Simple (Nightwing Fanfic)

Chapter Four

"What do you mean worse than dead, J'onn?"

"I mean what I say, Superman. I couldn't pin an identity, but the suit was half orange half black."

"His name is Slade Wilson, or in other names, Deathstroke. I thought he was dead..."

"Well, they never seem to stay dead, now do they?"

Batman gazed at Jason, telling him to continue with his thought.

"I mean, I didn't stay dead. Slade probably came back through the Lazarus Pit."

Tim was suddenly confused and butted in, "Why would he go after Nightwing and not Robin? It doesn't make sense."

"It actually does, Replacement. Nightwing has a history with Slade, but that was a long time ago."

"Which means something happened more recently."

Jason nodded, "I don't know what though. Golden Boy was distant after the whole Invasion scenario."

Tim felt his shoulders tense at the remark about the invasion. He wasn't so innocent when it came to Dick's sudden disappearance. Tim thought his anger was valid at the time, but that was before he realized the true risks that were taken. Some of his team members were still angry, but he still hasn't willed himself to stand up for the elder brother.

Many of the leaguers dispersed, leaving the founding members, Red Robin, and Red Hood. Bruce was already going into his lockdown mode at the thought of losing another son. The chance that Dick would return from death at all was near impossible. Jason's return was a miracle and a tragedy in one. Of course, everyone was thrilled. Yet, the repercussions of his return was worse than his death, itself. Bruce didn't get his son back, he was given the shell of his son. And he knows he isn't capable of making the shell the way it originally was.

"Batman."

Bruce's head snapped up from the puddle of red liquid that his gaze was set on. Immediately losing the emotion in his expression, he responded,

"What is it, Flash?"

"You seem... out of it."

"I"m focused, Flash. We have work to do, so don't worry about me, worry about Dick."

With that, the caped crusader swished his cape with a turn of his heel and grappled off to the nearest Zeta-Tube. The former Robins looked at each other, saluted the leaguers, and pursued their father figure.

"I have a feeling that we won't be involved in the case from this point forward."

"We typically don't, Barry, we typically don't..."

-Line Break-

Dick's gaze blurred as his head spun, groaning in pain. He tried to keep track of time but failed miserably due to having zero window access and the fact he kept on passing out. For all he knew, it's been weeks, but realistically it has only been a few hours. He strained his hands, trying to figure out if there was a possible way to break out. Of course, Slade isn't idiotic, so the bonds were reinforced. Slade was obviously not taking any chances with Dick. He felt the pain of the bullet wound shock his body at all the movement, but that wasn't his worry. Slade wouldn't kill Dick unless he got tired of trying, but he was clearly dedicated. Renegade was a mistake. It was meant to be a simple mission, but it ended up going too far. Hell, it even continued after Dick finished his mission. He never meant for people to get hurt, nor did he meant to hit the point of growing too close to the persona. Dick wouldn't give excuses. He knows he was busy being Batman, busy helping Jason, and even busy leading a team against the Reach, but Dick wasn't one to crack under pressure. Well, not until then it seems. Dick snapped out of his thoughts as the door swung open, revealing the older man.

"Have you changed your decision yet?"

"I said no... And no means no."

Slade huffed and twirled the small blade in his hand, "That's the wrong answer, Grayson. C'mon, I just need a little assistant. It won't even last a week."

"If it was so little, you wouldn't need me at all. You're hiding something and until I know what it's about, don't expect me to say yes."

Slade peered over Dick and pulled the surgical blade just below his jawline, "Listen here. You aren't the ones who's calling the shots. I won't hesitate to just use your body as a puppet instead, Grayson."

"That's all I am? A damn puppet in your game?"

"Haven't you been a puppet to Wayne's game this whole time though?"

Dick felt his jaw lock and his glared at Slade. Unable to will up a response, he gave Slade the silent victory. Slade, feeling satisfied, backed off and continue to walk around the small room before pulling up a chair, sitting down.

"All I need you to do is be a distraction. All I'm asking. The chance of any fighting is slim but can occur. I'm not asking you to kill, nor will you ever see the league or their sidekicks."

Dick lifted his head and narrowed his eyes, "It sounds easy, so why can't you do it on your own?"

"It's a crucial mission. I simply want to lower my chance of failure. Having you, Renegade, by my side, would help this."

He gritted his teeth, lowering his head, thinking it over.

"Fine."

-Line Break-
"How did it go, Master Bruce?"

Alfred watched as Bruce swiftly made his way to the computer being trailed by the Reds. No response was given to the butler, so he decided to make his exit to retrieve food for them.

"Alfred, has father returned?"

Alfred turned to the youngest boy and nodded briskly, gesturing to the other room,

"They have indeed, Master Damian. Master Jason and Tim are also there."

"Grayson isn't with them...?"

Alfred sighed and shook his head, continuing his way to the kitchen. Damian immediately made his way to the grandfather clock, determined to get some answers involving his brother.
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This was literally written in the past hour or less, so I apologize for the brisk writing... It's a lot of dialogue :')
Anyway, I hope you enjoyed! I'll be writing chapter five soon. ^^ -MD