's excitement, he had forgotten his big brother who is waiting patiently for the return of his baby brother, but Edward didn't forget. He's happy that Harvey and Bruce are closer than ever but with everything he has seen of Thomas and what he knows of Harvey? It's probably not going to end well.

Chapter Text

Edward was right that it won't end well, the minute Thomas saw Harvey he lost it. Thomas saw Harvey as a rival as Bruce's big brother and a dangerous villain. Honestly, he was just jealous that Harvey was able to be there for Bruce as a brother when he isn't even allowed to see him in person.

Harvey on the other hand...he isn't too happy that someone is claiming to be Bruce's real big brother because even though they are related by blood Harvey is the one who was there for Bruce throughout their childhood and throughout their adult life.

Neither of them wants to share and Edward covers his face as the two of them yell at each other while Bruce tries to calm them down. They continued arguing as Alfred kick them out of the cave and Bruce followed to make sure they don't kill each other.

"Oh boy...just wait till they realise that The Joker claimed Dad as his little brother as well..." Dick groaned at the headache they'll have to deal with because they all know Joker would enjoy the drama way too much to stop it.

Tim sigh loudly. "Nothing we can do about it. It's the price we have to pay to be a Wayne." He turns to his siblings with a smile on his face, knowing that even if they complain, they won't change a single thing even if they could.

Cassandra giggled softly. "Fun." She smiled, finding the drama fun to watch because she doesn't have to clear up the mess or deal with it herself.

Stephanie shakes her head. "I'm thinking of staying at home till this dies down if it's going to take long." She likes a good drama but not if there is a risk of being pulled into the middle of it.

"And I'm going to move sooner rather than later." Barbara said as she stood up. "I've already learnt everything I need anyway."

"Seriously? You two will leave us to deal with this ourselves?" Roy gives them an annoyed look.

Stephanie shrugs her shoulders. "Sucks to be you. You're stuck here and no, I'm not inviting you over to my place." She smirked.

Roy pretends to look hurt as he dramatically places his hand over his heart. "How could you hurt me like this? After I treat you like my sister?"

Jason snorted as Stephanie giggled. "Who are you kidding? She would sell your soul for a waffle." He joked.

"Excuse me? I'll have you know I would give away his soul for free." Stephanie tries to hold back her giggle while trying to sound serious.

"You two are the worst." Roy grumped as Dick pat his back.

"Aww come on, Roy. You know that they love you~" Dick chuckles softly. "But are you seriously going to leave early?" He asked Barbara as he turn to her.

"I'll need time to set up the house Bruce bought for me so it's best if I leave early." Barbara said as she pack up her things when it was obvious that no one is going out again.

"...Do you have to go?" Dick walks toward his girlfriend and gently cups her cheek. "There isn't anything they'll be able to teach you and Dad is more than happy to get you a job. There's no need for you to get that piece of paper."

Barbara smiled softly as she stroked Dick's cheek and kiss him gently. "I don't want people to think that I got my job because I am dating you, Dick. You know that."

"You don't need to prove anything to anyone." Dick frowned. "We know that you are more than qualified, hell you're more qualified than the people Dad has working for him."

"I know but I want to." Barbara pulls Dick into a hug. "I'll miss you but I'll be back before you know it." She has plans to skip as much as she can.

Dick sighs softly as he hugs Barbara close, not wanting to let her go but knowing that he has to. "Okay...I'll wait for you."

They pulled away when they heard footsteps coming toward them and look up to see Bruce leading a dazed Duke down to the cave.

"I thought you didn't want Duke to know about this part of our lives so soon." Tim raised his eyebrow, they had been bugging Bruce to let them tell Duke but he keeps bringing up the fact he still needs time to get over his parents' death and that is the only reason why they didn't just go behind Bruce's back and bring him down here themselves.

"Thomas and Harvey woke him up and he saw us." Bruce gestured to his outfit. "I was so busy trying to get them to stop that I forgot to change out."

"Bruce is Batman..." Duke muttered to himself, still in shock. "He put Two Face in time out..."

Bruce sighs softly. "Do you mind looking after him while I deal with the two pain in my neck?"

"Leave it to us, Dad." Dick immediately takes charge and wraps an arm around Duke. "We'll take good care of him!"

Bruce smiled and gently kiss Dick's forehead. "Thank you, Sweetie." He gives Duke another worried look before heading back upstairs.

"I'll go with him." Edward quickly said before following Bruce, Bruce put Harvey in time-out? That he's got to see with his own eyes.

Dick turns to Duke once Bruce is out of the Batcave. "Cool isn't it?" He grinned as he wave towards the Batcave. "It had changed a lot since I was first here and it's so much better now!"

Jason snort. "Of course, you would think so, you did most of the decoration decisions before I came along."

Dick pretends to look hurt. "Don't you look like it? I have such good taste!"

Stephen laughed as she leaned against an amused Tim. "Ha! Good taste? We're lucky Bruce was there to help you with your costume! I know that you didn't want to wear pants and you wanted to wear a ridiculous-looking pixie boots!"

"Excuse me? It was a wonderful idea!" Dick pouted as he lean against Duke. "You think it's a good idea, don't you?"

"...Running around without pants in Gotham is a stupid idea and I don't think pixie boots are a good idea." Duke managed to shake off a bit of shock to answer Dick. "I shouldn't be here..." He whispered before Dick can say anything.

All jokes bleed out of Dick as he turns to Duke with a serious look on his face. "You belong here, Duke. You're part of the family now, you won't be down here if you're not."

Cassandra nods in agreement. "Little brother." She said as she point at Duke.

"But I'm not..." Duke bites his lip, almost like he is worried he would break some kind of spell if he said it out loud.

"Hey, you don't have to join us running around the night if you don't want to." Roy assured him. "We do it because we want to, not because we have to if we want to stay a part of the family."

"Pretty sure B would prefer it if we don't follow in his footsteps." Stephanie chuckled softly, remembering how tired Bruce looked when he tries to talk them out of it.

"But still..." Duke still doesn't look convinced.

"Guys, Bruce is arguing with Harvey." Barbara said with worry in her voice as she look up at the mute screen.

"Why is that a problem?" Duke asked in confusion.

"Master Bruce and Master Harvey have never argued about anything before, one of them usually gives in to the other..." Alfred explained with worry in his voice as he watch the screen. "Turn up the volume please, Miss Barbara."

Barbara obeyed as the others crowd around the computer.

"But isn't more abnormal for two people to never argue in their relationship? Even the closest friends argue." Duke doesn't know why but he's whispering his question to Tim.

Tim shrug his shoulders. "I don't know what to tell you, they have seriously never argued before. Now hush." He shushes Duke as the volume is increased.

"...throwing money at countless projects and taking in someone new whenever I'm not looking, I know you have a big loving heart but you're going to bleed yourself dry at this rate!" Harvey yelled as Thomas stood at the side listening carefully with his eyes narrowed while Edward looks worried.

"I've made sure that Dick, Barbara, Jason, Tim, Cassandra, Roy, Damian, Stephanie and Duke will be taken care of if I'm no longer around, Edward, Alfred and even you will also have everything needed to live a comfortable life without me and the projects are for the betterment of Gotham! Is it so wrong I want my children to grow up in a Gotham better than the one we grew up in? Is it so wrong that I am preparing Gotham for the worst?" Bruce glared at Harvey, not backing down even a little.

"I understand clean water and air, hell I even understand all your housing projects, but what have you so worried that you are funding projects that create lab-grown meat and plant-based fish? What about all the plants you're shoving everywhere there's space for them? The rooftop garden? Hell, you've even renovated some of the buildings to be able to grow plants and even a vegetable garden at the side of the buildings! What's all that about? To make Pamela happy?" Harvey crosses his arms, thinking that Bruce is just being paranoid.

Bruce stayed silent at Harvey's question before letting out a sigh. "I'm sure you both know about what the Government had done," Someone, not naming names, had made sure the reporters got all the details. "what I haven't told anyone yet is that the Government is looking for any reason to kick us out." He holds up his hand to stop Edward, Harvey and Thomas from saying anything before he's done. "I've gotten the report long before news of what they did came out, it's only after that they are more adamant to cut us off like a 'cancerous tumour'." Bruce said bitterly.

What happened next is not known to the kids because they all blew up in anger.

"How dare they! After everything, we should be the one revolting to get out, to be kicked out is just another insult to us!" Jason yelled in anger as he slam his fist against the wall.

"They are doing us a favour, we won't have to waste our time getting rid of them." Tim said coldly with hidden rage in his voice.

"Did you know about this?" Stephanie turns her glare to the two oldest of the children.

Dick holds up his hands. "Dad didn't tell us about it."

"It might feel like he tells us everything but it's not true." Barbara said as she mute the computer and tried to dig up the file.

"Master Bruce trusts all of you with his life but he doesn't want to burden you more than he already has." Alfred said softly, he knows about it because he had come across Bruce while he is worrying about it.

Cassandra frowned. "No burden."

"I know you all enjoy what you're doing but Master Bruce had always wished all of you can live a normal childhood." Alfred explained as he gently lays his hand on Cassandra's shoulder.

"But we have all the necessary training, we can take care of ourselves." Damian said with a hint of hurt in his voice.

"It is normal dad behaviour." Barbara explained. "My dad is the same, even if he knows that I can take care of myself he would still worry and try to help and keep me safe and without worry."

"Dad is just being a dad." Dick smiled softly. "An overprotective one but he does his best to give us our freedom to do what we want."

"But not so much that he's basically letting us do whatever we want." Roy chimed in. "He's a much better dad than Oliver."

Duke, who was silent the whole time, spoke up. "Do you think he'll let me join?" He asked softly.

Jason snort. "Do you think he'll be able to start saying no when he had failed so many times before?" He asked as he gestured to the rest of his siblings. "He even let Dami out, there's no way he'll say no to you. But of course, you'll need to be trained."

"And we can help with that." Dick said helpfully.

"Good. I want to protect my home from the government." Duke said with the level of determination that the rest of the Batfam has.

"Then you'll fit right in." Tim grinned with a cold calculating look as plans and backup plans form in his head.

Even if their Dad disapproves of their plan they will still make sure the government regret their treatment of them, even if it means stepping out of The Bat's wings and be their own creature.

//It is finally done! I'm so sorry it took so long, I wanted to write Wally visiting with his team but I can't make up my mind on which team and which teammates so I'll leave that decision in your hands! Which teammate should Wally bring with him to Arkham and should he be on Teen Titans or Young Justice?

Chapter Text

Wally is excited to see Roy again. He had waited over a month while the Justice League go over the information they were given, and not sharing it with him, but he was sick of waiting any longer. Uncle Barry had told him he isn't allowed to go without him but he figured it'll be fine if he brings the team with him. Besides, Kaldur'ahm missed Roy and is worried about him.

...Not that he had said it out loud but Wally just knows it, they had been friends since before the team was formed so there's no way he isn't worried!

And it gave him a chance to try out his new suit is gray where the yellow is on his original suit and black where the rest is. The lighting bolt is still red but instead of a circle, there's now a black bat. He did try to get his teammates to at least draw on a bat but they won't listen. Oh well, what can he do? He won't force them and they are perfectly capable of taking care of themselves.

Not wanting to fall flat on his face in front of his team, he suggested they wait on a rooftop but he's starting to regret it because of how bored he is! He finally had enough and told his team he is going to go look for them and had only taken a few steps, at super speed, when he found himself flat on his face again.

Distorted bird-like laughter could be heard with what Wally knows to be Roy's, or as he goes by Arsenal while on the job, laughter as his team surrounds him protectively and tries to find the source of the laughter. No matter how hard his team searched Wally knows that they would never find them unless they want to be found. He groans softly as he rolls onto his back and covers his eyes with his arm.

"Kid Flash, are you alright?" Aqualad asked with worry in his voice. He's trying to stay calm and not panic but it's hard when they are facing an unknown attacker they can't see in a city they won't supposed to be in.

Kid Flash sigh softly as he sat up, not at all worried. "I'm fine. If Arsenal would stop being an ass and come untie my legs everything would be perfect." He said with annoyance in his voice.

Arsenal's laughter becomes much clearer as he jumped out of the shadows. "Sorry, Kid." He grinned, not at all sorry. "I couldn't pass up the chance to get you again."

Aqualad relaxed and step aside to let Arsenal pass even as the rest of the team are watching him wearily. "You seem well." He said softly.

"Better than I've been in years." Arsenal smiled as he untangled his bola and help Kid Flash up. "I see you guys got a team of your own." He turns to the Artemis. "And Green Arrow's replacement for me."

Kid Flash and Aqualad fall silent, they didn't think about that. Of course, Arsenal won't be happy to have Artemis there.

Artemis crosses her arms. "I'm Artemis, Green Arrow's niece." She doesn't like the look Arsenal is giving her.

Arsenal leans closer to Artemis and whisper into her ear. "We both know that's a lie. Even if he's an uncle he would never allow his niece to become a Gothamite for any length of time, Replacement." There's a reason he came to Gotham to escape from Oliver, he hates Gotham and won't step foot in here.

Artemis jumped back in shock, she was born and raised in Gotham, and like any children in Gotham they are quick to form a bond but unlike most children, her parents discouraged her because they don't understand it and they themselves were unable to form a bond so by the time she was taken in by Green Arrow as his sidekick and offered a place in Star City she jumped at the chance to move with her mother because of how uncomfortable she feels staying in Gotham with her broken bond. Her mother and herself are loners in Gotham and it's not by choice, people stayed far away from her mother because she didn't have a bond with Gotham even after all these years and she has a broken bond even though she was born here.

And now being back in Gotham...it makes her uncomfortable because she still has a broken bond with Gotham and she can feel how unwanted she is in the city. Every Gothamite can tell she was the one who broke the bond and they hate her for it. Young, old, good or bad, it doesn't matter. What matters is that she broke the bond with Gotham.

She only came because she couldn't tell them why she doesn't want to come without revealing her real past but now she's regretting it. She should have put her foot down, she shouldn't have come...

Superboy stepped in front of Artemis protectively. "If you have a problem with Artemis, you have a problem with all of us." He growled as he cross his arms.

Arsenal smirked as he place his hands on his hips. "Trust me, if we have a problem you'll know."

"We?" Miss Martian asked with a frown on her face. She doesn't like it here, her telepathy doesn't work on Gothamites but it still works on her teammates. It's like something is blocking her power....no, her power isn't being blocked. When she digs deep enough she can hear it, softly at first but it soon grew louder until there's no doubt in her mind what she is hearing. Somehow every single Gothamite has the pain and anger of the whole city in their minds. She had to cut off contact the moment it is loud enough for her to recognise what it is because it scared her, and it isn't only because of how much pain and anger there is. It felt like she had entered somewhere forbidden, yes humans find her power an invasion of privacy and forbidden but this is different. Usually, it is the humans who felt like she has entered somewhere forbidden but this felt forbidden to her, to a Martian who uses their mind to communicate and that's what scared her more because there isn't only one person with a mind like that, there's a whole city of people with minds forbidden to any kind of mind readers.

A small figure poke his head over Arsenal's shoulder and sat perched on his shoulder like a bird. He let out a soft distorted bird song while judging them with cold glowing white eyes.

"Meet Robin." Arsenal reached up to pat Robin's arm.

Kid Flash frowned. "He looks different...did he get a haircut?" He knows there is a different but he doesn't know what it is.

"This is not the same Robin as the one you saw last time," Arsenal said as Robin jumped off his shoulder to crawl towards the team and circle them but not close enough for them to grab him. "This is the third Robin."

Robin let out a low growl as he passed Artemis, he can feel the broken bond and he hates it but he didn't attack or move any closer to her.

Artemis takes a step back as Superboy step in front of her protectively and glares at the creature who just grinned back at him.

Aqualad does not like how sharp his fangs are but he tries to not show how nervous he is. "Does it not get confusing if there is more than one Robin?"

Arsenal shakes his head. "They got a different name in their language and I've picked up on enough of it to understand."

"Ooooooo can you teach us a few words?" Kid Flash smiled in excitement at the thought of learning even one word of a cryptid's language.

"No, sorry but I'm not breaking their trust by teaching anyone their language." Arsenal isn't a bit sorry. He loves his friends but they are his family and he isn't betraying them.

Kid Flash is disappointed but he understands. "Okay... You said he is the third, will we get to meet the second Robin?"

"He isn't a Robin anymore. He is Batling now and he's busy at the other end of the city with the first Robin, that's the one you met last time and Robin/Batgirl." Arsenal watches Robin as he approaches Superboy and circles him curiously while singing his bird song. "He's curious, probably because you look like Superman and Gothamite really hates his cowardly ass."

"Superman isn't a coward!" Superboy defended the man who wants nothing to do with him.

Arsenal shrugs his shoulders. "What do you call the man who is protecting every single place except the one place that needs help the most?" He asked as he relax his body language and place his hands in his pockets.

"He has a lot on his plate!" Superboy growled as he clutch his fists, not noticing that Robin's clawed hands have disappeared under his wings.

Arsenal roll his eyes but not like they can see it. "If his plate is full then Gotham's pot is overflowing. He could have helped with something and we won't think too badly of him but he had helped with nothing." He crossed his arms. "But now that we have something he wants he thinks he can take him away from us?" He hissed, surprising his Kid Flash and Aqualad with pure hate in his voice. "We won't allow it."

Aqualad stepped in before a fight can break out. "You know that Superman has done a lot of good for a lot of people and he has done things most people are too afraid to do." He said to Arsenal before turning to Superboy. "But with that said, we are guests here and it is true that Superman is afraid of Gotham and only came personally to invite the Bat."

Arsenal didn't say anything because he didn't want to start a fight and Superboy couldn't deny the truth.

All was quiet until Robin starts to trill in excitement and run straight towards the side of the building and jump off.

"Robin!" The team yelled in shock but was stopped by Arsenal before they can go after him.

"Don't worry, he's just going back to The Bat," Arsenal said, not at all worried about Robin.

"The Bat? Can we meet him?" Kid Flash asked in excitement curious to see this creature that people feared.

"He is a little... unwilling to meet any more non-Gothamite after everything that happened." The truth is that the kids are worried that Bruce would accept their offer and they really don't want them to get their hands on The Bat.

Robin climbs up the side of the building like a demon and runs to Arsenal's side. "Found them." He pulls Arsenal into the shadow.

"Wait, what did you find?" Kid Flash asked as he run to stand in front of them and block their way. "Can we help?"

"Meta children had been kidnapped and we were looking for them." Arsenal turn to Robin before turning back to Kid Flash. "Fine. You guys can take out the goons while we look for the kids but Robin won't be able to bring so many people at a time so we'll be going in pairs."

Robin jump off Arsenal and landed on Aqualad and Superboy's shoulders, the moment he landed on them a shadow pass over them for a second but it was all the time needed for them to disappear.

"Wha-" Before Artemis could say more; Robin appeared behind her and Miss Martian and a shadow fall over them.

"This is like a horror movie." Kid Flash muttered as the light revealed a roof empty with the exception of Arsenal and himself.

Artemis laughed as Robin appeared again and take them to the roof of the abandoned building the kids are being kept. "You'll get used to it." He smirked at the team. "Make sure to keep the kidnappers distracted. Knock them out or whatever." He gave them a wave before disappearing with Robin.

"...Great idea, Kid." Artemis hissed, she doesn't want to be here, she wants to leave but no, now they have to help take down Gotham's Meta ring.

Kid Flash shrugs his shoulders. "They could use some help, even a little and we can't be like the adults and turn a blind eye, you saw how it went with them. Besides, there are kids involved, can you really turn your back on them?" He crossed his arms as he narrowed his eyes.

Artemis shut her mouth because when he put it that way it would make her seem like a bad guy if she complains more.

"Exactly." Kid Flash said before running down at full speed to round up all the kidnappers.

By the time the rest of the team reached the ground level Kid Flash is already done tying up the knocked-out bad guys.

"There, all done. And Arsenal is waiting outside with the kids for the police." Kid Flash said as he dust off his hands. "Robin told me before he went to join him."

"They didn't even need our help." Artemis huffed as she examine the kidnappers, they aren't Gothamites.

"Do we have to stay here with them?" Miss Martian asked she might not be reading anyone's mind anymore but the longer she stays here the more unwelcome she feels.

"If you want to leave you don't have to force yourself to stay," Aqualad said kindly when he saw how uncomfortable they are. "We'll stay and let you know when we will be heading back."

"Don't have to tell me twice." Artemis quickly grab Miss Martian's arm and drag her back up the roof so she can fly them away.

Kid Flash rolled his eyes. "What's their problem?"

"You have to admit that Gotham is a little...unsettling," Aqualad said softly.

Superboy nods in agreement. "There is something about it..." He can't quite place his finger on it but it is different from everywhere else he has been to.

"You'll get used to it." Kid Flash waves off their concern. "I felt the same at first but it passed. Come on, let's go to the front."

"What about them?" Aqualad gesture to the bad guy.

"Just leave them here. If I've learnt anything, it's that the Bats and Birds won't let the bad guys escape once they get their claws on them. Now come on!" Kid Flash got behind Superboy and Aqualad and push them outside, where the police are already there with the kids and Arsenal.

"Where's Robin?" Kid Flash asked Arsenal when he can't find him.

"He left to help Batling so I'm waiting for The Bat to pick me up, where are the girls?" Arsenal doesn't really care as long as they aren't messing up Gotham.

"They headed home first," Superboy answered, he might not know Arsenal or like him but he has heard of The Bat and is curious to see the creature that scared Superman so he stayed in hopes to see him and it seems that it had paid off.

Arsenal was going to say something when a loud roar was heard and an oversized crocodile on two legs are running towards the kids.

"Wait wait wait! He isn't going to hurt them, he's their school's guard!" Arsenal said quickly as he throws himself in front of the team when he saw they are about to run to help the children. "See." He stepped aside so the team can see Waylon Jones, aka Killer Croc hugging the children protectively. "His name is Waylon Jones, he has a soft spot for the children and those idiots in there are lucky he's not the one who found them."

The team relaxed now that they know that the children aren't in danger. "And when will The Bat be here to pick you up?" Kid Flash tries to not show how excited he is to finally meet The Bat.

"He is already here," Arsenal smirked as he points behind the team.

The team quickly turn around and jump back when they saw The Bat standing behind them with a curious look on his face.

"Hi, Bat." Arsenal greeted as he walk towards The Bat who is staring at Superboy with his glowing white eyes.

The Bat glances over to Arsenal and purrs softly as he wraps his wings around him. "Friends of yours?" He asked softly as he gently nuzzle Arsenal.

Arsenal smiled brightly as he wrap his arms around the Bat, and the Bat in turn wrapped his arms around Arsenal and pick him up. "They are. You know Kid Flash, right? Robin was talking about him. He's that one over there." He said as he point at Kid Flash. "The one next to him is Aqualad and the one behind them is Superboy."

The Bat tilt his head as he studied the three teens and slowly walk over with Arsenal still in his arms. "It is nice to meet all of you." He purred as he set Arsenal down so he can lower himself to look the teens at their eye level. "Thank you for being friends with Arsenal. It is good that he had made friends before his time here." He sniffed the air and frowned. "I see..." He bows his head to Aqualad and Kid Flash. "One of the sea and one of the speed force. I have never met anyone like either of you before. Welcome to Gotham."

"You can smell my connection to the speed force?" Kid Flash asked in surprise.

"And mine to the sea..." Aqualad frowned, he has been on land long enough that the smell of the sea has washed off him.

"It is in the air surrounding you, you might not see or smell it but it is there. To tap into the speed force is something I can do if I am older but I am still too young, and my connection to it would not be a permanent one like yours." The Bat said to Kid Flash before turning to Aqualad. "Mother has always spoken of the importance of the sea and its inhabitants and had informed me on how your people's magic feels. It is why you were not attacked the moment you stepped foot in Gotham."

"Whoa whoa whoa, hold on! Mother? Attack????" Kid Flash asked in shock. The Bat has a mother??? He thought he just appeared! And attacked? Aqualad could have been attacked???? "And you can connect to the speed force? How?"

"Magic users are not allowed in Gotham because they bring nothing but trouble. The magic of the sea is different for we owe them for the pollution our people have caused. You will be safe here." The Bat assured Aqualad and not answering about his Mother. "And I do not know how to connect to the Speed force, I am still too young to learn it."

"I...I see... I thank you for allowing me to stay." Aqualad said, looking slightly uncomfortable at the thought he could have been attacked just for having magic.

"And what about me?" Superboy asked as he step forward. "What do you smell from me?" He asked with his arms crossed and eyes narrowed. He doesn't see what's so scary about this bat!

The Bat tilts his head as he examines Superboy. "You smell of the man of steel but you smell more of Earth. You belong to Earth, not wherever Superman is from, and it is not just because you have spent your whole life on Earth, it is also because your other parent is of Earth."

Superboy stares at Batman in surprise. "That is not possible. Superman is pure Kryptonian and I am his clone!" He can't have parents when he is a clone!

The Bat shakes his head. "You are no clone. You have a human parent." He tilts his head in thought before turning to Arsenal. "Ask B to look into it."

Arsenal nods. "You've got it, Bat. Speaking of, I need a ride back home. I need to be up early tomorrow."

"And your friends?" The Bat nods toward Superboy, Kid Flash, and Aqualad.

"They can come with me, B is used to waking up with more children than he went to sleep with," Arsenal said with amusement in his voice.

"My apologies." Aqualad cut into their conversation. "I have to go. Miss Martian is feeling...unwell and they need me to fly them back."

"Can you get back on your own?" The Bat asked, ready to offer to take him there.

"I will manage. Thank you for worrying." Aqualad bowed to The Bat. "I hope we will be able to meet again." He said before he took off running, Artemis's voice in his ear telling him how to get back.

"Well...looks like it is just you and me, Superboy." Kid Flash rubs the back of his head. "Maybe we should go..."

"Nonsense, you want to know what Bat meant by Superboy having a human parent, right?" Arsenal raised an eyebrow. "The rest of them will tell the adults where you are. It won't hurt you to stay the night with us."

Superboy looks towards Kid Flash. "You can go if you want, I want to stay for answers."

Kid Flash sighed as he rub his face. "I can't leave you here by yourself..." And he is excited to meet his friend's new family. "Looks like we are both staying!"

It was all The Bat needs to hear. He spread his wings to wrap around the three teens, covering them in darkness, and before they can blink the darkness is gone, along with The Bat and the outside of the abandoned warehouse they were at, replaced with a huge beautiful foyer and The Bat nowhere to be seen.

"Master Roy, you are back earlier than expected. And you brought...friends..." Alfred entered the foyer and raised an eyebrow.

Roy smiled sheepishly. "This is Kid Flash and Superboy. Can they please stay the night?"

"Well we can't turn them away now they are here, now can we?" Alfred smiled slightly in amusement. "I'll trust that you remember how to ready for bed, Master Roy. I will show your guests to their room."

"I'll see you two tomorrow morning." Roy smiled as he take off his mask. "Good night!" He said as he ran up the stairs.

"Master Roy, do not run up the stairs." Alfred scolded and sighed at the 'sorry' that came from the boy who did not stop running. "He is going to trip and break a bone one day." He shakes his head in disappointment. "Please follow me, Mr. Kid Flash, Mr. Superboy." He leads them up the stairs to their rooms. He will have to ask Master Bruce if he is going to start adopting other heroes' sidekicks when he returns.

Chapter Text

Bruce would love to say he woke up bright and early, feeling well-rested and entering the dining room full of well-behaved children eating their breakfast. Sadly, he is unable to say that. He stayed up late to look through all of Cadmus's paperwork to gather all the information on Superboy. His connection to Gotham allows him to tell when someone is Human, Demon or Alien but it doesn't tell him who their parents are and he isn't about to tell anyone how he knows everything about Superboy. It is something he has decided a long time ago to keep to himself. Anyway, he stayed up all night with his brothers, Thomas and Harvey, and sweet little Tim, who decided to help him. Edward isn't home because he has been missing to do who knows what for days on end but he always looks so giddy and happy when he returns so he didn't ask...and he said it was a surprise so he doesn't want to ruin the surprise....but he really wants to know what it is! It is so hard to hold himself back from finding out!

He's getting sidetracked again, so he stayed up late with his brothers and son to pull up all the information on Superboy that they have and make a file of things he should know, like who his fathers are, make some very important phone calls, managed to get some sleep and he is now awake, standing at the doorway to the dining and watching his second son wrestling Kid Flash as Roy is cheering him on while Superboy is standing at the side trying to not look too amused.

He cleared his throat to get everyone's attention and raised an eyebrow. "What's going on here?"

"Kid Flash and Jason are fighting over the last pancake." Roy smirked. "The girls went out shopping with Alfred and Damian to get Carrie everything she'll need." He said before Bruce can ask where Alfred is.

Carrie Kelley, or Carrie Wayne, is the new addition to the family. It honestly surprised Bruce when Damian came home with her and begged to him to adopt her. Her parents are as neglectful as Tim's and she has been running around the city in a Robin costume trying to help them and his youngest got really attached to her. He has been on patrol with her and one of his older siblings for nearly a month before he brought her home and begged to keep her. He's surprised they managed to keep this a secret for so long, even more surprised they waited this long to ask him to adopt her. Clearly he gave in and now they are shopping for her things.

"Where is Dick?" Bruce asked in confusion. "Has he already left?"

Roy smiled innocently as he shrug his shoulders. "Who knows. He's the big brother here, why should I, as the younger one, keep an eye on him?"

Bruce eye Roy and let out a sigh as he shake his head. "You've spent way too much time with Jason." He walk over to the two still wrestling and reach over to grab the last pancake, he deserves Alfred's homemade pancake.

"Hey! That's mine! I was winning!" Jason growled at his father and glared at him as he pin Kid Flash against the counter.

"You left it unattended and unclaimed, you know the rules." Bruce smirked as he takes a big bite of the pancake and hum happily. "So soft and yummy~" He smirked down at his glaring son before turning to Superboy and handing him the file he was carrying. "Here is everything on you that we managed to find. But the most important information you wanted to know is on the front."

Superboy quietly open up the file and instantly crush it in his hands. "I am a clone of Superman and...Lex Luthor?" His eyes widen in shock and disbelief. "That can't be true..."

"Why do you call yourself a clone even though you are clearly not one? It's like me calling my youngest a clone of myself and his mother." Bruce kneel down too look Superboy in his eyes and place a hand in his shoulder. "And no matter who's blood run through your veins, it is who you are and what you do that matters. Not who they are and what they do. Only you can decide on what path you want to take." He smiled as he stood back up once he saw the look of understanding and relief on Superboy's face. "Now I've made some calls, it wasn't easy but I managed to adopt you from Luthor, he has no legal rights to you anymore. I didn't want to wake you up to ask, so your name is now Conner Wayne. We can change it to whatever you want." He hold out another paper, adoption papers this time with Conner's name on it.

"Conner Wayne..." Superboy, now named Conner whispered as he carefully take the piece of paper and examine it closely. "Why would you do this for someone you just met?" The 'for me?' was silence but Bruce heard it loud and clear.

Bruce laughed as he wave towards Roy. "I welcomed him into my home and is more than happy to accept him into my family when I just met him, in fact he wasn't even awake when I'm drawing up the adoption papers." He smiled softly. "You are a child, and you are a child in need. I do not need anymore reason to want to help you." He place a hand on Conner's shoulder. "I will not keep you here if you wish to leave, just know that you have a home here with a family who would welcome you with open arms now. And a bank account you can use on whatever you want, I'll also help get you into school or finding an online school, whichever you'll feel comfortable with."

"Even if I don't ever want to come back to Gotham?" Conner asked in a soft voice.

"Even if you do not wish to see us again, I will still help you however I can." Bruce promised. He never liked that Superman refuse to take Conner as his son and he's going to make sure he knows even if he is unwanted by one of his fathers, he will always be wanted and loved unconditionally here.

Conner looked into Bruce's eyes and saw no lies in them, only warmth and love. He doesn't know what came over him, no one has ever looked at him like that before... He is hugging Bruce as gently as possible so he doesn't crush him and still hold him close. "Thank you..." He whispered softly as he squeeze his eyes tight.

Bruce is surprised by the hug but it didn't stop him from wrapping his arms around Conner and hugging him close. "You deserve it and so much more." He smiled softly as he gently stroke Conner's hair, he will not pull away until he does.

Conner probably won't have pulled away any time soon if not for the loud sound of someone screaming that they are late and falling down the stairs. He let go of Bruce and ran with Kid Flash to help catch whoever has fallen only to see them correcting themselves middle fall and landing gracefully on his feet.

Roy snort as he cross his arms. "Show off."

"Dick? What are you still doing here? Don't you have a meeting with Cobblepot?" Bruce asked as he walk over to straight his son's clothes that had messed up from the fall.

"Someone turned off my alarm." Dick growled as he glare at Roy and Jason who is high fiving each other.

"Well you better get going. Oh, seeing as you are going into the city can you bring Kid Flash and Conner with you? They'll need clothes for when they are here for a visit." Bruce said as he wave over to the two heroes.

Dick looked over to see Kid Flash wearing one of Roy's hoodie with the hood up and sunglasses while Conner is wearing one of Bruce's dark blue T-shirt. "Let me guess, you adopted Conner and that's how you know his name?" He turn to his father with his eyebrow raised before grinning. "Great! The more the merrier! But I won't be able to show them around and I don't feel good dumping them in the city."

"I'll go with them." Jason volunteered. "I can get some new clothes for myself."

Roy let out a groan. "I'll love to go but I have a project that needs to be done soon so I'll have to pass."

"Wha- you don't have to buy us anything!" Kid Flash said once he came out of his shock.

Dick chuckle softly. "Don't worry about the money, Kiddo. Dad here can afford it." He said as he wrap an arm around Kid Flash before dragging him out with Jason following behind.

Conner watch them go before turning to Bruce and rubbing the back of his neck. "Thank you....for everything." He said softly.

Bruce smiled softly as he pull Conner into a hug before kissing his forehead. "You can thank me by growing up into a happy and well adjusted adult." He said as he let Conner go. "And I don't want you to feel pressured to call me dad like the other kids. Bruce is just fine. Now off you go before they leave without you."

Conner gives Bruce a genuine smile as he waves. "See you later, Bruce." He said before leaving.

Bruce watch Conner leave before turning to Roy. "Are you sure you want to do this?" He asked softly.

Roy look up at Bruce with determination in his eyes as he nods. "Yes. This needs to be done."

Bruce gently place a hand on Roy's shoulder. "Then let's get ready."

~The Watchtower's meeting room~

"What is so important that you call for a full team meeting, Red Tornado?" Superman asked once the last of the team sat down and glance over to the young heroes Red Tornado had insisted on joining them.

Red Tornado wave the heroes over. "I think they'll be able to explain it better. The whole team left last night and return without Superboy or Kid Flash."

"Wait! So Kid is missing?" Flash slam his hands against the table as he stood up with panic in his eyes.

Aqualad shake his head. "No, he is with Arsenal. They are safe. That is not what we are here to talk about..." He look toward the girls. "I know we were not supposed to go to Gotham but we have learnt something."

Artemis silently looking away from everyone in the room so Miss Martian step for to speak. "The minds of the people... Of mind of Arsenal... It is filled with the screams of the whole city... People begging for help..."

"What do you mean?" Green Arrow asked with worry in his voice. "Are you saying that there's something controlling them?" He might not have been the best guardian to Roy but he still cares and worries about him.

"No..." Artemis whispered as she keep her eyes on her feet as she hug herself. "It isn't like that. What Miss Martian heard... What she felt..." She dig her nails into her arm, her bond might be broken but she can feel how wrong it is for her to say all this out loud, to tell outsiders about it but she pushed on. "It is something every Gothamites has, a connection, a bond to Gotham herself."

Wonder Woman frowned. "How did you come across this information?" She asked softly, she can tell how uncomfortable Artemis is.

Before Artemis can even open her mouth to say anything the screen in the meeting room light up. "Naughty naughty, revealing our secret. Than again, what can you expect from a no good filthy traitor?" Arsenal snarled, dressed in his full uniform and leaning against the chair Bruce is sitting in with a stern look on his face.

"Roy!" Green Arrow called out in shock as he stood up. "What have you done to him, Wayne?" He growled.

"You mean other than giving him the loving and supportive home he deserves?" Bruce asked as he raised an eyebrow. "I've done this as well." He pressed a button and another screen showed up, this one is of a glaring Roy but he is missing his right arm.

"What trick are you trying to play here, Wayne?" Green Arrow growled as he glare at the man. He's lucky he isn't here in person.

"Don't you turn this on him, Queen! This is your fault, your mess he is cleaning up!" The missing arm Roy snapped at Green Arrow. "We were partners! Friends! How could you not know I have been replaced?" He screamed in rage. "How could you leave me in Luthor's hands!?"

"What...?" Green Arrow's eyes widen as he lean back against his seat in shock.

"Roy..." Bruce started before being cut off by the missing arm Roy.

"Will." Will growled as he continues glaring at Green Arrow. "Roy Harper is no longer my name." He turn to look at the side of the screen wher Bruce and Arsenal are on his screen, Arsenal is uncomfortable but he didn't show it. "My clone made it his, he built a life for himself. I can't take that away from him. Not after he worked so hard to free me."

"Clone?" Superman asked, looking as alarmed as the other heroes.

"I was abducted while looking into a shell company. They cut off my arm for an endless supply of my DNA to perfect they cloning and put me on ice." Will growled as he turn back to glare at the shocked Green Arrow.

"They forced grew me in their lab." Arsenal spoke. "Programed me with all his memories and to be their sleeper agent. When I tried to kill myself and Bruce found me, he removed the control they had on me and has been looking into who was controlling me. That's how it led him to uncover the truth."

"How can he do any of that! He is just a civilian!" Green Lantern narrowed his eyes.

"A civilian with connections." A female voice said and Talia al Ghul walked into screen and stand next to Will.

"Talia al Ghul!" Superman said in shock.

"Step away from him!" Green Arrow growled.

Talia chuckled softly. "I think not. You have no say in anything that happens in Will's life. If he wishes to stay with the League then that is his choice."

"How could you do this, Wayne! How could you hand him over to the League?!" Green Arrow yelled at Bruce.

"They were the ones who negotiated his release and are the ones caring for him. If he wish to stay then as Talia had said, it is his choice." Bruce said calmly as he look at Green Arrow with cold eyes.

"How does a civilian have connections to the League?" Black Canary asked as she narrowed her eyes and clutch her fists.

Talia smirked. "Oh my beloved is my father's best student. It is a pity we couldn't convince him to stay and take over like my father had wanted."

"I travelled a lot in my youth and had taken many teachers, Ra's al Ghul being one of them. My plan was to come back and be the hero Gotham needs but there wasn't a need for that by the time I returned so I focused on helping in other ways." Bruce explained. "A pity, if I had known about the Bat sooner I won't have asked Ra's al Ghul to teach me and I won't have him keep trying to get me to take over." He grumbled.

"It is still not too late to change your mind, Beloved." Talia said with the smirk still on her face. "We can lead together."

"We are over Talia, I have a boyfriend I am happy with now and I have no interest in leading." Bruce said firmly.

"Hold on, you used to date Talia al Ghul!?" Flash asked in shock.

"Is that the only thing you got from that?" Wonder Woman glared at the sheepish Flash.

"If only our paths did not part." Talia sighed. "We could be happy together."

"I would have never agreed to join the League, much less lead it. We were never meant to be." Bruce said softly. "But I am glad we can be civil with each other. I do want to thank you for taking in Will."

"Oh it is no problem at all. He is a delight to have around. And he has shown interest in training with us once he is healed and we fitted him with an arm." Talia glance over to something off screen and nods. "We will have to go now, Will needs his rest. Goodbye, My Beloved." She blows Bruce a kiss before the screen disappeared.

"Did you call just to show how badly I've messed up?" Green Arrow asked as he clutch his fists.

Bruce shake his head. "We thought it is something you should know. And also, to inform Superman that Superboy is my son now. He can come and go as he please but none of you have any right to stop him if he wish to return home to us, his family." He hang up before the heroes can proceed what he just said.

"...What just happened?" Aquaman asked, just as shock as the others in the room.

Superman clutch his fists as he stood up and left the room without another word.

"Superman!" Wonder Woman called out as she runs after him.

"I think we all need time to process what just happened." Martian Manhunter said as he stood up. "We will regroup once we have processed everything." He lead his niece out of the room, leaving the rest of the team to talk amongst themselves. *Are you alright, M'gann?* He asked his niece using his telepahy ability.

M'gann has her head bowed as she shake her head. *No...*

*Let's talk about it in my room.* J'onn is worried for his niece, he will see for himself what she has seen that has gotten her so shaken and hopefully he can do something help ease her mind.

Chapter Text

~Gotham City~

Jason Blood had just returned home when he noticed another presence in his home. There is only one who is able to break into his home without setting off any of his spells and he isn't in the mood to entertain him but he knows the price of staying in Gotham. "Chaos, or should I be calling you Joker now?" He asked nonchalantly as he hang up his hat and coat.

The spine-chilling laugher that has stopped many in their tracks filled his home as Chaos, or as everyone knows him, The Joker, steps out of the shadow with a grin in his face. "It has been too long, Jason Blood. How have you been? Are things still good between you and Etrigan? Or is the demon still mad?" He chuckled like a mad demon is the funniest thing to him.

"What do you want, Chaos? You have your Order, you have no need to bother me." Jason said with bitterness in his voice.

"Come now, don't be like that! I came with good news~" Joker smirked before sighing dramatically. "But if you don't what to know I won't force you to listen to your oldest friend. It is not like it has something to do with you missing great great great great something grandson." He shrugs as he turn to leave. "Oh well..." He laughed as he is immensely grabbed and spin around.

"Where is he!?" Jason growled as he grab the front of Joker's suit.

Joker laughed as he push Jason off him. "So violent." He smirked as he straighten his suit. "But to answer your question, he is back home right now. He was taken by the Court of Owls and they were the ones behind his parents' murder." He said as he sat in front of the fireplace and cross his legs.

Jason clutch his fists. "They did what?" He growled. "How dare they! Do they not know their place? Why did Uriah not stop them?"

"Don't forget, Uriah's orders was to follow the Court until the new Order has taken his place. There was nothing he could do if the Court is disloyal to the mission." Joker pointed out as he watch Jason pace around. "He was trained to be a Talon, but he's back home where he is safe and around family. He....*She* would be happy everything is falling back in to place now."

Jason snort. "Even after so long you are keeping her gender a secret. Does the new Order even know the truth?"

Joker shake his head. "I've not told him the full story like I've promised... But he has the right to know."

"He has no right to know anything but the most basic of information and half truths about his predecessor." Jason turn his back to Joker to make tea.

"What if I tell you *who* the new Order is? I wonder if you'll change your mind~" Joker chuckled as he flop onto his back to stare at the ceiling.

Jason turn to glare at Joker. "What is that supposed to mean? Who is the new Order?" Of course he knows better than to believe he is a real demon or monster. Etrigan would have noticed if he was either a monster or a demon.

Joker chuckled as he shake his head. "Nuh-uh~ I kept you a secret from Brucie, letting him think that I am the only one following him around before he left and I told you about Thomas. I think it is more than fair that you give me something in return before I give you more~"

Jason clutch his fists but know he can't do anything to the Joker no matter how annoying he is. "Very well, what do you want to know?"

"I know you are in the magic side of the boy band that has been sticking their noses into Gotham's business, tell me what they know." Joker said seriously, all joke left him as he got down to business.

Jason sighed heavily, of course he'll want to know. "They have not found much. Gothamites has been tight lip and tighter on any news that could escape their city. We have been asked to look into Gotham's history to find out where her magic came from."

"And of course you have not said anything, right?" Joker is smiling widely with a threat behind his words.

"Of course not! I've made a promise to Eloise, I would not give out Gotham's secret!" Jason growled at Joker for thinking he'll break that promise.

"You've promised her that you'll take care of the family you two had made, the descendants of your son and yet one of them was in the hands of the Court of Owls for years and after that his parents were murdered by their orders." Joker pointed out.

Jason dig his nails into the palm of his hands as he looked away. "I would admit, I have not done my best to protect them but I have always done my best to look out for our family!" He turn back to glare at Joker.

Joker chuckle as he hold up his hands. "I didn't say that you didn't. You've done your best but you've really dropped the ball here." He smirked as he look up at the ceiling. "Not that you could have stopped Bruce from being picked the next Order."

Jason had turn back to pour himself a cup of tea to calm his nerves when Joker dropped the bombshell on him. He let the teapot fall from his hand as he pounce onto Joker as he is sitting up, slamming him back to the ground as he grab the front of his suit. "What did you say?" He snarled.

Joker laughed and smiled madly up at Jason. "You heard me! The new Order is Bruce Wayne!"

"You are lying! He can't be the new Order!" Jason growled as he tighten his hold on Joker.

"Oh but I am not! Why do you think I started following him with you after his parents were murdered? Because I care about yours and Eloise's descendant? That's your job. I care about my new baby brother not being killed!" Joker laughed.

"Let's see if you'll lie to a Demon! Gone, Gone the form of man! Rise the Demon Etrigan!" Jason snarled as flames surround him and his form shift into that of a demon.

Etrigan growled down at the grinning Chaos as he grab him by his neck. "I care not for Gotham, Order nor Chaos. I care about the Wayne family, we should have taken them away when we had the chance!"

Joker laughed, not at all scared of the Demon. "You know that you can't, they are the royalty of Gotham. They would still end up back here. After all, their ties to Gotham is stronger than any family." He smirked. "Their very first Gothamites is the first Order, after all."

"Order is no family business to be passed down. Had they not suffered enough? I would burn Gotham to the ground and you with it myself if it would get them away from the role." Etrigan growled as he tighten his hold around Joker's neck.

"But no one else fits the role! Don't you think Bruce is a lot like her? Kind, caring, loves children, especially their own, but loves tricking people, scaring them. He even looks so much like her! Like Anthony! He even has the same smart, red hair, green eyes, taste in partners like both mother and son had in common." Joker chuckle as he teleport out of Etrigan's hand and use magic to fix the teapot so he can make another pot of tea. "You've watched Order, Eloise, work, you've watched her son grew up, do you really think their descendent who is so much like them, do you think that Bruce would let you burn down the city he loves without throwing himself before your flames to protect it?"

Etrigan growled and snarl at Joker but he can't deny his words for he knows in his heart that he would do just that. He is too similar to the two humans who had wormed their ways into his heart. "I will rip off your face before I continue to speak to you. Gone, Gone oh Etrigan! Return once more the form of man!" He growled as flames surround him and he shift back into Jason Blood.

"You two are such drama queens." Joker giggled as he hand Jason a cup of tea.

"You speak the truth..." Jason said with dread in his voice as he accept the cup. "I don't like it."

"Never said you had to like it, just accept it and continue to make sure no one finds out anything they aren't supposed to." Joker toss a file he pulled out of his jacket to Jason. "Bruce said that the government are seriously considering what they should do with us. You should look into it. See what the heroes know about Gotham and what the government is telling them." He turns to Jason with a smirk on his face. "You have a very good reason to want Gotham safe~"

Jason takes a deep breath to calm himself. "I'll do what is needed. Now get out."

Joker laughed. "What a bad host you are." His laughter did not stop until he had disappeared right in front of Jason's eyes.

"Damnit." Jason growled as he set the cup down and turn to look at the painting of his wife and son. "Why are you Waynes so stubborn?" He asked with sadness in his voice and longing in his eyes as he takes in every detail of his wife and son, from their jet-black to their gem like blue eyes that has been passed down to their descendents, like he has not done that a millions times before, before heading to his office to read through the file Joker had given him.

//I wasn't sure how I wanted to write Jason Blood and Etrigan when this crazy idea came to me! I hope you enjoy it, tell me what you think of it! And what and/or who you would like to see next!

Here is the list I use to remember what age they are when they are became heroes and adopted:

Bruce becomes Batman at 21
12 years different, adopted less than a year of Bruce becoming Batman
Dick is adopted at 9 become Robin at 10
1 years different
Barbara join at 11, one year older than Dick
3 years different
Roy is taken in at 14 become Arsenal at 14
3 years different
Jason is adopted at 10 become Robin at 10
Same age with Cassandra being the oldest of the two
Cassandra is adopted at 10 become Batgirl at 10
1 years different
Stephen joined at 10
1 year different
Tim is adopted at 8 become Robin at 8
2 years different
Duke adopted at 9
3 years different
Damian brought home at 4
Same age
Carrie adopted at 6 become Robin at 6