The Red Ghoul

ARC III: PART VI

Jason's anger seethed as he turned his gaze towards Tim, disappointment etched deep into his features. "And you, Tim," he growled, his voice dripping with disdain. "I thought you were smarter than this. I thought you were finally learning to think for yourself, to see through Bruce's manipulations. But no, you're still just his lapdog, jumping at his every command."

Tim's eyes widened, the weight of Jason's words hitting him like a physical blow. He had always looked up to Jason, admired his strength and independence. To hear such harsh criticism from his older brother cut him to the core, leaving him reeling with a sense of betrayal.

"I thought you were better than this, Tim," Jason continued, his voice softer now, laced with a tinge of sorrow. "I thought you were finally breaking free from Batman's shadow. But you're just as blind as the rest of them, willing to sacrifice everything for his crusade."

Tim's throat tightened, his vision blurring with unshed tears. He had spent so long trying to prove himself to Jason, to earn his respect and admiration. But now, faced with his brother's disappointment, he felt like a failure, like he had let him down in the worst possible way.

"I'm sorry, Jason," Tim whispered, his voice barely audible over the roar of his own emotions. "I didn't mean for things to turn out like this. I just wanted to help."

But Jason's expression remained stony, unmoved by Tim's apology. "Save it, Tim," he spat, his tone bitter with resentment. "You've made your choice. Just don't expect me to clean up your mess when it all comes crashing down." With that, he turned on his heel and stalked away, leaving Tim alone with his regrets.

Alfred's usually stoic demeanor cracked slightly as he watched John Constantine and Red Ghoul disappear through the swirling portal. The worry lines etched on his face deepened, his concern for the safety of the boys evident in his furrowed brow.

"Dreadful business, this," Alfred murmured, his voice tinged with disapproval. "I fear Master Bruce may have bitten off more than he can chew this time."

Beside him, Dick clenched his jaw tightly, his fists balled at his sides in barely contained anger. His gaze bore into Bruce's back with an intensity that could have melted steel. Nightwing was seething, his frustration with Bruce's recklessness boiling over into pure fury.

"I can't believe he let this happen," Dick muttered through gritted teeth, his voice laced with a mixture of disappointment and anger. "He knows better than anyone the dangers of getting civilians involved in our affairs. And now he's put Damian and Billy right in the thick of it."

Alfred sighed heavily, his gaze fixed on the spot where the portal had vanished. "Master Richard, I must interject. Master Damian and Master Billy ventured into this ordeal of their own accord. Master Bruce did not summon them."

Dick's frustration bubbled over, his voice tinged with exasperation. "But why were they there in the first place, Alfred? Because Bruce got himself into trouble, as he always does. They were only there to clean up his mess, to save his sorry hide."

Alfred's expression softened, understanding Dick's frustration but unwilling to let him blame Bruce entirely. "Master Bruce's intentions may have been misguided, but he did not intend for the boys to be put in harm's way. They chose to involve themselves out of loyalty and a desire to protect their family."

Dick shook his head, his anger still simmering beneath the surface. "I know, Alfred. But it shouldn't have come to this. Bruce should have known better than to drag them into such a dangerous situation."

Dick then stormed towards Bruce, his frustration boiling over into a fiery rage. "How could you do this, Bruce? How could you put Damian and Billy in harm's way like that?"