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Tim Drake was the greatest detective according to Ra's al Ghul.
Tim was never really sure if he himself believed that. Ra's called him ‘Detective’ almost exclusively some days.
It was always unnerving.
But…
If Tim was the greatest detective, someone even Ra's considered an equal and a threat, then why wasn't he better?
Why wasn't he one step ahead of Ra's?
Why couldn't he protect his love?
Why was his heart a piece on a chess board to be played with?
He'd only just started to go on dates with this amazing girl when it all came crashing down burning.
Marinette was smart and funny and absolutely gorgeous. Her smile made Tim's heart flutter and his day always got six times better when she was involved.
And she was gone. Taken.
Ra's knew. He found out and he took her and Tim had been completely helpless.
They had just said goodbye and Tim had gone home to get ready for patrol. He'd been trying to have a normal relationship with Marinette. No stalking, no planting trackers, no bugs in her house, and definitely no telling the rest of the family.
It had been his downfall and he was positive Ra's knew that.
Had targeted that.
And now Tim had to play catch up. It was his move and time was running out.
Except…
Ra's always played for dual purpose. He wanted to be able to use his pawns for more than one thing, because sure they were always disposable but he wouldn't be a good player if he couldn't ensure he got something in return.
So Mari had to have some sort of bonus to Ra's other than her value to Tim.
But Tim couldn't think of anything that he'd want from her.
She was new to Gotham, moved from Paris. Mari worked in a little café and had her own small business making clothes.
Marinette was normal!
None of it made sense and Tim was going to lose his mind.
He had to save Mari. That was a priority.
Donning the mask, Red Robin went to Ra's current base. He'd be taking Marinette with him when he left.
Taking down Ra's soldiers was easy when Tim had such an important mission on his mind. Each one falling to him. He would not let them harm Marinette or use her for Ra's own gain.
He reached Ra's quarters before long and after dispatching the guards he entered.
There Marinette sat at a table in the room, sipping tea. Ra's was sitting across from her.
They acted like old friends and Tim's blood ran cold. Was he being betrayed? Had all of those loving moments been nothing but his imagination?
“Mari..?”
Marinette turned and looked at him and lit up, “Tim! Thanks for coming, I'm ready to go.”
Ra's looked sad.
What was going on?
Red Robin approached slowly, “What exactly is going on here?”
Marinette had a look of realization as she smiled sympathetically, “Oh I forgot to tell you, I'm Ra's niece.”
Tim fainted.