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Duke did not understand what the universe had intended when it chose his future. He grew up poor in Gotham with loving parents who taught him the power of good. When his parents were taken away it taught him grief, that life was precious and fragile. His new family taught him how to use his good to protect life and prevent evil, through Signal.
When his powers emerged and he found his biological father, Gnomon, his beliefs were challenged once more. He learned control of his powers. He learned not everything is black and white, that there are other colours too. Colours where he may have a corrupt father, but that did not define him. Neither did his unique abilities when altered by Ishmael. He would fight along his family, for his family’s righteous cause.
But it was after all that, that he realised he was different from his family. As each year passed and they all grew older he did so less. By age 40 Duke barely visibly aged. He grew wiser, and learned more every day, yet he was still as physically fit as he was when he was 20.
They all noticed it, unsure if what they were witnessing was true, they were all detectives after all. Duke tried to ignore it. But as Bruce passed on to a new life, buried next to Alfred and his parents, Duke began to realise his reality. He remembered the few times he met Gnomon, who spoke of his ‘immortal blood’ that ran through him.
Years later, as each family member passed, their own children replacing and exceeding them, Duke Thomas, Signal still bound to Gotham, stood alone on the Wayne enterprise building at night. He surveyed the land in front of him. Despite the many years, he could still recount all the buildings he could see from when he was first shown the view, standing beside Bruce Wayne. By now most of the buildings had been replaced, the technology far surpassing what had been. He could see the newest Nightwing, fly through the buildings next. Duke could still picture the original Dick Grayson doing the same.
Despite the time progressed, Duke still felt a pang of sadness and guilt, leaving them behind. He missed his sister Cass’ quiet company, and Damian’s snarky remarks. His and Jason’s love for literature, and Dick’s never ending support. With Bruce’s guidance and help he was able to continue his cause, guiding each new generation of vigilante’s to protect Gotham, working with the Justice League to protect the world.
Duke, Diana Prince, Clark Kent and the other immortal members still reminisce of the ‘old glory days’ and the people that saved the world numerous times, even if the public had forgotten them. It was them that made it easier for Duke to continue living in the world, and avoid being driven by the madness of it. Duke has learned a lot, and he is still learning. Learning how to be better, stay focused on his purpose, and not let those lives who mattered die in vain.
Though his family had passed away long ago, he still waits for the sign that has lived up to their expectations, that he can finally rest along with them. But until that moment, he still exists, and Duke will continue to fight in the name of their legacy.