Chapter Text
Kon was used to the feeling of adrenaline flooding his veins the sound of his breath echoing in his ears, but this was different. Usually, when his senses overpowered him Tim was by his side to calm him down, to remind him that even Kryptnions need to breathe.
Kon stared at the ash in the air trying to push down the panic that was about to overflow. Distantly he could hear the others questioning Bart about the spaceship that would be arriving any minute now, but he ignored that.
Tim was supposed to be here. Tim was supposed to be safe. Kon knew that Tim would survive this, he had to. Kon didn't know what he would do if he didn't.
Kon’s phone buzzed in his pocket again, reminding him why he needed a minute away from everyone to think.
Sultly he reached out and tapped Bart's hand twice, the sign for Cover me. Without pausing his sentence Bart tapped back an afremitive and continued talking. Kon didn't listen to what was said but he could guess from the looks on everyone's faces it was something unexpected.
Using the moment of distraction Kon slipped away from the group and into the shadow of one of the few still-standing pillars. He rubbed at his eyes, he didn't know if the soreness was caused by all the shit in the air or just the overall headache that the day had been.
Once the pain had decreased slightly Kon pulled out his phone. As expected the text was from Lex.
Ever since Kon had come back from the dead Lex had been different, almost fatherly. It was strange. Not unwanted…Just strange.
For as long as Kon could remember all he had wanted was acceptance, first from Clark, and when that was denied, from other heroes. Finding out that Lex was his dad just gave him one more person who could reject him. But now things were different, his relationship with Clark had improved--it still wasn't perfect, but Kon was happy with where they were--and he had other people who would stand by him, like Tim and Bart and the other Titans.
Lex was dad though. Even before, when he was busy acting on his more villainous urges, he still made time to check on Kon. Whether it was sending him money or in-person meet-ups--although those usually ended in a fight--Lex at least tried to be in his life. That was more than Clark had done in their first few years.
Kon knew that he owed a lot of that to Tim. Kon had mentioned that he was having migraines whenever he overused his powers to Tim once and by the end of the week, he was sitting in a cafe in Metropolis with Lex discussing how to fix them. Kon never asked what Tim had said to Lex to get him there, but if Lex’s look when asked meant anything, Kon didn't want to know.
Dying changed things though--Kon remembered dying and he remembered waking up, but for him, no time had passed--but everyone else had grieved and eventually moved on. Kon coming back was an adjustment for all of them. It was hard though when Clark forgot he was there, or worse looked at him like he was seeing a ghost. Kon didn't know how to fix the new distance between them.
Lex was the opposite. When he found out Kon was alive again, he cleared his schedule and flew to Titans Tower to be there when Kon woke up--Kon didn't know what Lex had said to convince Cassie to let him in, but it was one of the best things that Lex had ever done for Kon. He showed up when Kon needed a parent the most.
Since then they had only grown closer, at first it was Are you okay? texts after big missions, then it was weekly diners. Soon Kon was spending his nights in the guest room instead of flying back to Smallville. Until last week, when Lex had asked him to move into the Lexcorp Penthouse with him.
Part of Kon wanted to agree immediately. Lex had offered , which meant a lot to Kon, sure Clark had let him stay with Ma and Pa Kent, but that had more to do with the fact that Kon had nowhere else to go than Clark actually wanting him there. Not to say that he was not thankful to the Kents, it was just that Kon knew his inconsistent schedule and drop-of-the-hat missions were hard on them, they had already raised Clark, they shouldn't have to raise his son too.
Kon sighed, too tired to think about Clark's issues on top of his own. Instead, he began to scroll through his messages until he got to the latest one.
Lex: Have you considered my offer?
Lex: You don’t have to decide right now, But please let me know when you do.
Lex: Conner?
Lex: Kon, at least let me know you are alright.
Oh , Kon thought, the bombs , of course, Lex was worried, Tim had just blown up a bunch of his associates--or more accurately his evil ex-business partner’s minions.
Kon: Im fine i swear but i might not make it to metro tonight
Lex: I am glad to hear that. Don’t worry about what time you get back, just stay safe.
Kon: ill try
Kon: gtg bye
Lex: Goodbye.
Lex: Oh, and Kon? Would it kill you to use grammar?
Kon couldn't help but laugh at that. Lex always texted perfectly, with proper punctuation and everything, and was annoyed that Kon rarely did the same. Just to be a little shit Kon texted back.
Kon: idk probly not but you nvr kno ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
Before Kon could read the read the response, Bart’s ship arrived.
Hurriedly shoving his phone in his pocket, Kon rushed to climb aboard. While he did not doubt that Tim had a plan for whatever came next, he did doubt that that plan put his personal safety first.
That was what Kon did. His job was to save Tim after Tim got done saving everyone else.
~~~~~~
It was raining when they landed in Gotham, which was not abnormal, but the rain felt heavier than it did most days.
They were all quick to split up and canvas the city. Oracle coordinating their routes and keeping them on the proper comm lines.
Bart and Kon were assigned to the docks. They had two hours to search before the scheduled rendezvous.
Before Kon could say anything, Bart threw his hands up in annoyance.
“Okay, that is it!” He shouted in exasperation, Kon looked at him in confusion. “I like rain as much as the next guy, rain is good. It makes puddles to dance in and makes overly dramatic love confessions more dramatic, but it is not good for my hair. Do you think that this look came naturally?” Bart gestured to the windswept pile of hair that haloed around his head.
Bart stared at him expectantly, waiting for an answer. “Yes?” Kon half said half asked.
“You’d be right. But that's not the point, I won't let the rain, ”--He spat the word as if it had offended him--“ruin my look. We need an umbrella.”
Then without another word, he darted off--presumably to the nearest store. Kon sighed as he went to tell Nightwing and the others his plan to follow Bart.
A few minutes later, Kon found him at a little corner store buying not only the umbrella he left for, but two bags of snacks and a bright pink hat that clashed horribly with the red of his suit.
Kon took the bags without question, knowing the Bart would have them empty by the time they found Tim.
If they found Tim.
“Bart. Why aren't you scared right now?” Kon asked, not bothering to hide his exhaustion. “Tim has joined the LoA, set off bombs in half the world, and the entire Justice League is looking for him, probably to arrest him. Doesn't that worry you?”
“Not really. Nope.”
Kon stared at him, Bart was usually pretty carefree, but this felt like it should be more important to him.
“Why not? It's Tim.”
Bart rolled his eyes. “Exactly.”
“What?”
“Think about it Clone-Boy, when has Tim ever failed us? This is our baby Batman we're talking about, he had backup plans for his backup plans. And if that fails…we'll be there to rescue him. Besides it's not like the Justice League is going to find him until he wants to be found. And when he does, we’ll be there.”
They continued to walk for a few minutes, Bart snacking in silence, letting Kon think about what he said.
Bart was right, Tim wasn't going to be found until he wanted to be. But that didn't stop Kon from worrying about him.
Tim wasn’t very good at putting his well-being above others. The best Kon could get were occasional “I’m still alive” texts.
Wait, texts. Why hadn't he thought of that sooner?
After the whole Secret incident, Tim had set up a group chat with the Young Justice members. They used it to check in with each other and talk about things without using the JL network--which their parents/bosses had access to. After the team split up the chat had devolved into random meme wars and general life updates. Kon hadn't been on there in a while but was sure that it was still active.
He opened up the chat. The last messages were from the night before.
Just Us
Cissie: I have extra tickets to the premier of my new movie The Fall Of The Crow if any of you want to come. The first showing is on Friday.
Anita: can the twins come??? im too busy to find someone to watch them sry
Greta: I can watch them if you want. I haven’t seen Don and Oshi in a few months anyway.
Cissie: The Friday showing is family-friendly, so you can bring them to that one.
Anita: we’ll be there :)
Anita: Greta I can pick u up if u want
Greta: That would be nice. Thank you.
Anita: Cassie?? R u coming?
Cassie: I can’t sorry I have to attend a bunch of JL meetings.
That must have been when the Justice League got Tim’s message, just before the bombs went off. That meant Cassie wouldn't check her phone until after they were dealt with. He would have to call her later to see how she was dealing with everything. First, he had to make sure that the others knew what was going on.
In the back of his head, Kon could almost hear Tim saying “And you said you’re not the mom friend.”
Kon: Cissie, Anita, Greta. I need you guys to get to Gotham as soon as posible.
Cissie: Is this an ‘Emergency suit up’ call, or an ‘I'm panicking because I think Tim is hot’ call??
Kon: Neither…its a ‘Tim finally decided to take over the world like we all thought he would and I need you guys in town to help me keep him safe because i don't think he knows that Bart and I are alive and Im not emotionally ready for him to find out,’ call.
Anita: Oh, well shit! hes taking over the world without us???? How dare he >:(
Anita: The twins and I will be there tomorrow Greta, Cissie???
Greta: It’s Tim. Of course, I’ll be there.
Cissie: I have a photoshoot in Gotham later this week. I might be able to move it up, but even then it will take me a few days. Keep me updated though. I haven't heard from Tim in months so don't let the idiot die before I can yell at him for not calling.
Kon: I'll do my best, but no promises. this is Tim we are talking about.
Kon sighed in relief, he felt a lot better knowing that his team would be there to watch his back soon. It wasn't that he didn't trust the Justice League, it was just that he trusted his team more, especially when it came to keeping Tim safe and out of trouble.
Bart and Kon were about to reach the last warehouse near the docks when Oracle spoke.
“Everyone gather a Wayne Enterprises. We found Tim. According to his assistant’s schedule, Mr. Drake-Wayne has a meeting that starts in five minutes.”
~~~~~~~~
Kon had a few minutes to think as he flew across Gotham. Oracle had found Tim because his assistant had his name in her schedule, but that didn't make sense. Tim had once told Kon that the reason he refused to have an assistant was because they were so easy to get information from. Tim would rather do the extra work than have a weak link in his operations.
Unless Tim planted the information. If Tim hired one of his Shadows to be his assistant then there would be no need for secrecy, they would already know about his identity and the things they could and could not put on an easily hackable schedule. Knowing Tim that was the more likely option. Meaning that Tim wanted them all at WE.
Kon didn't mention his suspicions to the others, though he assumed that Bart had also figured it out. Bart was the one who usually acted as Tim’s PA among the heroes, delivering messages, finding cases, and setting up safe houses and meeting points. Kon didn't know the details of their deal, but he did know that Tim was Bart's main source of income.
None of it mattered now though, if Tim wanted them at WE then there was a reason. Kon wasn't going to ignore that.
Kon was one of the first to arrive in the alley behind Wayne Tower, Superman, Flash, and Bart were already there, the rest on their way. As soon as everyone was there the door closest to them opened and a young blond girl walked out. She didn't seem at all surprised to be meeting a group of superheroes.
After a short moment of silence, she spoke, “Miss Fox is waiting for you in room seven on floor fifty.” With that she turned around and walked back into the building not checking to see if they would follow.
Kon turned a questioning look to Nightwing who shrugged and walked after the girl, the rest of followed his lead.
They reached the aforementioned meeting room after a dizzying amount of twists and turns down darkend hallways, probably to keep the rest of the WE employees from seeing them.
Tam Fox was waiting in the conference room loudly talking to some one on the phone. She didn't even look up as they arrived, she simply stood, guided them to their seats, and returned to her own without pausing in her conversation.
Kon had to admire her calm, but being friends with Tim forced you to get used to weird stuff happening around you. From what they could tell from her phone call, she was learning that fast.
“Mr. Drake-Wayne wants Owens moved to The Nest by nightfall, only his Doctor and team have the entrance codes. You are to drop him of at the airport, Z will pick him up from there. And be warned if his condition gets any worse you will be held responsable.”
The person on the other end of the line must have give the correct response because Tam’s shoulders relaxed slightly.
“Good, now let me talk to Pru…Pru! What the hell is he doing?” The sudden switch in tone surprised Kon, “You and I both know this plan is stupid--I don’t care about his orders! He is going to get himself killed! None of this will work if he dies. I know but--Fine, I’ll follow the plan.” She hung up, rubbing her temples in agitation before she straitened her back and got to work.
Presing a button on a remote Tam turned on the large screen that hung on the wall. It glowed to life but nothing was shown yet.
“Tim didnt tell me to show this to you,” Tam said, “But he didnt say not to, and some of you deserve an explanation.” She looked pointedly at the four people closest to the screen, Red Hood, Black Bat, Bart, and Kon. Looking down the table Kon relised that they were arranged based on how much Tim trusted them.
Kons opinion of Tam raised a bit. Not only did that prove she knew Tim well enough to know who he trusted, she was also able to sort them into their seats without them knowing why they sat where they sat.
Once she finished talking she pressed another button on the remote.
What appeared to be security camera footage flickered to life and everyone fell silent as they turned their attention to the screen.
Up in his office, Tim spoke.
“I've always known you were playing with me. This is me refusing to play.”
The room Tim was in was dark. Kon could barely see Tim, but with the light of the city at his back, Ra’s was in clear view. The green and gold of the cloak shone.
After a moment of tense silence, Tim spoke again.
“Did you really think that when I had access to your systems, I wouldn't use it to find you? I memorized every shell company, every spy, and every real estate holding you have. Including those in Gotham. They have been dealt with. I've already ended your empire, now it's your turn.”
Ra’s’ glare was so full of rage. He tore off his cloak and dropped it to the floor, unsheathing his sword at the same time. He stepped forward, closer to Tim, and growled “Very well.”
Then with a powerful swing, his sword flew at Tim.
It took everything in Kon not to punch a hole in the table. Tim was a seconds flight away about to die and all Kon could do was stand here and watch. Deep down he knew that his trying to help would just distract Tim, but the much louder part of his brain screamed at him for doing nothing.
Kon held his breath as Tim brought his Bo staff up to block the blow. The sword was stopped before it made impact, but before Kon could relax Ra’s’ foot collided with Tim’s face sending him sprawling.
Tim was back on his feet in seconds. Not fast enough though. The desk beneath Kon’s hands creaked, his fist tightened against the wood as Ra’s blade slid across Tim’s ribs tearing his suit and leaving the bloody cut visible.
The fight continued around the room. Tim was an excellent fighter, but Ra’s al Ghul had hundreds of years of training. That Tim had survived this long was a miracle.
A well-placed kick broke Ra’s’ nose making Kon silently cheer, but was quickly quieted as Ra’s slammed the hilt of his sword into the side of Tim’s face. Tim reeled back leaving him open to attack. Ra’s caught his arm, pulling so sharply that the pop of his shoulder echoed through the room. Everything fell silent, the only sound was the pained hiss from Tim as his arm fell limp.
Tim took a quick step away from Ra’s before drawing himself up again. He stood up as straight as he could with his bleeding--and quite possibly broken--ribs would let him. His dislocated arm was cradled against his chest trying to stop the bleeding. After another hiss of breath, Tim laughed out a slightly deranged and bloody laugh.
“Is that all you’ve got?” Tim taunted.
Kon froze, What are you doing Tim? He could kill you!
Kon stared at the screen, as if looking closer would explain what Tim was thinking.
Ra’s echoed his thoughts, “What are you doing, Timothy?” His sword was lowered to his side as he watched Tim, waiting for an answer. Kon saw the blood-- Tim’s blood --dripping off the end and pooling on the floor.
Tim laughed again. “Isn’t it obvious?”
No, Kon thought, only you think your plans are obvious.
“I'm giving Lucius Fox enough time to file the paperwork,” Tim continued.
Nightwing let out a small gasp, pulling a phone out of somewhere-- where did he keep all his gadgets? He didn't have a belt or visible pockets. Not important…anyway-- and began frantically texting someone, Oracle most likely. Kon wanted to ask what he had figured out but didn't dare speak.
Tim started to talk again causing them all to focus on him once more.
“Two things happened today, Ra’s. The first is that I became an emancipated minor. The second is that as of right now, I'm also the controlling shareholder of Wayne Enterprises.” Tim smiled, ignoring the blood dripping across his lips.
“You…” Ra’s began but was cut off by Tim.
“I am in charge of Bruce's legacy now, not Hush, not you, me. ” Kon didn’t know who Hush was, but he assumed that Tim had stopped him from doing whatever it was that he was going to do. “Bruce knew something was coming. So he made a will. He had paperwork drawn up to transfer his shares in the company as well as his position as CEO to me if something should happen and he gave Lucius the authority to make it happen if needed. Clearly, there was a need.”
Tim stood a little taller when he spoke as if he knew everyone there was hanging on to his every word. Knowing Tim, he probably did.
“Your target from day one has been Wayne Enterprises. With Bruce gone and Hush in the position he was, it was too easy for you to pass up. Hush would have signed over W.E. to you with a simple threat. I'm sure he knows by now that he can’t. Even me. Killing me now changes nothing. Hush won’t be able to give you anything. Your people--the ones that are left that is--are more loyal to me than to you. Your army is in tatters, your empire is on fire, and your precious Pits are gone. Without your immortality, you are nothing more than a sociopathic tyrant with an over-inflated sense of self. It's over Ra's. You lose.”
Tim smiled, the first real smile Kon had seen from him since he died, and leaned back against the window. He had said his piece, whatever came next was up to Ra’s.
“Well done, Detective.”
That was not what Tim was expecting. There was a moment of shocked confusion, and then Tim’s face settled in an expression that Kon couldn’t quite read. It was acceptance, maybe, as if Tim knew what was coming and there was nothing he could do about it. Before Kon could question whatever it was that Tim was accepting, Ra’s struck.
The window at Tim’s back shattered as the force of Ra’s’ kick sent him through the glass.
The jagged pieces cut into Tim's skin, tearing his suit even more than it already was.
Kon’s vision blurred. The world fell silent. Kon didn't feel the table break against his fist. He didn't hear the others yelling or the wind rushing past him as he dived out the window after Tim.
He didn’t hear anything except the whispered words that broke from Tim’s lips.
“I win.”
Kon wrapped his arms around Tim, cradling him against his chest as Tim went limp, eyes rolling back, unconscious.
Only seconds before hitting the pavement, they stopped.
Kon kept them there, hovering, not daring to move. Tim felt weightless in his arms, it was clear he hadn't been eating enough and the dark bruises under his eyes showed lack of sleep. But Kon didn’t care about that. Or the way Tim’s blood was staining his shirt. Tim was breathing, and right now that was good enough.
Kon focused on the slow beat of Tim’s heart and let the rest of the world fade away.