Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

After Tim's confrontation with Bruce and Jason, there seemed to be a silent truce between the two parties. Jason and Steph have also been getting along more, and Tim thinks the two are reminiscent of a house on fire. 

As time passed, Tim couldn't help but think that there was something wrong with Jason's scent. He used to smell similar to Dick, what with the two both being humans and all, but now... Jason smelled just plain wrong . It was a familiar feeling, like a misplaced sense of comfort, but he didn't know where else he'd smelled it.

He hummed absentmindedly. His parents were supposed to return in roughly an hour or so, just in time for Bruce Wayne's New Year's Eve Gala. The Gala was to raise money for troubled youths, but both he and Guardian knew it was just a front. Tim had asked, and Aspen confirmed that she was the representative for the charity Bruce Wayne was funding. 

His hands twitched as he heard a car pulling into the manor's long-ass driveway. Tim wedged a strand of yarn into his book before shutting it and venturing downstairs. He opened the door and waited diligently as his parents meandered in. 

"Mother, Father, welcome home," Tim chirped. He dipped his head to the side, trying to keep from gagging. 

It's been so long since he's last been around his supposed father that the sheer scent of fear and blood was nearly overpowering. Tim doesn't know how his mother handles it. 

His mother neared, her dark eyes filling with a fond look as she gently brushed against his arm. 

"How was the trip?" Tim tilted his head, staring at Jack with thinly concealed disgust. 

Jack huffed, irritation clear in the lines of his body, "It was uneventful. None of the leads given to us were useful."

Tim and his mother exchanged a look behind Jack's back. He gave her a toothy smile at her knowing look. He made a sympathetic noise, rushing to help him carry the suitcase into Jack's room. The human absolutely despised having outsiders assist him. Tim thinks the human is stupid, but whatever. 

"I'm sure you'll have a more eventful hunt next month, Father," Tim consoled. Ever since he gained his second tail, Tim's senses have increased. Usually, that would be good! But now, Tim only wants to die. 

The Hunter laughed, "Of course! How about you help your old man get the rest of these cases up the stairs, eh? Afterward, I'll take you out to do some local hunting! Kill a little time before Wayne's Gala."

"I'd love to," Tim said, you know. Lying through his teeth. 

In theory, the thought is nice, but Tim knows that the moment he finishes with Jack, the human will dismiss him. Also, Tim didn't want to spend another moment with the man. 

As it turns out, Tim's pessimism was absolutely warranted. Once the last item was put away, Jack immediately shooed him away. Tim protested half-heartedly, but Jack's response was curt. 

"I'm tired, Timothy. I need some rest. You're more than old enough to entertain yourself. How old are you anyway? Thirteen?"

"Uh," Tim faltered because how was he supposed to respond? "I'm, uh, twelve..."

"Yes, that's nice, Timothy. Now leave."

The young Fox turned and rolled his eyes, gently shutting the door behind him before leaving to find his mother. He growled softly in irritation, Jack's stench doing its job and masking every smell Tim would use to navigate the manor. It may be helpful, but god, was it annoying. 

It took some wandering around, but Tim eventually found where Janet was. His mother was quietly reading an encyclopedia in the main library. It was published just the other month, written by a Fox who has seen many millennia pass. 

She twitched once Tim entered. Her dark eyes were glowing a deep amber, no doubt seeing text that those without magic cannot. 

"So," she began, the amber light fading as her eyes met with his, "what have I been hearing about this new Fox vigilante sulking through Gotham?"

Tim grinned, stepping over to sit beside her. After maneuvering around, he wriggled under his mother's arm, "I don't know, what have you been hearing?" 

They stared at each other for a couple of heartbeats. If they were outside, they would've been gekkering, but alas. 

Tim broke first. "Bruce hadn't done anything to benefit our side of Gotham, so I took it into my own hands. With the help of a friend, of course. She's a born werewolf!"

She hummed softly in acknowledgment, gently running her hand through his hair before her eyes landed on the jagged scar around Tim's neck. She frowned, gently reaching over to trace the pale skin, "What happened to you?"

Tim frowned, stifling the irritated growl threatening to escape his throat, "I was ratted out by one of Jack's many mistresses."

His mother made a displeased noise, "Coral Bellinger?"

"Carol Bellinger. I made sure she got punished, don't worry."

His mother hummed in approval, holding him close. After a careful silence, Tim took a deep breath and was hit in the face by a thought. That's why Jason smelled so familiar. The misplaced comfort clinging to Jason was the same that clung to his mother, the impending threat of Death. 

"...Does Death's claim have... a distinct smell?" Tim asked. 

She gave him a curious look, "Why do you ask?"

Tim hesitated, "Jason, Bruce's newest ward, he... I still owe him a favor, but Death's Claim sticks to him. I don't... know what to do."

With a hum, she shifted them around, her eyes taking on a considering look."Despite what many may think, deaths and future paths aren't set in stone. Only ours."

"What do you mean?"

"It's the same reason all Dragons hesitate to kill and why Selkies and Mers all long for the sea. We Foxes were formed by Lady Death's hands. Because of this, we are capable of subverting her marks. Even if this might be the case, many Foxes let Death come to them instead of subverting her claim."

"How does that relate to Jason?" Tim interrupted. At his mother's deadpan expression, Tim gave a sheepish grin. "Sorry, carry on?"

"The point is, if you wish to change the point of Jason's Death, then you could. You need to pay attention to potential leads because, with your level of magic, you're still unable to pinpoint when he'll die."

Tim sighed, giving her a pout, "Okay..."

"Just remember, My Moon, even if we accept Death, that doesn't mean we aren't allowed to grieve. To feel. Lady Death isn't cruel, Timothy. She understands more than anyone how hard it is to lose a life. How do you think she became the goddess of Death in the first place? Nothing is without sacrifice."

He had a nagging feeling that she was speaking from experience but decided to push it away. Instead, he pivoted to another topic, "Hey, mom? I'm curious. How did you and my father meet? And what happened to him? I don't mean Jack- he's not my dad- but my dad, dad, my father."

Janet smiled and pulled him closer, "It's a long story."

Peering at the clock, Tim shrugged and got comfortable, "We have a few hours before we need to leave for Mr. Wayne's Gala. We have time to spare."

Janet huffed, "Alright then. This story begins long before Gotham was founded..." 

Chapter Text

She didn't have what many would consider a name. Many Foxes of that time didn't. When Foxes gain their second tail, they gain Titles too. Before their title, Kits would be referred to by the order born. 

She was First. 

First's parents died soon after she was born, leaving her the sole survivor of her litter. She was found by a red fox whose litter had passed away the day before. The vixen was titled Wanderer-of-Paths . 

The vixen raised First as if she was her own, even if the two looked nothing alike. First was a silver fox with dark eyes, and the vixen was a brilliant red fox. The vixen would bring First to many different congregations. She was there when First became Mist-Veiled-Seer . 

Decades passed before her mother in all but blood decided to leave. " My moon , I am leaving soon. There is talk about a New World. I am going to check it out. Would you like to come along?"

"Will you force me?" she had asked, eyes steely as the two vixens stared off. 

"No, I will not force you. You wish to venture out?"

She nodded, "Yes. I wish to remain here and further my life."

"We might not see each other for many Moon cycles."

First hesitated but nodded in understanding, "I know. I wish you luck on your travels."

"Then I, too, wish you well. May my lady keep her fangs from your heart and claws in your enemy's throat." 

"Farewell," She murmured, watching as her mother, in all but blood, disappeared into the dense bamboo forest.

It was four centers of training in seclusion before First found herself consistently in another Fox's companionship. 

He was a black fox with brilliant, pale blue eyes, and she had dark amber eyes that he was fond of waxing poetics about. And because he was raised by Dragons, he had a name, Yinlan (阴兰).

At first, she wasn't very fond of him, but Yinlan quickly grew on her. When they first met, it was under the guise of the full moon. Yinlan had trotted to her with a bright grin, a freshly caught hare dangling from his jaws. 

"I rather like you," he placed the hare by her paws, "May I try to win your favor?"

She had regarded him with a careful eye, carefully weighing her choices. Eventually, she accepted the gift, " Sure, I'd like to see you try."

Decades passed in a pleasant blur, and she soon couldn't imagine her life without her mate. She stretched out lazily before climbing to her feet. Yinlan had been gone since dawn. It was noon, and he still hadn't returned. She slinked out of their den, her ears flicked in confusion as she crawled into the clearing. 

She had a bad feeling about this. 

Her muzzle was held close to the ground, and her mouth parted as she took repeated deep breaths. Yinlan's scent was faint yet present. 

Dread began to pool in her gut as the trail led deeper into the forest.

Suddenly, she was met with the overpowering stench of Hunters .

She feared the worst.

She hadn't even told him about their child . 

Her paws pounded against the ground, fear seizing her throat as she forced herself to run faster. She darted through the underbrush and quietly slinked into the clearing. Her nose burned with the sheer stench that assaulted her. Dark eyes scanned the camp before she spotted it. 

Yinlan's corpse was held down by a Hunter whose right hand was wrapped around a knife. He reared his arm back, and all she could see was red . 

Rage and grief sunk its jagged talons into her throat. Mist and shadow shrouded the camp as her skin tore apart, twisting and bending until only a grief-stricken fury was left behind. 

Her ears were deaf to the humans' agony. Ivory claws dug into soft flesh, and needle-like fangs sank into a human's throat. No guilt followed the satisfaction rising from the human's pathetic gurgling. 

She was going to make the Rats pay . 

A blood-curdling scream ripped from her throat as she tore the weapons from their hands. Blood splattered and coated her face as she latched onto the third human. 

Two were dead before they could react. 

"IT'S A DEMON!" another Hunter screamed. Sadly, he gained an iron spear through his temples for his troubles. 

She laid waste to the camp, riving the Hunter's stomach and spilling his intestines onto blood-slick grass. The last human she tore limb from limb, relishing the agonized shrieks flowing from his lips like a torrential river. The light in his eyes died out with a painful splutter, and she couldn't help but feel settled. 

The anger faded into a bare simmer. Satisfaction curled under First's throat and sat heavily in her heart. 

Despite that, melancholy clung to her as she brought her mate's corpse into her arms. She trailed through the forest, looking for where they first met. She dug a hole six feet deep on a cliff overlooking a river and laid her beloved's body at the bottom. After a drawn-out prayer to her goddess, she buried the corpse and climbed to her feet. 

She ducked into the valley below and began to mechanically scrub the blood from her skin. Her child will never meet their father, and her beloved must wait at least a few decades before they can reunite. 

Without Yinlan at her side, she felt so utterly lost. 

She took a deep breath and shifted into her Fox skin. It was time to start traveling. 

The city with a powerful enough dragon was located eleven miles away. She set a punishing pace for herself and arrived just before nightfall. 

She quickly cornered the dragon of the city. 

"Are you the Guardian of this city?" she demanded. 

"I may be," the dragon replied, wariness etched on his shoulders. "Who might you be?"

" Mist-Veiled-Seer ," she replied curtly, "I don't have a common name."

He carefully regarded her but nodded, "Where are you heading? I doubt a pregnant Fox stained with the scent of blood needs my Doorways to run an errand." 

"I need to get to the city called Gotham," she growled, her eight tails lashing in tandem behind her. The city's name rolled uncomfortably in her mouth; it was foreign and unnatural. 

The dragon hummed, giving her an indescribable look, but obliged her. She stepped through, and the Doorway swirled shut behind her. 

The air was acrid and nauseatingly complex. It was perfect. After choosing a new name, Janet started to carve out a future for her child. 

Janet finds the densest and most overwhelming Hunter named Jack Drake. Jack had a company he wasn't interested in running, so she twisted some minds and clawed herself into the top. She became the majority stockholder of Drake Industries and married herself into the family. 

Janet Hu, now Janet Drake, crafted herself a back story. Janet Hu was a wealthy Chinese immigrant, a no-nonsense woman with immense wit and sharp cunning, who married into the Drake family, soon becoming the company's CEO

She writes Yinlan's child off as Jack's. Janet swallows her disgust as she follows her "Husband" on hunting expeditions. She does her best to thwart and foil any deaths that may occur, but guilt still shifts through her heart at the lives she could not save. 

When Timothy was born, she could see her mate in the child. In his eyes, his cheek, his hair, and his voice. It was all distinctly him . Everything else was Janet. 

She held the newborn close to her chest, watching his tiny chest rise and fall. Illuminated by the rising sun filtering through the windows, Janet swears that she'll do anything to protect her son. 

After the story was done, the mother-son duo sat together and enjoyed each other's company. Tim held onto his mother's hand, gently tracing lines into her palm. The two acknowledged their shared grief. One of her lovers lost too soon, and one of his father he never met. 

"You have been through so much," Tim whispered, eyes heavy as his mother's hands ghosted along the scars encircling his neck. 

"What about you?" Janet replied, "Though I wouldn't change a thing if it meant you would still be here by my side. Things happen for a reason, My Moon. I would never choose to exchange your life for someone else's."

"... Even if it means my father would be alive?"

"Even then," Janet assured, pressing her cheek against her son's hair. "Even if I could change the past, I wouldn't. Now, get some rest. I'll wake you up when the time comes."

Chapter Text

Hours later, Tim awakens to his mother's gentle nudge and goes to get ready. Janet kissed Tim's cheek, whispering a quick prayer of safety before slipping on her Human mask and falling to Jack's side. 

Tim followed suit, slipping his mask of Charming-Drake-Heir , and followed his parents into the car. Excitement wormed under his skin, buzzing in his blood as his parents chattered softly. At Bruce Wayne's Gala, there wasn't only one Guardian; there will be two . 

"What even is this Gala for?" Jack scoffed, rolling his eyes with an arrogant air. 

"It's to raise money for troubled youths, Father," Tim responded, forcing himself to allow the Hunter's scent to blanket his own. 

Jack groaned and went off on another tirade about how frivolous Bruce Wayne was. 

Tim and his mother exchanged looks. They were both more than used to ignoring Jack's rants. He studied her, and she examined him, and they praised each other silently on their masks. 

For now, they were human.

For now, they'll play along. 

"Hello, Janet!" an old lady adorned with heavy and gaudy jewels approaches the pair. Jack had abandoned his wife and son for the bar, "I haven't seen you in so long!" 

"It has," Janet smiles pleasantly, her eyes narrowed in irritation. "My, you haven't changed since your grandson was born."

Tim vaguely remembered the press publishing a picture of Martha Collinge appearing disheveled and panicked when her grandson had been born. The old lady had been camping outside of the hospital room, demanding to be the first to see her grandson and pushing all the other family members aside.

"Oh, you flatter me!" the lady's eye started to twitch, "How has your Timothy been doing in school?"

"He's been doing excellent," his mother replied, tugging Tim closer with a regal expression, "Timothy is at the top of his year, even after skipping two grades." 

"Good evening, Mrs. Collinge," Tim greeted gracefully, "how are you enjoying this Gala so far?"

The old lady laughed, casting Tim an almost bitter expression, "Why it's expected from your people."

Janet narrowed her eyes more, a steely look in her expression, "How has your grandson been? You must be so proud of him, Mrs. Collinge, and so must be your husband. What was his name again? Matthew, right? Oh wait, my apologies, wasn't it Robert ." 

Tim watched in amused fascination as Martha Collinge paled and fumbled. Janet huffed and guided him away from the lady, leaving the lady to stare at their retreating backs. Once they could no longer see her, Janet gave him a gentle smile and nudged Tim forward. She gestured toward where Bruce Wayne, Jason Todd, and Aspen stood together, "Go on now, go bother them. I know you wish to."

He grinned and nodded, taking to the crowd like a carp to the sea. He wove past the numerous people, using his size to slip past the numerous socialites unnoticed. 

Soon, the Fox finally reached the two dragons and Jason. Aspen was the first to notice him; next was Bruce, and finally, Jason. 

While Aspen visibly relaxed, Bruce tensed. Tim grimaced; Bruce was no doubt wary of the Hunter's scent that clung to his skin. 

"Let us move this to a more secure location," Aspen tilted her head. The group trailed behind Bruce, following him into a large study. 

Now that he thinks about it, Bruce would be considered young. Extremely young when compared to Aspen, who was in her first century. Another thing that sets the two apart is their species. Where the Waynes were Night Razers, a species of European dragons that relies less on the sun than the other species of dragons, Aspen was a Feathered Forest Darter. Her species originated from Eastern America, and this was the land she grew up in. 

Tim couldn't help but think that the two were so different, yet so alike. 

"Hello, Star-Lit-Poet," Aspen greeted, a fond light in her eyes. 

Bruce tilted his head, "Evening, Timothy."

"Sun-Breather, Guardian, Jason," Tim replied politely. Aspen was the only one to give a reaction. She gave him a pointed side-eye. 

"Now I know Melinda taught you better," Aspen admonished, clicking disapprovingly, "Do you not accept him?"

Bruce and Jason both looked confused. Tim scoffed, "You still have a lot to teach him."

The elder dragon only rolls her eyes, "Bruce."

Bruce's strained expression smooths over, "Yes, Ms. Alis?"

"It might be nice if Jason and Timothy find something else to do while we... Talk."

Tim skittered closer to the human. He opened his mouth to say something, but Bruce cut him off. "Timothy, did you... Did you plan this?" 

Jason paused, and Tim stared unflinchingly into Bruce's dark blue eyes. Aspen sighed tiredly, her voice taking on a warning edge, "Drop it. I trust him."

Tim could see how Gotham's Guardian faltered at Aspen's tone, his instincts most likely warring at his mind, trying to decide whether or not to defer to the older dragon. Eventually, Bruce agreed. 

At his adopted father's nod of approval, Jason shrugged and led Tim into the adjacent library. "So... uh... how old are you? Eleven?" 

"Twelve," Tim corrected, perusing the numerous books. 

Jason huffed, "That's not much better."

"I mean, it's not as bad as the first Robin; he went out fighting crime at nine. I'm twelve and still in school," Tim pointedly doesn't mention how he's also a vigilante, but semantics . His mother doesn't mind, and that's all that matters. 

"That's a complete- HOLD UP . How do you know what age the first Robin went out?" Jason had tensed and was giving Tim a look. Tim doesn't know why he's doing that; Tim knows who the Robins are. He also knows who Batman is; it wasn't hard or anything. Given Tim did have help from the congregation, but still! 

"I'm a Fox, and we Foxes go to congregations. Congregations are great places to find information, and since Bruce is Gotham's Guardian, it was only a matter of time before, y'know, I figured it out."

Jason sighed, "What does that even mean ? I keep hearing you and this other person saying it, and I don't- Hey, you don't happen to be the same kid who was kidnapped, right? The Fox with two... YOU ATE MY SANDWICH."  

" You gave it to me!" Tim exclaimed, surprised that Jason hadn't connected it earlier. Now, all that was left was his nighttime hobbies, and then Jason would be set, but whatever. Tim has a feeling it'll be soon. 

"That's not the point!"

Tim huffed, "Do you want to hear the explanation? If not, then shut up!"

The human rolled his eyes and grumbled, "Fine. Tell me."

"Finally. Guardian is a term for a dragon, or a family of dragons, tasked with defending a territory. They're usually pretty protective, so..."

Tim blinked as Jason gaped at him unblinkingly with an incredulous expression, "B's... a Dragon ?"

"Uh... yeah. Why? He's so obviously a Dragon!"

Jason threw his hands up in exasperation, "I thought it was just him being a weird rich guy! What the hell! Wait, does Dick know? Shit, I don't think he knows... Oh my god, I need to do something. Stay there, Timmy. I need to make a call."

Tim sighed and returned to the shelves, trying to ignore the conversation. 

"Dick! Guess what! Actually, get your ass over to the manor as soon as you can. No , I don't care what BS you and Bruce have going on, but Bruce is a literal Dragon ... No, he's not fucking a Dragon, he IS one! Clean your ears out, you rusty door handle, oh my god! Whatever. Tomorrow's fine. You just need to get back here ASAP. Yeah, yeah, love you too, or whatever... Bye..."

Jason sighed and turned to face Tim once again. His expression was soft and vulnerable, a complete 180 from his tone on the phone, "Every time B and Dick meet, they start arguing. It's tiring , and I only want them to make up." 

Tim hummed before a book caught his eye, "Pride and Prejudice?"

The human instantly perked up, "It's one of the best books ever! Have you read it?"

"Uhh..."

Jason went stock still, "Have you... not read Pride and Prejudice? By Jane Austen?"

Tim pursed his lips, yelping as Jason dragged him and the book to a couch covered with fluffy throw blankets. 

"Jason, what are you-"

"Shhhh, Tim," Jason interrupted, plopping Tim beside him. Tim grimaced. Their suits will no doubt be wrinkled to hell and back after this, "I cannot allow this affront on my very person slide. Now, get ready to be wowed by this absolute masterpiece. "

"As you've already said," Tim grumbled but allowed Jason to pull him into a half hug. The Fox couldn't help the yawn rising to his lips. 

Jason cleared his throat and began to read. Tim's eyes grew heavy as he listened. Soothed by the human's familiar presence and steady voice, Tim slipped into sleep. 

That was how Bruce and Janet found the two boys. Jason was curled up around Tim, whose head rested on the other boy's chest. The copy of Pride and Prejudice sat unbothered on Jason's lap. Both of their eyes were closed in peaceful sleep. 

Needless to say, Bruce and Janet suddenly gained both new pictures and a new friend.