Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

“Come on Danny, we're going to be late.” Jazz called while she finished making their lunches for the day. It wasn't anything fancy. A tuna-fish salad sandwich for her and two ham sandwiches for Danny. She rolled a half-a-bag of popcorn into the lunchbox. Since they will be together all day, it would be enough for them to share.

“Danny?” Jazz called again as she turned to put the items back into the fridge. Grabbing a knife on instinct before opening the fridge door. It's been four years since they left their parents' house. She would have thought by now that she would be accustomed to the food in the fridge NOT attacking her. But considering the rough state of the appliance, it's... better to be safe than sorry.

“I'm coming I'm coming... hold on,” Danny grumbled from the back rooms of the apartment. It was a small apartment, but it did have two bedrooms. Jazz made sure it did, but at the cost of the apartment not in as safe of a location as she would have liked.

But that is what happens when you choose to live in Gotham. She could have gone anywhere for college, anywhere at all. Instead, she picked Gotham because she believed it was the safest place for them, as ironic as it may be.

Besides, Gotham wasn't too unusual from Amity Park, however it did take some time to adjust. Jazz's knowledge in self-defense helped prevent most encounters, though most of the time she'd rather let them rob her and run away. Or if Danny was near, they would disappear without a trace. It was a miracle they had only run into the vigilantes in the city a few times. She didn't want them to find out about Danny.

Jazz plucked some water bottles from the fridge. She had filled one with electrolyte water and the other with a knock-off brand of Kool-Aid mixed in with some electrolytes for Danny. The kitchen in the apartment was very small with barely any cabinet or counter space and very little floor space that only one person could fit in at a time. She hated the enclosed space and would have preferred an open concept into the living room, but beggars can't be choosers.

It was rough when they first moved out on their own. She had to delay her dream of college so they could afford a place to live. Danny felt so guilty. Thankfully, she had a lot of money saved and Danny's friends helped where they could.

Vlad found them a year later.

It was tricky, but she did pull some strings. He wasn't as clean with his work as he liked to believe. So Vlad settled for visitation rights, much to Danny's disdain, but Jazz had calculated to weigh the scale in her favor. She always kept a thermos and Fenton Peeler on hand, just in case.

She was glad to have his help but refused to let him pay for most of their things. The last thing she needed was to be indebted to him. Yet, his help did allow them the security to live lives outside of their parents. They wouldn't be able to touch them. She didn't even go by Fenton anymore, and neither did Danny. Danny Fenton was considered legally dead, anyway.

It was best to keep it that way.

Not that their alternative names were well thought out. Jazz smiled, zipped the bag, and walked out of the kitchen. They had argued for weeks over it, Vlad demanding they go by his last name, Masters. They refused, compelling a convincing argument against it. It could have appeared too suggestive if it ever came to light.

Vlad had begrudgingly agreed.

Danny wanted their surname to be Armstrong or Apollo, anything related to space. Jazz, on the other hand, leaned towards something far more common, like Smith or Gray. Danny argued about the change being too obvious. So it took the entire month for them to pick a name, in the end they settled with a coin flip. Jazz had won and chose the dropped suffix of Fenton, Nightingale last minute. She was legally the same Jazz as she was before on paper. So regardless of what she did, her file would her previous name as Jasmine Fenton.

She could keep her grades, awards, and anything she did formerly. All her scholarships and test scores would translate to any college she applied for. They even came up with a more believable story to match the change.

Danny, on the other hand, had to have new papers drafted. Vlad's focus was better reserved for Danny's new identity, it had to be untraceable. However, she DID read over anything he did before it was finalized. She couldn't trust Vlad not to do something shady. She WAS legally Danny's mother now, so she wasn't about to let Vlad exploit a loophole.

Danny finally appeared, he dragged his backpack down the short hallway into the barely bigger living room. His black hair was still scruffy, his eyes were big and blue. He wore his current favorite shirt, red and white with a rocket on it. He was so tiny and cute.

Jazz smiled looking at her little brother, emphasis on little. “Ready to go, Danny?”

Danny shrugged, muttering, “Yeah...”

Despite physically being eight, almost nine, he kept some of his fifth-teen year-old attitude. A mishap with one of their parents' new inventions de-aged him, and unfortunately, it revealed him as a ghost. That night, Jazz had sped off in her car with a five-year old Danny strapped to the seat, stunned and confused, while their parents swore after them that a ghost had taken his place. They were, distraught in their own way.

Four long years had passed since that day, but now everything was finally looking bright. She was about to begin her fourth year at college and was recently hired at the public library as an assistant librarian. Which they were going to be late for.

She double-checked Danny's backpack, giving a soft pinch to Danny's cheek when she was done. Danny hissed in retaliation, but otherwise just shrugged his backpack on. Jazz smiled and led them out the door, checking off her mental list.

She  closed the door and locked it with her key. She gave Danny a choice to hold onto her belt loop or the lunch bag before they walked out of the small apartment building that smelled of cat pee and weed. One of the few buildings that didn't have a recent history of a drug bust or prostitution ring in the area, still Jazz was hoping one day she could upgrade again.

But that would have to wait til she became an intern at Arkham. For now, it was home. One they made. Jazz glanced down to see if Danny was still holding onto the lunch bag that was strapped across her shoulder. He was, reluctantly, as he frowned at the sidewalk.

She knew Danny hated being small. She tried to make it easy for him, but it was never easy to go from an overly stressed-out half-dead teen... to the same half-dead teen but in a five year old's-now eight- body. Jazz was surprised that Danny became a mix of his teenage self and his child self that she grew up with.

Jazz partially yearned to analyze all the differences and the effects of one's psyche being returned to a younger self... but this was Danny. Her baby brother, and now her baby. He didn't deserve to have another parent use him like a science experiment. So she kept it to herself and perhaps one or two throw-away thoughts in her diary. It was interesting, but he was worth more.

One day, he'll see it. She hoped. She faced forward through the street, keeping a watch in the corner of her eyes. This wasn't the most pleasant area to walk in, and they had a way to go. Still giving their odds, she preferred to walk, instead of investing in to a car or a bike.. or the bus or train.

They limited their escape routes and bicycles were easily stolen. Gotham stayed in a constant state of developmental hell, much like Amity Park was. The streets were rebuilding constantly, so driving a car or riding the bus would come with a high risk of being late. The subway was a no-go, besides the creeps, she hated the idea of being stuck enclosed with a lot of people with far too many eyes that could spot them before they could escape.

At least with dark alleyways, it was easy for Danny to use his abilities to make a swift get-away, or when Jazz was by herself, it was easier to fight and flee. She was even saved a few times by vigilantes that way. This option saved the most money too- as long as they were able to keep from being mugged.

Speak of the Devil. Only ten minutes into their walk, they were ambushed by thugs. Not a single person even batted an eye as they led the woman and her small “child” into an alley.

Jazz pulled Danny close to her, hands on his shoulders, both side-glancing for a way to escape. Worse comes to worse they'll give the thugs a good ghostly scare, but they hoped for an alternative.

She let the thugs search through their bags while rubbing Danny's shoulder to keep him calm. She knew the boy fuming, itching to fight them.

There were four of them, each equipped with a knife, unknown if any of them concealed a firearm. She wondered how skilled they were with those knives. With how they held them, she could easily kick one of the knives out of their hands and use it.

But Danny... She needed to give him an access point to hide, not that he would. It was best to wait for an opening.

“Not even a cent? Now that can't be right. I bet girly here hides it in her bra.”

Jazz took a step back into the wall, she didn't hide anything in her bra, but she did sew a few secret pockets in her pants to hide her cards and cash. Jasmine cursed internally. She normally would have planted fake money in her lunch bag, but had forgotten after the last mugging.

“I-i don't carry anything in my bra. I was j-just in a rush and didn't think I needed any cash today," She stuttered, pulling Danny closer to her. She had to think.

“I don't believe it until I see it.” One of the men stepped forward. “Out of the way brat, adults need to chat.”

Stall. Danny was tensing up protectively in front of her. Think Jazz, if Danny could be patient a moment longer, then she could grab the offending man by the arm and-

Jazz let out a sigh of relief, one of the few times she was happy to be near the vigilantes. A man in a red helmet dropped down on the thug that was inching towards them. He took a tire iron and smacked one on the right in the head, sending the man to the floor.

The thug on the left lunged to stab Red Hood, who dodged the knife letting it slip past his side, before wrapping an arm around the mugger's, locking it in place. Red Hood grabbed the wrist with his other hand and jerked his arm fast with a bone-cracking snap.

Jazz instinctively covered Danny's eyes, while she watched Red Hood take the crying man and fling him by his broken arm at the last of the thugs who were attempting to run away, knocking them to the ground.

She felt Danny pull her hand off his face. His eyes stared intensely at their hero with his shoulders staying stiff. Red Hood waited for either of the thugs to get up, before grabbing the lunch bag and backpack that dropped on the ground. Jazz stepped over the thug on the ground in front of them, pulling Danny along with her. She knelt to gather their stuff that had fallen out of the bags.

“Thank you.” She gratefully thanked him. She knew the muggers wouldn't have had a chance either way, but it was nice to have the situation handled by someone else.

“You shouldn't be walking alone.”

“Thanks for the advice, but this isn't my first rodeo. I do appreciate the help. It's always scarier when they do this when I'm with Danny.”

“I could have taken them,” Danny muttered, standing behind Jazz's crouching form.

Jazz smiled, knowing Danny could, but should he, was a different story.

Red Hood snorted, “Sure you could kid, but it's better just to run. I'm sure your....”

“Mother,” Jazz answered for him, noticing the vigilante was uncertain of their status. She still was quite young and could easily be mistaken for a teenager.

“Mother wouldn't want you to get hurt.”

Danny glared crossing his arms with a huff. Jasmine reached to ruffle Danny's hair who pulled away with his cheeks still puffed out much like a chipmunk. Jazz stood up taking the bags from Red Hood's hands, handing the backpack to Danny.

“Thank you again, we better get going and uh... let you... do what you need to. Come on, Danny.” Jazz quickly glanced at the thugs on the ground then back at Red Hood with a bright smile, then she turned, gently pushing Danny out of the alleyway.

Danny was reluctant for a moment, eyeing the vigilante up and down, before giving in to his sister's insistence.

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Chapter Text

Danny angrily colored a page that Jazz had set in front of him as he watched a video from his phone. Stupid page. It wasn't the page's fault, but Danny had to blame something. He still felt frustrated from the mugging.

He was tired of hiding, and tired of playing defenseless kid. He wanted to scare the pants off them disgusting jerks. Well, he could always haunt them later.

But Jazz could tell when he didn't get enough sleep. Call him cranky. He has a right to be!

Danny stared down and sighed, the page just had ugly streaks of red in it. Looked like it was colored by a smaller child than he already was. He grabbed the paged and crumpled it up into a ball, getting what last bit of frustration he could out on the paper before tossing it in the trash.

Even making it in the bin first try didn't help much.

“Feel any better?” Jazz asked as she sorted the returned books so they were easier to put back on the shelves.

“No.” Danny grumbled, sinking in his seat. Danny glanced around and then spoke in a whisper. “Should have let me at them.”

“You know why that was a bad idea, Danny. Besides, if I did, Red Hood would have seen you.” Jazz whispered back, never stopping what she was doing.

Danny just huffed more as he sunk deeper in the chair. He hated being little. He should be in college, with his friends! …As if he even would have been able to. Danny glanced down, watching his fingers as he rolled the red crayon.

He was barely passing any of his classes before being aged down. He was constantly asleep in class and most of the time he was absent chasing ghosts. And then, topic of major. He had no idea what he wanted to do with his life anymore.

He never thought about it much after the accident. The one that turned him into a ghost. Half-ghost. He was still alive.

“Jazz? Can I have another page?”

“Sure thing, Danny.” Jazz handed him another page from the stack on the check out counter.

The color page was just a dinosaur with a book, nothing interesting, but Jazz had said coloring is a relaxing activity. Which he was hoping was true. Mostly, Danny just needed to do something with his hands before he started accidentally using his powers... or go to the bathroom to fly out to mess with those muggers. That was very tempting option. He wonder how long it would take him before Jazz finds out.

The door to the library chimed open.

“Hey Babs, sorry I was running late. Jaybird needed my help. So how things with the new girl going-?” A man walked in with a t-shirt and sweats, leaning over the counter looking at Jazz's back. His hair loose, but brushed out of his face, eyes blue and hair black.

“Well, considering you already mistaken me for a season veteran in the library, I would say good.” Jazz turned around to smile at the man, taking off her reading glasses.

The man did a double take, eyes widening, before running his hand through his hair embarrassed. “Man, and I get onto Timmy for not sleeping enough. Please don't tell Babs.”

“No need, I saw the whole thing.” Barbara smiled, as she rolled her wheel chair next to the rolling chair Jazz was in. They look very similar, one might think Jazz was her younger sister. Didn't help they dressed about the same too. Jazz's face just was more round and her body was skinnier framed.

“Ah... No hope this isn't going on family chat.. huh?” the man jolted and then lowered his shoulders as if the answer was already given to him.

“Are you guys related?” Jazz asked tilting her head, glancing between them.

“Oh no, we've known each other since we were young.” Barbara clarified.

“Making it sound like we're old.” The man grinned. “I'm Dick Grayson, Babs didn't tell me she hired her doppelganger. “

Dick held out his hand to shake Jazz's, giving a playful wink. Jazz reached out and shook it.

“Maybe that's because she's off limits.” Babs smiled, as she leaned forward on the desk that sat behind the counter.

“Is this because she has red-hair?” Dick taking back his hand, frowning at Babs.

Babs leaned into Jazz with a nudge and a wink, “Don't fall for his charm. He doesn't know he's doing it.”

Dick sighed, as he leaned on the counter, propping his head up with his hand. Jazz chuckled.

“I'm not the one that needs to be charmed, if anyone has a chance with me.” Jazz smiled then looked back at Danny, who had been watching them this whole time from the little area he sat at.

“This is my son, Danny.” Danny glared at Dick, bringing the point in.

“And I'm Jasmine Nightingale, please call me Jazz.” Jazz smiled back at Dick.

Dick blinked for a moment, looking between Jazz and Danny. They knew it was jarring with how young Jazz looked, but it was plausible. Dick then smiled at them, whatever thought he had, he kept it to himself.

“Its nice to meet you, Jazz. Really, I am sorry for the mistake, but you two could pass off as sisters.” Dick then glanced back at Danny, giving him a brighter grin. “Its nice to meet you too Danny.”

Danny glanced at Jazz, who was looking at Danny expectantly. Danny frowned, then idea popped as he grinned, “MOM says I'm not allowed to say curse words. Mr. Bleep.”

Dick put a hand over his mouth as a snort come out. Babs turned her head.

“Danny.” Jazz whispered harshly.

Danny put on his best innocent face, which looked heavily mischievous instead. “Oh, so I can say it?”

Jazz narrowed her eyes at him, trying to calculate how she should phrase it. “Only when you're referring to Mr. Grayson, or calling him.”

Danny raised a brow, staring at his “mom” for a good long moment, then grinned cheekily. “Hey dick!”

The tone was obvious. He wasn't using the name version of it.

“Hey Danny!” Unfortunately it didn't have the effect he wanted as Dick was grinning ear to ear. Barbara shoulders were shaking a bit.

Jazz turned back to Dick with a sigh. “Sorry. Danny doesn't really like to meet people.”

“No need. I thought it was funny. The kids in my gymnastics class always get a kick out of my name.” Dick smiled.

“Parents keep trying to force them to call him, Mr. Grayson. It doesn't work out too well.” Babs smiled.

Danny stuck his tongue out. Of course someone who actively goes by Dick would be unbothered. He turned back to coloring, though pressing the crayon on the paper a bit too hard.

“Oh, you teach gymnastics?!” Jazz asked curiously.

“On the side. In Summer, I do it more. Especially with kids.” Dick explained.

“I'll have to remember that for next year.” Jazz hummed with the thought.

“I'm not going to dumb gymnastics class.”

“It might help perfect your landing.” Jazz smiled with a wink.

Danny narrowed his eyes at Jazz and huffed with a grumble back to his coloring pages. Groaning when he ripped the page with the crayon, before face planting into the table.

“Landing?” Dick asked, giving a sympathetic smile Danny's way.

“Oh, yeah. He likes to jump off of walls and tables and counters.” Jazz not looking at Dick as she said this, but up at the sky. Then she met him with eye contact again. “He scares me half to death.”

A snort was heard from where Danny laid face down into the table.

“He thinks its funny.” Jazz smiled.

Dick raised a brow and then glanced at Babs. Barbara was gathering papers and stacking them, but gave a smile and shift of the brow in response.

Danny stared at them, peaking above his arms where they laid. Danny liked Barbara okay. She did remind her of his sister, but more laid back. Jazz didn't know the meaning of chill. This Dick.

Danny snorted to himself.

He wasn't sure of. He didn't seem interested in his sister, but you never know. All he knew, that his head hurts now. He folded down his phone, that had stopped playing minutes ago. He flipped over the torn color page, lazily. Laying his head back down and started doodling on the back with a crayon.

Snap.

He hated crayons.

--

“So she was the one Jay saved.” Dick and Babs had separated themselves from Jazz and Danny to talk. Needing the privacy.

“Yeah. She told me after she came in a few minutes late. She looked like she ran the rest of the way. Danny flopped face first into the floor.” Babs smiled.

“Jaybird did say the kid reminded him of Damian. I think I see it, besides flopping onto the floor.” Dick chuckled. “I wonder if him and Damian would get along.”

“If Damian doesn't try to kill him first.” Barbara chuckled.

Dick sighed with a nod, then raised his head to look out the window of the back break room. “She so young though. She doesn't seem like the type to have one... that early.”

“I was surprised to, but that's the joy of people right?”

“If only it was always joy.” Dick shook his head, hating to know what happen to Jazz that left her that young with a kid. “And she goes to college?”

“Yep. All on her own. She does have an uncle that she rely on from time to time, but prefers to make it on her own. All her paperwork checks out. Even had a name change. It seems she disowned her parents.”

“That doesn't bode well.” Dick crossed his arms as he leaned against the wall.

“There isn't any police reports, so I say it was a falling out. Or at least I hope. But she's a nice girl and she handles her son surprisingly well.”

“Can't help, but do a thorough background check, can we?”

“I blame Bruce.” Babs and Dick chuckled.

Barbara cleared her throat and continued, “I didn't dig too far. She's a psychology major and has been in the city for a few years now. Had jobs here and there. Lives near the narrows. Not pleasant area, but better than other places she's lived.”

“Huh, I'll text Jay to let him know later. Kind of crazy she chose to move here though, has she lived here before?” Dick asked curiously.

Barbara shook her head as she pointed for a bag of chips closer to where Dick stood. Dick took a moment then grabbed it, tossing the small bag to her. She caught it, and opened it.

“No. They lived in a place called Amity Park all their life. I asked her the first day she was here, she said its not that different. Amity just smaller. So take that as you will, I couldn't find much about Amity Park, but the government has a place there. So if I had to place a bet, is that they're the reason its strange.” Babs took a chip and popped it into her mouth.

“I thought you said you didn't dig too far?” Dick smiled.

Babs just shrugged. “Didn't. That was all easy access.”

“Huh. So she just trying to get away from it then.”

“My guess, and the reason I stopped. Some people deserve to live free of their past.” Barbara took her turn to glance out the window.

“Yeah.” Dick looking up at the ceiling. He couldn't help, but think of his brother. Of mistakes made in the past. Mistakes Dick has done. Bruce has done. “Well, I just dropped by to give you the files B wanted you to check out. I'll let you go back to work. Can't leave the new girl hanging.”

“She's doing fine. Honestly glad to have her here.” Barbara sounded like she wasn't in a hurry but she stuffed her face with a few more chips, before folding the bag and placing it on the table. She dusted herself off ready to go back into the fold.

“I'll send you more things Danny does too. He does keep things entertaining. Yesterday after he came in from school, he just took a dictionary and spent the whole day finding out different ways to call his teacher out while answering his homework correctly.” Barbara chuckled.

Dick whistled, “Jazz get upset?”

“No, she helped him come up with the idea.”

Dick got a laugh out of that. People really were surprising.

Here's my favorite still of animation I did.






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Chapter Text

Jason's phone had been blowing up since this afternoon. Apparently the Mother and son he rescued, were a hot topic. Though he did get a kick out of Dick mistaking Jasmine for Babs. They already shared the news with the other members of the family, minus Bruce.

They all agreed, Danny looked too much like the rest of them, and Barbara mentioned its best to leave their past alone. Though it didn't take a detective to realize that one out. A young woman and her child walking in high crime rate areas, spoke heavily that their situation isn't the best.

Normally, he would have shut his phone off by now, but he did want to keep tabs on the duo. At least make sure they made it home safe. He didn't want to mention it in the chat but Danny felt familiar.

Perhaps its his imagination, after all, he's not the only one that got reminded of Damian. Kid already got props in his book trying to mess with Dickie too. Babs also showed the chat what Danny drew a couple hours later, saying it was Dick. Jazz was pictured a minute later giving Danny a lecture, while Babs said in chat she's keeping the picture.

So yeah, the kid had the spunk and the looks. Perhaps Jason just wanted to make sure the kid didn't end up like them. He had a mom and a good one, it looked like. And not that the kid reminded him of..

“I had a feeling you be here.”

“How the fuck you guess? Its not like you didn't send a text asking me to keep an extra eye out for them. Besides the kid hates you.” Jason didn't need to look to know that Dick had landed onto the roof. They were both in costume.

“I think its because Babs got it into his head that I'll date his mom.” Dick smiled as he leaned on Jason, resting his arm on Jason's shoulder. “They should have left by now.”

“I know that.”

“No I mean, Babs told me they left.” Dick showed the message on his phone, they left ten minutes ago.

Jason stood up, furrowing his brows in confusion, hidden under his helmet. What? But he had been watching for the past twenty minutes. He glanced at the streets, then at Dick. Dick nodded as they both went on a search to see if they could catch up to the two.

When they didn't find them, Dick asked for Babs to send their address to them. So they could search between the library and their home. Jason checking near by cameras. There wasn't anything.

Yet, by time they made it to their apartment, the light was on, and they caught a glimpse of Jazz's red hair as she walked around the apartment on the phone. They both let out a sigh of relief, then they were confused how the two manage to make it back without them noticing. That walk should have taken them longer.

“Maybe she got a ride home?” Dick suggest with a shrug.

“How the fuck would I have missed seeing them get into a car?” Jason huffed.

“You missed them leaving, they could have gotten into one down the block?”

“Fuck off.” Jason shoved Dick as he moved to get a view a better view into the apartment to make sure he wasn't seeing things.

“They been here for four years Jay, I'm sure she just found a different way after being mugged.” Dick crouched beside him. Curious as well, but trying not to think to hard about it. Especially after the theories they been speculating about them.

Jazz was in clear view as she laid down a bowl of mac n cheese in front of someone on the coffee table, he was assuming it was Danny. They needed to get better curtains or preferably blinds. He could see right through, but they seem to be having a normal dinner. As Jazz joined Danny on the side deeper into the apartment on what he assume the couch.

“Come on, Let's get going.” Dick nudged Jason as he stood up with a stretch.

Jason snorted, staring for a moment longer. He got that weird feeling in his veins again. He was just being paranoid. Its not impossible he could have missed them, but it was damn near it.

A warning flashed, as Oracle's voice popped online. “Ice had blocked the roads and sealed in the nearby science association of medicine convention. You two are the closest to the area.”

“On it.” Dick took a glance at Jason who stood up, signaling he was coming.

Dick nodded back as he ran and flipped off the roof, grappling onto a taller building gracefully. Jason took one last look at the apartment window, before cursing about being as paranoid as Bruce. He turned to run after Dick.

---

“Everything Okay, Danny?” Jazz asked as she stirred up her bowl of mac n cheese, after setting her phone down.

Danny stared at the window, more so the wall beside the window. He didn't respond for a few minutes then gave a nod, turning back to look at Jazz. “Yeah. Its nothing.”

He didn't want to make her paranoid. It was already hard enough to convince her to let them take the shortcut back home. Which meant flying them back. He didn't need her to know someone was watching them. It was faint feeling. Just like he felt earlier when Red Hood “saved” them.

He wanted to wait it out, which meant he had to be more careful. Again. Ugh. He hated that thought. Reason he wasn't going to tell Jazz.

“You can tell me anything, you know?”

He couldn't. She would be ready to up and move in a heartbeat. Danny wanted her to actually have a life, to finish college like she always talked about, and he didn't want them to rely on Vlad anymore than they had. He still didn't trust him. He doubt he ever will. Speaking of.

“I know.. Do I really have to go to some stuffy event with Vlad?”

“He's been looking forward to it for months. It just be for a night. I'll get some of your favorite snacks and hide them in my clutch.” Jazz smiled. Vlad wanted to show them off to his colleagues as they were very much at the age where they bragged about their children. Obviously Vlad wanted to brag about his.

Danny sighed with a groan, as he leaned over, to pick up his mac n cheese. He scooted back into the couch. It was comfy and old, but Jazz had bought it used off of someone. She made sure it was clean and comfy. Even if she had to pay a little more than she thought it was worth. His feet still didn't touch the floor, when he was scooted back into the couch.

Which he didn't actually mind as he kicked his feet a bit. He was starting to really hate having his feet touch the ground, so it was nice to be able to do it without risking being caught using his powers. He stabbed the noodles and blew on it as Jazz shifted back into her seat, remote in hand.

“What do you want to watch, Danny?” Jazz asked, looking over at Danny with a smile.

“The Grinch.” Danny grinned mischievously, the joys of being young.

Jazz glared, “Its September.”

“You asked what I wanted to watch.” Danny grinned as he chomp on his noodles.

“You hate Christmas!”

“Yeah, reason why I like the Grinch. I relate to him.”

“You never finish it!”

“I finish it on my own terms! I just don't agree with the ending!”

“Ugh Danny please!” Jazz begged. “Why don't we watch Encanto or something else instead.”

“Hard pass, you ruined that movie. Crying and psychoanalyzing why its a good depiction of generational trauma.” Danny angrily chomping at his food.

“I don't-” She tried to argue as she already pulled up the app to look through movies and shows.

“You do. You ruined the Lion King too.”

Jazz bit her lip, as she didn't have a comment on that. “How about we watch this instead?”

The cursor landing on an old black and white show, called Gray Ghost. Danny raised a brow at Jazz.

“If I don't like it, we're changing it.” Perks of being the “baby.”

“Fair.” Jazz sighed, hoping this show would keep her from another watching of the Grinch. She swore he just watched it as a passive way to mess with her now. He never paid attention to it anymore. She set down the remote, and started eating her bowl of food.

He's lucky he's adorable.

Chapter Text

Danny kicked his feet as they dangled off the chair that was too tall for him, staring down to watch. He was stuck in principal's-well vice principal's office. Something he unfortunately knew well despite TRYING to be on his best behavior. Trying used loosely.

Honestly just reminds him of the one on one with his vice principal and teacher back in Amity Park. Even the man in front of him gave off similar vibes. Only difference he was into history instead of literature. Danny eyeing the replica of the titanic. Not that different.

The man of course looked different too. He had darker skin, hair shaven down and graying, wore a plain dress shirt and tie. His voice was deep as he spoke, his hands clasped together as they rested on the desk. “Danny, you're not in trouble.”

Danny raised a brow, “Considering the tone of your voice and the fact that all the other times you said that, you called Ja-my mom.”

The man sighed, reaching to fix his name plate on his desk. Not that there was anything wrong with it, but probably was something to fuss with while thinking about what to say. The name plate read Mr. Harpoon. “Danny, are you bored in class?”

Danny narrowed his eyes, trying to see what the man was getting at. “What kid isn't?”

“I think if you asked, you would find several students that enjoy learning, and get excitement from school.”

“Think I'll pass. I hang out with my mom enough, thank you. I don't need someone else around excited by school.” Danny staring back at his feet.

He heard Mr. Harpoon sigh again. “I mean, do you ever feel like you already know what the teacher is teaching?”

Danny glanced up at the man, eyeing him. He didn't respond, but in his head he was thinking Duh. Mr. Harpoon didn't know that though.

Mr. Harpoon nodded, trying to think of his words carefully before speaking again. “Danny. Children are much like plants. They need the right conditions and care to grow.”

He paused looking at Danny to see if he was listening. Danny was pretending that he wasn't as he played with the cuff of his jacket.

“Some plants grow slower than others, so they need more patience and care. Taking a while to outgrow their pot, while others. They outgrow it faster than expected.” Mr. Harpoon kept taking pauses to make sure Danny could seep in what he was hinting at. Danny just wanted this to be over. He hated one on one talks.

“Danny. Do you know what you need to do when a plant outgrow its pot?”

Danny lazily looked at Mr. Harpoon with disinterest. He gave no reply, but apparently lifting his eyes was enough for the man.

“They need to be replanted into a space where they have more room to grow. Danny, I think our classroom is too small for your roots.”

“A. I don't have roots. B. I'm like four feet.” Danny had to pull out his sass.

“Of course.” Mr. Harpoon smirked amused, “But that was figuratively. Danny. I do not believe our Third grade curriculum is right for you. In fact, nor do I think our fourth grade or even fifth grade is. Your a smart kid, and deserve to be place in a grade that challenges you. To seek your full potential.”

“Soooo, why are you telling me this and not.. my mom?” Danny had to pause to catch himself from accidentally trying to say Jazz again.

“Because I want it to be your choice Danny. And I've talked enough times with Ms. Nightingale that I do believe she want to see what you've decided to do. So this will be your decision.” Mr. Harpoon giving Danny a pack of papers. Forms. “This is for your mother.”

“I thought you just said its my decision.”

“It is. It is your decision to give her the papers or not.” Mr. Harpoon smiled.

Danny furrowed his brows and then glanced at the paper. He suggested Danny switch to fifth grade in the letter that came with the form. Though it also suggest Danny could do better in higher grades, but address concerns that he would develop a lack of social skills. Thus willing to work with school board, whatever they decide. Danny raised a brow back at Mr. Harpoon.

Danny silently thought on it. It would be nice to skip a few grades. Jazz had offered to home school him, but he didn't want to add to her stress, so he took public school. As much as he hated it. It did give him an idea of how he was “suppose” to act, not that he ever acted his age. Either age. It was so confusing sometimes.

“You don't have to decide today, though I would prefer an answer before November rolls in. I'll remind you along the way. I think it would help to make school a better experience for you.”

Danny doubted that. He stared at Mr. Harpoon then glanced at the papers before stuffing them into his backpack. Ignoring the smile he saw pull on Mr. Harpoon's face out the corner of his eye.

“So, Can I go back to class?” Danny asked, not that he cared to.

“Of course-oh! But come back and see me during recess. I think Mrs. Staff didn't appreciate your last homework assignment.” Mr. Harpoon pulling out the offending worksheet.

Danny groaned, “I knew it. I WAS in trouble. I didn't do anything wrong! I answered everything correctly!”

“No, but she felt that your work was.. rude and thus would like you to redo it.”

Danny frowned, “Why do I have to redo something that's correct?”

“If you can argue why this wasn't a passive attempt to be rude to your teacher at recess, then I'll see what I can do.” Mr. Harpoon smiled, handing the paper over to Danny so he may think it over.

Danny glared, snatching the homework Jazz helped him find ways to call his teacher out with. Challenge accepted. He shoved the worksheet into his backpack too, then hopped out of the chair to return to Mrs. Staff infection's classroom.

--

Jason wasn't being paranoid. He wasn't stalking either. He just wanted to check out a book. Definitely wasn't there to scout out the Mother and son in person. However, he couldn't say the same for the others.

“Copyright, what you doing here?” Jason walked up to Tim, both of them standing outside the library steps in their civilian wear.

“Same thing as you, looks like.” Tim was in a blue jacket with a box of donuts in hand.

“Timmy's checking out a book? Remember just because your rich doesn't mean you should coffee stain their books.”

Tim rolled his eyes. “That wasn't even my fault.”

“It was your coffee.”

“Alfred knocked it over!” (the cat)

“Still?! Who the Hell falls asleep drinking coffee?!”

“I hadn't taken a sip yet, obviously!” Tim huffed.

“You should have just went to bed.” Jason glancing at the box of donuts, thinking about stealing one. “What's that for?”

“Conversation starter. What were you planning?” Tim held up the box and checked it over before glancing back at Jason.

“I wasn't planning anything.” Jason moved to walk up the stairs. Tim frowned, as he followed him up the stairs.

Jazz was stacking sheets of paper for this months events as well as advertise near by family friendly events, when the door chimed. She glanced up at the two men walking in. “Hello-oh sorry sir, no food in the library.”

Jason just snickered as Tim jolted. Tim put the box on the counter, “These were for you and Babs.”

“Oh! Thank you. Does that mean you two are Dick's brothers?” Jazz had a rough understanding. Dick did talk about his siblings and Barbara mentioned them too.

“Nope.” Jason turned and walked on into the row of bookshelves, hands into his pockets.

Tim shook his head at Jason, then looked back at Jazz with an awkward smile. “That's Jason. He's not much about family. We're working on it. I'm Tim Drake.”

“Its a pleasure to meet you, I'm Jasmine Nightingale. Please call me Jazz.” Jazz smiled. Tim reminded her of Danny, older Danny. Though he had more muscle mass, Danny never put on any despite being able to lift a bus. Something about ghosts negating gravity and not needing muscle. Even now Danny could easily lift the couch one handed. Made vacuuming easier.

“So were you just trying to sweeten me up or did you need Barbara?” Jazz winked playfully, joking.

Jason's snort was heard from the bookshelves as Tim flustered about. “No. I wasn't trying-”

“I was teasing you.” Jazz smiled. “You remind me a lot of my s-brother. He use to try and bribe me with sweets.”

If Danny had a way to buy it, he still probably would. She saw him looking a cookbook specifically on desserts the other day.

“oh. You have a brother?”

“Had.” Jazz stressed a smile. Even though she's happy how things turned out, it still was a sad thought. Danny lost his life, twice, in a weird sense. He had lost his normal life at fourteen and his teenage one at fifteen almost sixteen. Third times a charm as they say.

“He would butter me up with sweets as an awkward conversation starter. The ol' I messed up and don't want a lecture so please just listen.” She chuckled, hoping she didn't make Tim feel too awkward.

Tim did not expect that information first thing. That just threw wood on the fire of theories the family chat minus Bruce were coming up with. “Oh. I'm.. sorry?”

“No no. I'm sorry for bringing it up, I didn't mean to make you feel awkward.” Jazz scratched at her head out of embarrassment. Trying to shift it.

“No Its fine. Uh- sooo you lived here long?” Tim tried to shift the subject. He already knew, but it was a good way to shift the tone.

“Four years. I'm guessing I don't have an accent yet.”

“No you don't. Also a lot cheerier than anyone we see who live in Gotham besides like Dick.”

“A smile a day helps keep positive outlook on life. I haven't taught Danny that, yet.” Jazz chuckled as she set aside the papers she was working on.

“Your...” Tim feigning that he didn't know who she was talking about.

“Son.” Jazz smiled.

“Ah. Babs said you two make library interesting.”

“Runs in the family I suppose. I've never known a boring day in my life.” Jazz chuckled.

“Choosing Gotham didn't help.” Tim pointed out, mind swirling what Jazz meant. Did she mean her parents? Or just her and Danny? Or her dead brother he just found out about. Suppose it made sense if it was the later. He had to of died of something.

“Nope, but at least everyone experience some excitement here. Its easier to relate.” Jazz stood up with a stretch.

“Yeah, You can find at least one person that's been held hostage or got delayed by some rogue's antics.” Tim sending a slight glare at Jason's way for the held hostage thing. Jason was just ignoring him, pretending he was looking at a book.

Jazz took the box of donuts, eyes following Tim's for a moment. “Exactly. Its nothing news worthy. Where I was from, it was hard not to end up on the weather forecast.”

“Weather forecast?”

“Yeah, our weatherman was often the in field newscaster.”

“That small of a town?”

“No, I think it was their way to cheap out of hiring more people.” Jazz shifted the box, “I'll take these into the break room. Barbara is back there, if you want to come back.”

“No, I was just dropping it off, tell her I said hi. Nice meeting you.” Tim shoving his hands into his jacket. Babs didn't know he was coming, so he did not want to be here when she found out.

“Okie dokie. Bye Tim.” Jazz turned to leave with the donuts.

Tim turned, giving a short wave, to make it look like he was leaving. Instead, he stopped and glanced back to see if Jason was still in view. He wasn't. Tim shook his head and left. So theory of their parents being some kind of villains was still on the table, or strange scientist. Maybe her brother was some kind of dare devil. A town polluted by governmental experiments? Babs had banned anyone looking it up without a good reason. So, weirdly, it had become a game of who can figure out their past without breaking the ban.

- owo -

Danny hated Mrs. Staff. He strongly declared as he hopped off the school bus as it dropped him off in front of the library. He shuffled his backpack on his shoulders and stomped up the stairs. He DID manage to argue why he didn't have to redo the homework, but he still had to complete worksheets meant for home during recess over the next few days because she didn't believe he was capable of writing it. As if dictionary wasn't a thing.

Its fine. He didn't need recess, but he hated being in her class any longer than necessary. At least, he wouldn't be stuck with her. That was a blessing. He would have been too tempted to scare her out of the school. The door chimed as Danny stomped his way through the door.

“Hey Danny.” Jazz greeted, gently grabbing the door then letting it fall shut after Danny. She had been watching from the windows, preparing to make sure his anger didn't accidentally break anything. She could tell by how he hopped out of the bus that he had a rough day.

“How was school?” she asked, knowing it wasn't good.

“Fine! Mrs. Staff got a pole up her-”

“Danny!”

“........She got me in trouble for the homework assignment I did before the weekend. Then after I successfully argued why I didn't have to redo it, now I have to sit in during recess to do homework. Because now she thinks YOU did it.”

“Oof.” Jazz bit her lip trying not to say what she was thinking, but she did agree with Danny. “Told you to rephrase it.”

“sh-...” Danny glanced around, Babs was watching them out the corner of her eye, as Danny made his way around the counter. Right. That was rude to say to your.. mom. Danny just tossed his backpack next to the chair that he had claimed since day one, and crossed his arms, glaring at it.

Jazz smiled sympathetically, putting her hands gently on Danny's shoulders and giving him a light peck on the head. Danny reluctantly relaxed his shoulders at the touch, sighing. It was a gesture to try to calm him, while at the same time to warn him about his temper. “Its okay, Danny. I can go talk to your principal and teacher.”

“No, its fine. I don't do anything at recess.” Danny huffed, not wanting to put more on Jazz's plate. They were already booked with Vlad's stuff, plus her regular schedule.

“Danny, you don't have to go through anything you don't want to. I can always pull you out of school too. Home school is still an option.” Jazz offered anytime Danny was having a hard time with school.

“No. I'm fine.” Danny muttered again as he flopped down into his seat. The only good thing, he doesn't have homework for the rest of the week. He crossed his arms on the table and laid his head down.

Jazz sighed, twirling her hair with her finger as she thought for a moment. She still was thinking about giving them a phone call tomorrow. She glanced at the counter where she had something wrapped up in paper towel. She walked over to grab it, then placed it in front of Danny. Ruffling his hair, she smiled.

“Well, thankfully I saved this one for you. They dropped some off earlier.”

Danny raised his head slightly, glancing at the paper towel that held something that smelled sweet. He sat up to unravel it, raising a brow. “...........Did Dick bring these?-”

“Nope. One of his brothers, Timmy, did this time. He's in a healthy relationship with someone else if you were worried about your Mom.” Babs winked.

Danny blinked, glancing back at Jazz who nodded. He glanced back down at the donut and took a giant bite out of it. He hummed at the sweetness. “Thank you.”

“You'll have to thank Tim when you meet him.” Jazz smiled as she brushed her fingers through Danny's hair again.

“It'll only be a matter of time before they all be dropping in.” Barbara chuckled.

Danny just hummed a response as he ate. He was slowly cooling off, as he focused on the sugary treat. It definitely helped. He still was mad, and even wanted to cry. Curse tiny body, he so frustrated. It wasn't anything to cry over. Jazz would just take him out, but he wanted to stick with it. Give her some time to herself.. and some to him-self.. even if its in a building with a bunch of actual kids and annoying adults... wait, was he an actual kid? He wasn't an adult when he got turned back.

Ugh, his head was starting to hurt again. He took another big bite of the donut, sniffling a bit as he sat up. He refused to look at the two women, knowing they were sympathizing with him. He could hear Babs whisper to Jazz, as if he couldn't hear them. Jazz knew though. Or at least he thinks so. Sometimes he thinks she forgets.

He wish he could.

Danny furrowed his brows, as he glanced down at his chest. Speaking of, he wasn't just cooling off. His insides felt freezing, almost like heart burn but cold. Danny's eyes widened as he glanced around, the draw of his blood giving him a direction to look. It wasn't cold enough where his breath would show, but he felt the icy pull regardless. It was the same feeling Red Hood gave off.

Danny stared at the balcony of the library, somewhere up there. He glanced back down at his donut, before wrapping it up back into the paper towel. He sucked the glaze off his fingers and lips, pushing himself out of the chair.

“Where you going Danny?”

Jazz noticing something was up. Danny stared at her and Babs for a moment then pointed towards the bathroom.

“Bathroom.” then left before Jazz could suspect anymore. She probably did, by the narrowing of her eyes. He could also hear them speak as he disappeared among the bookshelves.

“That seemed a little odd.” Babs stated with a chuckle.

“As long as he doesn't leave the building, its fine. I hope.” Jazz stated more so as a warning for Danny.

He was done with Mrs. hitting stick. If he wanted to terrorize her, he rather do it at school. No, he wanted to follow the source of the unusual chilling sensation. He rubbed his hands on his pants as they still felt a little sticky, as he moved towards the stairs. He glanced to make sure he wasn't in view before climbing them up.

Silently, he sneaked around the corners of the shelves. He passed a couple making out at the top, and faked gagged at them, then continued on, keeping close to the shelves not wanting to be seen. He could have went invisible, but if this is who he thought it was. Then it would just reveal more about Danny then it would of the man.

Jason was leaning against a table, hidden in the upper part of the library. He got himself lost in a novel. His white streaks of hair curling in front of his face a bit as he read the book in hand. It wasn't until the strange pulsing in his veins, that he was pulled out of the book. It was moving towards a direction. It felt much like a heart beat, but the pulse was traveling to a certain direction then repeating the path.

Jason glanced up, ready to fight an run if necessary. He eyed the area to see if anything was amiss- when he spotted a pair of icy blue eyes that almost looked like they glowed in the shade of the bookshelves. It was from a small, probably child form as they quickly ducked back behind the bookshelf.

He stood there for a moment watching the spot. He could still feel their presence. Or he assumed. Either way something was telling him they were still there. Jason glanced around his surroundings, then pretended to go back to reading, but kept a visual out of the corner of his eye.

They peered around again, those cold blue eyes. They were watching. Jason kept pretending, he didn't notice them, even turning pages of the book. He memorized which page he was on, not that it mattered. He probably check out the book and re-read it from the beginning.

The eyes stayed on him, but from what he could tell, they weren't malicious. Just eerie, and felt familiar. Danny? He could make out the hair and small form. His mother seemed normal, why did her child feel eerie. She did mention strange things happen to them. He wasn't sure he wanted to know what, now.

“You know, staring is rude kid.” Jason making his glance towards Danny more visible.

Danny flinched behind the bookcase for a moment, then peaked out again. He seemed like he was debating on what to say. Jason got a clearer view of him, and immediately felt dumb for feeling so on edge by the tiny child.

Supposedly he was eight, almost nine. He was tiny, especially by hiding behind the bookcase. Jason had to keep from snorting as he remembered the kid stating that he could have taken out those muggers on his own.

“Want to know what I'm reading?” Jason offered an invitation for the small boy to come over.

Danny frowned, “ I can see the title from here.”

“Percy Jackson doesn't really give out much information about the story though, does it?”

Danny glanced at the book then at Jason. He glanced towards the banister, that peers over the library. He glanced back at Jason, before walking up slowly. “You're not a creep are you?”

“Your the one stalking me. If anyone's creepy, its you kid.”

Danny snorted, “Fair.”

Jason pulled out the seat next to him, turning it around so Danny could hop on the table next to him. Jason flicked it back to the beginning, as Danny climbed up and sat on the table edge. Jason knelt down a little and started talking about what he was reading, even began reading some of it softly to Danny when it seemed like his interest was peaked.

–

Jazz glanced at the clock. It had been an hour since Danny “went to the bathroom.” And she was NOT freaking out. Ok, maybe she was a little bit as she bounced her legged nervously. Honestly, she was surprised she was able to keep from freaking out sooner, but she wanted to give Danny his space. She hopped up from her spot, taking some books to put back on the shelf telling Babs, she's going to check on Danny.

Babs nodded as she help checked out some books for teenagers.

Jazz swiftly turned and made a bee line straight for the bathrooms to check to see if Danny was there. The door to the men's was locked so she knocked. Only to here a young man's voice, hollering occupied.

“Sorry.” Jazz turned and quickly walked through the aisles of books, peering through each one for a sign of Danny.

“I swear if you're invisible you're in so much trouble little man.” She muttered under her breath as she turned to climb up the stairs.

She vocally gagged as she noticed the teenagers that were making out and getting very handsy. Girl's shirt was over her bra. She cleared her throat, glaring at them. “This is a public library. Not a secret make out place. What you do without your parents notice is none of my business but it is not allowed here. Please leave.”

She stood with her hands on her hips.

“Who made you boss?” The guy huffed as the girl was hurrying to pull her shirt down.

“I may not be the boss, but I am an employee. One with a young child that stays here with me.”

“Is that how you got pregnant then?” Guy snorted, eyeing her down. The girl smacking his arm for saying something so rude as she pushed herself up.

“Leave.” Jazz glared, a slight shine of her eyes sending chills into the teenagers.

They quickly packed their stuff and headed down the stairs. Jazz could hear the girl cursing the guy for trying to pick a fight with the librarian. “Obviously someone who isn't from Gotham have to be crazier than inmates in Arkham to live here and you want to pick a fight?!”

“She looked like a push over!”

“God your dumb Tom!”

Jazz rolled her eyes, crossing her arms. She was not in the mood. She turned with a huff. She continued on her search, a frown stretched on her face showing irritation as her anxiety grew. She heard a voice reading aloud, that caught her attention as she slowed her steps, trying not to scare off anyone.

Then she heard a small voice, which made her shoulders fall with relief. She quicken her pace again and slowly peered around the bookshelf. She felt her heart skip a beat when she looked at the scene. Jason, the man Tim named earlier was reading to Danny.

They were both sitting and half sitting on the table. Danny's feet in the chair as Jason leaned over with the book in front of them. Danny was making jokes and asking questions, derailing the conversation off the book more than once. Jason was making jokes and chatting back, able to eventually get the conversation back onto the book.

Jazz smiled, looking at how cute the scene was. She wish she grabbed her phone. Jason glanced at her, making her jump.

“Staring at a distance must be a family trait.” he joked.

Danny noticed Jazz and then rubbed back of his neck, as he stared down at his kicking feet. Guilt of being caught. Jazz smiled, glancing back at Jason.

“Sorry, I just got worried. Danny said he was going to the bathroom.” she glanced back at Danny with a raised brow.

“I did.” Not.

Jazz just was relieved Danny was up here, though it was odd he was hanging out with a stranger. She definitely was going to give him a refresher lecture when they get home. Especially about not telling her where he is.

“Tyke looked curious at what I was reading, so I shared. Sorry.” Jason ruffling Danny's hair.

Danny hissed, “Its Danny.”

“No, don't be. That was very sweet of you, Jason was it?” Jazz smiled.

“Yeah,” Jason glancing off to the side, embarrassed. “Its nothing.”

Danny squinted his eyes glancing between them too. Jazz smiled, “Even so, most would just tell an annoying kid to run off.”

“Hey!”

“Danny, I love you, but we both know your notorious for purposely getting on people's nerves.” Jazz chuckled.

Danny stuck his tongue out, crossing his arms. “Great faith you have in your child, MOM.”

“I just know my kid.” Jazz reaching over to pinch Danny's cheek teasingly. He hissed pushing her hand away.

“It wasn't bad. My little brother does the same thing, though its more to look up dirt on me than anything else. Got him to read pride and prejudice.” Jason grinned.

“Oh really? Sounds like you got experience.” Jazz chuckled.

Jason shrugged, “Not really. I just like to share books.”

Danny squinted his eyes again, staring at them suspiciously.

“Well, perhaps teach me one day. Its usually so hard to get Danny to read.”

“No its not. I just don't like your books.” Danny huffed leaning back.

“Fair.” Jazz couldn't blame him, they did have different tastes. If it wasn't a factual book about space, she didn't know what Danny like to read. Even space themed things seem to not excite him much anymore. Not many things did. He was often depressed now a days, she did try her best to help.

Jason shrugged, “Usually just knowing an audience. I know how the little demon brat is.. my brother, so its not too hard to guess.”

Jazz nodded with a hum, maybe she wasn't taking enough noticed in little things. Maybe she was just too keen on old Danny was.. Danny did show interest in Grey Ghost. Perhaps he needs more material focused on powerful characters. She glanced at the book, maybe that's why he was interested in it.

“Thank you. Oh, I guess I better put these up.” She remembered that she grabbed books to put up when she left to find Danny. “Be good, Danny.”

“No promises.”

Jazz shook her head, then waved to Jason as she turned to find out where these books went. A smile back on her face as her worries had been washed away. She still wished she got a picture.

Danny glanced back at Jason once Jazz was out of ear shot. “....You're not going to try and date my mom, are you?”

“Little early for the shovel talk, ain't it?” Jason grinned at the spunk of this kid.

“Never too early.”

“Nah, kid.” Jason snorted ruffling Danny's hair.

“Danny!” He hissed.

“I'm not interested in dating. My life isn't the most stable.” Jason often moved from safe house to safe house, plus the drama of his family and fighting crime, a relationship sounded like too much of a burden to place on someone. Never knowing when he's just going to up and disappear.. or worse, if he becomes rogue again.

Danny blinked, staring at him hard, as if he was analyzing him. Kid really would fit in too well at the manor. Another reason he would not date Jazz, even if he liked her. He didn't need to be exposed to that kind of life, if he ended up dying because Joker wanted to get into their heads again. Jason shook the thought away as it made his blood boil. The steady pulsing keeping his mind on track, Danny was still there.

“Okay.” Danny kicked his feet playfully, “Sooooo what happens next?”

Danny was leaning and staring at the book, Jason just grinned, leaning back up against the table next to him. “Guess we have to find out, won't we?”

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Chapter Text

Jason made his way up the front stairs to the library. This was only his third time this week. He swore he stop, there was nothing strange about the two, but Danny had asked him for recommendations, and he be damned to delay a kid from reading. He pushed open the library door, praying Babs wasn't at the counter and just Jasmine.

“If your looking for them, they're not here.” Babs yawned as soon as she seen Jason's head pop through the door.

“I wasn't-”

“Mmhm. Danny's been excited about the next story, he already began reading it.” Babs smiled up at Jason.

“It was a good story.” Jason tried to play it off, but now knowing they were missing bothered him.

The door chimed, “Hey Babs! Guess who I finally convinced to come over~!”

Dick had Damian, who was just off of school in tow. “...I was promised we were going for vegan ice cream.”

“Ice cream? Your price is getting low.” Jason snickered. Damian glared.

“Well, I'm afraid they're not here. Apparently their uncle made a surprised early visit, and whisked them away.” Barbara said as she fixed her glasses.

“Their rich uncle?” Dick asked.

“Yep. Vlad Masters.”

“That stuck up fucker?!” “The one obsessed with the Packers?!” Dick and Jason exclaimed. They both had annoying bouts with the man, the times he visited Gotham.

Dick cringing at his memories of having to listen to the man brag on and on about a football team. Trying to suck up or talk to anyone that dare listen. Dick unfortunately chose to stay at the food table when he got caught by the man. Dick didn't even care about football! Told him so, but he just kept going! Now he knew an ungodly amount of facts about the Packers.

Jason remembered how entitled and pompous the jerk was, he definitely looked down on him and Bruce. Talking about how Jason was just a charity case to keep good appearances. Though Jason didn't have as good of an opinion about Bruce anymore, the way the man had said it then still boiled his blood.

And Danny and Jazz were with him?!

“I despised that man.” Damian glared, “I do not wish to associate with anyone that's related to that man.”

“Not related. He was their god father, helped them out in a bad situation.” Barbara explained, “Yeah. I know. Shocking.”

The look on their faces gave away their disbelief. Dick shook out of it first and asked. “Wait, why did he pick them up?”

“Apparently Vlad's been wanting to show them off at the upcoming gala for some time now. Jazz said she delayed it this long, its the least they could do. He took them shopping for proper attire. Both Jazz and Danny didn't look too please when he came waltzing in. He barely gave an hour notice. “

The two oldest brothers blinked, trying to absorb the information.

“I'll be waiting in the car, Richard.” Damian walked back out.

-owo-

Danny grumbled and fussed with the suit he was forced to try on. Curse Vlad. He tossed the tie at the offending man, huffing. “Why can't I have a clip on?! Or none at all. Like who even needs to wear ties anymore? Your rich, aren't you? Who the heck going to talk down on you for not wearing one?!”

Vlad pulled the tie off his face, taking a deep breath. Danny was trying his patience today. “Daniel-”

“Its legally Danny.” Danny reminded.

“Right. Danny.” He stressed Danny's name. “I will not have my son-”

“Grandson. Don't make people think weird things.” Not that Danny even wanted to take claim to that, but its better then people thinking Jazz had a one off with their father's college friend.

“-My GRANDson at Wayne's gala without looking perfect! Bruce Wayne and his infuriating orphanage rejects he adopted plus the terrifying child that supposedly came from his sack. If you asked me, he just adopted another one and lied, there is no way that child is his.” Vlad fumed.

Danny crossed his arms, as he glared at Vlad just going off about Bruce Wayne. Danny was only half paying attention. “uh-huh. Yeah yeah. Bruce Wayne this and that. Playboy that doesn't deserve his wealth. Yada yada. This is all because he refused to do business with you, isn't it?”

“That man is a fool!”

“Considering how you earned your wealth, it seems like the opposite.” Danny muttered.

Vlad scoffed, “That playboy couldn't see a perfectly reasonable beneficial deal if it whacked him in the face. Its a miracle, Wayne industries is running as it is.”

Danny doubted that, glancing over at the employee with red eyes. Vlad had possessed the man with one of his duplicates so they could have privacy and so Vlad could be in charge of picking out their clothes. He didn't want anyone to assist or add their two cents on it.

“Besides Mr. Wayne being there, there will be investors swarming the place. All happily talking about their company or their kids, and I like to be able to show how dapper you are.”

“Dapper? Don't tell me you're going to gel my hair too? That stuff is gross.” Danny frowned as Vlad knelt down to try and put on Danny's tie. Danny not making anymore fuss, staring at the tie to see how Vlad did it.

“No no, that will not suit your scruffy charm. Though it is tempting, I doubt it'll stay down, knowing you. Little Badger.” Vlad ruffling Danny's head as he stood back up. “You always had a knack for bouncing back and your hair embodies that.”

Danny frowning as he glared down at the red bow tie. He actually liked the color red, but he had a sneaking suspicion this outfit looked identical to Vlad's. Glancing at the mirror. No. It was confirmed. At least his hair wasn't long enough to wear a stupid ponytail like him.

“Plus it helps hide those angry eyes of yours.” Vlad teased, “After all, you're still not very good at hiding your emotions yet. Not that you ever were.”

On cue, Danny's eyes glowed green for a moment, as he glared at Vlad. The man was just asking for a fight. Danny didn't care if he was half the man size. Didn't stop Dani from kicking his butt.

“Vlad, could you stop antagonizing Danny! You two haven't been archenemies in the last few years. It would be nice if you two acted like it!” Jazz huffed as she came out of the dressing room to show the gown she was wearing. It was a loose rose gold dress that clung at her waist. Loose fabric in the front over her breasts and the back was cut out.

“Blech. Oh Heavens no Jasmine! What happened to the dress I picked out for you?” Vlad gasped.

“It didn't fit. What's wrong with this one?” Jazz looked at herself in the mirror. She thought it was pretty, and was less gaudy then the red ballgown Vlad had picked out. She could walk in it and found it elegant but youthful.

“Jasmine, I know you don't care about your reputation, but that dress would have everyone thinking you're a hussy! Far too revealing. Plus pink is not your color, almost matches your skin tone. Biscuits! They would think your nude!“

Danny raised a brow at Vlad then back at Jazz. It was strange to see Jazz in a fancy dress, and he kind of agreed about the nude thing. But He hated how Vlad was over dramatizing it.

Jazz put her hands on her hips, with a huff. “And bright red was?”

“Red matches Danny and I. Color coordination girl! Its the easiest way to show that we're a family!” Vlad huffed.

“Ok, ok. Fine. I'll change. You know, it would be nice if you un-possessed one of the employees so I can actually find a dress in here.” Jazz complained.

“They're just here to be mouth pieces! They'll say anything to make you buy a dress. They're being paid on compliments not accuracy, my dear girl.” Vlad stated.

Jazz rolled her eyes and huffed back into the dressing room. Even she was getting annoyed by Vlad, by now. Despite him being a big help, he still was.. difficult to deal with. Danny looked at where Jazz marched off from, no doubt Vlad already had one of the possessed employees gathering gowns for her.

He glanced back at Vlad. It was still so strange to be on “good” terms with him. Who knew one of them had to fall into a pathetic state to do so. Danny was always hoping it be Vlad. Not him. He remembered when he tried to fight Vlad when he first found them.

Unfortunately, Danny had only recovered his flying and phasing abilities by then. He was still having trouble turning invisible or consistently changing forms. Vlad was too stunned to fight back at first, seeing Danny.. but obviously overpowered him easily.

Danny held back a snort at how big Vlad's eyes got when he found himself on the end of the Fenton Peeler. He surrendered Danny to Jazz and then started gabbing like he does. Danny didn't want anything to do with him, but Jazz made an offer.

He didn't talk to her for two weeks after it. Pissed off she would even think to make a deal with him again. Like always though, she was proven right. Vlad perked up at the idea of having them, even if it wasn't how he imagined. Thus they became an awkward family. Vlad would visit a lot at first, but soon his shady businesses got a hold of him again. Danny was so glad, he had been very close to punching the man.

Danny remember that was when Danielle came around. She was so confused at first, then she lavished in being the older sister. Jazz was able to make Dani legal, through Vlad. After that, she chose to live with Valerie most of the time. She did stay with him and Jazz on and off, and then she traveled the rest of the time.

He missed her. She said she was going to visit at least once more before his next “birthday”.

Danny was looking forward to it. He really wanted to get in some practice with his ice powers. He found it strange that his ice had come back to him, when most of his powers hadn't. It appeared that his powers were not coming back in order nor as quickly as they did his first year as Phantom. Not that he was complaining. It was better he was able to control it now, then to find himself frosting over in class with no clue on how to release it.

Danny glanced back at Vlad. He tried to help Danny with his powers too. Apparently the rate he was getting them were more like Vlad had. Unfortunately for the both of them, Vlad was a terrible teacher. Honestly, he thinks him and Jazz helped Vlad more with his powers then the other way around.

Which Danny did not particularly want, but Vlad was being... decent. So he won't hold it against him.. for now.

“Can I change back into my clothes now?” Danny asked.

“No, Daniel-Danny. We have to make certain you and your sister match!” Vlad insisted. “Now just sit tight and be a good boy, hm?”

Danny groaned as he flopped down on the ground crossing his arms. Not caring that he was wrinkling up a suit that probably costed thousands of dollars. Vlad was going to buy it, and honestly, he didn't care if he wasn't. It was Vlad's money he be wasting.

Jazz came out in a red dress and was immediately dismissed by Vlad saying the shade was too maroon and the jewels on it were poorly cut. Now Danny had to listen to Vlad rant while Jazz stomped back into the dressing room.

This was going to be a long day.

Danny felt a cooling sensation in his chest. He jolted looking around, it wasn't close. Vlad seemed to pause, meeting Danny's eyes. Vlad frowned, narrowing his eyes as he stared at the direction of the pull. He then glanced at the cameras, noticing them moving, but they shortly died after Vlad had noticed them.

“It appears we have company. Come along Little Badger. JASMINE! Change of plans, get dress. I'll just hire you a designer!” Vlad helping Danny back on his feet, calling to Jazz.

“Its next weekend?!”

“They've made gowns for the red carpet in less time and with worse fabric!” Vlad pushing Danny into the dressing room, phasing the boy through the wall into it.

“URGHH! I just got this zipped!” Jazz groaned as she struggled to get the dress back off.

-owo-

“Finally! I got the cameras back online.” Tim stated as he looked at the screen on the device in his hands.

“Well too late, they're already walking out.” Jason pointed out, staring at the shop through binoculars.

Jazz's hair was frizzed and sticking up every where, her arms crossed as she walked in front of the two boys. She didn't look pleased. Vlad was carrying a bag, while on his phone, bringing up the rear. Danny was in the middle, trying to keep up with Jazz. He almost reached to grab her, but he pulled his hand back before he could, staring at the ground.

Jason frowned.

“Dammit.” Tim cursed, “I can't bring up the past hour either.”

“This is ridiculous, why must we follow them? The ice cream shop will be closed soon!” Damian huffed from his spot on the roof. All of them wearing quick disguises.

“Shh brat. You'll get your icecream if I have to make it myself.” Jason grumbled.

“Ooo Jay offering to cook for us?” Dick grinned.

“A. not cooking, freezing. B. Who the fuck said the offer was for all of you?” Jason huffed, still watching the three as they climbed into a limo. Extra Masters. Though he duck when both Danny and Vlad looked his way.

“You would think they were looking right at us.” Dick narrowing his eyes, swearing they were.

“Maybe they were.” Tim suspected.

“Dumb asses. They couldn't see us from that distance.” Jason stated, more so to himself.

“Then why did you duck?” Dick asked with a raised brow, keeping low behind a short wall.

“Instinct...” Jason grumbled trying to blow it off.

“Do you think Jazz is a meta?” Tim asked after a moment of silence, his eyes popping open as if he unlocked a sixth sense.

All three of them looking at Tim with a confused expression. Except Damian's. His was annoyance.

“No seriously. Her hair looked like a vacuum sucked it up! What if she short circuited the cameras?”

They paused again to soak that possibility in. It was just as plausible as the other five hundred variant of theories they had going in the chat. If she was possibly a meta, which Jason doubted, then there was no way Bruce be okay with her being here. Especially because of her major.

“Fuck...We have to make sure Bruce does NOT get more than five minutes with them.” Jason stated.

“Attached?” Dick teased.

“More like they deserve to live without needing a giant bat breathing down their neck.”

“You are the ones stalking them.” Damian reminded, tapping his foot. His patience is running thin.

The three made no remark.

Chapter Text

Bruce knew his kids were up to something. They've been more secretive as of late, which normally wasn't that strange if it wasn't for the number of times he looked at his phone to see his kids at the public library. Damian said something about them being fixated on a couple of civilians, before being interrupted by Duke saying he thinks Alfred (the cat) was sick. This caused the young boy to run out the room and ever since he hadn't spoken much about it.

“It was just a hairball.” Damian muttered later in response to Bruce asking if Alfred (the cat) was okay. Damian avoided him after that.

Even on patrol he noticed his kids were using private lines or whispering once Bruce was too far to hear or read them. He wasn't sure what they were hiding, but he was determined to find out. He was hoping the Gala he was holding for the night would give him answers. After all...

Glancing at his children as they met up in the formal sitting room before the gala. His kids actually WANTED to come with him tonight. Only Damian was visibly upset. Jason was only one missing, checking his phone. He wasn't far from the manor. Probably was going to come in late.

Bruce squinted his eyes at his children. They were definitely up to something.

-owo-

Jasmine wanted to strangle Vlad. Not only did he keep her out of school and work, thankfully everyone was very sympathetic to her, he went through four designers before she finally convinced him to stick with one. She felt so bad for them. The last one had less than 42 hours to make the gown.

They did so splendidly. Her dress did look gorgeous, just wasn't her at all. Thankfully the shape of it was more her taste. It took a lot of convincing to get Vlad to drop the ballgown idea and the pure red look. Jazz made sure to slip the designer some more money from Vlad's bank account as a tip.

It was a mermaid style dress with a red and black gradient. The skirt was pin striped black and red. The bodice had detailing sewn on and jewels pin to it. Black sparkly tool laced her hips and then large ruffles of the stuff at the bottom covering her black flats. Vlad would never know that she switched her silver heels for something more comfortable.

She also was fitted with black gloves that reached to her biceps. A black choker with jewels that matched her teal eyes, and black bird clips that decorated her hair that was braided into a bun.

She fidgeted with her bodice. It wasn't a perfect fit, but it did the job, even if she was often reminded of the forgotten stray pins the tailor left behind. She didn't blame the poor guy as he did amazing for what he was forced to do, but it didn't help her souring mood either.

BESIDES the prickly dress, and Vlad's insistence of how important this was, the gala was definitely not how she imagined it. Yeah, she thought it be boring... but it was ridiculously so. Not only that, she found herself still being eyed by a few rich creeps. She wanted to kick them so hard in the balls.

Thankfully, Vlad took over the conversations, allowing her to just hide back behind the man. Danny looked like he wanted to kick the men too.. and the women who come to dote on how cute he is. Jazz giving Danny a meek smile every time, while patting his head.

She couldn't argue with what the women say, she too thought he looked too cute in a suit. With his chubby cheeks and big eyes. She wouldn't dare say it in front of Danny though.

They were just biding their time, following Vlad around until he was able to boast to Bruce. However, Jazz did notice anytime they seem to be close to greeting Bruce, something would happen. Either someone else would come up to them and distract Vlad, or someone would pull Bruce farther from them.

She also found it quite odd when they were just a few people away from Bruce, Vlad was bumped into by a man with a wig and fake mustache, getting wine all over his suit. That infuriated Vlad, making them wait outside of the restroom as he “cleaned” his suit. Which meant phasing the wine out of his clothes.

Danny was kicking at the floor, hands in his pockets. He just wanted to leave. Jazz felt the same, as she leaned back against the wall. She let out a yelp and jerked back, remembering one of the pins that was left behind out. Danny's brows furrowed in concern. Jazz rubbed the place in her back, giving a wave of her hand to Danny not to be concerned.

“Jazz! Danny! How's your night been?” A familiar voice called. It was Dick Grayson, in a fancy suit, looking quite handsome. He smiled to them, but the bit of nervous twitching and bouncing energy caught Jazz's eye.

“Its been-” Jazz started to reply when Danny answered.

“Terrible. Creeps and touchy old women.” He huffed, arms crossed as he was eyeing Dick suspiciously.

Dick seem to relax a little giving Danny a sympathetic smile, and a chuckle. “That's true. I never liked them either and Damian's not fairing much better, he almost tried to... retaliate.”

“That's an option?” Danny asked.

“No, it is not.” Jazz stated firmly, giving a stern look at Danny.

Dick started to chuckle at them, amused, before jolting in spot as if he was reminded why he was there. His eyes side glancing towards a direction. Danny and Jazz having caught notice glanced that way as well, but couldn't find anything important.

“Would you like to dance?” Dick hurried with a grin, holding out his hand. “Its about as much fun you can get in here.”

Danny was glaring at Dick, ready to pounce. Jazz instead, was pondering the sincerity of the offer. Her lips pursed and brow raised with her arms crossed. She opened her mouth to speak when Vlad loudly entered the scene.

“Ah~ Fresh and clean once again. You be amazed at what a little clean up could do Danie- Ah. Richard Grayson. What a pleasure to see you again.” Vlad's voice changing into a fake tone he had held most of the night.

Dick's face scrunched for a moment, revealing he did not think the same. Jazz and Danny couldn't blame him. Dick spoke with gritted teeth. “Mr. Masters. What a... pleasure.”

“Can you help us locate your father? I been dying to see him all night.”

Dick's shoulders relaxed as if he was expecting a different conversation entirely. He side glance and smiled with more smoothness, “I have no clue where he is, last saw him talking to Ms. Atticus on the balcony.”

“Pity.” Vlad grumbled, irritated. “Of course the playboy can't stay away from a woman's wile. Surprise he hasn't been striped of everything he owns by one yet.”

Dick's fist clenched.

“Well, that will be all then. There is still a few more elites I want to introduce my children to.” Vlad stated.

Dick blinked, glancing between Jazz and Danny. “Your children?”

“Yes, this is my lovely daughter Jasmine! Though I would advise you not to try and woo her. She's quite busy.” Vlad pointed out.

Dick seemed to be stuck on the daughter part. He muttered, “Daughter..?”

“And this is Daniel-”

“Danny.” Jazz and Danny corrected what felt like the twentieth time tonight.

“DANNY, my rule breaking son-grandson.” Vlad corrected, as Jazz slapped a hand to her forehead. Her fist clenched tightly.

Dick look broken for a minute. He glanced at Jazz and then at Vlad, opening his mouth to speak, then closing it again.

“Dick!” Bruce's voice called out, he had Damian under his arm, and Tim's shoulder was firmly under his other hand, as he pushed through the crowd, looking furious.

Damian's clothes were a mess and Tim's clothes didn't look much better. Damian was hissing, trying to get out of his father's grip. Tim was giving Dick a panicked look. Dick's eyes widened, then took Jazz's hand pulling her with him into the crowd. “Sorry, but I would really like this dance.”

Jazz let out a quick scream of surprise as she was spun onto the dance floor. She blinked in confusion as she tried to keep up. She was so glad she had changed her shoes or she feared her ankles would have cracked. As she was being whisked through the crowd, she turned to glare at Dick. She opened her mouth to scold him for using her to escape his father, when she found herself spun straight into someone's chest.

“Change of partners.” Dick said with a bright grin before running in a different direction.

The man caught her easily, hands holding tight in the catch, then releasing gently. She could feel the vibrations of his voice as he growled. “Dick! You can't just-”

Jazz blinked trying to get orientated on what had just happened, pushing herself off the man. She stared up at the man, blushing as she noticed the familiar black curly hair and white streak. It was Jason, the man that's been reading to her child. To Danny.

It was strange to see him in a suit, not that he wore it properly. He purposely left the tie behind and shirt was unbutton a bit. The jacket left open and loose.

“Er.” Jason seemed awkward, as they stood on the dance floor.

Jazz rapidly regained her composure and frowned. “What on Earth was that?”

Jason didn't know what to say at first, then decided to be straight forward replying with. “A distraction.”

“I can see that.” She huffed, bottom lip pouted annoyed. She glanced in the direction she came from. Vlad and Bruce seemed to be arguing from where she could see. That was not worth going back to. Its bad enough Vlad called Danny his son in front of Dick. She didn't want to see what speech he had come up with for Bruce.

“Fine. If it keeps me from having to be with Vlad any longer tonight, I'm all for being distracted. Ugh. I can't believe him.” She grumbled the last part under her breath.

Jason raised a brow, eyeing her for a moment. It wasn't the same look like the other guys had been staring at her all night with. “What happened?”

His voice waived. Jazz debated to say, glancing back over to Vlad again. They were still arguing, and looked pretty heated. Tim was inching along the walls, probably to flee. Who she assumed was Damian, appeared to be held back by his Father, as he looked like he was going to attack Vlad. Danny wasn't anywhere to be seen, not like he was easy to spot between the crowd. He was probably chasing after Dick.

She sighed, turning back to Jason. It be nice to get it off her chest and at least explain before Dick spread misinformation to the others. She suspected nothing was really private among the siblings. At least, not anything related to her and Danny, as she had practically met all of them at least once by now.

“He-oof!” She started to explain when, an eccentric couple dancing, bumped her back into Jason. She let out a squeak, blushing red at the lipstick stain on his white shirt. She tried too rub it off, but he grabbed her hand to stop her.

“Perhaps we should move to the side.” Jason gestured towards the balcony off to the side of the room. It had less people and certainly looked far more inviting.

“I'm not much of a dancer, so that would be fantastic.” Jazz smiled, her hand falling on his arm, as he kept hold of her other hand.

Jason grinned, “Well, I can't promise we won't have to dance out of here, but if it makes you feel better. Neither am I.”

“As long as my feet stay in tact, we will call it a win.” Jazz chuckled.

–uwu-

As soon as Dick took off with Jazz, Danny had been chasing after him. He ran between legs, skidding around people to try and catch the man. He was pretty fast and agile, Danny noted. He growled as he lost sight of Dick. Cursed being so short. He looked around, scanning the area and spaces between the people.

He didn't see Jazz or Dick anywhere. He furrowed his brows with a glare. Stupid Vlad. Had to bring them to the gala. He pulled on his bow tie and threw it to the ground, stomping it in anger. He took deep breaths. Adults were staring, he bent down and picked up the tie and stuffed it into his pocket. He unbuttoned his suit to get more comfy.

Danny was done. He had reached his limit. Vlad could go suck on a lemon. He took another deep breath and looked where he was. Which was difficult through the sea of legs, he must have been in the middle of the crowd. To avoid being bumped into by butts of the rich, he decided to weave his way to the side. He'll have a better chance to slip away and take an aerial view of the gala that way. Then he could kick Dick in the shin and leave with Jazz.

Just as he reached the edge of the crowd squeezing through a line of people, who obviously drunk a little too much, he felt a tap on his shoulder. He quickly turned, jumping away from the touch. Hands clenched ready to fight, only to find himself staring at a light shimmery purple skirt of a dress. Glancing up, he noticed the girl wearing it.

She had black hair and dark eyes, and gave a soft smile down at Danny with a wave of her hand. Danny blinked at her confused. Who was this? Another one of their siblings? They had been popping up a lot at the library. He hoped they were just estranged rich kids and not digging their noses where they didn't belong.

“Danny?” She spoke softly, giving way that she didn't speak much.

Danny just nodded, tilting his head at her. She then turned to the side, gesturing with her hand for him to follow. He furrowed his brows, glancing around him. Ah heck, if he ended up in some strange kidnap situation it be a good way to blow off steam. So he followed her, hands stuffed in his pockets.

She lead him closer to the entrance of the room, where most of the people had cleared out from after walking in, over the side where a dark skinned teen in a suit stared at them. He wiped eyes, furrowing his brows as he glanced between Danny and Cass. Danny raised a brow, wondering what was up with him, before the teen grinned awkwardly.

A girl was standing beside him with blonde hair, she was wearing a more vibrant colored purple dress that looked similar to the black haired girl's. She waved to them, with a grin on her face. He remembered catching a glance at the blonde hair girl before in the library. It was only brief so he didn't know her name, but her voice was recognizable.

“Ah, I'm surprised he came with you so easily. I swore he was going to try and fight someone.” She chuckled waving them over.

“I'm not against that.” Danny huffed, his eyes peering back at the other teen instead. He seemed to be trying not to stare at Danny too long, but failing as his eyes keep going back to him.

The blonde girl chuckled, kneeling down a bit to be Danny's height. “Sure you're not. We haven't met yet, have we? I'm Steph, this is Duke, and that's Cass.”

She introduced the others with a gesture of her hand. Duke gave a weak smile and wave, while Cass waved with a brighter smile. Danny glanced at each, matching the name to the person. They were apart of the family chat Barbara mentioned, they had to be.

Danny cut to the chase, not interested in chatting. “Where's Dick?”

Steph choked on her laugh, hand to her mouth. Duke scratching back of his head, now turning his face away from Danny. Cass was silently snickering. Danny glared at them, already thinking of ditching his new company. He already hated having to look up at them all.

Steph then grabbed Danny's shoulder and turned him into a direction. Danny raised a brow in question at her, then glanced forward. Dick was swinging from the chandelier, while and infuriated Vlad and Bruce were yelling up at him and each other.

“He's busy.” Steph grinned looking like she wanted to laugh again.

Danny squinted his eyes. Dick was a gymnastics instructor so he guess it made sense how the man was able to lose him, but... If he was up there. He glanced into the crowd, this time with more concern. Where was Jazz?

“She's ok.” Cass said as she crouched by Danny, as if picking up on his worry.

“Your Mom's with Jason.” Duke smiled with his eyes closed.

“Jason...?” Danny flashing back to the man that read to him at the library. “Oh.”

Danny wasn't sure how to react. The guy did promise he wasn't going to try and get with Jazz, but he wasn't dumb enough to believe it was impossible that he was lying. His mind flashing to the man that bumped into Vlad, and all the various of times they were kept from Bruce, it clicked to Danny.

“So you guys were trying to keep us from Bruce?” Danny asked.

Steph hummed in awkwardly in response, Duke and Cass not looking at him. So that was a yes.

“Why?”

“Its just for the best. Hey, you want something good to eat? We can sneak into the kitchen, Alfred won't mind.” Steph asked.

“Strangers separated me from my mom and now offering me food.” Danny stated clearly how suspicious they sounded.

“That... does sound fishy from outside...” Duke stated, scratching his cheek, still avoiding staring at Danny now. Or trying too.

“Pssh. We didn't separate you guys on purpose, just from uh.. Masters and Bruce. I'm sure Jazz and Jason will join us.” Steph explained. “Besides, we're not really strangers. We know you guys from Babs... though if anyone else asked you this please kick them in the nads and run like Hell.”

Danny raised a brow, glancing back at the chaos. It beats being stuck with that hell fire. He'll kick Dick later, though he was slightly envious of the man able to just hand on the chandelier. He wish he could just fly off, but Vlad would noticed and Jazz be upset. His stomach growled, seeming to help make the decision for him.

“Fine.” He still had the option to disappear if he needed.

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Chapter Text

Jazz sighed, taking in a deep breath of fresh air as they stepped out onto the balcony. Finally free from the crowd and commotion. She swears that she will never let Vlad convinced her to another event ever again. Rubbing her arms as the breeze of the night hit her shoulders. It was a little chilly, but she preferred being out here a million times over than the now chaotic ballroom.

Plus with a little refrigerator for a son, she had gotten use to the cold. Shivering at another breeze, just a little. She stepped out until she could rest her torso on the railing, staring up at the starless night sky. She could only make out planes as they flew.

The city skyline mixed with the forest and smell of salt water, made for a relaxing scenery. She smiled a little to herself. It wasn't the first time she viewed Gotham from outside. Sometimes her and Danny would go picnicking somewhere secluded, letting him fly them out far away from everyone, with a nice view of both the ocean and city skyline in sight.

Those were the best days. When it was just her and Danny having fun, letting him fly around to his hearts content. Sometimes Dani would join them and Jazz would sit under shade of tree, book in hand but her attention was all drawn to the two half-ghosts as they played. Danny would laugh those days. It was so cute.

They need to go on one again, before it got too cold. She's had been so busy with her new job and her semester in college was pretty rough this year. She sighed again thinking about it. There wouldn't be anytime to go picnicking because of all the work she has to catch up on, thanks to Vlad.

She jolted as a figure stepped beside her, leaning on the railing too. Remembering she was out here with Jason, she smiled at the man, trying to resist another shiver at the wind. “Well, we won. Our feet are in tact.”

He grinned at her, “Suppose so.”

She stared, as he turned to focus on the sky. He was quite built, she could feel that from his arms even as they clumsily danced out of the dance floor. His eyes were a blueish green, more green than blue. They were pretty bright in the moonlight.

She let out a scream again as a blast of wind, froze her in her spot. Ugh. She really did not want to go back in there. She saw a shuffle to her side and then felt a warm jacket draped over her shoulders. She blinked staring at Jason and then blushed. “You didn't have to. I was fine-”

“I hate wearing suits anyways. Take it.” He leaned back on the railing not looking back at her, his hands clasped together as they dangled over the rail.

Jazz smiled, shifting to put the jacket on, grateful even if it was embarrassing. Not only did she smudged his shirt, she was wearing his jacket. Oh well, if it allowed her to stay outside, she'll just deal with it. The jacket was too big for her, but that made it even better. The sleeves hanging over her hands as she leaned on the rail again, sighing in content of the warmth.

She rested her head on her arms, staring down at the grass and garden below. She waited a moment, remembering what Jason had asked. She was mulling it over. What to say, how to say. She turned her head, but kept it laying on her arms. Staring up at Jason, she smiled.

“Still curious?” She asked playfully.

“I wouldn't say that.” Jason glancing to the side away from Jazz.

“Mmhm.” She hummed, “Well, if you were. Questions would be wonderful. I don't even know where to begin with tonight.”

“What happen before Dickie whisked you off your feet?” Jason turned back to Jazz with a smirk.

“If that was called whisking me away, then never again.” Jazz groaned then chuckled, lifting her head. She rested her chin on her hand, pursing her lips as she thought. “Ugh. Ok. Vlad. He's my godfather. I appreciate what he's done for me and Danny, but he's just.. urgggggh.”

She took a breath, “All night long, he's been annoying at best and infuriating at most. This dress isn't even completely sewn because he hired a designer with less than 42 hours to complete it!”

“Shit. He better have paid them extra.” Jason whistled.

“Don't worry, he did. Whether he knows it or not.” Jazz winked with a smirk.

Jason blinked at her, as if not expecting it. Then he grinned proudly, “Good.”

She chuckled, glancing back at the sky. Choosing her words wisely she continued. “Anyways, Vlad has this habit of call Danny his son. I think its where he always wanted one, he did the same to my brother. So After... a.. falling out with my parents, he tried to take Danny from me.”

“But I made a compromise and he took it. I get custody of Danny without worry of anyone taking him away from me and he gets to be his grandfather. Yet, despite his LOVE for grandeur, apparently he forbids the prefix GRAND when talking about Danny. You know how difficult it is to tell people he's actually his grandfather and not his father after that? So gross.” Jazz groaned.

“That would be pretty hard to fix.” Jason spoke, but mostly waiting for her to continue.

“Exactly! Bad enough people think I'm his arm candy all night, even when Vlad corrected them. I literally puked in my mouth every time. I swore if I ate anything, it would have come out on the dance floor.” She vented, moving her arm as she spoke.

“UGH. I just want tonight to be over and forget it ever happened.” She sighed, putting a hand to her head. Massaging her temples as she spoke, “I only came because Vlad's been begging us to for years. I declined because Danny was too young, but I felt guilty not accepting when he's been generally good to us. I should have made him wait longer.”

Jazz waved the words to the past, and side glanced at Jason. He seemed to be staring out at the horizon, but he was listening. She hoped Jason believed her, what she said was true, but not fully. Though considering her age and Danny's, getting pregnant at 13 at most didn't sound that good either. But adding the idea of Vlad?!

She felt bile rise in her throat again.

“Yeah, rumors spread too. That's not an easy thing to come back from.” Jason muttered, rubbing his chin.

She couldn't tell in his tone if he disbelieved her or not, but he wasn't trying to disprove her. “Mm yeah. Vlad just gets stuck in habits and its impossible to get him to break, but he's not.... that bad. Sometimes Danny has fun when he visits... at Vlad's expense but hey, its nice to hear that kid laugh.”

Jason snorted back a laugh, a grin back on his face. “Of fucking course. You've raised a cool kid.”

Jazz blinked, shocked for a moment. She sunk in her spot on the balcony, her face burning as she smiled into her arms. “Thank you, but he's a character all on his own.”

“I think you need to give yourself a little more credit.” He nudged her with his elbow.

Jazz snorted and then hung her head sadly, “I try to, but.. Danny seems so depressed now a days. I don't know what to do. Which is funny, because I'm studying psychology and..”

Jazz release a deep breath and continued voice cracking a bit. “I don't want to lose him, but I know if I try too hard, it'll just push him away. I just... I want him to be safe and happy.”

Jason hesitated before reaching out to rub Jazz's shoulder in a soothing motion. Jazz was wiping at her watering eyes, trying not to let any fall. Ridiculous, crying in front of someone she hardly knew. They remained silent for a moment.

“Sorry. You hardly know me.” Jazz chuckled with a sniffle. “I didn't mean to just dump that.”

“Eh. It happens. If I didn't want to know what was wrong, I wouldn't have asked.” Jason taking his hand off of Jazz's shoulder and letting it hang off the rail again. He wasn't looking at her again.

“Many people do though.” Jazz stated, watching him as she lifted her head again.

“Yeah, well I'm not fucking one of them. I don't care to tell someone off.” Jason snorted. “I'm not going to sit there and pretend I like someone just to be “polite”.”

Jazz tilted her head and couldn't help but tease, “So you like me?”

Jason sputtered, coughing a bit at her boldness. He scratched the back of his head, avoiding her stare, but did make a quick side glance. “Not like-like or anything. Its hard not to .. like .. admire good mom. Especially in the.. look I-”

Jazz just busted out laughing with a snort. She grinned looking at him. “Its fine. I get it. I just thought it be fun to mess with you. ”

She gave a playful wink. Jason frowned, but it wasn't from being upset. There was no aggression or annoyance in his facial expression. Embarrassed more than anything.

“Danny character all on his own my ass.”

“Nope. He still is.” Jazz chuckled.

“You know he tried to give me the shovel talk after I first talk to you?” Jason mentioned.

Jazz just snorted, “I imagine. He's... protective like that. Not that I need him too.”

“Why's that?” Jason asked.

“Besides being perfectly capable of taking down grown men, martial arts classes,” She quickly added. She looked at the dangling sleeve of the jacket as she tapped her hand over the rail.

“My life.. isn't the most stable. With work, school, raising Danny, and whatever Vlad does, I don't have much time for myself.”

She hummed lowering her head again, “Its cruel to expect someone to be okay with that, and then they have to be okay with the fact I have Danny. Which sounds dumb, but I'm only twenty-two. Most guys with kids by now are not exactly my type. And then, Danny would have to like them. Which you know how that is. Its bad enough he's forced to play nice with Vlad. Adding someone else, wouldn't be wise.”

Jason was staring at her as he listened this time, though he was only partially facing her. He nodded along. “Yeah, I get that. Same.. not same situation, but life isn't... stable.”

Jazz nodded, with a smile. Breeze blowing at them, but Jazz hummed at the warmth of the jacket. She muttered while staring at the moon, “It'll get better.”

Whether she meant it for Jason or herself, she couldn't say... at least they could enjoy the peace of the night a little longer.

“It better.” Jason snorted as he leaned forward to rest on his folded arms, their shoulders now touching.

Jazz chuckled with a half snort, burying her face in the over sized sleeve. Agreeing. It better.... She needed a break like this. She really needed to find a way to fit in a picnic with Danny. It was healthy to take breaks. For now she'll just enjoy the moonlit scenery with the warmth of a friendly half-stranger, a little longer. Then she'll find Danny and demand to go home.

--

Danny kicked his feet as he sat on the island counter, while Steph dug in the fridge for something for them to eat. The kitchen was quite practical but not as large as he thought it would be. It was BIG, but he expected.. bigger? There was two fridges. One apparently was a freezer.

Duke leaned against the sink opposite of Danny, his arms crossed as he looked at Danny again. He didn't seem as flaky as when they met. Danny wasn't sure that was a good thing. Danny didn't feel anything weird from the man, so he wasn't like Jason. Could he still sense something was off about him, without needing to be a ghost?

Danny hoped not.. at least if he did.. he keep his mouth shut. Thinking as such as he gave Duke a glare, hoping he got the message. Duke just giving a meek smile, eyes shifting to the side. That was good enough response for Danny, as he leaned back on the counter.

“Here we go!” Steph said as she pulled out a pack of slice ham, cheese, lettuce, sliced onion, and a couple of different sauces from the fridge, chunking them on the counter with rest of her torso as she was barely holding them in her crossed arms.

Cass peering into the fridge after her to examine it. She turn back to Danny and pointed, “Drink?”

“I'm too young.” Danny stated.

Steph snorted as she pushed herself off the edge of the counter. She just shook her head at Danny and explained what they had. “We have milk, water, flavor water, apple juice, orange juice. Or if you want something warm, Alfred has a whole bunch of tea or we have hot chocolate.”

Danny raised a brow, “No soda?”

“Alfred refuses to keep the stuff. “ Steph waved her hand with a roll of her eyes, then she opened the bread bag. Preparing to make them sandwiches.

“Milk is fine.” Danny stated.

Cass pulled out two different things of milk. One soy in a carton, and one in a bottle. Danny assuming it was fresh milk. She held them up, looking at Danny expectantly. Danny blinked before he realizing she was just waiting for his answer. “Uh. Regular.. milk?”

Cass nodded and put the soy carton up, closing the fridge to get a glass for him. Duke muttering a sorry when she had to squeeze pass him, with Danny's kicking feet blocking some of the way.

“So Danny, how would you like your sandwich?” Steph asked, as she opened the pack of ham.

“Ham, Cheese, and mustard.”

“Ah, a simple man, with simple tastes~” Steph grinned, as she made the sandwich.

“I wish.”

Duke giving a sympathetic smile. He definitely knew something. Danny eyed him, until Cass popped back in front of Danny, glass of milk in hand. Danny took the glass with a 'Thank you' under his breath. He took a chug, not realizing how thirsty he was.

“There's plenty where that comes from and here you go, sir. A simple ham n cheese sandwich for the little gentleman.” Steph sliding the plate over, as Danny wiped his upper lip.

Danny glanced between them again, before taking the plate. “Thanks.”

“What? No suspicion or accusation? I could have done anything to it.” Steph fake gasped as she leaned on the counter.

“I would have seen it.” Danny retaliated as he bit into the sandwich. Not like most drugs would work on him, found that out when he was sick.

“I don't know, I could have done when you weren't looking.”

“Uhuh.” Danny largely chomped into his sandwich, looking Steph in the eyes. “No reason to drug a kid you already have in a secluded area. Pretty sure I could scream and no one would hear me.”

Steph just snorted, she slapped her hand on the counter and shook her head. “Sheesh, kid. Not even an ounce of worry?”

Danny shrugged as he ate. He watched his feet dangle off the counter. “If I was worried I would have left.”

“True, your a pretty smart kid. At least from what Babs tells us.” Steph said while leaning forward to prop her head on her hand. Cass jumped up to sit on the counter next to Danny.

Danny flinched at the compliment. “Eh.”

“What? Don't agree?”

Danny took another chug of milk, ignoring the question. Their faces soften, as they side glance each other. Steph shoved the food she had pulled out to the edge and pushed off the counter again. She turned around to push herself up on the counter. Shifted her butt back, she scooted next to Danny as she pulled out her phone.

“Hey, do you like cat videos?” She grinned.

Danny just shrugged again, but leaned in to watch. Cass also leaning in. Duke sneaking off while Danny was occupied.

-owo-

Bruce felt as if a vein was going to pop. All night his kids had been pulling and pushing him. Tim and Damian got into a fight. Cassandra pulled him more than once into a Father, Daughter dance. Which he wouldn't have mind if she wasn't purposely steering him a direction. Duke was asking more than the usual questions of who was who. Dick had ran off with one of Master's wards and swung from the chandelier! He even found a discarded wig and mustache in the trashcan near the food table, having scared some of the people attending.

And now, they were no where to be seen. Dick had managed to flip off the chandelier and disappear into the crowd while Bruce was stuck with Masters' cursing him and his kids.

“Of course a circus boy wouldn't have known any manners from you! Seriously! If they had any less manners they be in a zoo!”

“My children, are... eccentric, but they're FINE Masters.” Bruce gritted his teeth as he pushed through the crowd. “They have their reasons.”

“Oh, really? What is that? To whisk my only daughter off her feet? To kidnap my so-grandson!”

“What?” Bruce stopped, looking behind at Masters with a raised brow.

“Its a habit. Danny looks so much like my son Daniel. Slip of the tongue and all that.” Vlad waved his hand nonchalantly. “Not the point. My children are missing!”

Bruce gritted his teeth. “Mr. Masters. I don't know why they're running around-”

“Like hooligans.” Vlad added.

Bruce kept silent for a moment, baring his gritted teeth to try and appear like he was grinning. Instead he looked like he was in pain. He continued with a deep breath. “BUT we will find them and I'm sure they be HAPPY to tell us why.”

Vlad rolled his eyes, flicking his wrist as if he was swatting a fly. “Of course you would think that. Your an oblivious fool! They're hiding from you! As if they would just spill all their beans, just because they got caught. Honestly. No wonder they act like this! You're just asking to be step all over!”

Bruce clenched his fist as he stomped through the room, pushing through people. Trying to find any sign of his children. They had cleared out completely. Whatever they were planning to do, they succeeded. Which meant Masters' children was involved in some way. His eye twitched.

“Ugh, Do you even have a clue to where your going?! Of course not, why'd I bother to ask. This is getting us no where! I'm going to go find my children and pray I don't find yours first.” Vlad scoffed as he pushed over the person they crashed into, getting wine all over his suit again.

“Is that a threat?” Bruce stopped turning back towards Masters.

“Perhaps it was, Mr. Wayne.” Vlad Masters said coldly stepping up into Bruce's face. Him having to lean upward to try to even be eye level with the man. “Obviously you don't disc-”

Vlad Masters fell back to the ground, nose broken by Bruce's fist. The crowd gasped in shocked. Bruce frowned, this was going to be difficult to get around the press with. He turned to stomp away and let the crowd deal with it, contacting Alfred on his way. Finally he spotted one of his kids as the crowd was thinning because of the commotion.

He growled his name. “Diiiiiiccck!”

Dick jumped from his spot, having been spying on Jason and Jazz through the open doorway to the balcony. He blinked at Bruce, noticing the blood on his fist. Dick whistled, side glancing back outside. Jason and Jazz was staring at him with a raised brow.

Dick signed B to Jason. The he went up to meet Bruce head on, before he could walk in on Jason and Jazz. “Ahha, Hey B...”

“You have five minutes to explain what you all were thinking! Masters is unconscious and both his children have disappeared! What did you all do!?”

“Oh uh, its nothing B. Just some...” Dick bit his lip, “Wait. Why is he unconscious-Did you hit him?!”

Bruce scowled at Dick. Dick just chuckled weakly, rubbing back of his neck. “Look, Bruce, Dad. We uh. Just were playing a game.”

If Bruce's scowl could go any deeper, Dick swore it would. He sighed. “No really. Look there was a girl hired at the library. Babs made us promise not to look into their past, but we knew if you found them … you know how you are. Which would ruin the point of getting to know them. Plus.. “

Dick glanced around and then made sure his comms were not on, pocketing them just in case. “Jay's been really protective of them.”

Bruce raised a brow, his son was being sincere. He sighed, rubbing his face with his hand. “Get Mr. Masters' children to the entrance. Immediately. Mr. Masters will be escorted out. We have to make a cover story, so be sure you, Tim, and Damian have one planned out that is as solid as stone, since you three were seen causing trouble. Got it?”

Dick grinned, “Yeah. No problem B. We had some already written out.”

“That worries me how well thought out this was.” Bruce sighed, pinching bridge of his nose. He took a breath before walking back to the crowd.

-owo-


Tabloids:

Masters vs. Wayne: A battle of the in-laws?!

Jason Todd-Wayne, a son that is known little about since his rumored death and revival was seen walking out with make-up stains on his shirt and woman wearing his jacket entering Masters' limousine after the Gala irrupted into chaos. Nothing is known about the woman, other than she was Masters' daughter.

Bruce definitely needed to know who this mysterious person was. He circled the photo which had the mysterious girl climbing into the limo, still wearing Jason's jacket, but it was pulled over her head to protect her from photos. If they were related to Masters, he did not approve. Sipping his coffee, glancing at his phone. He'll have to wait for a good time when none of his children were at the library.

If Barbara is watching the search results, then he have to be a bit more careful in researching.

Tumblr Post

Chapter Text

Jason sat up next to his favorite gargoyle as a kid, watching the city in thought. Duke, after the party, had confirmed something odd was with Danny and Vlad. Having caught a second glimpse of Vlad as he stormed out after recovering from a punch from Bruce. Which was a shock in itself as he was supposedly knocked out cold. Would have taken a normal man at least a few hours.

Duke had tried his best to explain the image, but best he could describe it was a holographic card where it was two images at once. Danny's was a boy with white hair, and Vlad's was a vampire. It sounded ridiculous if Jason didn't remember that weird feeling he had when the boy was near. He had almost forgotten-well forgotten wasn't right word- He had accepted that strange feeling. It was eerie at first but grew comforting around the kid.

He tapped his foot on the edge of the stone. Vlad had a weird pull too, he didn't notice until Duke pointed it out. He had assumed it was Danny, until he tried to track Vlad. Vlad always knew where to look for him, so he disappeared once he confirmed the feeling.

Dick suggested that perhaps it was a freak accident both of them were apart of? Kept it secret from Jazz? But Jason doubted it. Tim brought up their unknown parents. Jason glared at the city view. That sounded plausible, they were responsible could be the reason they all had a falling out.

“..I've never known a boring day in my life..” Jason flexing his hand as he recalled Jazz's voice back in the library.

Definitely pointed towards parents. Dead brother too. Jason stood up with a huff, he needed to stop reflecting on it. Let the others keep playing this game, but he was going to stomp his foot down if they cross the line. Stretching as he stared over the horizon. He definitely going to keep an eye on Danny.

Though the tabloid story was going to make it hard. Stupid gossip.

---

Ever since they've arrived home, Vlad has been on their couch playing the 'pitiful me' card. He would whine about the gala, how foolish he looked. He begged Jasmine and Danny to let him get back at Bruce, which both declined.

“Mr. Wayne started most of the foundations and fundraisers in Gotham as well as provide jobs for the city. INCLUDING the improvements made to both my college and future place of work. You can't hurt him because he punched you for threatening his kids!” Jazz would explain for a millionth time as she give Vlad his cup of coffee. Her hair wired and frizzed. Vlad was driving her nuts.

“All for show! I bet the money ends up in the rogue's pockets.” Vlad sip his cup of coffee, while sitting in his fancy robes that were out of place on the makeshift bed of a couch. He gagged at the taste of the coffee, and made a face as if to tell Jazz his opinion of it, only to snap his mouth shut at the look she gave him.

He cleared his throat, setting the coffee down. “BESIDES I was well within my right! What were you two thinking running off with those brats!?”

Danny who was lazily poking at his scrambled eggs, “Thinking of kicking Dick and that it be funny to be kidnapped.”

“Danny.” Jazz huffed, hands on her hips as she whipped back to face him. Danny just shrugged at her.

“And you Jasmine!? Off with that boy! Have you lost your mind girl?! Bad boy look? REALLY-”

“Not the first time-” Danny mumbled, only to get a look from Jazz. Message loud and clear, 'You're not helping!'.

“Why can't you go to Harvard?! Or anywhere else!? I have the funds, my girl, just choose a place to go. You and Daniel don't have to stay in this filthy apartment, in this waste of a city! With terrible coffee and cat piss lining the hallways. You don't have to be here. That Asylum will get you killed and these vigilantes are like flies on a rotten carcass. So I trust them as little as I would Bruce to have a thought in his head!” Vlad moving dramatically, expressing with his hands as much as his voice.

“I told you, Vlad. This is important to me! If I can learn and improve things here, then I can help so many more people than I could by being a family therapist. I could actually make a difference in their lives and the lives they affect. That's worth more than a comfy job writing psychology books and being a celebrity's psychologist.” Jazz huffed out of breath, tired of arguing her point.

“And that's worth more than dying? What about Danny then?!” Vlad pointed out. His words making Danny flinch. Danny just stuffed his face with his eggs, looking away from them. He didn't want to be apart of this.

“What if you perished because of your obsession with helping this god-forsaken place?! Of course I would take in Daniel, but his core would be damaged! Ghosts don't take grief well.” He hissed the last part.

Danny frowned. Wanting to say he was fine, but the image of Dan made him shiver as he stabbed his eggs. At least growing up again means delaying looking like his future self... past.. self? He would only be four years younger than Dan was... Danny's eye twitched at the thought, hands clenching tight the fork in his hand.

“I know that Vlad, but I have you know we TALKED about it. To get a doctorate in psychology will take years, so my plans won't even be in full swing until he's almost grown. Also I like to remind SOMEONE that I have nanobots in my blood stream so I be a bit harder to kill.” She put her hands on her hips.

Vlad cleared his throat, looking away from her at the mention. He put the coffee mug to his lips, “Yes, well. I still think your obsession with this city is just as bad as your parents-”

Vlad felt a dark chill down his spine that not even his hot watery coffee could warm. He quickly stammered to correct himself, “Oh. .did I .. I mean um. You know what, dear Jasmine. I-i think I may have been a little... dramatic. You are a grown woman and.. have.. your own ...ambitions. Who am I to judge...? hm?”

He sipped his coffee loudly, as he stared at Jazz, whose eyes glimmered darkly. He was hoping that was enough to cool the situation. Jazz took a deep breath and turned away to grab her lunch bag and purse. Danny pushed from the table, hopping down to follow her, only for Jazz to put her hand in front of Danny to stop him.

“Stay here with.. UNCLE Vlad, Danny. I'll be back at dinner.” Jazz running her fingers through her hair before putting it up in a ponytail.

Danny stumbled back, confused. “What?! Why do I have to be punished?! Vlad's the one that-”

“Danny, PLEASE. I just want to be alone, okay?” Jazz looked exhausted. Clearly she needed the break.

Danny scrunched up his face and crossed his arms with a huff. Cursing Vlad in his head.

“Don't worry about making dinner dear Jasmine! I-I'll order from that run-down- I mean quaint Italian restaurant you like.” Vlad doing his best to get on her good side, realizing how badly he slipped up with that comment. “Daniel and I will have a wonderful time.”

Jazz and Danny both groaned as she turned to stomp out, closing the door with a hard slam behind her. Danny flinched at the noise, and rubbed his arm. He stared down at his feet. This was first time in a while he seen her so upset. If he wasn't so small, they wouldn't have to argue like that. They could dump Vlad and be on their merry way.

Danny sighed, then he glanced over to Vlad who dramatically flailed back on the couch with a groan. A hand over his face as the coffee was set on the table. He too let out a loud sigh. “What am I going to do with that girl? Insisting on living like this- surely you would like somewhere better? Right Daniel?”

“Danny. And it's fine.” Danny muttered as he walked over to the table where his breakfast still sat. He picked up his plate and decided to throw it away. He didn't feel hungry anymore.

“You two don't even have to live with me! It could be an apartment in a safer place. Nothing too fancy.” Vlad waved his hand as he talked, the other still on his face.

Danny snorted. Vlad's version of nothing too fancy was far drastic than their image of it. “Vlad, I don't even want you here, let alone a place you own.”

“Yes yes. Because of the cloning, the murder plotting, and all that.” Vlad sighed again, before removing his hand off his face peaking at the corner where Danny emerged from the kitchen. “But seriously, you can't be happy here. Aren't you afraid of what could happen to her?”

Danny flinched and stared down at his feet. He rubbed his arm as he swayed in his spot. He debated on answering him. “I'm fine.. and of course.. I worry. But I delayed her life already, she deserves to seek out her dreams, ya know?”

Vlad stared at him and then rolled over on the couch with a groan. “You two will be the death of me.”

Danny rolled his eyes as he moved through the living room. He glanced at the tv that was playing one of Vlad's favorite soap operas, and then glanced over to the door to his room. He debated on just watching videos or playing in his room, but.. He glanced at the front door.

“Hey... Vlad?” Danny asked hesitantly, refusing to look at the man.

“Yes, Daniel?” Vlad never moved to look at him either, his voice showing his exhaustion. His tired face staring at the tv screen.

Danny stared at his hands, the question catching in his throat. Vlad waited a few moments, then shuffled to get up on his elbows, staring back at Danny with a raised brow. Danny twiddling his fingers, frozen. “Well? Get on with it.”

Danny jerked staring back up at Vlad, matching his eyes. He blinked for a moment then glanced back to the side, taking a breath. Gathering his courage to ask in a squeaky, “......How's mo- how's our... parents doing?”

Vlad's eyes stayed on Danny for a hard moment. Danny could see out the corner of his eyes, Vlad's flashing red with rage before cooling down. He sat up with a heavy groan, rubbing his face with his hand. Looking older by the minute. “Daniel-Danny.. its best you forget about them.”

“I want to know.” Danny stated firmly or as firmly as he could.

Vlad shook his head, looking away from the child. He propped his head on his hand, while he drummed his fingers with his other hand on the coffee table. His face morphing into sympathy or perhaps pity as he thinks about what to tell Danny.

“They're still alive and bumbling fools.” Vlad rolled his tongue, trying not to let his anger get the best of him.

“Do they.. still-” Danny tried to asked, afraid of the answer but wanting to hear it. His fist balling up in his shirt.

“Yes. They still think you took their child- Danniel-Danny I really do think its best you stop worrying about them.” Vlad really reluctant to tell Danny more, not wanting to mention how delusional their parents had gotten.

“I can't.” Danny stressed, pulling on his shirt.

Vlad nodded, “Of course you can't. Oh what am I going to do with you?”

Vlad's voice sounded more concern and gentle than Danny was use to. Danny stared at the floor, feeling his eyes water. Stupid. He knew the answer before he asked. He took breaths to keep his tears back and turned to run into his bedroom. The tv clicked off and he felt a ruffle of his hair before he could run.

“I think we're overdue for a flight, don't you little badger?” Vlad smiled.

“Don't try to teach me anything.” Danny said, his voice shakier than he would have like.

“Don't plan on it, now come along. Be embarrassing to be out in our jammies.” Vlad ushering Danny towards the bedroom.

“Jammies?” Danny questioned the childish nickname for pjamas.

“Pjs, pjamas, sleepwear.” Vlad tiredly explained.

Danny just frowned, but just wiped his face and sighed. He ran to his room to change, trying his best to forget about his parents again. He still didn't really get the answer he wanted, but perhaps its better he didn't know how far they were going.

Chapter Text

Jazz sighed as she sent a text to Danny and Vlad, running her fingers through her hair. She had PLANNED and PROMISED to be home by dinner. Glancing at the clock on the school computer, it was already ten minutes past eight o'clock. She hoped Danny wouldn't be too upset, she really didn't mean to.. to-be like their parents.

Oh god. Jazz leaned back in her chair, staring at the ceiling. She clenched her fist repeatedly, trying to calm herself down. Tears painfully pricking at her eyes. Trying her best to avoid breaking down. There were still a few students in the computer room.

She wasn't like her parents. She reminded herself, trying to ignore the doubt in her inner voice. She really meant to be home and she told them she'd be late. Maddie and Jack sometimes forget to even do that when they were busy. But they worked in the basement. Just a staircase away.

Stop!

She shook her head. She sat up focusing on the screen, clicking print on her report. She was turning in her work for her classes for the week as well as chatting with her teachers, when one of her professor's refused to accept the format of her work for him. So she had to go and change every single one.

Jazz rubbed her eyes and got up to grab the report from the printer. Borrowing a stapler and returning to logout of the computer. He also demanded it to be in paper. She never in her life disliked a teacher, but he was the first.

Though she had to admit to herself, it wasn't all because of work and school she was late. Talking to Sam and Tucker was very therapeutic. Of course they didn't like that she left Danny with Vlad, but they understood that she needed her space. Encouraged it, even.

“Tch. Of course, the only time I would have loved to go to one of those stuck up rich parties.” Sam muttered, upset to miss the chaos.

“Oof. Luckily I don't think Mr. Wayne would remember you. So at least you still have a future job!” Tucker has said, trying to get her to look on the bright side for her, “Annnnd if he does, then no offense, but I don't know you-OW! Sam! I was just kidding!”

Jazz suppressed a chuckle with a smile at the memory. Despite having been Danny's friends, they closely became hers too. More so since... She shook her head, looking straight on, she marched back to her professor's office to hand him her work.. again. Refusing to focus on another thought that wasn't on what was around her.

Then it was time to head home.

The walk back was peaceful, well relatively. It was getting dark, which meant danger, but the streets were crowded enough where it didn't feel terrifying. The shops still were lit, and their displays proudly shown in the windows.

Jazz stared at them as she walked by. She never was much of a window shopper before, but after living in Gotham, it had quite an appeal. She smiled as she passed a jewelry shop that had beautiful necklaces on display, clear that they were only for show as the real products lay protected inside. One of the necklaces reminded her of Dora's amulet.

Danny had explained to her one day, after he took her to various allies across the ghost zone. So she knew who to contact if he needed it. Dora was a sweetheart, but the amulet could cause her to turn into a dragon when upset. Jazz liked having tea with her. They'll have to make a trip to see them, next time she takes Danny to Frostbite for a check up.

Another reason she was working with Vlad. Vlad had a working portal and Danny couldn't rely on conventional medicines. Neither could she. She reminded herself, as she walked past a closed pharmacy.

She did worry about what would happen if she got hurt, if they tried to take her to hospital. Or worse, did get murdered. She felt a sharp pang in her heart. She clenched at the strap of her bag. Jazz glanced back at the windows, trying to avoid that thought.

Death wasn't an easy concept. Accepting it was hard. She wanted to believe it wasn't something that happened as often as it did, despite the evidence around her. Even at times she forgot that Danny had actually-

“AAAAAAAAAAAAAhhhhhhhhhhh!!” a blood curdling scream broke Jazz from her window shopping and her thoughts.

Jazz slapped her back against the wall, as a car came tumbling through the street. She peaked around the corner, hearing the growls and terrified screams. People were trying to flee the streets as another car was picked up by a giant reptilian man. Killer-Croc.

Jazz furrowed her brows, having studied a lot of the reoccurring rogues of Gotham. After-all, her chosen future workplace, she needed to be informed about all the potential patients. She kept to the corner, watching the behavior of the man as he tossed the car into a building.

Killer-Croc was an unfortunate soul, cursed with a body that looks far more monstrous than human. Jazz felt empathy for the giant reptilian. The parallels between him and ghosts were so similar. Creatures that deserve to be treated with the same rights as humans yet both denied based on how they look or how powerful they were. People feared them and used their fear to cast judgment.

Jazz yelped as she rolled out the way of a light pole being swung into the corner of the building she was at. It bounced and flipped into the street, smashing down a traffic light with it. But just like ghosts, there were some merits to their fear. It was a sad fate.

Fate was cruel like that.

The red-headed woman jerked as a motorcycle whipped down the street, jumping over the crushed poles that laid on the street. It skidded to a stop. There was no mistaking the red helmet vigilante that perched on the bike.

“Croc! Don't make me do this same song and dance!” Red Hood yelled, immediately cursing as he jumped off his bike, dodging another car tossed his way.

Killer-Croc was still rampaging, without making any attempts to verbally communicate. Growls and roars coming from the man. People kept running by her, screaming. Jazz should leave, but something felt wrong. She couldn't do anything about it though. She SHOULDN'T do anything about it.

She watched as Red Hood disappeared around the corner, assuming he was running towards the man. Her eyes glanced up as she noticed another vigilante land on the building opposite of her. She had to let them do their job, one day she'll get to do hers. So, she steadied herself off the building and decided to cut through the alleyway to her right.

That had to be the hardest thing about living in Gotham. Having to standby and watch instead of trying to help, especially when she just imagines Danny in their place. Danny, or Phantom as he called his hero persona, the ghost boy that took on everything without knowing how bad it would get. Took every punch, every shot, and every weight on his shoulders to protect people around them. Ghosts and Ghost Hunters included.

She felt tears prick her eyes, making it hard to see. She rubbed her face as she continued to run to the other street. It didn't help that the buildings and cars were now on fire. Smoke filtering into the alleyway. She wanted to be home to hug Danny. She should have been home. She needed-

“What's the rush girlie? Don't like the show?” There was a click of a gun.

Jazz froze, putting her hands up. She didn't know how good of an aim they had, but they sounded way too close to miss. She turned her head slowly to look behind her. There stood a man in a trench coat and a fedora covering his face in shadow.

“You haven't even seen the best part, yet~”

She could see a hint of a grin on his face. A cold dread in her bones. He walked up to her and threw an arm around her shoulders, bringing her close to him. His gun pressed to her neck. She could see him more clearly, but refused to do so. The red mouth and the cracking white skin of his neck was more than enough for her.

“Come on, I'll get you front row seats! Generous as I am. It'll be a blast.”

--@w@ '''

Danny poked at the cold lasagna on his plate as he kicked his feet that dangled. His stomach was in knots. Jazz had called them at five exclaiming she was going to be late, and then texted that she was about to leave around eight. Vlad was pacing around the living room, his plate empty on the coffee table with an empty wine glass. Both of them were growing anxious.

Danny was torn as part of him wanted to go and find her right now, but the other part was clearly reminded of how she was before she left. He didn't want to bother her... she said that she'll be fine. And Jazz was always right... He squinted at his food as if it gave him a questionable look back.

He shook his head and stared at Vlad. He had to admit, Vlad wasn't... so bad.. at least not all the time. Today was actually kind of fun, even if they were both crippled by worry at the moment. Honestly, they didn't even know it was time for dinner by the time Jazz called.

They had flown across the sea all the way to Italy and back. They haunted a grapevine yard and visited old buildings. Something Danny didn't think he would be interested in, but being able to explore endlessly was fun. Danny even found an old toy that was hidden in between the walls. Danny phased it out and gave it to a ghost girl he saw. She was fun to play with too.

Maybe this is how Danielle must have felt traveling? Maybe she'll take him one time.

Though Vlad was upset that Danny had insisted they still get food from the restaurant back in Gotham, but folded as Danny reminded he promised Jazz. And maybe his puppy eyes might have helped. So they had settled on a compromise... which ended up with the fridge being filled with Italian cuisine from both the restaurant and various places in Italy. Vlad even got himself some expensive wine.

His eyes glanced at the bottle on the coffee table. It was already empty.

He glanced back at his food. He hardly had taken a bite. At first they were worried they would get home after Jazz and be scolded for their impromptu trip, even if they brought back souvenirs and food. So once they managed to make it back, they scrambled to get everything put up and set out as if they had been waiting on his sister to return the whole time.

Danny was even ready to get his pajamas on and go to bed, but Vlad insisted they wait. Then they waited. Vlad told him to go ahead and eat, Jasmine would be upset if they didn't, but Danny didn't feel like it now. He poked at his food again. He felt a familiar sting to his eyes as he tried to keep his breathing stable.

It was dumb to be so scared. She was fine. She had to be. Yet, Vlad's conversation with him earlier in the day just reignited the fear into his mind. If she...

He heard a deep sigh, and a pat on his shoulder. “Hurry up and eat Daniel. Please. We'll wait another thirty minutes and then go search for her. Her stubbornness be damned.”

“No pastry swears?” Danny sniffed as he stabbed his fork into the lasagna, ripping a bite size from it.

“I'm too tired and not buzzed enough to care. Though I would appreciate it if we it kept between us, hmm?” Vlad returned to his pacing. He would call her if he wasn't worried the call would get her in more danger.

Danny snorted as he forced himself to take a bite, rubbing his eyes. He wasn't going to promise, but he was also too tired to care. It would be funny to out Vlad for cursing, but only if Jazz hadn't been so upset today. He just wanted his sister home already. He took another bite, mechanically. All he wanted was to hug her right now, embarrassing as it was to admit.

He snorted again to himself, reaching for his glass of milk that was starting to warm up from being left out. He blamed it on being so young again, that he wanted his “mom”. Even if the circumstances were different. She was his sister.

A loud boom thundered across the city. Only sound after was Danny's fork dropping onto the floor.

Chapter Text

“HOOD-” Nightwing's voice called through the smoke.

“I'M FINE-Fuck.” Red Hood yelled back as he peeled himself off the hood of a car he was smashed into. “Just keep Croc busy!”

“Better said than done-Woah.” Nightwing had to flip over Killer-Croc as the man ran towards him. He used his escrima stick to muzzle Croc, giving the man a good shock.

“I don't get it. Waylon was doing so good.” Red Robin spoke on the communication line. “Didn't he get a job as a bouncer?”

“Yeah, he did. I even talked to him about a week ago, he seemed happy.” Red Hood didn't understand why Killer-Croc was so angry. He just had visited him before the Gala to give him the new book from his favorite author. It was even signed. Funny enough, reading to Danny reminded him about it.

Waylon even talked about how he knew this job didn't do him any favors, but it was a job that his appearance helped him out in. Anything to give him a break out of the sewers. The nightclub that hired him wasn't even close to Downtown Gotham, so it wasn't the job that had set him off.

“Doesn't look like he has any injuries, not like anything can prick his hide-” Nightwing bounced off Croc's head and flipped back onto the streets. Killer-Croc swiftly turned, ready to run at him again. “Not foaming at the mouth either.”

“Still try not to get bit, will you?” Red Robin spoke. He was still on the other side of the city, having stopped a drug bust.

“How's your end?” Nightwing asked as he dodged Killer-Croc by rolling out of the way.

“Good news, we stopped the drug trade.” Red Robin stated, “Bad news... they were robbed dry before we even came.”

Red Hood rolled his shoulders, ready to get back into the fray. “Great. So missing experimental narcotics that could be anywhere.”

“I bet Penguin had someone steal them.” Red Robin spoke. Sounds of shuffling came through the comms.

“Could be Crane. I hadn't seen him in a while since the break out at Arkham.” Nightwing offered as he did another tuck and roll out of Croc's way. Killer-Croc normally would have caught on by now and switched up his tactics. “Do you think he's being mind controlled?”

“Crane? I mean its a-”

“He's talking about Croc, Copyright.” Red Hood snorted as he tossed a flash grenade at Killer-Croc. He whipped out his gun and shot it in mid-air, blinding the rogue.

“Oh, right. Heh. I knew that.”

“Whatever you say bird-brain.” Hood snorted as he pointed a hook shot at Croc's feet while Nightwing used his hook shot on a nearby ledge to gain some height. The hook wrapped around Croc's ankles. Red hood gave a hard yank, making Croc crash to the ground. Killer-Croc roared in fury as he thrashed on the ground.

“You're probably on to something, Big-bird. Waylon would have at least threatened to eat us by now.”

“Exactly,” Nightwing turned on his scanner to reveal any possible devices. “But I don't see anything on him.”

“How about inside? I mean, Croc has such thick skin it would make more sense if-” Red Robin paused as realization sunk in.

“The narcotics.” All of them spoke.

Killer-Croc rolled onto his feet, hunkered to the ground as he sniffed. His vision was still blackened by the flash grenade. The crocodile skin man then ran while hunkered to the floor straight for Red Hood, his mouth open and his teeth bare. Hood drop-kicked Croc in the face, snapping Croc's jaw closed as his chin hit the pavement.

“But Croc doesn't have a grade A in stealth.” Nightwing pointed out as he used his hook shot to pull Hood up to the vantage point with him. “We would have known if he stole the narcotics.”

“Either he has a supplier or someone's been flushing them down the toilet.” Red Hood grunted as he righted himself up on the ledge, squeezing next to Nightwing. Nightwing reached his arm over the big man and patted his shoulder, making Red Hood frown under his helmet.

“You might be on to something. Oracle can you-” Red Robin began to ask before being cut off.

“On it. I'm looking at the last recorded data for the sewage system. All I see are massive flooding and blockage from the New Gotham area,” Oracle explained.

Killer-Croc shook his head as his vision returned. He sniffed the air before locking his eyes up at Red Hood and Nightwing. He tried to jump up at the vigilantes, snapping his jaws at them.

“So, someone has been messing around in the sewers. Normally that would be enough for Waylon to rampage.” Red Hood mentioned as he lifted his foot out of the way from being bitten by Killer-Croc.

“It's almost like playing with a cat.” Nightwing chuckled a little amused.

“Except we're the mice-” Red Hood snorted, before almost falling off as Croc started ramming into the side of the wall to get them to fall. Nightwing held on tight to Hood's jacket to keep him on. Suddenly an explosion was heard through the communication line making the two flinch.

“RR, are you alright?” Oracle asked through the comms.

“Yeah... Fine. Ugh, I think. I might.- have found out.- who took the narcotics.” Red Robin grunted and coughed over the comms, “And I'm going to take a wild guess that he's the one messing about in the sewers.”

“What you got?” Nightwing asked as he let go of Red Hood, letting Jason vault off of the ledge to dive on to Killer-Croc's back.

A holographic display popped up in front of Nightwing's eye. It was the Joker's signature grin inside a suitcase with everything covered in black and green from the bomb detonating. “Oh, that's not good.”

“Of course it's that damn clown.” Red Hood snorted after flipping off of Croc's back, leaving tiny mines onto his back. He reached for his gun and dodged rolled to avoid a leap attack from Croc. Once out of the way he shot at the tiny mines on his back causing them to explode on impact and ice to form-sending Croc to howl in pain.

Nightwing leapt from the ledge with a spin, landing on Killer-Croc's head, smashing it into the pavement. He flipped off of his head, landing next to Red Hood.

“Looks like we need to wrap this up-Wahh!” Nightwing ready his hook-shot, planning on tangling up Killer-Croc- Until the ground started to shake and crack under their feet. Explosions rumbling in the distance.

“Guys, you need to get out of there!” Oracle alerted, “Joker has set up a domino effect of explosives in the sewer system. It's heading your way now.”

Killer-Croc recovered, leaping from his spot to pounce on the stumbling vigilantes.

“Well, shit.” Red Hood cursed as he and Nightwing both dived out of the way.

Pieces of the road flew as Croc landed, flying into the shaking buildings and parked cars. He roared in anger. They could hear the explosions coming closer. Red Hood gritted his teeth as he flicked his eyes from Waylon, to the clouds of smoke thickening in the distance, to the destroyed cars to-his motorcycle.

“Cover me!” Red Hood ran to his motorcycle.

“We don't have much time-” Nightwing ran towards Croc, who was picking up a giant chunk of asphalt.

“I KNOW-Just trust me.” Red Hood ducked, missing a piece of the road that Croc threw at him.

Nightwing climbed up on top of Croc, and bounced off his head to gain his attention. Then he kept close, using Croc's limbs to dodge and weave through the big guy's attacks.

Red Hood hopped onto his motorcycle, kicking it off its stand. He revved the engine, then drove straight for them. “Grapple me!”

“Annnd that's going to be clipped out of context.” Nightwing chuckled, swinging his legs around Croc's arm as it crashed into the ground. He used the momentum to spin himself up and around Croc's shoulders- straddling his thighs around his neck. Then, he fired his hook-shot.

Hood swerved around Croc- just in time for the hook-shot to lodge itself onto his saddle bags. He locked the hook in place and started to drive around Killer-Croc in a circle. Croc thrashed, trying to reach for Nightwing.

Nightwing used Croc's motion to roll off his neck. He purposely dodged around Croc's limbs to trap them in the winding cable. Croc growled before tackling the vigilante with the weight of his body, snapping his jaws at him. Nightwing hit the ground, rolling out of the way of the snapping.

Red Hood turned to drive in the opposite direction, but his motorcycle barely kept the rogue in place. Red Hood slammed his hand on the bike. “Damn! C'mon, I know you have more juice than this.”

Nightwing struggled avoiding being bit, each time the jaws snap far too close for his comfort.

“Ugh, Ever heard of a breath mint?” Quickly, he squirmed to grab a cryogenic dart from his arsenal. Just as Croc snapped at his face again- he shoved both his hook-shot and the dart into Croc's mouth, freezing the gun in place.

Croc stumbled backwards, allowing Red Hood to drag him off his feet. Now unable to fight back, Red Hood circled around-reaching his hand out to his brother. Nightwing grabbed it and swung himself onto the back of the motorcycle.

“Whew! That was close. I almost bit the dust there.” Nightwing grinned.

“Don't make me push you off.” Red Hood grunted as he swerved to avoid a crumbling building.

The domino effect had reached them. The road was crumbling as he drove as fast as he could through the streets. Buildings were crashing down as the ground started to explode behind them. Asphalt was flying and taking out cars, windows, and lines with it.

“If you can-bridges-Bowery, you'd be safe. I'll try-a clear path for you.” Oracle's voice broke through the static of the comms. Something was jamming with the signal.

“Got it,” Red Hood replied, unsure if Oracle could hear him back. The road exploded next to them, causing Red Hood to swerve to dodge the falling debris.

Nightwing tapped his shoulder and pointed to blockage to their left. A collapsed truck in a multiple car collision had a trailer bed tilted up. Red Hood sharply turned, jumping a small gap that formed in the pavement. He pushed the motorcycle as fast as he could, hitting the trailer like a ramp.

A large explosion set off under them.

Jazz held her breath as she watched-where the vigilantes were-was engulfed by plumes of smoke and debris. Her hair flying every direction as the van she was in drove off into the distance. She screamed, stumbling forward-as the van hit a deep crack in the road. Her hands bound behind her, keeping her from catching herself.

“Oops. Looks like we're in for a bumpy ride! All hands and feet inside the vehicle at all times,” Joker grabbed her arm, preventing her from falling out of the open back of the van. He pulled her back close to him, keeping an arm around her.

“Wouldn't want our fair maiden of the hour going Ka-SPLAT on the highway! After all, we still have three more acts left of the show.” He pressed his cheek against hers, grinning madly. “And I'm quite curious how the finale will turn out.”

Jazz gritted her teeth, grimacing at the closeness of this creep. She wished now more than ever that she had the Fenton Anti-creep stick on her. Her eyes watering from the smoke, as she desperately glanced around to find an opening.

“Oh, chin up, princess! There's more knights in Gotham than fish in the ocean. I'm sure at least ONE of them will make it to the after party.” Joker mistaken her teary face for fear. He tapped his gun under her chin to make her look up at him.

“If not, we'll have a BLAST anyways!” Joker laughed as he waved his gun into the air-firing into the ceiling of the van. His arm around her shoulders loosening.

Bingo.

Jazz elbowed him harshly in the gut, catching Joker off guard. She swiftly ducked out of his arm and swept her leg under him, causing Joker to fall backwards into the van. Quickly she moved to the open door of the van, tucking her body to roll out.

-When the van hit cracked pavement hard, causing one of the doors to slam shut in Jazz's face. She knocked back to the floor, a cut appearing across her forehead. Pain waved through her head while she rolled onto her knees. Small stream of blood ran over her eye, reducing her vision. Panting, she pushed to launch herself towards the door again.

She felt a harsh yank on her hair, then her face slammed into the floor. She envied Danny's ghost powers so much right now.

“Tut tut tut. Damsel trying to be her own knight?” Jazz's face was slammed into the metal van's floor again. Joker leaned into her ear, “Hate to break it to ya, toots, but I'm not a fan of modern fairy-tales and YOU don't have a stand-in.”

Joker stood back up with a shove of her head. She breathed heavily, fighting her darkening vision. Jazz focusing on any movement or sound to keep herself awake as her head throbbed. She felt Joker step away from her.

“So as they say, keep to the script-” Joker dangerously cackled. She heard the sound of metal being dragged off of the van floor. Her eyes widened, chills crawling up her spine.

“And BREAK a LEG!” Joker burst out laughing, swinging down on her leg.

Her vision went black.

The roads had collapsed, flames were dancing wildly within the large cracks. Smoke heavily filled the air along with the rotting stench emitting from the remains of the sewer. Cars and buses were found burnt to a crisp and toppled over. Even some had flown from the blasts into the buildings. Most of the buildings and structures themselves have crumpled or are burning.

Red Hood pointed his hook-shot towards one of the buildings that escaped the blasts mostly unscathed. He locked it into place around a post, creating a zip-line from the rooftop to the ground floor of the other building.

“Alright, woman and children first,” Red Hood ushered to the timid crowd that shuffled into place.

Many of the crowd looked worn and exhausted. They had barely escaped the bombing, however the rooftop they all took, was about to crumble. A mother and her two young children were the first to step up. Red Hood strapped them together.

“Hold on tight, and this baby should get you down safely. Just press this button to drop down.” He gestured to the middle button.

“Thank you. I don't know what would have happened-”

“You can thank me when I unclog the streets of jerks like this one.” Red Hood held up his hand, then stepped back, signaling another civilian to step up.

“Then you'd be waiting a long time, this is Gotham we're talking about.” The mother smiled sadly, before zipping down the line.

Jason clicked his tongue under his mask. That stung. He would love more than anything to go back to killing every irredeemable bastard this city held. Damn Bruce. Dick. Even Cass. Well he couldn't cuss her, but he wanted too. She made it damn clear without any words what she would do if he fell back into his old ways.

His blood boiled and his skin burned, yet he had to keep his composure. It was difficult and knowing it was the damn clown that caused it only made it worse. Still, he managed. He put his mind elsewhere when a task didn't need his full attention.

First thing he imagined was the cool night air, overlooking the city. Eating a sandwich and putting his leftover crust in his favorite gargoyle's mouth for the starving pigeons. Then the image changed to the warmth of the library loft, where the stain glass shined on it. Him reading a book aloud with a tiny companion wiggling into his side. The buzzing hum in his chest. The faint sounds of a woman downstairs.

“Hey-”

Red Hood spun around, slapping the hand off his shoulder. Nightwing held his hands up while stepping back, raising his brow.

“Didn't mean to scare you, Little Wing.”

“I didn't get scared.” He shrugged, turning to face away from Dick. He didn't want to admit he got lost in his thoughts. He unlocked the zip line, letting it reel back now that the civilians were back on the ground.

“Riiiiight.”

“Thought you were helping clear out the hospital?” Red Hood asked, standing back up.

“I was, but Spoiler and Orphan said they could finish up.” Nightwing put his hands on his hips as he spoke.

“Basically told you to piss off and go rest, huh?”

“Yep! So I figured I'd find you-”

“And ignore everything they said?”

Nightwing grinned at him.

Jason shook his head, clipping the hook-shot back onto his belt. He rolled his shoulder, stretching it out. Croc had done a number. It took him, Dick, and several cops to contain him when they reached the blockade. He felt bad for Waylon. He doubted the narcotics were taken willingly, or at least with full awareness of what they could do. Well, now they'll know how to tell if the drug is in someone's system.

“What makes you think I won't go home and go to bed, Huh?” He turned back to Nightwing with his arms crossed, as if he could ever sleep after this mess.

Nightwing clapped his hands to his cheeks in fake surprise. “GASP! THE Red Hood ISN'T going to go clown hunting all by himself?”

“Shut up,” He growled, slightly pushing Dick away. “I'm fine.”

“I didn't mean it like that-”

“Shut UP! Let's just go before he has time to do anything else.” Red Hood vaulted over the roof's wall then slid down the broken fire escape, rolling onto the ground. He left his bike parked in front of the building.

“I'm surprised how many people made it out.” Dick's voice hummed behind him, changing the subject.

“I think Waylon's little song and dance scared most of them out of the way.”

“That wouldn't explain Otisburg. Everything from the old theater on Berger Avenue to Prince Street was severely damaged.” Nightwing explained, “Yet, the high rise buildings were full of people on the roof top. Red Robin and the firefighters are using the construction cranes to get them down.”

“Don't look a gift horse in the mouth.”

“I didn't know you were into horses.”

“I prefer hogs, actually,” Red Hood huffed as he reached his motorcycle, checking his saddle bags.

Nightwing snorted back a laugh-but stopped abruptly when static stirred over their comms.

“....Can.... me?”

“Oracle?” Nightwing asked, leaning on the back of Hood's motorcycle. Jason swung his leg over to mount the bike.

“Nightwing. Can you hear me?”

“Yes! What happened?”

“I can too.” Red Hood snorted as he kicked the kickstand up. Nightwing stumbled from the change of weight.

“Listen, we don't have much time. Joker-” Static filled the comms again as a loud voice broadcasted on every radio.

“Helllllooooo~ Gotham! How was the fireworks? You can thank my pyrotechnician for that spectacular display! A. K. A. Me!” Joker's laughing face was displayed on top of several buildings by hidden projectors.

“Oh, but that's not all that I have for you. The show is just getting started. I hope you bought your tickets and grabbed some popcorn because we got a real classic for ya, tonight!” Joker shuffle-danced, then stepped to the side with a slide revealing a woman tied to a chair with a bag over her head. Red hair strands poking from underneath the bag.

Hood felt a drop to his stomach. It couldn't be...

“Our dear princess is awaiting her knight in rusty armor to come and rescue her. However, her knights only have until midnight to find her.” The Joker laughed as the camera zoomed out to show the room.

“Or else there might not be anything left.” Joker dangerously hummed into the mic, before ripping the bag off her head. Jasmine was barely conscious as her face scrunched in pain from the bright lights.

“You have an hour and thirty minutes,” Joker grabbed her chin, squishing her cheeks as he made her look directly at the camera. A timer starting on the screen. “Before these sweet lips get blown to smithereens. Good luck~”

Joker's laugh maniacally, before the screen cut to black-leaving only the timer on display.

But all Jason could see, was green.

Tumblr Link to my Art

Chapter Text

Everything was on fire. The office building was crumbling in on itself. A woman screamed, phone clutched in her hand tightly- tears streaming down her face. Regrets filled her chest while she thought of all the moments where she could have done something different. She wasn't even supposed to be in the office at this hour, but she was working hard to impress her boss. She wanted that promotion. All she had dreamed of, now she was doubting if it was even worth it.

Thoughts of how her two year old will have to grow up without her. Gotham was so cruel to orphans. Would her daughter even make it to adulthood?

Her co-workers were all huddled in a corner, staring down at their demise. One wrapping his arms around her in a vague attempt to shield her from the debris as the ceiling came collapsing down.

She closed her eyes tight, hugging the man back-

But the ceiling never came...

In a dizzy swoosh, there they were. Her and all of her co-workers on a cool rooftop in full view of their old office building as it collapsed. Tears swelled in her eyes.

It was a miracle. A miracle for this god-forsaken city. She prayed for that miracle, whoever they were, that they get to go home to their family just like they allowed her.


“Why MUST you save everyone YOU see?” Vlad, in his ghostly form, growled. His bright magenta eyes glaring down at the little boy in black and white, while they float above the rooftop. Both of them hidden in the plumes of smoke.

“They were going to die!” Danny yelled back as it was the most obvious thing ever. He was not going to apologize.

“Oh boo-hoo! They should have thought of that before thinking it was a good idea to stay in a city where bombs are common practice!” Vlad was fuming.

“Don't you even care about your sister? All this time WASTED saving these idiots.”

Danny flinched, curling up into his small form. He muttered a reply, “Jazz wouldn't want me to ignore them.”

“She ALSO didn't want you to expose yourself either! THINK DANIEL!”

Danny felt his cheeks turn hot. Of course he knew that! Reason he kept invisible... Still they needed help. He couldn't stand back and watch-

A cackle rang throughout the city as projectors started playing on the remaining buildings. Danny's heart dropped.

Vlad whipped his head back to Danny. His eyes glowing the brightest red they ever had as he growled deeply. Danny didn't look at him, eyes glued to where the timer ticked down.

He felt them swell. His vision blurred.

___


It was warm. Unsettlingly warm. Like the sun was beaming down on her, but the sun never came through the little apartment window this intensely. If at all. So.. where was she?

“Nnnmh...” She flinched into herself as pain shot through her leg and head. Slowly she forced her eyes open, but her lids felt heavy and one side was crusted over. Did she cry in her sleep again?

“Wakey, Wakey,” A voice cackled, “Did you enjoy your beauty nap? I would say you need a few more z's, but what fun is a party if the VIP is sleeping through it?”

What weight held them shut, vanished, as she snapped her eyes wide open. Jazz yelped from the bright lights, rapidly blinking to adjust to the light.

“There's our girl! Oohoo hoo~ I was worried you were going to miss the fun. Look at the snazzy little place I set up, JUST for you,” Joker hummed as he spread his arms out, showing off the room.

Jazz squinted her eyes, glancing around. There were too many lights. Some in the distance blinked red, as a spotlight cast down on her. She felt ropes pull across her chest and a pain shoot again through her leg.

“Ah, Sorry, truly. I know I said we were going to get front row seats, but I got to thinking-And a full theater experience would be WAY more fitting! You can see EVERY angle! We even have it in 4-D!” The man laughed, as he waved a remote in his hands.

Jazz's eyes narrowed on the remote, before glancing around again. She noticed the blinking lights were connected to the bombs that littered about the room, all making an awful ticking noise. Her eyes shifted back to the man in the purple suit as he twirled around the room. Large monitors behind him displayed the city in chaos.

“Tsk, I sense you may not be THAT enthusiastic about your seating arrangement. But I assure you it's the best seat in the house! Only one, but hey-one can only do so much on such short notice. Honestly, you should be more thrilled to have such a private viewing!”

“There is no way you did all this on short notice.” Jazz spat out, growing increasingly frustrated.

“Oho! Isn't THAT a compliment- but oh so true,” Joker spun around her, then leaned his elbow on the back of her chair. He slipped the remote into his pants pocket. “I guess you can say that YOU'RE the stand-in. I originally had planned to put this show on for next week. Y'know get some advertising out. Really rile up the bats. They sure do love a good mystery.”

Jazz frowned deeply. She wasn't sure if she should be happy that she prevented some other poor victim from being kidnapped, or not. She swallowed thickly staring at a bomb that was in a box of nails in the corner of her eye.

“Then why me?” She hesitantly asked, staring back at the anticipating face of Joker.

“I'm so very GLAD you've asked,” He grinned as if he had been waiting all night for her to ask that.

The man spun on his heels, plopping down onto Jazz's lap. Jazz bit her lip as sharp pain shot back up again. Her eyes watering while she glared at the Joker. The man made himself comfy, pulling out a magazine from inside of his jacket.

“You see, my intended guest was going to be more catty. She clutched her sticky paws on what I had my EYE on and Ol'Batsy would have made one Hell of a show trying to save her.” Joker flipped through the magazine, but managed to still gesture to the cat-like décor he had crudely covered up around the room. Mainly taped to the ceiling.

Catwoman? What did she take that Joker would be interested in? No, not her problem. Her eyes went back to the lanky man who cackled like a teenage girl on her lap. This was her problem.

“When I came across Gotham's little Cinderella!” Joker held up the page he had been looking for. It was one of Jazz running away, but one of the few that captured her face. One of the few articles that Vlad had managed to pull from the public.

Joker pulled the magazine back and tilted it away from himself to get a better view of it again with a whistle, “You really do know how to doll up. Shame RED really isn't your color.”

Her face scrunched up.

“But yes, the little princess that's taken gossip mags by storm! How could I pass up the opportunity to ride- as kids would say it now- the hype train?” The man cackled, grinning from ear to ear.

“Wait, so you're doing this... for clout?”

“What? No! Of course not-” Joker sputtered, standing up off her lap in exasperation. He rolled the magazine tightly between his hands, “I'm THE Clown PRINCE of Crime. I don't NEED clout! I AM the CLOUT!”

“Okay... So you're not doing any of this for attention?” Jazz asked, knowing she was testing her luck. Beads of sweat formed on her forehead.

“Especially from a certain bat-themed vigilante-AH!?” She squeaked as Joker slapped the magazine past her head onto the back of the chair she was tied to.

His expression was as dark as the shadow casting over it. His dark eyes glowered down at her. Only sign of “joy” left was the red paint over his mouth and cheeks. Faux, like eyes on a moth's wings. She shrunk down in her seat.

“I DIDN'T ask for an impromptu therapy session from some mid-level college student. And I'm not opposed to blowing you up now, instead of later. Got it?”

Jazz nodded instinctively. Joker's expression relaxed, his devilish grin returning to his face as his shoulders dropped.

“GOOD to have an understanding. It IS quite a sorry sight when actors don't get along with their director. Oh, but what am I saying- I should have known! It's normal for you psychologist freaks. Even Harley couldn't help herself once or twice.” Joker said as he pushed away from her, dramatically tossing the magazine aside. He waltzed over to where he had her bag on some old dusty table, dumping out her things.

“Honestly, I shouldn't be too surprised that our leading gal is a psychology major. It goes kind of hand in hand really. Need to at least PRETEND that you don't mind listening to the same sap talk about how their mother use to beat them with a stick.”

Jazz prayed she wouldn't lose her flash-drives as Joker messily ran his hand through the spilled out items. She didn't have time to back up her changes on her latest thesis yet-wait, what was she thinking? Her stuff will probably go up in flames.

“And all those rich geezers that's willing to throw their money away to a young lady, pay twice as much if they think she actually ENJOYS their company.”

Her eyes narrowed.

“Oh, not to slut shame though. Times are hard, and honestly I'm all for squeezing those rich pricks out of every penny, nickel, and dime they have- Aha!” Joker pulled out the notebook Jazz had carried on her. “Found it~! You see, I got a little bored waiting, so I went through the pleasure of sorting your things while you slept.”

Jazz felt her eye twitch, realizing that he had dumped her stuff out just for dramatic effect.

“And this, THIS! Whoo-was a banger to read . Especially about your little thoughts on heroism.” Joker flipped through the book. “Not a big fan of heroes are you? Certainly a plot twist for this little tale.”

“I don't mind heroes.” Jazz spoke carefully. In reality, she loved heroes. Heroes gave people hope in the darkest of times. They saved so many lives who would have been cut too short otherwise.

However, she was far from blind at the damage heroism can cause. Especially to the heroes themselves. Danny was a prime example. Even now, his trauma still haunts him.

So she began researching and writing. At first in hopes to figure out her brother, but the more she did.. the more she prayed Danny never goes back to it. Heroes were a never ending self-destructive bomb waiting to blow. There was only so much man was made to handle, mentally and physically.

Her thesis in particular -that explained about how some self-destructive tendencies are praised and its effects on society- is what got her a full scholarship to Gotham's University.

She even had one of her professors write recommendation letters for her, introducing her to some of the top people in the field both inside the city and out. He refused to get her in touch with Arkham though. Her mind was far too brilliant to risk her life there, he said.

Seems like life had given her a test to prove if he was right or not.

Joker had walked back to her, leaning over from behind the chair. He licked his finger, then flipped through the pages.

“Awful lot of notes for someone who DOESN'T mind. I think my favorite line from your precious little notes is this- AHEM! Heroism in conclusion is one bad day away from crumbling down!” Joker laughed.

“It does not say that.” She knew damn well what the Joker made a point to say, anytime he confronted anyone. It was his whole schtick.

“Oh, but it does! I just made a synopsis. Right here! 'In conclusion, the act of heroism can cause devastating, long-lasting trauma to those who follow it. Constantly breaking down their self-esteem, morals, and comprehension of reality until there is very little left of who they once were. Thus leaving individuals unstable and constantly on the threat of a mental break.'- SEE Exactly what I said.” Joker pointed to the line as he read it. He hummed at the end, grinning at Jazz knowingly.

Jazz scrunched up her nose, bitter taste in her mouth. She knew he was simplifying her words, but..guilty, she knew he wasn't completely wrong.

“Y'know,” Joker hummed as he tapped a finger on his cheek, “Since Harley's gone to scissor the hedges, there IS an opening. Of course, we'd need to figure out the color scheme issue, licensing, etc.”

Joker closed the notebook in his hand, then waved it in front of her face with a sinister grin. “We can put your little “theory” to the test! How's ‘bout it, hm?”

Jazz felt chills down her spine, biting back her tongue before she could make an audible gag.

“Ah, and don't worry about daycare arrangements, I'm sure we can do something with that brat of yours. I always wondered what Batsy would do if he had to face a child. Wouldn't that be such a twist?” He laughed as he stepped back from the chair, spinning back in front of her.

“Stay AWAY from Danny.” Jazz growled, glaring at the crusty painted face smiling back at her.

“Oooohoohooo! That's got your panties in a twist,” Joker tucked the notebook into the inner coat pocket. “Honestly, I don't see what's the fuss. A pretty thing like you should be happy to have someone willing to take the brat off your hands. Certainly would make your life easier, now wouldn't it?”

“If you DARE go anywhere near him, I'll-”

“You? Ahahaha-”Joker busted out laughing, slapping his knee. He cackled, throwing his head back putting a hand over his face. His laughter died down to a dark chuckle as he slowly lowered his hand down his face. He grinned at Jazz, bending over so he could be face to face with her. “Go ahead, show me what “you” would do.”

___


“I've checked the abandoned side of the mall. No leads. Just some squatters. Going to check around Chelsea Tunnel.” Red Robin stated over the comms.

“Don't bother. I busted a human trafficking ring in that area last month. I've kept close tabs in the area ever since. He might be a clown, but he's not a fool.” Red Hood clicked his tongue at mentioning the Joker, trying not to let his temper take over just yet.

“Are you sure you're okay to search, Red Hood?” Oracle asked tenderly, keyboard clicking in the background.

“Afraid I'll shoot the bastard?”

The silent pause over the communication line answered for him.

He growled under his breath. This is why he hated coming back to his family. Always acting like he was a bomb about to blow, granted he was at this moment, but damn did it boil his blood. He turned the handles of his motorcycle, pushing the bike as fast as it could go.

Him and Nightwing already searched from the Bowery, through Tri-Corner Island, and well into Old Gotham. Spoiler and Orphan stayed around the wreckage.

Jason refused to speak on a line with Bruce, but if he had to guess, he and the demon brat were searching close to the dam. There was a group of teenagers found dead there earlier in the week, all having taken a mysterious drug- same one they suspect Joker got his hands on now.

Speaking of, they hadn't found any signs of Joker. Thirty minutes had past-soon to be forty. Jason's heart was pounding, guilt pulling at his mind. He should have told them all to fuck off. They should have kept their noses out of a civilian's life. They knew better. Fuck! HE knew better than to get close.

That was the whole point.

“Penny for your thoughts?” Dick chimed in through a private line, as he sat on the back of the motorcycle. He was still keeping a lookout through the scanner on his mask while they drove through the streets, sweeping through.

“Inflation has hit hard since you were born, Dickie.” Jason gritted his teeth.

Only saving grace during this was that Dick had kept his mouth shut. Jason didn't want that to stop now.

“Soooo a dollar for your thoughts then?” Dick responded without missing a beat.

“Fuck off.”

“That's a no then.” Dick switched his line back to the main line, before asking, “Have you tried the video-”

“Yes!” Oracle hissed, “I've re-watched it, frame by frame ten times already. Dammit!”

The smack of the keyboard was heard. “Sorry. I don't know how he's jamming my signal through the city. Cameras keep malfunctioning.”

“Maybe I can take a look? With the vid, I mean. Think you can send it to me or should I drop in?” Tim asked, clearly making his way to her regardless.

“Be my guest. I have it downloaded so I should be able to send it to you. Meanwhile, I'll keep working on bypassing the jams. Something has to give.” She sighed heavily.

“We'll find her.” Dick stated with confidence.

Jason lowered his chin, eyes still on the road. Rage still threatened to spill over, but kept his mind on that single thought-because there was no time to focus on doubts.

“Yeah, we will.”

___

“ARGH!!” Joker fell back against the ground, kicking in pain as he put his hands over his face.

Jazz used the momentum of her headbutt to flip the chair and herself, rolling to break the old plastic chair into the concrete ground. She hissed as she gritted her teeth in pain as it shattered. Her back arching as pieces stabbed into her back. She didn't take time to soak in the pain as she heard the Joker cursing.

Jasmine rolled over and pushed herself to her knees. Her leg was killing her with the pain, but thankfully the adrenaline was keeping her going. She slid the metal legs of the chair from their weakened bindings from her leg.

“I will not be the BUTT-end of a joke!” Joker growled sitting up. His nose was skewed and dripping red.

“How about the leg?”

“What kind of-ERK” Joker was hit square in the face causing him to fall back down, knocking him out for the moment.

Danny would have probably thought of something wittier. Regardless, she needed to find a way to get out of here and fast. So she glanced around the room.

Bombs, upon bombs. Monitors. No. Boxes, she didn't want to mess with those. Joker could have trapped them. The table was one of those stupid fold-able ones. Where- aha!

A broken pipe stuck out of the corner of the room. If she could get it down then she could use it to help support her leg. Even though the nanobots in her bloodstream helped her repair her body at a faster rate, it did nothing for the pain or stabilizing the bones itself. But if she can get her leg supported enough, then she could run out of here.

She just prayed Joker would stay down long enough to escape.

___

“I think I spotted something-” Tim spoke not long after receiving the video.

“What?! Already?” Barbara couldn't believe it.

“Yeah-well. It's hard to make out, but considering that Joker planned this well in advance, it didn't make sense for him to go after Jazz-”

“Get to the point.” Jason growled.

“Right, footnotes. I'll send a screenshot- That above Joker's head. That looks like a paw and whiskers taped to-”

“Catwoman. I overheard her talking to B in the cave. She dropped off something for him.” Nightwing intervened.

“Exactly, and that was about a month ago, meaning-” Red Robin trying to speak again.

“Of course! Sending coordinates now of a few locations. I'll try to get a drone out on some of the locations to scout ahead. Good luck.”

The locations pinged on the GPS in his helmet. Red Hood skidded to a stop to look at it closer. Oracle listing the coordinates in order of most relevant to least. However, zooming in on the map, one coordinate struck out the most.

He set his navigation to it.

Nightwing leaned over his shoulder, “Where are we heading to, cap?”

“Down south. There's an abandoned medical lab down between Cobble-Pot Steel and Dixon Docks.”

“The one that shut down for testing on animals?”

“Yeah. All the other locations can be combed through quickly. We're the closest to this one.”

“Annnnd considering Joker's narcotics stash, that'll be the best place to store and modify them,” Nightwing stated plainly having already figured out his brother's thinking.

“Exactly,” Red Hood felt confidence returning. They will find her. There won't be another orphan tonight, if he could help it. “Hang on, 'cause I won't come back if you fall.”

He kicked off the ground, and sped off. Almost bucking Nightwing off before he was ready... purposefully.

Chapter Text

“There we go.” Jazz patted her leg, flinching instantly. She had used her body weight to break the pipe off the wall and tied it to her leg with the rope that had previously tied her to the chair. It wasn't the best makeshift splint, but it'll do.

She let out a breath, then pulled herself up to her feet using the pipes still fixed well onto the wall, hoping they wouldn't break. It hurt a lot, at first, but slowly grew dull when she became sturdy on her feet. She balanced herself, mostly putting weight onto her good foot, before eyeing her surroundings.

The Joker still lay flat on the floor. The chair legs had hit him square between the eyes. Maybe if she shot chairs instead of lasers, she would have been more helpful to Danny when he was fighting ghosts. Not that it mattered now. An exit-she needed to find one, but first.

Her eyes went from the door, to the blinking lights, and down to the Joker's trousers. Her face scrunched up. The remote. Whether it actually did anything or not was up in the air- but... if it did. She had to have it so the Joker couldn't blow up the place before she could escape.

She hobbled over to the Joker carefully, kneeling down on her good leg. She eyed him for a moment. His tongue hung out the side of his mouth, head hung back. His body was still with only his chest falling and rising. Make this quick. She reached into his pants pocket. Gently, she felt around for the remote with her fingers, trying to avoid hitting any buttons, and then carefully slid it out. She let out a sigh of relief as she glanced over the remote. Good. Now to-

She screamed when her wrist was suddenly grabbed and pulled away from her, making her fall onto her hip.

“A pick-pocket too?” Joker's voice darkly chuckled, “What a perfect little bat bait, aren't you?”

She pulled back at Joker's grip, but he had already slammed her hand into the ground. Her eyes widened as Joker rolled on top of her. She pulled back her knee to keep him from being able to sit on her and kicked him as hard as she could. The Joker flung backward onto the ground.

Jazz scrambled to get onto her feet, the remote still in her hand. When she noticed the Joker getting back up, at about the same time as her, she quickly reached for the nearest piece of furniture- the table. She put all her weight into slinging it at the Joker, making him stumble back. She bolted for the door, using her body weight to bust it open. She heard the Joker growl darkly before the door slammed behind her.

She didn't dare look back. She ran through the tiny corridor, stumbling every other step. Exit. Exit. Her eyes searched for the signs when the Joker's voice rang out over the intercom.

“If anyone would like to keep their heads screwed on, I suggest you poor bastards start looking for our leading gal. Anyone who manages to bring her back alive will get to be the star of the show! Plus a hefty bonus. Now get on it! I want her stopped yesterday! ”

Don't panic. The Joker had been at this for over a decade, how many people would he still be able to hire? Jazz skidded to a stop when a couple of large men burst in from the doors in front of her. They wore masks that resembled the Joker's grin, their hair green and spiked, and one was carrying a bat with nails in it, the other a crowbar.

“There she is-”

“Got guts to peeve off the boss. Come quietly and he might be merciful.”

“He only said to take you back alive ,” One cackled.

Creeps. Jazz glanced around, before turning back to head down another hallway. The two thugs thundered down after her. Sign. Sign? Aha! Her eyes spotted the green exit sign just barely blinking above. She moved towards it only to have more thugs bust in. Three of them, a skinny-looking dude, a girl with a half-shaven head, and a short man. All wearing masks and cackled at the sight of her.

“Hello, girly~ Mama needs a bonus.” The girl said in a graveled hum.

She whipped around on her heels, just to see the two thugs from before barreling down the hallway. The three behind her crept up to her, laughing like hyenas. Jazz glanced back and forth between them. The two thugs slowed their pace to laugh at her too. She was trapped without any doors at her disposal as they were all blocked by the lackeys.

She glanced up and smirked. Jazz stuffed the remote into her pocket and adjusted her stance. She flexed her fingers, motioning them to fight her. Only making the henchmen cackle with laughter before the lanky one stepped forward to fight. He was armed with a switchblade knife, flicking the blade out with a swish of his wrist. Jazz thought this couldn't be better as all the times she had been mugged finally came in handy.

He slashed his knife at her face in an attempt to scare her- but she stopped him by his wrist. She yanked him down while he was caught off guard and kneeing him in his chest. The others started to move in. She spun on her good leg and slammed her pipe splint into the lanky guy's back.

The bigger thugs swung their weapons down at her. She used the spin of her attack to dodge the bat, then she grabbed onto the crowbar. Jazz flipped herself up into the air- narrowly escaping the clutches of the short man and the girl. She continued the flip to land on the man's shoulders. As the man stood back up to shake her off- she used the lift to jump at the broken vent above her.

She barely managed to crawl up into the unstable vent while the henchmen tried to reach for her. She panted, crawling as fast as she could. The vent shook and rattled until some of it came crumbling behind her. The sounds of the henchmen cursing and stumbling could be heard.

One of the henchmen cried out, “She's in the vents! Break her out!”

Her body shook with adrenaline and nerves. Faster. Her leg was on fire. She knew she couldn't stay in the vents long, but she hoped it'd be long enough to keep them guessing. She took a right turn and found a way down. She didn't know if she needed to go up or down, but she would take any direction at this point.

So, she eased herself down the vent, putting her hands and feet out to try and slow her descent. Luckily, it didn't drop very far as she landed with an inelegant light thump. Her leg sent shockwaves up her body. She gritted her teeth, biting back a scream. She took a moment to recover, then dragged herself through until she found a vent cover that appeared to lead into a dark and quiet room.

Jazz positioned herself to kick at the vent cover, causing it to scatter onto the floor. She squeaked at the loud sound it made. She paused, listening for sounds of unwanted company. When none was heard, she sighed in relief- dropping out of the vent onto a solid concrete floor.

She felt around the dark room carefully. Her hands grazed over a cold smooth surface and rounded bars with small spaces between them. Were these cages? She shivered. Glad the Joker didn't try to stuff her in one of these. The cages stopped into nothing, so she felt around the edge of the cage to the wall. She found the edge of the doorframe and a light switch.

She listened again, to try and hear noises outside the room. Nothing. Jazz having second thoughts about where she ended up. She could breathe, but she recognized that no noises meant she was very likely going in the wrong direction. Still, she flicked on the switch to take in this moment of brevity.

The lights flickered before showering the room with a dim light. Cages were plastered all over the walls and the ones that were stacked in the middle lay disheveled. All the cages were small, indicating they were meant for animals.

Jazz frowned before it clicked. She remembered hearing about a rumor of a laboratory that was taking in stray cats and using them for medical experiments. Well, that and the other rumors included genetically modifying them for Chinese food too, but she didn't believe that one. It was usually based on a racist stereotype. -Too bad she couldn't remember where it was.

Either way, if she was in a laboratory, that might explain why she hadn't heard any freaks down this way. She could be in a closed-off part where the magnetic locks still work. Which was for better or for worse, but at least that did mean she could hide the remote.

She took the remote out of her pocket and shoved it into one of the empty cages. There. Now at least she would have some ease of mind. She opened the door into an empty corridor, where the lights flickered and buzzed. Jazz compared the scenery to a horror movie, which did nothing to help ease her nerves.

Taking a breath, she steeled herself and picked a direction- hoping to find some way out soon. She doubted the Joker was going to be “merciful” in any sense of the word if he caught her again. So she had to be careful.



“Think this is the place?” Nightwing asked after they stopped in front of their destination.

Said destination was a large building nestled in between two other abandoned warehouses. Surrounding it was a tall wired fence with a busted-up metal gate at the entrance. Graffiti covered the concrete surface of the building. Various signatures and art from both artists and random vandals. The sign above the doors was covered with a large sheet of cardboard with the words “Chinese Takeout” written across it.

And conveniently, or perhaps purposely there was a dragon hastily painted on the glass doors with Joker's signature smile. Balloons littered the pathway with grins painted on them. Handcrafted arrow signs pointed towards the door and a couple of thugs lay either dead or passed out across the path. Smiles were painted on their backs and they wore smiling masks.

“Unless we got another clown that paints a red smile on everything, I think we found him.” Red-Hood drove his motorcycle off into a nearby ally.

“We got signs of the Joker, going in,” Nightwing said over the comms.

“Keep communication lines on, we'll be moving towards your location.” Batman had replied, which made Nightwing click his teeth.

“How much should I bet you're not going to do that?” Dick turned to ask Jason as both of them hopped off the bike.

“Do what? I didn't hear anything.”

“Okay, so a hundred at least.” Nightwing hummed, as he followed Red-Hood back towards the abandoned lab.

They climbed over the fence and snuck behind a wall, getting a better look at the area. They could hear yelling and the fire alarm ringing from the inside through the busted-out windows.

“Sounds like a full house,” Nightwing stated. He flicked on the thermal vision that was built into his mask.

“Nm.” Red-Hood didn't like the sound of it. Was she okay? Did she break free? Scenes of her leaning over the balcony in his coat played in his head. He wondered how many grown men she could take down, she never specified a number.

A hand touched his shoulder. He swung back his elbow about to hit whoever snuck up behind him, only to have it caught by his brother. He ripped his arm out of Nightwing's grip before he could say anything. The expression that was on his face said enough.

“Little wing-” Nightwing cut himself off, changing his words mid-sentence, “Let's split up to find her. I'll take the high road, yeah?”

“I'll take the low. I needed to blow some steam off anyways.” Red-Hood cracked his knuckles as he walked towards the front door.

“Remember, you're not alone in this! I got your back if things get sticky.” Nightwing added before Red-Hood could walk out of hearing distance.

Red-Hood didn't stop but raised a hand in a gesture that he heard Dick. He both wondered and knew exactly what Dick meant by that. Too many conflicted emotions with that statement. His chest pulled tight.

So he marched up to one of the unconscious grunts that lay in front of the door and threw them at the glass doors, shattering the door into pieces. He pulled out his guns with a spin, marching in with guns blazing.

They might be loaded with rubber bullets for now, but that didn't mean they hurt any less. He made sure of that.

Letting his anger out on any goon he saw, unaware of following eyes. His heart beat too strongly to feel the pulse in his veins echoing in a direction behind him.



“ARGH!”

A board snapped and ricocheted against the concrete wall. Jazz stumbled back, the door next to her having a broken piece of wood wedged in it. She groaned as her back flopped against the wall. Great. It had appeared her guess of being stuck in the locked part of the building was correct. The door refused to budge and though she was able to stick the board in between the gap- well the now broken board- it did little to bust the lock.

She huffed, rubbing her shoulder. Her eyes darted around the hall to look at her options, locking on to the fire alarm. She pulled the handle down, praying for it to work. The fire alarm started to ring throughout the building, quickly she turned to the door, shoving her body into it. The bent door gave way as the magnetic lock was switched off by the alarm. She sighed in relief and started to run.

This side of the hall clearly had been ransacked and busted through. Spray paint and stains lined the walls. She had to be more careful now. Reaching down, she collected a small crowbar that rested among the cardboard and debris, while she rushed through. She knew her best chance was to run, but she didn't want to be left empty-handed either.

Soon she found herself in a stairway. Her leg screamed while her eyes scanned for the exit sign, her hands tightly wrapped around the crowbar. She cursed, learning she had fallen too far. Quickly, she made her way up the stairs, thanking the fire alarm for hiding her steps on the metal stairs. Reaching the door to the first floor, only to find it blocked shut. She tried to ram her body into the door, hoping it would budge, but finding it futile. What little she could see out of the spray-painted window was a desk smashed in front of it. Jazz kicked the door out of frustration only to bite back a scream, kneeling down in pain.

Taking a deep breath, she stood back up. Her leg was shaking a little as the adrenaline was fading. She turned back towards the stairs, pulling the crowbar close. Once on the second floor, she took a deep breath, then bolted through.

Her mind was set on finding a fire escape.

She skidded through the halls, ducking in and out of rooms as she heard the thugs thumping by. She hid under one of the tables when a group of thugs came into one of the rooms. She tried to sneak away when they were busy, only to scream as the desk next to her was smashed.

“Peek-a-boo!” “We found her!” They cackled.

Rolling out of her hiding spot, she bolted for the exit-throwing and pulling objects and furniture down behind her. She kept her crowbar close and kept running to the opposite side of the building, looking for any signs of a fire escape. A goon jumped in front of her from around the corner, causing her to smack him upside the head with her crowbar.

“Ah! Sorry- not sorry.” She squeaked, stepping over him to keep looking for an exit.

Her lungs burned, her leg numb from the pain, and her heart pounded in her chest. After evading a couple of goons by using a door to smack them into each other, she finally felt relief again. Her eyes latch onto another exit sign. She really was debating on throwing herself out the window-but if she could manage a less painful exit- she would rather take it.

Following the signs, she dodged a bigger goon by rolling under him-hitting the back of his knees with her crowbar. Reaching the double doors at the end of the hall, she shoved it open with her shoulders, finding herself in another hall. She could hear thugs yelling in the distance and faint gunshots. She glanced down the hallway towards the exit- the sign flickering above the door. She couldn't wait to be free, to get home, to hug Danny. Hell, she would even enjoy comfort from Vlad right now. Just to be safe.

But as she ran, she felt a wire snap on her leg. The exit door swung open.

The next thing she knew, she was flung ten feet back onto the ground. She grunted as her vision came back too, hair a knotted mess in her face as she tried to piece together what had happened. In her blurred sight, a giant mass of red bounced before her. Squinting her eyes and rubbing them clear, trying to will the pain away enough to focus- only to tilt her head in confusion.

A.. a giant boxing glove? How did-Where did-?

A shrill laughter echoed, sending chills down Jazz's spine. Dread seeped from every goose bump that appeared on her exposed skin and hair that stood on end. A click of heels on the tile floor, one obviously in a stride as a few others stayed shuffled behind her.

She curled in on herself, begging to stand- to move- but even with the nanobots helping her recover she was still far too human-too normal- to keep up with the strain. Another thing she could never hope to achieve- being as strong as Danny could be. She couldn't ever be a match for protecting him from things like this. Her eyes watering at the mere thought that there was some truth to Vlad's words.

“It's ABOUT time someone falls for that. Do you know how LONG I've been DYING to deliver THAT punchline? Oooehouhou!”

If only someone would beat him to the punch and knock him out. Danny would have- She shook the thought from her head. Danny isn't-doesn't need to be a hero anymore. She wished she could stop admiring him like one, at least the image of Danny as he used to be.

Mr. J's heels clicked on the ground as he spun around the giant boxing glove, giving it a good smack. The glove bounced in its place as he laughed.

“It's been ages! Well, really it's been five years. Set this puppy up in every joint I ran- Only to be disappointed every time by the bats' inability to use a door. Locked away from its potential by mannerless stage hands.”

He stepped forward towards her, his hands behind his back. The tone of his voice masked irritation with an obnoxious happy one. “Then for the surprise to be ruined by our talentless damsel in distress. Really have the knack for being a buzz kill, don't you?”

She glared from behind her orange hair. Her teeth clenched, pushing her torso up as much as she could from the floor, struggling to move.

Joker clicked his teeth, “Pathetic. Y'know, I think it's about time for the final act.”

The sound of gunfire rang out, sounding closer. Joker's eyes glanced back towards the door, a grin crawling onto his face. “There's the calvary now. Boys, do your part. I'd like to do our darling girl's makeup before the show.”

Jazz felt the Joker's arm brush past her- it took her a moment before she realized as to why. The sound of metal dragged across the tile floor, as the feet of the goons behind her shuffled out the door. She stopped trying to push herself up and crawled to her right-praying to get any distance. A dark chuckle rained down from above her, making her feel like an ant to a shoe. Cold metal brushed against her cheek and neck, pulling some of her hair to the side.

“You don't even know just how FUNNY this is. Wait until your knight sees you now. Eehehehehehee,” The Joker flicked the crowbar from her hair. She tensed up as he let out another cackle, preparing for another hit.

“I wonder what he will do.”



“That was easy enough.” Nightwing hummed after dragging the unconscious body of a thug to the side. Dusting his hands off, he stepped over the body and made his way down the hall. The top floors, so far, had very few rogues, which meant he had to search harder if he was going to find Jazz in time.

Little less than thirty minutes left. If they're going by Joker's words. He wouldn't doubt it if it was less. His eyes glanced at the rooms as he passed. Many appeared empty and the only sounds he could hear were the rogues below with the faint sound of guns firing off. He frowned, keeping whatever thoughts he may have, buried. It was hard when the other family members echoed his thoughts through his comms.

Except Oracle who remained oddly quiet. She could relate the most to how Jason must feel right now, which made her silence so very loud. And despite everyone's expressed worries, it was more about losing more than one person tonight. He refused to think about it, not now.

Dick shook his head, ignoring the concern bickering- not even bothering to take it in as any more than background noise. His eyes glanced at the few signs that stayed fastened on the walls, while he passed by empty rooms upon empty rooms- his eyes lightening up at a door for security. Bingo.

Grabbing his Escrima sticks, he kicked open the door and rolled head-first to avoid any potential retaliation. He expected to run into the Joker or a guarding goon- instead, he was greeted by silence and a floor covered in shattered plastic with a table flipped over. His hand traced the evidence left on the floor.

Furrowing his brows, he stood up to take in the room. It was covered in bombs, but he didn't see a clock attached. A pipe broken from the wall, the original decorations barely hanging up on the ceiling by tape and netting, Jazz's personal belongings scattered everywhere, and old security monitors covering parts of the city.

Nightwing walked over to the feed, reaching out to the keyboard to see how much he could access without hacking. He tabbed through the cameras. Glimpses of the others passing by his feed, he was able to quickly assess who would arrive there next. Bruce.

Dick gritted his teeth while hurrying to change the feedback to the building. With some minor hacking and a few keystrokes, he finally got access. He could see Red Hood fighting a group on the first floor. Most of the cameras were empty or had one or two rogues either searching the place or breaking it. A few cameras didn't work- one of the screens was damaged and another was completely black in its feed. Clicking over to the next screen, he froze.

Damn.

He pressed the button on his earpiece, switching to a private line. He hesitated-his eyes going back to the screens that showed the burning city, but his mind flickering to an image of Red Hood standing with a duffle bag of heads-

“Jay- We need to get to the second floor, west wing. Jazz escaped, but the Joker caught her,” Nightwing turned on his heels, running out of the door-refusing to let the image hang over his brother.

Shit.

Jason kicked up a desk into the face of a larger goon, making the man stumble back into the wall. From behind a lankier guy took the opportunity to run at him with a bat. He sidestepped-avoiding the swing -then smacked the hilt of his gun into the guy's neck taking him down.
He aimed his gun at the woman in a purple Joker mask. She dropped the mace she was carrying, fleeing the scene. He lifted his gun higher, pulling the trigger and causing a light to fall on top of her- taking her out. He scanned his gun across the room. Clicking his teeth as the coast was clear, he made his way to the stairwell.

A body and some desks blocked the door to the stairs, yet Jason didn't bother with clearing the blockage. Instead, he turned towards the elevator shaft and pried the doors wide open. He hung his head into the shaft. The elevator luckily was at the top floor. The sound of ticking loudly came from above. Flashbacks buzzed in the back of his head.

He growled, clenching his fist tight. Quickly, he changed his earpiece to static to block out what sound he could. Then, Jason reached for his hook shot, aiming at the second-floor landing and reeled himself up. Once on the floor, he took out his guns and rumbled down the hall. Some of the goons that still remained either ducked into rooms boarding themselves in or ran towards him with weapons raised. Red Hood didn't bother to take his time with them.

He shot the knee of the man running towards him. The guy tumbled face forward to the ground. A woman smacked down a pipe at him. He raised his arm to block the hit and used his free hand to smack her’s with the hilt of his gun causing her grip to weaken on the pipe. He spun to kick her in the back. Her makeshift weapon fell while she went hurling to the floor, piled on top of the other guy. He used the momentum of the spin to redirect him back toward his objective and kicked off down the hall.

Two joker small guys ambushed him at the same time, coming out from opposite rooms. He dropped to his knees into a slide, firing wildly at their torsos as he did. The guys smacked head-first into each other, crying as they crumbled to the ground. Jason popped back onto his fists and swung himself upright onto his feet. Dickie wasn't the only one that could do fancy tricks.

Closing in on Joker's location, he noticed two buff-looking brutes standing in the way. One had his head shaved on the sides, half of his hair spiked resembling studs on the top of his head, and the rest was tied into a loose ponytail. The details of his mask were painted in green. The other had frizzy long tightly curled hair in a style similar to an 80s rockstar. His mask was mostly painted in purple. Side-by-side, they stood with their arms crossed, blocking the hall.

“Looks like little Red Ridey Hood came after all,” Knockoff 80s rocker taunted, letting their arms fall. They smack their fist into their hand a few times to come off as intimidating.

The one in the green mask cackled, “Walking right into the wolf's den-”

Red Hood shot Mr. Ponytail in the face, making the man stumble back. Mr. Wanna-be-Rockstar barrelled toward him. He fired his gun at the ceiling, hitting the sprinkler system. Water sprayed everywhere, quickly soaking the floor. Rocker-guy didn't slow or slip, grappling Red Hood by the waist. Ready for the attack, he let the man tackle him down then placed his feet on the man's abdomen as they fell.

Once he hit the ground, he kicked off using the momentum to flip the man off of him. Then he somersaulted on top of the phony musician, straddling his thick neck between his thighs and sitting on his chest. Red Hood smashed his fist repeatedly into the purple mask until it cracked, knocking the goon out cold.

Sounds of water splashing caught his attention. Looks like Greenie wanted a turn. The man rushed towards him with a hatchet in his hand. The punk reeled his arm back-then his foot slipped. His legs split apart painfully while the hatchet slung out of his hand.

Aiming his gun, Red Hood shot at the hatchet causing it to fly backwards onto the ground. He slid his guns into their holsters and rolled forward off the unconscious rockstar onto his feet. The ponytail punk's hands clutched at his crotch as he fell to the side, groaning in pain. Before he could even attempt to get back up, the vigilante wrapped his hand around the man's ponytail and forcefully yanked him up face to face.

“W-wait- We can talk about this! The-the Joker! He made us! Swear it, to-” Funny how the bigger ones fall the hardest, isn't it?

Jason smashed his knee into the man's face, shattering the mask and breaking the man's nose in the process. He threw him onto the ground, with a kick to the abdomen for good measure. He spared a glance at the unconscious duo, before using his boot to shift them around to avoid them choking on their own blood despite how much they might deserve it.

Speaking of- Jason turned back down the hall, pulling out a gun. He ejected the nearly empty magazine, letting what rubber bullets were left fall to the floor. He reached for a clip he kept hidden under his shirt. Ammo he rarely used, but kept on hand. Anticipation filled his chest, nerves twisting his stomach, and his breath shook. His fingers gently fiddled with the clip, while his feet carried him straight ahead.

Images flashed through his mind. The Joker always haunted him: in his sleep, his day-to-day, in how he built relationships... He hated it. Hated that he had to face the Joker with the rage of a bull or he would tremble in fear instead. Traumatized, they called it. Fucked up is how he would put it.

He loaded the magazine with the clip of ammunition with a quick shove of his palm. Natural, instinctual at this point. He spun the pistol in his hand, then gripped the hilt firmly. His palms sweated, his breathing quickened, and his steps increased while an image of the small boy at the library crossed his mind. Sharing his snack with him, making jokes about the story he was halfway invested in, and a glimpse of orange hair peeking from behind a bookcase catching both of their attention. If it came down to it- he'd do what he should have done in the first place.

And the Joker better pray to whatever fucked up god he believes in that he isn't too late.


Upon reaching the double doors at the end of the hall, he did not give himself time to look through the glass. He only had a glimpse of green and white from down the hall through the half-spray painted-windows- and that was more than enough for him. His heartbeat was loud in his ears. He kicked the doors wide open and aimed his gun at the Joker.

“Your game’s over, Joker,” Jason said. He clenched his teeth tight at the sight. His hands trembled as he felt heat rise in his chest.

“Oooooeeee! FINALLY! With only seven minutes to spare,” the Joker cackled as he swayed his arm back letting go of the crowbar in his hand, letting it fall to the floor. An awful clang rang through the hall, sending shivers up Red Hood's spine.

However, Red Hood's eyes were focused on the other body in the room. Breathing heavily, Jasmine hung from her hair. Her body was bloody and beaten, yet she grunted in response as the Joker pulled her close to him. He used her as a shield, while he taunted.

“Why the long face? It looks like your dull knight in rusty armor is here to rescue you? At least look a LITTLE excited, dear,” he growled towards the end, his arm wrapped around Jazz's neck- keeping her in a headlock.

She snapped her eyes open, glaring sharply at the man. Jason steadied his gun, his eyes following hers. A voice broke through the static of his earpiece, Nightwing's asking for Jason to keep his position. If Jason had to assume, Dick was planning to drop down. With a quick glance up, before focusing back on the man-monster, he confirmed his assumption. There was an air duct with a perfect drop on Joker's position.

That is- if he didn't shoot the bastard first. It was so tempting, especially as he toyed with Jazz's hair- but even if he did shoot. There was no guarantee he wouldn't hurt her. Damn his unsteady hands.

“Tsk. Tsk. See that's the kind of poor acting that'll bomb us at the box office,” He cackled, his face far too close to hers. Almost cheek to cheek. Jasmine never dropped her glare at the man.

“I'm only going to ASK this once, CLOWN. Let her go,” Red Hood spoke, voice breaking into a growl.

“And just GIVE her away? What fun would that be? Why not sit back and enjoy the ball? Like a BLAST from the past,” The Joker squealed into a laugh.

Red Hood ground his teeth, his grip tightened on the handle of his gun, while he was doing every mind trick he could to keep his finger from pulling the trigger right then and there. Jazz being in such close proximity played the biggest part. She had a job, school, and a son to get back to-

A small beam of green light passed by, hitting the Joker in the eye. He cried out, using a hand to cover his eyes. His arm loosened, dropping Jasmine farther from his face. Jasmine, however, her eyes widened as she looked straight to her left. Fear welling in them.

Red Hood turned his head to look. He held his breath, for a millisecond believing his eyes betrayed him. A small boy, much like Duke had described Danny's second image, revealed himself. His finger was smoking green.

“No!” Jazz screamed, cracking her voice.

The boy flinched back, startled, confused. A white ring appeared around his waist. Panic swelled in those glowing green eyes as the dancing ring split apart.

“What in blue blazes-” The Joker cursed as he dragged his hand off his face. His head slowly twisted to his left to see what shot him.

Red Hood turned back to the Joker, his hands no longer shook as he aimed for the kill. He couldn't let the Joker see Danny. He pulled the trigger-

“RAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAGH!!” A pink blur tore through the building, taking the Joker with it. Windows shattered in the hall from the pure power.

Just as the pink blur passed by, a blur of black and blue had dropped down from the ceiling. Nightwing slowly stood up, his brows furrowing at what had transpired. Yet, Jason was focused on the bullet hole in the concrete wall that his brother's head now covered. He lowered his gun slowly. His hands trembled. On auto-pilot, he clicked the safety back on and shoved the gun into its holster.

Dick turned his head towards Jason, gesturing to what just happened. Finally, snapping out of his own thoughts, he turned his head to watch where the pink blur took the clown. A man with black hair that was swooped up like the letter “U” and wore white clothes with a long cape, snarled while he pounded the Joker repeatedly into the wall with his glowing pink claws. The Joker attempted to beg, but the being in front of him was attacking out of pure rage. The idea sent another chill down Jason's spine.

Before either vigilante could decide what to do now with this obviously bigger threat- Batman swung in through the broken windows rolling in between them and the new threat. He threw his batarang at the meta. The batarang hit the wall beside the man's head. He spun on his heels growling at Batman. His eyes glowed bright magenta as he still held the Joker in his claws. The Joker coughed with a chuckle, blood dripping from his face, his torso shredded, and covered in blood.

“Oh BATSY! My hero-GRK!” The Joker tried to coo before being thrown at the large bat. The sheer force of catching the Joker sent Batman sliding back a few feet even with his heels digging deep into the ground.

The blue-skinned man slowly walked towards them. His shoulders hunched, his hands clenched as pink flames grew around them, and his eyes glowed intensely in a deep glare. Fury leaked out of every pore of that man.

“STOP!” Jasmine screamed again.

Jason turned back to her. She held a familiar black hair child in her arms. His face was protected from view by her body, but he knew who it was. Her gaze stayed on the furious meta with tears in her eyes. Her lips mouthing “please”.

The man didn't stop, instead, he flew up into the air. Batman put the Joker on the ground and stood over his body. The man swooped down in another pink blur. They at first thought he attacked Bruce or the Joker, but they remained untouched. No, instead the pink blur went THROUGH Batman and disappeared into the floor with Jasmine and Danny.

“What the heck was that?” Spoiler asked as she swung in, with Orphan behind her.

“I don't know, but I'm going after whatever it is. He has the hostage,” Red Hood said as he pulled out his grappling hook. He locked onto a rooftop nearby and flew out of the building. Rage and fear had left Jason numb, but in his numbness, he could now recognize the familiar pull in his chest. One that is associated with Danny, but stronger. So he followed it with a heavy guess as to where it would take him.


“Wait-” Batman's voice trailed after Jason.

“It's probably for the best, B,” Nightwing gestured to the Joker who laughed at Batman's feet.

“I didn't expect this last-minute role change. Ehehehehehe-so how about a kiss, handsome?” The Joker continued to laugh until he began choking on his own blood again.

Batman grimaced. He lifted his head to nod at Nightwing, before crouching down to throw Joker over his shoulder like a sack.

“You really know how to woo a girl, don't cha batsy?” The Joker spoke with far less enthusiasm. His sarcasm dripped from his mouth.

Batman ignored the man on his shoulder and spoke to the others, “We'll continue this later. Oracle mentioned the bombs could be remote-activated.”

Orphan raised a device in her hands, a jammer that Oracle created. Nightwing nodded and motioned for Orphan to follow him, “I think I know the right place for that. C'mon, we don't have much time.”

“You have five minutes to get in and out. Don't linger.”

Nightwing waved him off, knowing damn well he was going to get lectured like a kid later anyways. He wanted to hurry Bruce off more than anything. Especially so he can find out what's going on as fast as possible. He knew for a fact, that kid in Jasmine's arms was not a hostage. Danny and Vlad must have come for her, and he bet-

He felt a tap on his arm. They were already in the halls, leading her to the elevator shaft, when she stopped him. He tilted his head before she signaled with her hands for him to go. He smirked at her.


Nightwing swung himself from rooftop to rooftop, before diving onto one with a roll. He rolled in right beside Red Hood and Red Robin who was crouched in the shadows of the ventilation unit. They had one of their earpieces dangling in front of the windows. Tim signaled to him what channel to tune into. He flinched at the loud yelling, glancing back at the two.

Jason stayed focused on the conversation, but Tim gave a shrug. His face twisted in concern. This must have been going on for a while.

“-IF YOU HAD LET ME keep that tracker on you this COULD have been avoided!!!”

“I have a right to my own privacy, Vlad!”

“Not when you INSIST on living so RECKLESSLY. You could have DIED, Jasmine! Even now it'll be a MIRACLE if you don't retain some brain damage!!!!”

“I would have been FINE! If you just-”

“HA! Have you gone mad? You must have hit your head harder than I thought- because last I checked, bleeding from head to toe is in fact NOT FINE! Stupid... Stubborn...” Vlad's voice tapered into a mutter as he paced around the tiny hall from the kitchen to the living room.

Jasmine stood,  glaring him down while trembling all over. Her wounds were roughly bandaged as her leg now stood without the pipe's assistance. Her face was red, her cheeks were stained with tears, and her voice was hoarse.

“The heroes were there! You didn't need to-”

“AND what good did they do, hm? Stand around and watch that disgusting vermin throw you about like some rag doll?”

“They would have! You didn't have to reveal yourself!”

“If I RECALLED our little badger did it first! And I don't know about you, but I don't think letting a disgusting deranged whack job with the history of blowing up orphanages know the identity of Daniel would be a GOOD idea!”

Danny flinched back, twiddling his fingers. He stayed back towards the end of the hallway. His posture was as small as he could make it, trying to avoid the conflict.

“YOU were supposed to watch him!”

“I DID!!!” Vlad growled, his eyes flashing red. “And your “son” INSISTED on saving every single underpaid office worker to every drug-addicted hobo he could find!”

Knots twisted in Danny's stomach.

“Don't act like it's his fault! He can't help himself-”

“I don't think you understand what he can and cannot help. If so, then you would understand why I was an inch away from ripping that terrible face-painted clown's throat out!”

“I wouldn't have even been in this mess if you didn't INSIST on us going to that Gala!”

“YOU wouldn't have been in this mess if YOU didn't prance around with one of Waynes's charity cases!”

“Mr. Wayne isn't like that! And if you hadn't pissed him off by THREATENING his kids, no one would have said a WORD! No one would have written tabloids about it!”

“I WAS WORRIED ABOUT-” Vlad paused in his anger. He hovered over Jasmine. Her face scrunched up in defiance. Her features were round despite her attempt at a sharp glare. His eyes glanced from her to the little boy that pressed up against the wall, fiddling with his oversized pj shirt- then back at her. She continued to tremble, tears still falling as she tried her best to manage her breathing.

“You... I forget how young you still are,” He spoke as his shoulders slacked. He did not mean for it to sound like a mock, but simply his own realization.

Her face only hardened, while her fists closed tight. Her fight response was still active. She was not going to back down, regardless of what fight she truly meant to have, she was determined to win. Vlad shook his head, letting out a deep sigh.

“Fine. I know when I'm wanted. Regardless of what you may think. But if this DREAM city chews you up and spits you out, don't come-” Vlad clicked his teeth to rethink his words, “No. I hope you come to accept my help, though don't think you'll escape an “I told you so.””

Jazz didn't say anything while she watched Vlad walk out of the apartment. Before he closed the door, he caught Danny's eye, then he glanced towards the ceiling and back down to Jasmine.

“Clowns and Bats might not be your only worries soon. This plan of yours could only last so long,” Vlad said as he closed the door behind him.

Jasmine immediately collapsed to her knees. She curled up and cried loudly into her hands. Danny rolled his shirt in his hands, his heart felt heavy while his stomach continued to tie itself into knots. His face twisted as he made slow steps towards his sister.

“Hey- um... Jazz?” Danny called out while hesitantly reaching a hand to her shoulder.

Jazz looked up at him. Her face was covered in snot and wet from tears. She unwrapped her arms from her knees and held them open for Danny to take. Danny knelt down to hug her. She wrapped her arms tightly around him and began rocking.

“I'm so sorry, Danny. Th-this is all my fault. I-I thought I could... If I just listened then maybe... I should have... I-I. Sorry, I... I'm so so sorry,” She hiccuped apologies but hardly was able to make sense as she cried into his black mop of hair.

Danny felt tears swell in his eyes. His fingers clutched tightly at Jazz's shirt, digging his face into her collarbone. He let some of his own tears fall. He didn't know how to fix this- he wished he could. If he wasn’t so weak. If he wasn’t so useless. If he hadn't been so stupid. Maybe this could have been avoided, if he didn’t exist. If... Only if...

The boys stood up from their spots, deciding to let the two cry in private. Their hearts ached for the duo. Tonight had to be rough for them. Whatever secret they held on top of the near-death encounter, must lay heavy on their minds.

The air grew intensely thick with heat. Red Hood was the first to react, throwing his arms out protectively in front of Nightwing and Red Robin. From the spot where he stared, a figure flew up from the rooftop. The same meta that was ready to tear the Joker a new one now floated menacingly above them. Though his ire seemed to have cooled from last they saw. Nightwing and Red Robin reached for their weapons, preparing for an attack. However, Red Hood chose to keep his arms out in front of them, staring down the man.

“I don't think I would need to remind any of you the importance of secrecy, considering your gaudy appearances, but humor me,” The man spoke crossing his arms, “These two have far more threats to worry about than some nosey brats in masks or some has-been pretending to be a comedian, and I rather keep it that way.- ”

“-So do what you vigilantes do best. Because if ANYTHING were to happen to those two, I'll personally rip anyone responsible limb from limb and raze this city to the GROUND!” His eyes glowed bright pink as he growled the last part.

“Is that a threat?” Nightwing asked, glaring the figure down.

“No. That's a warning, ” He hissed. His red eyes flickered at Red Hood. His expression fell. “As there is no curse as terrifying as the wrath of the dead, isn't that right?”

 He burst in a flash of light, then he was gone.

 Dick rubbed his eyes, then glanced at his brothers. Tim lowered his hand from his weapon, staring at where the man was, then he asked, “We all agree that he had to be Masters, right?”

Dick nodded in agreement, though his eyes stayed on Jason. Jason stared a bit longer at where the man was. Clearly what Masters had said bothered him. Dick tried to reach out, but only got his hand smacked. Jason turned his back towards him, his fists clenched tight. He sighed heavily, then touched his earpiece, switching to the channel that they kept private from Bruce. One they normally used to talk about the duo.

“Hey Babs, I think it's time we lift the ban. Looks like this game got a little too serious.”

“I've already... done some more digging and-”

“Count me out.” Jason turned on his heels, walking to the edge of the building. “I don't want to know and I don't need to know. It doesn't change anything.”

“Little wing-” Dick tried to reach out but his hand missed as Jason stepped off the side of the building. It wasn't long before the engine of the bike was heard speeding off into the night.

“Did... something happen?” Tim asked, rubbing the back of his neck.

 “I think... a lot did,” Dick sighed heavily.

Art Posted on my Tumblr

Chapter Text

Danny picked at a scratch in the table. His mind often went elsewhere to block out the boredom of being taught things he already knew, but this time it wasn't purposeful. He rubbed his tired eyes as they burned from lack of sleep. Events from that night replayed in his head.

Honestly, he should be happy Vlad was gone. He didn't want him to be around in the first place!

His stomach twisted and coiled.

Vlad was a jerk with a few screws loose. He always pressed them to dress up, to go to some rich boring thing, or make a show of them whenever he got a chance to brag.

Danny sighed heavily, while folding his arms on the table. His stomach tight with knots. He rested his cheek on his arms, staring at the cracked tile in the middle of the tables that were lined in a shape of a “ U ”.

But... he had to admit- he did like having Vlad as his weird god-grandfather-uncle than someone actively trying to murder his dad, marry his mom, and adopt him. Not that Vlad's blood-lust had dulled, in fact, Danny was certain it had increased if the attack on the Joker was any sign of that... Yet, instead of murdering their parents, they were locked up in an psychiatric hospital on the opposite side of the country.

He heard Jazz and Vlad whispered about it when they thought he was asleep.

Danny closed his tired eyes as the buzzing lights started to burn. Sounds of sobbing echoed in his mind. He felt arms tightly wrapped around him, the warm wetness on his shoulder, and the trembling against his chest.

Jazz hasn't been the same since that night. She mumbled more apologies, loud noises made her jump, dark circles formed over her eyes, and she would constantly mutter under her breath backup plans for scenarios that would never come. He tried to get her to talk about it, but all his attempts ended with the exact opposite. She would reply that he shouldn't worry, that everything was fine, and that SHE was fine, then she would change the subject.

He knew she was lying. He didn't even know what he would do if she wasn't. Jazz was always smarter than him, probably even more so now than before. He wanted to believe her, he wanted things to be okay again, even if they weren't great. But... he didn't.

He didn't understand. He couldn't understand anymore. His body wouldn't allow him to. If only-

“Mrs. Staff! Danny's asleep in class again,” An annoying high pitch voice pierced through his eardrums. A girl that wouldn't leave him alone since he came to this school.

Sheri. That rat.

“Sheri, please don't interrupt the class,” Mrs. Staff spoke, her eyes stuck on the girl that stood beside him.

Danny raised his head off his arms, narrowing his brows in confusion. That... was not the response he was use to hearing.

“But-”

“No buts- However, since you're so eager to be out of your seat, you may hand out the next assignment. It'll be an easy one for today with Halloween rolling in,” Mrs. Staff handed the stack of papers to the pouting girl dressed in yellow.

“I know all of you are excited, so I would like to know if you could be anything for a day- not just for Halloween as I know some of your families don't celebrate the holiday- what or who would you be and write why you've made that choice or what you would do. Miss Sheri will also help pass around the crayons as there is a box where you can draw yourselves if you so wish. Please thank her kindly for her assistance. ”

Danny smirked at the appalled expression on Sheri's face. Still she did as she was told, though with slight air of violence as the crayons spilled a little every time she placed a bucket down in front of a group of two to three kids. Danny made sure to “thank” her for the crayons which led to the crayons flying into the air and the teacher calling her name. Sheri grumbled, placing down the rest of the buckets with more care.

Danny snorted away a laugh, which turned into a small yawn. He rubbed his eyes and pulled the sheet close to him. He had almost forgotten that Halloween was around the corner. One would assume a ghost would be thrilled about it. In some ways he was, but as with all holidays, he missed how it was when he was- younger?

His face scrunched. He grabbed the closest crayon to him and tapped on corner of the box. Tucker and Sam wanted to take him trick or treating this year. They made bets about how much candy he'll get. He twirled the gray crayon in his hand.

He drew mindlessly into the box, starting off with his hair. He remembered when he was... little? Younger? Older? His.. PAST self. That he wanted to be an astronaut. Even a few Halloweens he dressed as one. One of them he had made from scratch. His... Dad... helped too. They gathered pieces of cardboard together, stapled some fabric over it. His mom, not Jazz, help create some faux oxygen pack and his helmet recycled from her old motorcycle one. It was his favorite costume. He only wore it a few times before he out grew it.

A drop fell onto his assignment. His cheeks felt hot as he rubbed his face. He glanced from underneath his bangs, letting out a sigh of relief as it seemed no one had noticed. He sniffled, hiding his face as he stared down at what he drew. It was him in his ghost form. A deep frown crossed his lips. He hurried to scratch the form out with his crayon. His inner Jazz jabbing at him how this may be some sort of window into his psyche. He hated it. Stupid crayons. The worst art medium.

He lifted the crayon, tilting his head. The scribbling out of the torso and tail gave him a thought. He started to draw a hat over his hair and some legs under the scribble. Perhaps it was still too much on the nose, and he prayed Jazz would never see, but... he didn't think it would be such a bad idea to dress up as the Gray Ghost this year. Then again- Danny scribbled the drawing out with the crayon. Maybe he shouldn't. He wasn't cut out to be a hero...

Even fictional.

“Danny?” A voice called from behind him.

Danny jumped in his seat, dropping the crayon. It took every power in him not whip his head around on first instinct. He knew better. His eyes would give him away. He guess eyes were truly the windows to the soul. He blinked a few times before slowly turning to face the voice.

“Mrs. Staff?”

His teacher stood behind him, though she wasn't looking at him. Her gaze wandered a bit farther. Danny shifted his arm over his drawing, keeping his gaze on her.

She quickly turned her gaze at him with a smile, though he could tell it was a little forced by the wrinkles on her forehead.

“Could you head to the front office? Your aunt and uncle are here to pick you up,” She spoke sweetly, which was unusual for Danny to hear... at least to him. He didn't like it.

“Oh and your assignment will be homework for tonight,” She added before Danny could move out of his seat.

Ah- sounds more like it. He stuffed his assignment into his bag, without a care if it wrinkled the paper and rushed out the door. A grin gracing his face as he faintly heard his teacher tell him 'no running'. He didn't heed her, after all he was free for the day.

In the front office, a woman with a shaven underside and an over-sized skull jacket stood checking her black painted fingernails. A dark-skinned man stood beside her, leaning against a wall with his thumbs typing quickly on the latest smart phone model. His “Aunt” Sam and “Uncle” Tucker.

“Sam, Tuck!”

Sam looked away, shoving her hand into her coat pocket, smiling at him. Tucker lowered his phone, grinning.

“Hey, Danny.” “Yo, little man!” They greeted back. Tucker finished his text message, kicking off the wall before shoving the phone into his pocket.

“All set for a full day of us?”

“Always!” Danny cheered, his grin reaching ear to ear.

“Good, because we're thinking of going to some prime locations to get you the best Halloween costume to rank in that sweet candy,” Sam said with a wink, turning to lead the way towards the door- waiting briefly for Danny to catch up to her side.

“That annnnnnd maybe sneak in a new dessert shop we found,” Tucker added as he followed behind him.

Sam rolled her eyes, “I think DANNY would appreciate a place that had good food. They don't even serve Vegan options.”

“How'd you know? You never ate one!”

“Because there isn't any Vegan options on the menu!”

“They have vegan cupcakes!”

“Vegan cupcakes made with EGGS! That's not vegan, Tuck!”

“She could have been new-”

Danny glanced back between them, a soft smile creeping on his face. Their familiar arguing bringing warmth to his chest. The memories of stuffing his face full while Sam and Tucker argued about anything under the sun. Sometimes it would go too far and other times it would fill the silence that would otherwise grow heavy. They've been through thick and thin- Still, he was so grateful even with his small form they stuck around.

“Aren't like eggs the most Vegan animal product? Hens lay them all the time-”

“I think “Danny” would prefer a burger joint,” Danny chimed in, smile still planted on his face.

Sam had just pushed up the sleeves on her jacket when he spoke- pausing in her attack on Tucker as the other was raising his hands up in defense. She looked at Danny with a purse of her purple-painted lips in thought then softly smirk.

“Not a chance, not with that condiment spraying asshole running around,” Sam shrugged, motioning them to follow- letting go of her frustration towards Tuck for now. She'll get him back later.

“I second that- for once. My laptop still smells like burnt horse-radish!” Tucker chuckled weakly, letting Danny walk between him and Sam as a barrier once again. This time more for his own protection then for Danny's. Them walking off the front steps of the school and out of the school yard.

Danny pouted, falling into place. He soon felt a gentle hand on his back. Glancing up, he saw his closest friend from childhood smiling down at him.

“Cheer up, Danny. We'll find some place that has burgers. Hardest thing is finding a place miss dark, loud, and scary will approve of.”

“You're paying for your own meal, Tuck.”

“Oh c'mon! You like being dark and scary!”

Danny blinked, his brows furrow in confusion. A weird twist curled in his chest, his eyes fixated on the two while he mindlessly followed them. Whatever this feeling was, he knew one thing, he hated it.



As promised, Tucker and Sam took him to various shops with costumes, each trying to find the perfect costume for Danny.

“Beetlejuice is perfect! I can dress up as Lydia!” Sam beamed as she held the bag with the stripe suit inside.

“Hey, what about me? I wanna match Danny too!” Tuck pouted.

“You can be the dead husband.”

“Without a wife?”

“Unless you want Jazz to come along,”

“Oh God no, then she would safety tape Danny til he couldn't move. Ain't that right, Danny?” Tucker paused, however growing concern when reply never came. “Danny?”

Danny was staring at the bag, specifically the picture on it. The green hair, white face, and the unhinged expression. It gave Danny visions of bloody red hair and a scream that froze him in place. Suddenly the image moved out of his sight, being placed back on the racks. He blinked out of his daze looking up at the two friends. Their expressions, though soft, burned in his chest.

“Maybe not. Might hit too close to home,” Sam tried to say lightly.

“Yeah, not to mention, Jazz would have a cow over Danny dressing as a ghost-or er ghost adjacent,” Tuck chuckled nervously.

“Don't say it like that Tuck. C'mon Danny, I think I spotted some video game characters over there, “ Sam placed her hand on his shoulder, guiding Danny away.

Danny couldn't place the feeling that itched at him. Perhaps it was trauma like the Jazz in his brain would suggest, but he's grown accustom to the flashbacks- They would leave him numb and hollow- if not panicked. But not like this.

“Dude! We should totally be the Mario brothers!” Tucker chimed grabbing a hat that looked similar to the red plumber.

“I hope you don't plan on me being Peach. You wouldn't catch me dead wearing pink.”

“Not if your mom had something to do with it-”

“Tuck if you don't spray paint my dress black before the funeral, I'll haunt you for the rest of your life!”

“Doesn't sound like a bad deal to me-”

“I'll revive all your food so you have no choice but to eat vegetables!”

“SHEESH, Alright, alright. Just don't go planning on dying young.”

Danny's face scrunched, forcing himself to look at the costumes on the racks. Why did he have to be so sensitive? He pulled himself away from his friends to look closer.

Honestly, he just wanted a way to pull himself out of this... feeling. His eyes focusing on the racks.

Costumes in Gotham gave very little to be desired. Possibly because of the high rate of crime, many of the costumes were either characters from family-friendly media or poor imitations. Where most places this kind of practice would be for the sake of keeping them cheap- where Gotham lay, it served a double purpose.

Costumes of vigilantes and known heroes displayed on the rack, but all of them were clearly the wrong color or design. Both to keep them on the rack as well as anyone trying to pose as them. Jazz mentioned something about dressing up as heroes were technically against the code in the city, however, it was clear no one obeyed by it. Or at least they hadn't in recent years, thus compromises were made.

Not that he would want to dress up as a hero. He had his time, he failed at it. Valerie kept the city in control far more than he ever did. Danielle was good at it too. His mind warped back to his stupid crayon drawing. His eyes scanned the racks for the gray costume, both doubting and hopeful that he'll spot the iconic outfit.

His small hand reaching for the bags with a dark gray fabric inside, none that he touched being what he had hoped to find. He frowned, letting another bag fall from his hand.

“Looking for something specific, Danny?”

Danny jumped at the voice, looking over at the body hanging over him. Tucker grinning at him. His neck hurt looking up so high. He shrugged, turning away from the rack.

“Not really, “ He lied, easily.

“Ah, so shades of gray just naturally appeal to you?” Sam asked, her arms casually crossed.

Danny shook his head lightly, but a soft smile crept at his lips. “No.”

“So you are looking for something? Hmm. What's gray?” Tucker hummed.

“Elephants? Mice? Pigeons? Robots?” Sam hummed along, listing off gray things.

“Has to be a character right?”

“Gargoyles? Eeyore? Bugs Bunny?”

Danny shook his head again, “I doubt they would have it anyways.”

“OH, that new show Jazz says you've been watching!” Tucker snapped his fingers.

“Gray Ghost? Ooo! We can paint your skin gray to match the black n white television look!” Sam grinned.

“I would need a costume to go with the make-up,” Danny said while rubbing his arm. He still wasn't sure if he really wanted to go as him or not. Or should. Yet his stomach fluttered at the thought.

“We'll make it! We should have thought of that to begin with!” Sam slammed her fist into her palm with excitement.

“Yeah, home-made costumes always get the best candy!” Tucker grinned.

He glanced between his friends. Sam was already spilling about ideas on how to make the costume, as Tucker typed into his phone while sharing ideas back with her. Presumably he was searching up references, or cos-players for ideas. The strange feeling while looking at them still lingered in his chest, however it felt lighter.

He smiled to himself. He couldn't ask for better friends.

–

“No Danny today?” Barbara asked as she noticed the time.

“Nope, his-” Jasmine hesitated as the word “friends” almost slipped from her lips, “Well my friends from back home, pretty much Danny's aunt and uncle are taking him out to find a costume.”

“Sam and Tucker?”

“Yeah, They begged me to let them take Danny out for tricking treating since they came to the city.”

“Must be pretty close then to follow you two here.”

“They helped us out a lot. Danny adores them.” Jazz's smile didn't match her downcast eyes.

Babs already knew what Jazz was failing to say, though the details were iffy. Samantha Manson and Tucker Foley, were college students who were very close to the two. And they were both in the same grade as Jasmine's late brother- Daniel J. Fenton.

Barbara glanced over to Jazz again. She had dark circles under her eyes. Lack of sleep, high-stress. Yet, despite her jumpiness she was able to keep a facade of being fine. One that would fool most, and one that she herself held far too often.

The Joker didn't bother Jasmine. Babs could tell from her annoyed look at the mention of the derange clown on the news. It was the attention itself that unnerved her. Many times had Barbara ran journalist away. Many times she noticed the biting lip, the shaking hands, and the nervous glances that followed Jasmine afterwards.

They were in hiding.

Barbara dug up everything she could on the two, yet there were still pieces missing. Danny's actually birth, his correlation to her brother- if they were two in the same. What happen between her and their parents, for her and her brother to disappear. Only for her brother to be declared dead by the parents and their daughter hi-jacked by a ghost.

That didn't even crack the surface as many more revelations about the town sprung up. Ghosts. Vigilantes. Even one of them has recently connected with the Justice League, though she keeps privately to herself.

Tim had begun to make plans to visit Amity Park with Kon and a few more of his friends from Young Justice. Even Greta had volunteered to go despite her no longer being a ghost. Duke mentioned about joining along too. With his sight, he was curious at how much he could see.

“I'm okay, y'know.”

Barbara smiled, she must have been staring too long. She spoke playfully, “Sounds like denial to me.”

“Perhaps a little. Call it more, positive reinforcement.”

“Mm-hmm and if you had a patient who said that?”

Jasmine sighed, though keeping a weak smile on her face. Babs chuckled at her reaction, but decided not to push. She instead changed the subject.

“How 'bout I get someone to drop off some donuts, or something from that bakery down the road? My treat. “

“You don't have to-”

“That got some really good dark chocolate cake with salted caramel drizzle.” Babs handed over her phone to show the picture of their food.

Jazz chewed on her lip, pondering until she finally relented, “...Do you think they have coconut cookies too?”

“We'll check. How about a coffee from the place over there too? Ooo, how about their pumpkin blast latte?”

“Mmm I think I rather have some tea. Oh what is that one I had-” Jazz's voice having regain some of her usual pep.

However, Barbara wished she could do more then butter Jasmine with sweets.