Sam's still sitting on Jason's bed, eating a few of the granola bars he gave her and drinking water to gather the energy to make her way back to the manor. And for just this hour, it's peaceful. She's scrolling on her phone as it charges, just scrolling through Instagram and catching up on some things she's missed while also quickly scrolling away from whatever chaos about Gotham someone is posting. It's peaceful for once even when she knows it won't be soon. It is nice. For right now.

But, then her phone starts vibrating before her scrolling is interrupted with a video taking up her entire screen. The screen is black for a few seconds before the Batman symbol appears on her screen as Crane's voice starts talking.

"Gotham City used to have a protector, a guardian angel." Crane's voice says as it switches to a red Titans symbol.

That's not good.

"But Batman abandoned Gotham and left Nightwing and his friends in his place." A screen showing every Titan, including Sam, shows up on the screen with "Titans wanted" at the bottom of the screen. Then it switches to a clip of Nightwing fighting. "And what has Nightwing done?" Crane asks as texts calling Nightwing a thief, liar, and a conman flash across the clip. "He's robbing you. Poisoning the very water you drink," The clip changes to one of Gar as a tiger, attacking someone. "The water you give your children. Nightwing is a criminal." The clip changes to one of Nightwing and Starfire blowing up one of the drum barrels that poisoned the water. "Protected by Gotham City Police. Only you can stop him. There will be a $50,000 reward paid to the person who brings him in. Dead or alive." The clip changes again to a clip of Gar changing into a tiger. "But take heart Gotham, a new hero will rise and you will know his name." The clip changes to Jason's Red Hood symbol with a picture of the helmet on top. "Red Hood."

"Oh fuck." Sam groans.

They really can't catch a break for longer than five minutes. And she finds herself even more irritated that Crane had the audacity to think Jason would just go back to him after almost killing her. Crane really thinks they don't mean anything to each other and she swears that's his downfall, underestimating what they mean to each other. Because Crane doesn't know Jason isn't going to be on his side anymore. Though this video seems like it's going to complicate things.

It's been bad enough with Jason wanting Dick dead the last few weeks but now the entire city of Gotham is going to want him dead. Gothamites already aren't thrilled with the Titans and this going to push them over the edge. They're already upset Batman abandoned them after Robin was killed. It seems like the city didn't mean too much to Batman if he fucks off the second Robin is killed. Gotham has been absconded and Crane is going to use their distrust and distaste over the situation against the Titans.

Sam lets out an annoyed huff before ripping her phone from the charger and grabbing another granola bar for the road. She has to get back to the manor before every citizen in Gotham decides to become a bounty hunter. She doesn't have her suit but she's thinking it might be safer to get the hell out of the city sooner rather than later.

When Sam gets to the manor, it's empty. The manor has always had a way of seeming just a little too quiet. It's a big space with only a handful of people living in the halls at any given time. It didn't bother her much before, because Jason's voice tended to bounce off the walls, etch itself into the plaster. And with so many Titans around, it filled a bit of the silent void but today, as Sam walks in, it's quiet. The hairs on the back of her neck start to stand on end because, from her experience, quiet in a place that's not usually quiet, is bad. She grabs a knife from her belt as she makes her way, quietly into the Batcave.

With every step, Sam tries to figure out why she's being so paranoid about this. It's the Batcave. No one outside of the Titans or Bruce would even be down here and the Titans are likely out trying to sort out the mess Crane just created for them. But, something in her grips her knife tighter as if it's some sort of sick reflex to always dread for the worst. Maybe that's growing to be a bit exhausting, too.

Her worry washes away as she enters the main area of the cave and sees Dick standing in front of the Batcomputer with his arms crossed, his eyes glued to the monitor. Sam pockets her knife as she continues to walk closer to him, gaining his attention. A sense of relief pools at the bit of Dick's stomach to see she's alive and walking. It wasn't just Gar that was worried about what happened to her.

"Where the hell were you?" Dick questions, not skipping a beat.

"Walking." Sam shakes her head, looking at the screens to see the other Titans fighting what seems to be civilians. "Given the broadcast Crane put out, do you really think it's such a good idea to have them fighting civilians?" Sam looks up at Dick, a look of worry and sorrow washing over her tired features.

Dick gives Sam a harsh glare that softens the second his eyes meet hers. He shakes his head before looking back at the Batcomputer. Sam watches Kory fight someone and watches their body twist into positions it should not. The man gets up, foaming viciously from the mouth like a bad case of rabies.

"Kory." Dick warns.

"What the fuck did I miss?" Sam questions as she scrunches her nose in disgust.

It has to be the water because the more Sam watches, it's as if this person bending like a zombie from a movie or something. He won't stay down and he looks rabid but his bones are broken and it's as if he doesn't even notice. It almost reminds her of the Rage Virus from 28 Days Later, just without the blood.

Kory takes another hit to the man and this time he goes and stays down.

"A lot." Dick mutters. "Maybe it wasn't a good idea, me staying here."

"No, you got a fifty thousand dollar bounty on your head. It'd only make things worse." Kory says.

"I got another one." Gar says as a man with an axe starts to walk towards him and fight. "Oh, come on, Pal." Gar groans before he starts fighting this guy until he goes down.

"Looks like the worst of it is over." Dick says, not seeing any other civilians that look to be affected.

"Hold that thought." Kory says as more innocent civilians walk over but they all keep their distance from the Titans.

"Please, don't hurt us." A civilian yells.

"Shit." Dick mutters.

On the one hand, Sam is a little offended these people saw one video and immediately switched sides. But, on the other, Batman abandoned them and ever since Nightwing and the Titans showed up, Gotham has been more of a shitshow than usual. To some extent, she can kind of see why they're upset and distrusting of the Titans. It's also Crane who can manipulate most people. But Sam wants to know where their sense of loyalty is. So many people just throw their loyalty to the side when one thing goes wrong. Sam thinks it's actually pretty sad.

"Everything's alright." Kory assures them.

"You're Titans, Nightwing's gang."

"No, we're not much of a gang, really. More like roommates." Gar says back, trying to make light of the situation the best he can.

"Just get the fuck out of here and leave us alone." Another civilian says.

"We're here to help." Conner says. "That video you saw, it's all lies."

"They're the reason the water's poisoned." A civilian yells.

"Kory, get em out of there." Dick states.

"He wants us to just leave?" Conner asks.

"I vote stay. Give them a good reminder of which side we're on." Blackfire says.

"If you stay, it'll only get worse." Dick says. "Get out. Now."

The Titans do as directed, leaving the people to themselves. Sam looks up to Dick who just looks frustrated. It must be hard to make a call like that when he's been raised for years to always help. The people have always wanted his help. Now, they don't want anything to do with him or the Titans. The Titans became some sort of collateral damage in it. It can't be easy and Sam feels for him.

"So..." Sam clears her throat, breaking the silence. "You were right. He did plan to poison people but...he just outed that? And the GCPD also put out a warning anyway? So, most of the city isn't infected."

"Luckily. We just have bounties on our heads while we're dealing with this." Dick lets out a scoff. "Do you want to explain what the hell happened last night?" Dick looks back at her with the raise of his brows, a look Sam is kind of tired of receiving. It's always the look of disappointment that makes her feel guilty.

"Well...I just...I just wanted to make sure you weren't gonna attack Jason so I went. And then, uh, I ran into Tim who was following Jason." Sam explains, earning a look screaming 'told you so' from Dick. "Crane was there first though, picked up a gun, and then he shot us." Sam looks to the floor, her heart still feeling like it's filled with lead at the thought of Tim lying on the ground. "And I told Jason to run when he showed up because I knew you'd blame him because you always do. Took some convincing but he listened and I said I'd talk to you. It was all Crane. Not Jason." Sam nods her head once. "Then...I just-just couldn't do so I left and walked around. I ended up at Jason's a couple hours ago."

Dick nods his head with understanding. As much as he would appreciate her listening to him every once in awhile, he's starting to accept that she's going to do what's best for her and Jason regardless on what he says. Some part of him might find some part of that at least admirable. At least someone here has some loyalty, even if it ends up hurting the Titans. Most of him is still annoyed though and really wants her to understand that what he does and says is for everyone's best interest. Jason included most of the time. But, he is glad she's okay.

"So Crane shot the both of you because you were there?" Dick asks for clarity.

"Basically. I think he really just wants me dead but Tim was there. Which, uh...h-how is-is he?" Sam asks, dodging Dick's face.

"I don't know." Dick answers honestly. "He had a pulse when the ambulance took him."

"Cool." Sam nods softly, knowing she'll need to find her way to the hospital or Excellent Gotham later to find out how he is. "So, um...Jason's still on our side, by the way."

"Are you sure?"

Sam nods. "Yeah, Crane shot me and tried to kill me." Sam offers a wide smile. "He's a dead man walking now." Sam offers a chuckle. "So, he's working with Crane now to try and find out what his next step is. Poisoning the water system can't be his only plan, especially with that video. Jason wasn't gone long enough to have shit to do with it so he's got something else planned and Jason's going to try and get it out of him by pretending to be on his side."

Dick pauses, squinting his eyes at her before he looks back to the monitor. He doesn't like it because he's not sure they can trust Jason. Sam can all she wants. She hasn't been Jason's target the last two weeks. But, if this works, at least they have someone on the inside.

"What makes you think Crane will believe Jason is still with him?" Dick asks. "If you've been someone Crane has wanted dead and Jason refused, why would that suddenly change?"

"Because Crane is an arrogant ass." Sam quips right back. "He already had that video ready to go. He knew Jason would come back to him regardless. Though, I think he might have thought I'd die and I didn't. But, with the video up, I think Crane thinks he still has Jason. Also, Jason is more than willing to convince him just to tear him down later. Revenge is great motivation." Sam nods her head with confidence.

"Right." Dick nods his head, looking a bit displeased with her last words. "Alright, fine." Dick agrees knowing having Jason not trying to kill them is a lot better than nothing. "Where does that leave you then? I need to know where you plan to stand with everything that's happening."

"Since Crane grouped me with you guys, I'm with you and yes, I will listen." Sam rolls her eyes.

"Yeah, I've heard that before." Dick snarks back.

"Yeah." Sam laughs softly. "Well, I'm with you guys. Gotta be anyway. Gotta make Crane think me and Jason are on opposite sides." Sam shrugs her good shoulder.

Dick nods softly. "Alright." He clears his throat. "You're gonna stick with Gar this time."

"Stick with Gar." Sam echoes.

"Good." Dick nods his head, grabbing his jacket from the chair. "Are you okay?"

"Yeah." Sam nods her head quickly. "Uh...Jason helped. He, uh, he got the bullet out and everything so I'm good." Sam offers him a thumbs-up with a closed-mouth smile.

"Okay, good. I'm glad you're okay." Dick nods once. "I'm going to meet with Babs, the Titans are on their way back. Stay here until they get back and fill them in."

"Will do, Dickolas." Sam nods her head once, sucking in a breath before Dick shakes his head and heads out of the Batcave.

When the Titans get back, Sam fills them in just as Dick asked her to. They aren't too happy about being pulled out from the streets but they also understand Dick's point of view of the situation. Everyone just hopes his meeting with Babs is to think of some sort of plan to get the city back. So, while they wait for Dick to get back and tell them the next move, Gar shows Sam some of the things he's found about the Lazarus Pit including Bruce's notes about Ra's al Ghul. It doesn't say where the Pit is. It does say there are more but Bruce had sealed most of them off. That's all Gar really got so the two of them dive in to find out of they can find out how Ra's made it and what else it could be used for. It doesn't sit right with either of them that Jason was brought back to life using the Pit but no one even knows where it is or how it works or how it was created. So, they search as they wait.

When Dick comes back, he gathers everyone in the living room for a meeting. He stands in front of the main living area while everyone is scattered around, standing and waiting for what he has to say. Dick then explains that him and Babs think it's in everyone's best interest if the Titans turn themselves in. The room falls deadly silent with his words, everyone mostly looking at each other before looking back to Dick. According to Dick, it's for the best and it'll be just a show.

"So, we turn ourselves in and then what?" Gar asks.

"And then we post bail." Dick says. "Continue doing our work but in a less public way. Work in the shadows. Take the city back night by night. It's not gonna be easy and it's not gonna be fast but we can do it. If you have a better idea, please now's the time." Dick gestures a hand to the room before crossing his arms.

"They hate us." Gar says softly, voice etched in hints of defeat.

"They've been manipulated into hating us by Crane." Kory corrects.

"Sam, Conner, Blackfire, what do you think?" Dick asks.

"It was brutal out there. I don't want to be looked at like that again." Conner says, his voice almost matching Gar's.

"Well, surrender isn't my thing. But I am used to people looking at me like I'm a monster so whatever you all decide on, I'm in." Blackfire states.

Sam hangs her head and she thinks it's a horrible idea. She trusts Babs, absolutely but there are parts of the GCPD that have been corrupt long before and long before her dad and long before Barnes. It doesn't matter how good someone's intentions are in the GCPD because there are always others within the PD who don't care about the greater good or what's good for even themselves. If anyone should know that, it should be the former detective. Does Dick really think him and Babs can just protect them? If people in the GCPD were corrupt before, they're going to be corrupt now. Crane got the entire city to hate them with one video, how do they know Crane doesn't have eyes in the department?

"I think it's a bad idea." Sam says quietly.

"You weren't out there." Conner states.

"No, I know." Sam nods her head. "And I don't care if people look at me like that. They look anyway." Sam says softly, tugging her sleeves over her hands. "I just...we trust Babs but does Babs trust every single person in the department?" Sam looks back at Dick.

"We won't be dealing with everyone. It'll be a select few to put on a show, make it seem legit." Dick explains. "You're just coming to our side. It's up to you if you want to go through with this."

Sam looks to Gar and maybe it's against her better judgment but they are her friends, her family. She's done everything to protect Jason and it seems like that might be fixing itself now. Which means she needs to fix her own relations with the Titans. And that, for her, means following Dick even if she thinks it's a bad idea. Plus, she really needs to sell her being with the Titans, at least for Jason's own safety against Crane. She doesn't want him getting wind of Jason not actually being on his side.

"No, I'll do it." Sam nods her head, earning a quick look from Gar, surprised she agreed. "You just have to be sure this is going to be safe. I trust Babs. I don't trust any other person in that entire department."

"Why not?" Conner asks.

Sam looks to Conner and she doesn't want to burst his bubble into trusting this plan. She will happily pop the bubble of police for him later. "Just don't." Sam keeps it short.

"It'll be safe." Dick assures her.

"Alright then." Sam agrees.

"Kory?" Dick asks.

"We've played it by the book so far and this is where it's led us. So, maybe you're right. Maybe we try a new way. I'm in." Kory says.

"Alright then, let's suit up." Dick states. "We go in together. As a team. As a family."

While Dick was busy talking with the Titans about turning themselves in, Jason is the one who started to panic with pure rage. After Jason's managed to convince Crane that they're still good and Jason agrees with him, Crane got word from one of his moles in the department. The commissioner is setting up for the Titans to be "arrested" and then let them all post bail. The commissioner is in on it but Crane was prepared for that. The commissioner has always had a hand in helping Batman and company. So, when Crane gets word, he sends Jason with a bag full of money to pay this mole off with several of the other cops who ride with him to take in the Titans. Override the commissioner. Bring the Titans to Crane.

If Crane gets the Titans, with everything in the Batcave, that's where Jason's worry comes in. The Titans still stand a good chance but if Crane gets all of these guys to go with him and given how unlucky the Titans have been lately, Jason is growing more and more concerned. If Crane has the Titans, the city goes to Hell. It will be destroyed. Jason doesn't know what else Caane is planning but he does know whatever it is, it's not for the greater good of the city. So, he does what Crane asks him, hoping he'll be able to call the Titans to call it off. Maybe Dick will say the others didn't want any part of it. Or maybe Sam will back out of it if she even agreed to it in the first place and then her and Jason can figure something out. So, once the deal is done and the plan is set into motion, Jason calls Sam.

But, as his own luck would have it, she doesn't answer. It rings and rings and then just goes to voicemail. His best guess? Dick has already set the plan into motion with all of the Titans and they're preparing to turn themselves in. Sam is going to side with Dick to make this whole thing believable even though Jason figures she's against this whole plan. She's too smart to fall for something like this. She'll go overprepared but she'll be the only one. So, Jason keeps calling, desperate to warn her and he tries Dick but that goes to voicemail, too. He tries Gar and nothing. None of them are answering their phones which leaves him two choices.

Keep trying until one of them picks up and hope for the best. Or, he can go to GCPD himself to try and warn them -- or help if he's too late.

Once the Titans are suited up and ready to go, Dick goes over the plan one more time just for extra clarity to make sure everyone is on the same page. All of them are going to pile into some SUVs, ride over, walk in, and then Babs will take it from there having the Titans be fake processed and the bail will be fake. Then, the Titans get to go right back to the manor. In and out. It seems simple but no part of this has been simple. But, none of the Titans argue. All of them nod along and once it's time, they pile into the SUVs just as Dick said.

Sam hops into the SUV with Gar, Conner, Blackfire, and Krypto while Kory and Dick take the other SUV. Krypto sits in between Sam and Gar in the back while Conner drives and Blackfire takes passenger. Sam finds herself watching the city pass by on the drive, her stomach twisting into knots. The last time she was arrested, she ended up with Jerry. This whole thing just seems like such a bad idea. And if it is and they have to fight back, that's even worse. That's just a bigger target on their backs if they can get out of there in one piece. There just had to be another way to win the city back. The city wasn't always on Batman's side.

"On Tamaran, it is called The Pit." Blackfire starts, pulling Sam from her thoughts. "It's dark. So dark, you cannot even see your hand." She explains, making Sam and Gar both look to their hands and then at each other.

Conner picks up her hand, intertwining his fingers with hers. "It isn't like that here." Conner looks in the rearview mirror for reassurance from Gar and Sam.

"Right." Gar starts. "I-it's totally not like that. It's gonna be fine." Gar offers a smile but Sam swears it's incredibly unconvincing. "Dick and Barabara have a plan. We're just going to go in and out. This is really just all for show." Gar explains, looking to Sam for reassurance. And now she just thinks he's trying to convince himself.

"Yeah, it's really not all that." Sam adds in. It isn't like The Pit. It's not great and it sucks. There is a lot of unfairness and cruelty but it's not The Pit. And Sam thinks telling Blackfire everything about the corruption among the GCPD, probably won't help the situation. "I've been for real arrested once. It's not like The Pit." Sam explains, omitting every other detail.

"We'll be together the whole time. I've got you." Conner assures Blackfire with a calm but firm tone. "I promise." He glances over to her with a soft smile as Sam catches him squeeze her hand.

Sam smiles softly because for all anyone knows, this isn't going to work out. Nothing has gone to plan but Conner still offers reassurance anyway and it's kind of sweet to watch. Gar offers a chuckle, catching the smile on Sam's lips. It earns him a light shove with the roll of Sam's eyes. It's just nice seeing the two of them unbothered by everything that's happening. It's maybe even a little cathartic in a weird way.

Within a few more minutes, both SUVs pull up to the back of the GCPD. There are snipers on the roof and several GCPD officers standing guard with full swat gear outside of the doors. This is supposed to be for show but Sam really isn't buying it. This is a lot of people for something that's supposed to be fake.

Everyone starts to get out of their vehicles, Sam meeting up with Gar in the front of the SUV.

"You okay?" Gar whispers. "I mean, we trust Barbara." Gar nods his head, his brows raised as if looking for some form of reassurance from her. This isn't sitting right with him either.

"Yeah." Sam shakes her head, eyeing one of the snipers on top of the roof. There are ten total and Sam starts to think of an exit strategy to avoid them or take them out on her way if it comes to it. "If shit goes south, get out of here immediately. I'll be right behind you and stay close to the building until you reach the back alley. Less light and I didn't see snipers over there." Sam whispers back. 

Gar gulps, looking up at the roof where the guns are pointed right at them. "That wasn't reassuring." Gar almost whines as he looks back to Sam.

"Wasn't supposed to be." Sam shakes her head, as she chews the inside of her cheek before she starts walking. Gar follows right behind her until he's walking side-by-side.

The two of them fall in line right behind Kory and Dick while Conner, Blackfire, and Krypto follow Gar and Sam. As they make their way to the entrance, every single person with a gun, trains their weapons on them. The Titans are the targets and these people are just waiting for the signal to start shooting. That's what it feels like. Being a vigilante is illegal, technically, but this is...a lot.

"This seems excessive." Kory states as the Titans enter the building, passing by even more men with guns and swat gear.

"Barbara cleared it with me." Dick states. "It's all for show. They need to stand their ground." Dick states and Sam rolls her eyes. Basically, they need to stroke cops' egos. What else is new?

"This is just optics, right?" Gar asks Dick, the growing pit in his stomach is starting to bubble. Gar doesn't normally second guess Dick's plans but tonight, he is. This seems wrong.

"Optics." Dick confirms calmly.

The Titans stand on the main level, looking up to the second floor where Babs and one of her right hands is standing beside her looking over the railing. There are cops on all sides of them and above them, covered in their swat gear with shields. Dick can say it's optics all he wants but Sam is getting a really bad feeling about this one. And then Blackfire bumps into Sam, making Sam and Gar turn around. One of the cops, used his shield to bump her and Conner used his superspeed to immediately be at Blackfire's side.

"Back off." Conner threatens, standing toe-to-toe with the cop that shoved her.

This is bad.

This is bad.

This is about to be really, really bad.

Sam looks around as the cops start to slowly close in on them. This is not good. If this is optics and a show, they've done it. The show has been shown and it's time to get the hell out of here and finish the plan. There is no reason for them to be approaching the Titans. Not if they're on Barbara's side.

Dick sticks out of his hand, easing them away but it's not working. They're not going to listen to him. They just keep closing in with their shields and weapons pointed right at them. The Titans might not be here for a fight, but very clearly, the GCPD definitely is.

"Easy. We're not here for a fight." Dick states, keeping his voice calm but stern as to not piss anyone off.

"Move in." One of the men up top states, demanding the entire room.

Everything falls into slow motion as Sam looks up to him, the other Titans and Barbara doing the same. It's as if everything starts to crumble at their feet. They are severely outnumbered and outgunned. This was a bad idea and Sam knew it was. It shouldn't have been but no one can trust people outside Barbara. That's how it is and now they're trapped in this mess.

The cops start to close in, shoving all of the Titans. They try to shove them into smaller sections in order to separate them but Sam stands in between Gar and Dick as her hands form into fists. Her eyes scan the room quickly and there are fewer men up top. She could get up there and escape pretty easily with the grappling hook.

"Stand down!" Barbara yells but they aren't listening. They don't work for her anymore.

"There." Sam whispers to Gar, looking up to the second floor. "When you get the chance, get up there."

"What?" Gar questions quickly.

"They'll be too distracted by what's happening on the floor. You can get up there easily as a tiger and I can follow you." Sam nods her head once at him, reaching for a knife from her utility belt as she prepares for her own opening the second things start to turn violent.

This isn't going to be peaceful. Gar sees the knife in her hand, her hand gripping it tightly and he wonders when she became so prepared for everything to go south. He wonders if it's just trauma build-up like a clogged artery preparing for a heart attack or if this is a Bruce thing or maybe even a Jason thing. Sam never came here with any form of optimism.

Conner holds some of them off while others start to crowd Gar and Sam. Dick is entirely covered in cops before he shoves them off of him but then a gunshot rings out through the GCPD, Conner stopping the bullet with his hand. Sam, Gar, and Kory look over just in time to see the cop fire a second bullet and this time, it hits Blackfire.

"No!" Kory yells.

And that's when all hell breaks loose. Conner starts attacking the cop that shot Blackfire while the other cops jump in to attack the other Titans. Three go for Sam but Sam is quicker than they are, already having her free hand glow at her side. They're covered in protective gear and with the shield, she knows she's not going to make any good shots with a knife. Desperate times, desperate measures. So, Sam pockets the knife and her other hand glows before she shoots acid at one of the men and the shield starts to melt. The other men keep coming closer, Sam punching and kicking them before she touches them with her hands, the acid melting right through their uniforms as they let out blood-curdling screams. The fabric and plastic becomes burned into their skin, sending them to the ground in agonizing pain.

Once those men are down, Sam jumps in to help Gar so he can transform. She distracts them and fights them until Gar jumps from behind her and then in front of her, fully turned into a green tiger. Sam can feel the bullet wound slowing her down. It's aching and throbbing, taking more of her energy she could really use right about now. And she swears she can feel blood leaking from the wound and down her arm as she lands a right hook to one of the cops. That's when they hear that same guy above them, telling his men to shoot Gar.

"You gotta get out of here." Sam urges, shooting hands full of acid at another man and melting his shield.

But, it's too late, as Gar defends himself, a tranquilizer is shot right out of him and he lets out a growl in response. This is just like the tower. Outnumbered. Outgunned. Even with the other Titans, they don't stand a chance. Sam can hear the other Titans fighting, getting a glimpse of the fire coming from Kory and Dick and Conner fighting hard. All of them need to get out of here.

"Go!" Sam points to the top, right where the man is. "Go, I'll be right behind you." Sam holds off the other men, giving Gar time to jump to the second level and head towards the exit.

Sam follows him, shooting her grappling hook to the top. The man pulls out his gun just as Sam reaches him. With her feet planted on the floor, Sam puts her hands up, the throbbing the front of her head echoing like a beating drum. He cowered when Gar jumped up here. Sam is fully confident even with a bum shoulder she could wrestle that gun from him with ease.

"Put the gun down!" She hears Barbara yell and that's when his eyes dart to her for just a second, giving Sam the perfect opportunity.

She lunges forward, grabbing the gun and then his wrist, twisting his arm. She squeezes and turns, just as Jason had taught her in several of their training sessions and then he drops the gun. Sam grabs it before he even has a chance and she turns the gun on him.

One pull of the trigger and he's dead. That's all it would take. And Sam is ready to do it. All of the fighting is happening below her and yeah, maybe this guy is just under Crane's shit. But, she's really sick of it. He's not high. He's not drugged. He didn't have to join Crane but he did and he just got Gar shot. It feels like minutes as she almost debates shooting him at point-blank range but it's been five seconds. Five seconds for Barbara to realize Sam might not back down. Five seconds for the shooter behind Sam to aim his own gun at her back, kickstarting the throbbing in the back of her head.

"Bluejay!" Barbara yells and Sam grits her teeth.

Fine.

She spins around, aiming the gun at the shooter's leg and shoots just once. It sends him to the ground and then Sam takes off, not leaving the gun behind. She's real sick of people hurting the people she cares about. He was going to shoot her on her way out anyway. Do or die. Kill or be killed.

Sam finds Gar outside, limping as the tranquilizer is starting to take effect. He's not going to make it far and Sam needs to find somewhere for him to go. There has to be somewhere near here. And that's when she realizes...Gar isn't shot. Besides the tranquilizer. Sam looks up, not seeing a single sniper or cop on the roof and then she looks around the parking lot, not seeing anyone here either.

What the fuck?

That's weird given how many were here when the Titans arrived. That also cannot possibly be good. Sam rolls her eyes and decides they just need to get out of here and they'll find somewhere on the way. There's a tunnel entrance not far and Sam is pretty sure they can hide there until she thinks of a better place.

"Follow me, we're gonna go to the tunnels." Sam whispers to him as the two of them head for the alley that leads out to a side street.

The two of them run off to the alley, Gar slower than usual and Sam's cape flowing behind her. Her shoulder is aching and she can feel the adrenaline wanting to crash. She's certain now that it's bleeding and her hand is shaking. Her entire arm is shaking. Gar isn't the only one who needs to take a breather.

The two of them exit through the alley and make their way on a sidewalk. Sam knows if they take the sidewalk down to the intersection, they can cross over and head into an alley on that side of the street. The tunnel entrance will only be a block away and they'll be on the right side of the street.

But just as they go to walk past an alley right before the intersection, Sam's head throbs from the side right before someone grabs her arm, yanking her into the alley. Sam fights back until the person spins her around and then she stops as relief comes over her.

"It's me. It's fine." Jason urges through the helmet just as Gar walks into the alley having seen Sam get grabbed by Jason.

"What the fuck are you doing here?" Sam spits back.

"You guys have to get the fuck off the streets. They'll be looking for you. Come with me." Jason urges them, trying to walk past but Sam and Gar block him.

"Answer me, Jason." Sam's eyes are narrowed at him and without seeing her mouth, Jason knows she's gritting her teeth behind the mask.

"I'll explain but let me get you guys somewhere safe first. You think those snipers just went on a fucking coffee run?" Jason quips back making Sam look to the Gar. Gar shakes his head and Sam lets out a breath.

"You?" Sam asks, her eyes narrowing. How the fuck did he know to be there?

Jason nods. "Let's go before they show up." Jason's voice is stern and almost forceful as he walks past them.

Jason leads the two of them across the street and down a different alley. They exclusively take alleys and Sam is just relieved they clearly used a tranquilizer that wasn't as potent as the one CADMUS used. Gar is still slowing down but he's at least awake. But, Sam is still stuck trying to figure out how Jason knew and why he didn't do anything about it. They were just attacked and they could have been killed. He knew though. Pretending to be with Crane doesn't mean screwing them over. She knows there is probably an explanation but right now, she's pissed off and scared and in pain.

They reach an abandoned building and Jason opens the door in the back for them. The three of them make their way upstairs and into a room with boarded-up windows. This place doesn't have any type of belongings but Sam is willing to bet Jason is hoarding the place. Jason would probably never not have a place to go after everything. Gar practically collapses on the floor before he starts to transform back into himself.

"Sleep it off. I'll wait until things calm down and I'll go looking for Dick and Kory, okay?" Sam crouches down to Gar as she puts a hand on his shoulder.

"You okay?" Gar gets out with a labored breath.

"Yeah, I'm fine. Better at this now." Sam offers a nod and if Gar weren't so exhausted from the tranquilizer, he'd be worried about why she's suddenly better at it. Maybe Gotham does change people. It's something Dick warned the Titans about. Gotham eats people alive.

"Are you sure?" Gar's words start to slur together just a little.

"Yeah." Sam nods her head and offers him a soft smile. "Just...sleep, okay? I'll find you clothes, too."

Gar's face starts to burn. "Okay." Gar nods his head, plopping down on the floor as the tranquilizer finally kicks in entirely.

"Here." Jason offers a blanket of some sort and Sam uses it to cover Gar before she gets to her feet.

"He'll be out awhile." Sam says softly, a sadness coating her words.

There's almost a numbness that's coming with this territory. Sam wonders if this is how Bruce has done it for so long, maybe that's why Bruce is the way he is. His parents were killed in front of him and then...here he is. Batman, vengeance. Maybe in order for him to be Batman, he has to be numb to it, to the pain of what comes with being a hero. Maybe he's let some of that numbness leak into his personal life and that's why he was the way he was with Dick and why he tried to be better with Jason but still failed. Sam wonders if he just numbs it all in order to keep going. And maybe that's not entirely Bruce's fault. Because she doesn't want to be numb about everything.

The pain is the worst part but outside of pain, Bruce seems to push things away and maybe that's still how he can be Batman. Maybe it wasn't always like that but bad things happen. Sam doesn't want that. It's just, she's standing here with Jason and she's annoyed with him but she's not even that mad anymore. She's tired, her shoulder hurts but emotionally, the only thing she really feels right now is worry. Worry for Gar and the Titans. That's it. That doesn't feel too good either.

Jason nods his head before he looks to the floor. He looks back to the window and then to Sam, nodding his head toward the window. the two of them head over to the boarded window, taking a seat below it. Jason takes his helmet off, resting it beside him as he stretches his legs out in front of him. The white streak flops onto his forehead, Sam getting the slightest hit of a smile at the sight.

She follows his lead, taking her own mask off as she pulls her legs to her chest. Sam rests her head against eh boards, closing her eyes as she takes in a breath. Jason watches her carefully, seeing a slight tremor in her hand of the shoulder that was shot as she rests her forearms on her knees. There's a mark near her temple that looks like it might be forming into a bruise. But, that's it. Jason doesn't see anything too bad. GCPD has never been very good at taking out vigilantes. It's not really their thing which Jason is thankful for. But, he really wishes he weren't too late.

It's not his fault. He's trying to work Crane and part of that is still doing his dirty work. He had no choice but the second he could, he tried his absolute hardest to warn the Titans. It just wasn't enough. It's another really hard pill to swallow. Working with Crane is his biggest mistake. Everything is a mess and that, that part is on him. He is desperate for it all just to come to an end.

"Oh, here." Sam mutters, pulling the gun from her utility belt. She hands it over with caution, Jason noticing the tremor worse as he takes the gun from her. Jason blinks at her and then at the gun, trying to find the right question. "Wrestled it from a piece of shit who caused this shit, shot the piece of shot that shit Gar, then I took it."

Jason shakes his head as his eyes close for a second, growing confused. Desperate times, desperate measures. He entirely understands how she ended up with the gun. That's not really the question he has now. It's her shooting someone. Sam's hands are shaking and her hands very rarely ever shake after a fight. It's one of the things Jason finds the most interesting. It's her steady hands before, during, and after heavy conflicts. He was like that, too and then Deathstroke happened but now they're shaking a lot. And something looks really wrong which could also just be what happened at the station. But, Jason wonders if it's the use of a gun. Sam always said she wasn't a fan of using them.

"You shot someone?" Jason raises a brow at her as Sam reads the disbelief on his face.

"I mean, yeah? You shoot people." Sam scoffs, looking forward again. "I wrestled the gun away, had it aimed at the guy and Babs yelled at me. So, I turned and shot the guy who was about to shoot me who also shot Gar. Had it in my hand, might as well."

It's really not the gun. The way Sam sees it, it's really not that different than her throwing a knife at someone's head. It kills them all the same. It's not all that different than her throwing a knife at someone's leg. It wounds them all the same. It doesn't matter. It is just everything from the last two weeks. She really hates not having the choice to walk away. She might still pick the violent answer, but she'd like a choice. She would like a choice in the way her life goes.

"Alright." Jason nods his head before he shakes it. "Why the fuck did you take it with you?" Jason asks. She knows these guns can be tracked. It's police issued.

"Fuck them." Sam states. "If I left it, they'd shoot me. So I took it to give to you to get rid of. Or I'll throw it in the Harbor out of spite."

"Right." Jason nods his head. "Shot someone? Using my R blades? Combat? Got a cape? You really are following in my footsteps, huh?" Jason offers her a teasing grin to try and lighten her mood, just a little bit. He just hates seeing her like this.

Sam narrows her eyes at him but Jason catches her starting to smirk. "You're really good at this." Sam rolls her eyes. "Be stupid not to take notes. That's what you told me to do anyway."

Jason lets out a soft chuckle. "Can't believe you fucking listened."

"Yeah, it is a rarity." Sam quips before she looks at him, lifting her head up. While this is nice discussing her own motives, she'd love to turn it around now. Jason knew to be there and when. That sounds like a problem. "You wanna tell me what the fuck?"

"Crane." Jason lets out a scoff. It's his turn to turn his attention forward. "Had me pay off one of the guys to turn on Babs, turn the whole department. Then, take all of you guys to him." Jason looks back at Sam, his face reading blatant annoyance.

"And you didn't warn me?" Sam shakes her head in disbelief, the question coming out more as a demand -- an accusation.

"No! I tried! You, Dick, and Gar didn't answer!" Jason defends himself as he turns to face her. "I'd never let you walk in there if I had a choice. I tried. And when I got there, you were already inside. So, took out the snipers." Jason shrugs his shoulders. "The Titans against the GCPD?" Jason lets out a scoff. "I figured you'd all be fine inside but I didn't leave until I saw you and Gar. I was gonna go in to help when I heard the fighting but you and Gar walked out."

Sam nods her head before she pulls out the burner and sure enough, she has three missed calls. That makes her feel a lot better. No part of her ever really believed Jason wouldn't at least try to warn her. she is relieved though, that even when things are messy as all hell, he still has her back. He always did but tonight just feels different.

"Took out?" Sam raises a brow.

"Knocked them out." Jason nods with a single nod.

"You know they're gonna tell Crane Red Hood got them, right?" Sam questions, wondering how he plans to get himself out of it. And maybe she is a little relieved. She really hates him working with Crane still even if it was her idea.

"Thought of that." Jason says through a chuckle. "Wore a different mask, put on a different hoodie. They won't know any better. I was in and out anyway." Jason offers with confidence, clearly proud to do this work.

Sam shakes her head but gives Jason a gentle smile. "Well, thank you for risking it anyway. And for trying to warn us."

"Always." Jason nods his head right back, a toothy smile on display. It's a warm smile this time. "You alright, though?" Jason asks.

"Uh...yeah, I-I uh, I think I'm bleeding again." Sam states, looking to her shoulder and then back to him.

"Let me see." Jason states, gesturing his hand for Sam to lean forward.

Sam leans forward as Jason unzips her suit in the back and pulls down the shoulder part of her suit. Sure enough, the wound has bled through the gauze and there's blood everywhere he can see. Jason's heart jumps to his throat. It's been hours and the wound isn't that bad. For there to be this much blood in such a short amount of time, Sam had to be fighting like hell to get out of there. And she did it while looking out for Gar. And Jason gets a proud smile.

"What?" Sam raises a brow at him, wondering why the blood is making him smile.

"Trained you well." Jason states softly, confidence and pride etched into those three words.

"Shut up." Sam groans. "You would take credit for it." Sam lets out a soft laugh.

"Well, if it weren't for me, you'd get your ass kicked." Jason quips right back. "So...you're welcome." Jason gives her a smirk.

Sam's eyes narrow before she rolls them. "Yes, thank you so much. I would just be in so much distress if not for you. Please, where would I be?!" Sam fakes a loud whine, the sarcasm spilling from her lips.

"Arrested." Jason answers plainly as he blinks at her.

Sam nods her head. "Fuck you." Sam shrugs as she widens her eyes, earning a laugh from Jason.

"Oh, well in that case, I don't have to help you now. Ya know, if you don't need my help or anything." Jason sits back, his signature smirk crossing his face.

Sam lets out a sigh, giving him a fake glare. "You won't let me bleed out." Sam states with confidence. "Where would you be without me? I'm the only one who plays your games." Sam offers him the same smirk.

Jason gives her a single nod. "Because I play yours." Jason quips.

"Which brings us back to you not letting me bleed out." Sam grins at him.

"You're really confident in that." Jason nods his head, knowing damn well she is not going to bleed out.

"I'm always confident in your abilities to not let something really bad happen to me." Sam says softly but there's a smirk on her face. It almost reads as a joke but Jason can tell by the sweetness in her voice and how quietly she said it that it's true. Even if she only said it out loud to mess with him.

Jason fake groans. "Alright. Fine." Jason says dramatically. "Guess I'll be fucking nice and help."

"You were going to anyway." Sam lets out a soft laugh that makes Jason's stomach spin.

"Yeah..." Jason says softly, his smile turning soft as he scoots back over to her. "How many you take down anyways?" Jason asks as he pulls the gauze off.

"I lost count." Sam states. "There were a lot of them though. Uh, one of them shot Blackfire though. I think Kory was trying to get out with her. Dick and Conner were still fighting when we left though."

"I saw them follow you guys out." Jason assures her. "They're alright."

A surprised but kind smile starts to come to Sam's lips. "Did you watch for them?" Sam asks.

Jason shrugs. "Saw you were alright and Gar, so maybe yeah. I just hung out a minute to make sure the others got out. Kory was with Blackfire and Dick was with Conner and Krypto. Blackfire was the only one who looked hurt." Jason explains as he grabs a gauze pad from his pockets.

"Didn't help though?"

"You know there's no fucking way in hell Kory would have let me." Jason quips back.

"Yeah...." Sam lets out a sigh. "That's probably true." Sam nods as Jason sticks the gauze pad to the wound. "You just carrying first aid stuff now?"

"Just being prepared." Jason chuckles. "You should be proud." Jason nods up at her once the gauze is stuck and in place. "You should be okay. Here." Jason pulls another gauze pad out. "Just in case."

"Thanks, Jay." Sam takes it, the shaking in her hands not as prominent now.

"You and me." Jason nods once at her with a soft smile before zipping her suit back up.

"You and me." Sam nods back before putting the gauze pad in her utility belt. "So...Crane has the department?" Sam clears her throat. It would be easier not to discuss that but they don't have that privilege.

"Yep." Jason shakes his head. "He's got more than that. The video, everyone is falling for his shit. He's gonna try to destroy Gotham." Jason states.

"How?" Sam asks.

"Taking over everyone and turning everyone against you guys for starters. I don't know what else he has planned. I know it's not fucking good though. He's losing it."

"Fantastic." Sam rolls her eyes.

According to Bruce's file on Crane, this is what always happens. He has a plan and it works well at first but then he starts to crumble, spiral, and it all goes to shit. Crane does try to take people with him though and no one is left unscathed when Crane starts to fall off the deep end. Sam is getting the feeling this isn't going to end well.

"You, uh, you should probably head out then, right?" Sam asks cautiously. "Like, if someone sees you with us, leading us here or sees me leave after seeing you leave. That'll be a problem. You know Crane wants the city, so find out how."

Jason grits his teeth and he hates this. It was his idea to go to Crane in the first place and maybe this is just his punishment for it. Being forced to work with him not that he wants to kill him. And he hates the idea of leaving Sam and Gar. The entire city is going to want them dead. The GCPD already tried to turn them in to Crane who would have killed them. They can handle themselves but anything can happen out there. Worse things can happen though if he doesn't find out what Crane is doing and put a stop to it.

"Yeah." Jason answers shortly. "Alright, yeah." Jason nods his head with a sigh. "Use the burner though, let me know if you find anyone. I'll try to get into the traffic cameras and see if I can locate anyone for you and Gar to get to." Jason explains as he gets to his feet.

"Thanks, Jay." Sam offers him a soft smile. "We'll be fine." Sam assures him.

"Right." Jason nods his head, plucking his helmet from the floor. "If shit starts going south--"

"I'll call or text. I got it, Jay. We've been here plenty of times now. Look who's the one worrying now." Sam scrunches her nose at him, mostly to try and ease some of his worry and hide hers.

"Yeah, yeah, whatever." Jason lets out a scoff but the corners of his mouth tug up slightly. "Good luck." Jason nods once before he turns and heads out of the room, leaving Sam alone with an unconscious Gar.

Sam sits against the window for several hours, just looking through the slats of the window. The city is going to shit. Chaos is already starting to hit the streets. Fires and fights, Sam can see the few buildings across the street boarding up their windows. Maybe this is what Crane wanted. GCPD is with Crane and Gotham doesn't have any vigilantes to protect it. That's when Sam starts to think how odd this whole thing is.

Bruce ran the city on fear. Fear of the Bat and how he could take down anyone, send them to Arkham but with the insurance policy of making it out alive. It was still fear that kept a lot of people from committing at least serious crimes and it did keep Gotham, at least, somewhat safer with certain things. Crane's entire obsession is with fear. He makes people live out their worst fears. It's what he does but now he's trying to control Gotham by turning everyone against the vigilantes which just makes them unafraid. She isn't sure what that has to do with anything or if it even matters but it's something she can't help but think about it. And she wonders what will happen if it works. What happens if he gets what he wants this time? Where does that leave the Titans? Gotham?

She's never been much of a team player. Sam's always done better alone or with one person. It's easier that way. She wonders if that's how it should be. She remembers when she left the tower and Dick said she could be a Titan again. If she wanted to. But, the more she sits here and thinks about it, maybe she doesn't want to. There are too many moving pieces and even though it's not her responsibility, it's too much to have to worry about so many people all at once. And if Dick fucks up, they all die. That's a pretty big burden to carry and Sam isn't so sure she wants that every single day. Maybe to help sometimes, yeah. But, maybe not every day and if Crane wins, this is Gotham. She'll fight tirelessly until it's not here anymore because this city doesn't belong to him. It doesn't belong to anyone like him.

After a few more hours, the sun starts to come up, the gloomy clouds blocking most of the pretty oranges and pinks. Sam checks her phone, only for there to be x where the service bars are. She tries to make a call to Dick but the service is unavailable. Fantastic. Her best guess is this has to do with whatever Crane has coming or the chaos that Gotham is under which means her and Gar are on their own until they're able to find the rest of the Titans. But she can't just sit here for right now.

Sam still needs to grab some sort of food for them and grab clothes for Gar so while the streets aren't as busy Sam decides now might be a good time to try and find supplies. The streets aren't as busy as they were earlier and nothing should be open yet. There's a convenience store not far so if she's quick, she could break in, grab what they need, and be back before anyone spots her. It shouldn't be too hard. So, she grabs her mask and makes her way to the door Jason let them through last night only to be caught completely off guard as the door swings open.

"Rachel?" Sam questions as she pulls her mask off.

Rachel blinks at her a few times before gaining a soft smile. "Sam?" She didn't know Sam even got a suit.

"What the hell are you doing here?" Sam asks as she tugs Rachel inside and closes the door behind her.

"I don't know. I just had a feeling I needed to come back." Rachel states, somewhat ominously.

Sam has never been so relieved to see Rachel. Rachel is literally the daughter of a demon. Based on how Gotham is looking right about now, they might need that. So far, nothing else has worked and Rachel killed her dad. Not to mention, the Titans could really just use some more hands if they stand a chance against the entire population of Gotham City.

"Oh, yeah no we could use some fucking help right about now." Sam laughs softly.

"Yeah? What is going on?" Rachel looks around the abandoned building, taking notice in how rundown and cold it is. "It's kind of weird out there." Rachel states, remembering how Gotham was before when Dick brought them on the way to San Fransisco.

This is not that Gotham. There are fires in the streets now, people yelling, being more guarded than usual. It's every person for themselves and it's six in the morning. No one should even have enough energy for that now. But, word got out that the vigilantes are gone and the commissioner was arrested. People have really lost it since.

"You haven't talked to anyone right?" Sam questions, remembering Rachel was unreachable to everyone meaning she probably needs a full recap.

"Right, I couldn't really talk to anyone while I was there." Rachel says with hesitance, starting to worry about where this might go.

"Awesome. Jason died." Sam spits out.

Rachel coughs. "He what?!"

"Yeah, Joker beat him to death with a crowbar. So, Bruce went and killed the Joker. Fast forward to all the Titans showing up, and surprise, Jason's alive again. Lazarus Pit." Sam spits it out before Rachel can even ask. "Only he's Red Hood now and he was addicted to a drug made by Jonathan Crane, Scarecrow. That made him fearless which was unpleasant, honestly. So, for the last two weeks, I've been trying to get him clean while he's been trying to kill Dick. And Dick's been trying to capture him. He's clean now and on our side but I got shot and Dick got shot and Gar just got tranquilized last night. Crane is trying to take over the city, he poisoned the water. We were almost all killed last night because of it. It's been a mess." Sam nods casually as she finishes.

"Um..." Rachel tries to find the right words to even process any of that. "I missed a lot." Rachel nods.

"Oh, yeah, welcome to Gotham." Sam mutters as she leads Rachel up the stairs. "And now, apparently, cell towers are down because I can't get a call out. I have no idea where everyone else is. It's just Gar and me."

"Okay, wait. So, where is everyone else? And where is Jason?" Rachel questions. She could tell that all of the Titans weren't here but she didn't realize Sam and Gar would be on their own entirely.

"No idea. He's been trying to find out what Crane is planning. He's the only reason any of us got out alive last night. He took out the snipers. As for the Titans, I don't know." Sam says sadly, sucking in a deep breath. "We got separated and the city went to shit not long after."

"What a mess." Rachel says softly.

"Yeah. donna?" Sam asks with hope. If Jason can be brought back, there has to be a way to bring back Wonder Girl.

Rachel shakes her head sadly. "Nope."

Sam lets out a sigh of defeat. "I'm sorry. At least you tried though." Sam looks over to her as they reach the room where Gar is still passed out. "More than what most people would do. There has to be a way though." Sam assures her.

"Yeah, maybe we should ask Jason how it all works." Rachel says only half joking.

"He doesn't know. I did ask." Sam lets out a soft laugh. "He doesn't even know where it is." Sam let out a breath. "Anyway, we're hiding here until we figure out what to do and until Gar wakes up." Sam gestures to the room just as Gar starts to stir awake.

Gar's eyes land on the girls as confusion wraps itself around him. The last thing he remembers is Sam and Jason being here. It's fuzzy but he remembers that. The person standing next to Sam is not Jason though. Jason doesn't normally wear all black. He blinks a few times, trying to get his vision to focus and once it does, he's certain something went wrong.

"Rachel?" Gar asks, eyes still partially closed with sleep while the girls get closer. "Did I die again or are you really real?"

"Of course I'm real." Rachel says as the girls crouch down.

"I found her." Sam states.

"I found you." Rachel looks back at Sam.

"Yeah, yeah, yeah same thing." Sam states. "How you feeling?"

"Tird." Gar chuckles. "How did you find her?"

"I could just feel you guys." Rachel states simply. "Your energy. I started at GCPD, ended up here." Rachel explains as she hands Gar his clothes.

The girls stand up and turn around so Gar can change. Sam is definitely thankful Rachel was able to grab his clothes because that was one thing Sam was not confident she could grab. And he can't very well just be out there with a blanket. 

"No, I came here first." Rachel says.

"I actually didn't leave. I opened the door and Rachel was there but cell towers are down so I can't even reach out to try to find them." Sam rolls her shoulders.

"So, now what?" Gar asks once he's fully clothed.

The girls turn around, looking between each other.

"I have no idea." Sam answers with defeat.

Meanwhile, Crane decides he's earned his right to Wayne Manor. With the Titans out of commission and in hiding, the manor is open. It's safe and it'll be the perfect place for Crane to call home now. It'll make it easier to run Gotham from the Manor, having access to not only the Batcave but everything within the Batcave. And of course, he decided to take Jason with him who's still not liking this whole getting along with him thing when the only thing he wants to do is put a bullet in his head right about now.

With the lines down, it's going to make it that much harder for him to even contact anyone. If Jason does find out what Crane is planning, how is he supposed to find Dick without Crane catching onto what he's doing? This whole plan is a mess and being back at the manor isn't making Jason feel any better. It feels wrong.

This isn't Crane's home. Jason is pissed -- hurt by Bruce but maybe that doesn't mean letting Crane into the manor is a good idea. He's going to take over the place and make it his when he doesn't even belong here. But, Jason is also thinking of how he doesn't belong here either. Bruce abandoned him. This was never really Jason's home anyway. He tried to make it fit, tried to make it stick but it was never really him anyway. The fancy manor, the galas, events, press, money, just having a place to go home to that was safe. Even the training didn't feel like him. He loves it more than words but at the beginning, even that just felt like he was just trying to fill in the shoes that would always be the wrong size. But now, it feels worse. He feels more like he's trespassing. He's not supposed to be alive, let alone here with Crane. In another world, Jason thinks maybe he'd have ditched Crane after being brought back and he would have walked in to find Bruce. Maybe it would be different then.

But, it's not.

"So, this is what a billion dollars gets ya?" Crane asks, standing overlooking the living room. Crane makes his way down into the main living room, examining the curtains on his way down. "Interior designers the world over-exclaimed, meh." Crane shrugs with boredom before glancing to Jason who's still standing on the landing looking over the room. "Alright enough with the whole tortured hero stuff. Come on. We have reached the summit. It's time for us to enjoy the view. I think this calls for some spirits." Crane states as he takes his coat off, tossing it onto the couch before he grabs a bottle of alcohol.

Tortured hero? That's what he thinks the issue is here? Crane's gotten Jason to make a drug, get addicted to it, kill innocent people, turn on everyone who ever cared about him, Crane almost killed Sam, and is trying to tear down the city. Being this so-called tortured hero is not Jason's issue. Crane is arrogant and delusional. Jason can't tell if he's just doing it on purpose or if he believes any of the shit that leaves his mouth. Crane is selfish and cruel. Jason is kicking himself for not seeing it sooner. Crane doesn't care about anyone or anything besides himself. And Jason's just stuck here playing along.

"Look," Crane states as he uncorks the bottle. "Make a toast. To Batsy." Crane says, pouring himself a glass. "To beating them. To knowing them. To growing them." Crane says as he hands a glass to Jason. Jason takes it, not bothering to start the argument now. "We gotta redecorate." Crane says, looking around. "Starting with this." Crane says as he eyes the large painted portrait of the Wayne's hanging above the fireplace.

Crane pushes a chair in front of the fireplace, using it as a ladder to grab the painting. He places the painting down in front of the fireplace, kicking the chair out of the way. Then he grabs a knife from his pocket, eyeing the painting.

"Actually, you should do the honors." Crane turns around to face Jason, offering him the knife.

Jason walks around the couch, grabbing the knife from Crane before Crane walks to plop himself on the couch. Jason watches him before he looks back to the painting, questioning if he should actually listen to Crane on this one. It feels wrong but he is still really hurt.

"It's time to finally pay back your father for the gifts he's given you." Crane states with ease.

Jason stares at the painting and at first there's a guilt that comes over him. This is of Bruce and his parents. His parents are gone, it's not like this can be replaced. But, the more he stands here, the more he thinks about how badly he's been hurt by Bruce.

Bruce gave him magic by giving him Robin and then he just...ripped it away. He did what everyone always does. Promise him something and then take it away, take from him. He begged him not to give up on him and Bruce did anyway. Bruce gave up on him just like everyone else. He never bothered to try to understand him. Bruce just sent him to Leslie to fix him. And while Jason knows, he is the one that went after the Joker, Bruce didn't do anything about it.

He didn't even realize something was wrong or that something was going on. He should have noticed and he should have tried to help. Based on the context Jason has gotten from Sam, it does not sound like Bruce was worried and asked Sam to check on him. Sam figured it out. Not Bruce, the world's greatest detective. Jason was cooking Crane's drug and seeing Crane and Bruce never once figured it out. Sam did and while she is good at detective work, Bruce is supposed to be the best. But, when it comes to his own son, he just...failed? Jason swears it was on purpose because how else did he fucking miss it? How did he miss that Jason was struggling so badly? Jason doesn't scream from the rooftops that he needs help but he also makes it obvious in his own way and Bruce missed every single cry for help Jason has ever given him.

Bruce knows Jason's entire past, every piece of it and he will never understand. Jason pushed a serial rapist off a building and all Bruce did was get mad. He never bothered to care to understand Jason's point of view of the situation. Maybe that's just Jason breaking the rules, but it was Bruce's job to try to understand. Jason was just a kid. And he was brutally murdered and it's fine Bruce has a no-kill rule but the way Jason sees it, he should have killed the Joker because the Joker took Jason away from Burce. Jason is Bruce's son, he said so, and he picked him, and yet he's the one that feels left behind and abandoned and damaged. He was never good enough. He was always too much of a bother to try to understand. Bruce only ever wanted to fix him in the way Bruce wanted to fix everyone, make them just like him. But, that doesn't work for Jason and he doesn't think he'll ever be fixed and he's pissed and hurt because he hates feeling broken.

So, he pulls his arm back and starts slicing up the painting with everything in him.