Authors Note
Hi everybody! :) I've been meaning to get this done for a while. It's just going to be a short little fic depicting a certain event during the time skip between the seasons in the way that I feel it should be. This falls under the umbrella of my Young Justice: Enlightenment fic that I'll be kicking off shortly and it's going to be important to that fic at some point. Hope everybody enjoys! Reviews and messages about the story are always appreciated.
Young Justice: Enlightenment
Robin's First Mission
1x1
August 16th, 2014
Gotham City
August 16th 2014, 1530 UTC
"Alright boys, grab the money!" Two Face ordered, holding his gun to the head of one of the cashiers. "We're on a tight schedule here so hurry!"
The former attorneys goons did as he asked, blowing the lock on the safe and entering with bags to take the money. Unlike most banks in the modern world, Gotham's banks still kept a substantial amount of money on the premises for unknown reasons. That made them the perfect places for the criminals of the infamous city to strike because they could do things the old fashioned way instead of with the new tech that was popping up every day.
"Now let's see what your fate is." Two Face grinned darkly, looking at the terrified cashier as he pulled out his coin. "Heads or Tails?"
The cashier said nothing, visibly shaking in terror and Two Face rolled his eyes, flicking the coin upwards into the air as he'd done so many times before. However, it didn't land and Two Face's eyes were torn from his hostage upwards to see a bird shaped projectile knock the coin away. Eyes widening, Two Face abandoned the cashier and dove to catch the coin. As he skid on the ground and caught the thing that made all of his choices, a young man dressed in a bright costume landed in front of him.
"You really need to figure out a new way to do this." The unfamiliar boy declared as he drew back his leg. He was dressed in a long sleeved version of the Robin costume, but didn't look or sound at all the same as the boy wonder. "Maybe you should try an app on your phone?"
With that Robin kicked Two Face square in the face, causing the man to roll backwards and growl in pain. Finding his feet with eyes wide in anger, Two Face aimed his gun at where the boy had been, but he was gone. Only an eerie laugh remained and even that was different. While the Robin everybody knew had a chuckle that seemed mischievous, there was something about this one that seemed genuinely dangerous. Around him, some of Two Faces men gathered and the sounds of gun shots and cries came from the safe.
"Where is he!?" Two Face demanded, focused on the new boy wonder instead of his goons in the safe.
"Up here!" Robin called as he dropped onto Two Faces shoulders.
Around him, Two Faces goons raised their guns to shoot at the boy. Robin flipped backwards, throwing several more bird shaped projectiles at each one. They exploded on impact, sending the goons flying. Robin landed heavily on the ground, spinning to catch a punch from the last standing goon outside of the safe with a smirk. Kicking the man in the groin, Robin knocked him out with another solid kick to the face before turning to face Two Face who had his gun raised towards him with a twisted smirk of his own.
"You don't deserve the chance." Two Face declared, opening fire.
Robin dashed to the side, the bullet sailing just past his head. His smirk was gone and the boy wonder threw himself forward and tackled the man to the ground. Knocking the villains gun away, Robin punched the man solidly in the face. Then again. And again. He continued to punch him even after Two Face stopped struggling.
"I was about to say the same thing." Robin snarled under his breath as he brought up his fist once more.
"ROBIN!" Came the stern voice of his mentor, who locked eyes with the boy after catching his attention. "He's down."
"Just making sure." Robin quipped, standing up and looking down at the pulverized face of the criminal.
"That's going to be a serious hospital bill." Batgirl observed, appearing at Batmans side with a hand resting on her hip. Her eyes screamed disapproval and Robin knew he'd be getting a lecture once they were out of the public eye.
"Yeah well, at least he'll be out of commission for a while." Robin waved his hand dismissively before looking at his mentor with a wide smile. "Can we go now? Today's the day!"
Poseidonis
August 16th, 1530 UTC
Ocean Master laughed as he fired a blast of energy from his trident, hitting an Atlantean soldier square in the chest and sending the man sailing through the water towards the city. The former crown prince of Atlantis surged forward, swinging his trident powerfully as he knocked more and more soldiers out with little effort. Then suddenly he was frozen as the water around him constricted against his body and his eyes went to the form of his cousin.
"Stop this Orm!" Aquagirl demanded, her hands raised towards him as she struggled to keep him contained.
Ocean Masters eyes glowed along with the trident and he exploded back into movement, causing the girl's eyes to widen in surprise. He moved towards her with dangerous intent, raising his trident to impale her as she brought up her hands protectively. Something slammed into his side and Ocean Master was send sailing away, righting himself in time to see a green skinned male returning to what he assumed was his normal size. Raising an eyebrow under his mask, Ocean Master glanced around the area.
"Where is your beloved King cousin?" He demanded, eyes settling on Aquagirl. "Did he not deign my presence as worthy of his attention? Sending his pitiful little students to the slaughter is a cruel action indeed."
"Actually," Ocean Master spun into the fist of his brother, his helmet sailing off as he was sent backwards from the impact of the blow. "They were just distracting you so I could get close."
Ocean Master let out an angered cry and swung the trident towards his brother but found himself frozen again. Gritting his teeth, he forced his way through the condensed water until a pair of massive arms caught him in a bearhug from behind. Struggling against the grip, Ocean Master went still after another well place punch from Aquaman sent him into unconsciousness. The green skinned boy shrunk back to size and put a pair of cuffs on Ocean Master as Aquagirl swum up from behind.
"You both did well." Aquaman complimented his two students, smiling as he looked to the green skinned male. "Especially you La'gann. You followed your instructions to the letter. It's pleasing to see the young man you have grown into."
"Thank you my king." La'gann bowed his head, before looking up again with a hopeful smile. "Can we leave soon? Today's the day."
Central City
August 16th, 1530 UTC
A helicopter touched down on the rooftop of a tall building and Sportsmaster climbed down. As the rotary blades wound down, he crossed the area over to where two armed men stood beside a large case. The famed muscle for hire glanced at the two men before opening the lid of the case and smiling at the contents. However, his eyes widened in surprise as an arrow impacted the lid of the case and began to beep. Throwing himself to the side, Sportsmaster winced as the explosion threw him slightly further and used the momentum to bring himself back to his feet.
"An arms deal in the middle of the day. Really?" Artemis' chuckled as she leveled another arrow at her father. "You're getting senile old man."
"The worlds changing baby girl and business has gotta change with it." Sportsmaster narrowed his eyes at his youngest. Nearby, the two thugs that had been guarding the case had gotten to their feet and were aiming their guns at her "Probably shouldn't have come alone."
"See, if you took the time to be a part of my life, you'd know I'm never alone." Artemis smirked as a yellow blur sped past her.
Sportsmaster growled as the two guards were taken down and the form of the kid speedster appeared, a wide smile on his face before he dashed towards him. Smirking behind his mask, Sportsmaster stepped to the side and swung his fist hard. It slammed into the boys abdomen, briefly winding him. Drawing out a knife, he aimed to stab it into the boys back but stepped to the side to avoid an arrow meant for his head. Kicking the winded speedster in the head and sending him to the ground, Sportsmaster stared down his child as she leveled yet another arrow at him.
"Don't move." Artemis warned.
"Sorry little girl. Daddy's got places to be." Sportsmaster turned and ran, throwing himself off the edge of the building as his daughters arrow sailed overhead.
Growling in frustration, Artemis fired a boxing glove arrow at the driver of the helicopter as he tried to sneak away before jogging over to her boyfriend. Kneeling beside him, her eyes widened in surprise as he drew her into a kiss. Letting herself melt into it, Artemis smiled at him as they separated and helped him to his feet.
"God I love you." Kid Flash smiled, looking in the direction where her father had leaped off the rooftop. "Sorry we couldn't stop him."
"There'll be another time." Artemis replied, sheathing her bow before speaking again. "Besides, today's the day."
Mount Justice
August 16th, 1600 UTC
Batman. 02.
Robin. B13.
Batgirl. B16.
The female voice read out the names of the members entering the cave at Mount Justice as the three heroes entered through the Zeta beams. Robins eyes were wide with awe as he looked around while Batgirl did her best to mimic her mentors stern expression, although there was a clear twinkle of excitement in her eyes. Nearby, Aqualad dismissed the holographic screen he'd been studying and walked over to them with a smile on his face.
"It is good to see you Batman." Aqualad received a nod from the vigilante before looking to the two newcomers, smiling at them in turn. "Welcome to Mount Justice. Robin. Batgirl. I look forward to working with the both of you."
"So you're Aqualad huh?" Robin squinted at him. "I thought you'd be more... aquatic."
"My appearance is not as aquatic as many of my brethren." Aqualad smiled in amusement, tilting his head to the side to reveal the gills on his neck. "But I do have some defining Atlantean qualities."
"Coolio." Robin replied, stepping past his new leader to get a better look at his surroundings. "So when do we start?"
"Tomorrow." Batman was the one to answer his question.
"I thought it would be best if we use today so that our new members can get to know the existing ones before we divide you into squads and send you out into the field." Aqualad explained.
"We're not the only ones?" Batgirl raised an eyebrow.
Aquaman. 06.
Aquagirl. B11.
Lagoon Boy. B18.
All eyes went to the Zeta beams as the three figures in question stepped out. Aqualad approached and bowed deeply to Aquaman before embracing Aquagirl. Robin caught the gaze of a boy in what he assumed was a suit of green armor and frowned, receiving a frown in return. Aqualad led the new group over to the Bats and Robin's eyes widened as he realized the armor the boy had been wearing was in fact his green skin and stepped towards him, leaning forward to study the boy who stiffened up.
"Dude, your skin is so awesome!" Robin exclaimed, raising a hand to gingerly poke the boys chest. "It's like a hard shell."
"I uh..." The boy stuttered, clearly unsure how to deal with the situation.
"Robin." Batman's tone was warning and Robin sighed, stepping back.
"This is Robin and Batgirl. The members of the Bat Family do not share their identities." Aqualad stepped between them, gesturing to the two vigilantes before the Atlanteans. "And this is Tula and La'gann, otherwise known respectively as Aquagirl and Lagoon Boy."
"Lagoon Boy!?" Robin exclaimed. "That doesn't seem to fit with the whole... sea theme."
"I was under the impression that Robin was older." La'gann frowned in confusion, looking to his mentor for answers.
"I'm the new Robin." The boy wonder informed him, jabbing his thumb at his own chest proudly. "I guess you could say I'm the new and improved version."
"If you say so..." La'gann replied, clearly still entirely confused by the boy before looking to the Zeta Beams once more as the computer began to read off more names.
Kid Flash. B03.
Artemis. B07.
Wonder Woman. 03.
Wonder Girl. B12.
The named people stepped in from different sides of the Zeta beams, all of the heroes smiling at one another as they approached the larger group. Introductions were made and Robin caught Artemis eyeing him suspiciously before nodding to a quiet spot away from the group. They crossed the room and Artemis stared at him for a moment before smirking.
"How did you manage to land the Robin gig, Jason?" Artemis' smirk grew wider as Robins eyes went wide beneath the mask.
"No names!" Robin hushed the older vigilante, glancing in the direction of the group to make sure nobody had heard.
"Story. Now." Artemis insisted.
"Fine." Robin conceded, rolling his eyes beneath his domino mask. "I uh... I stole the tires off of the Batmobile."
"You did WHAT!?" Artemis cried, covering her hand to stifle her laughter. That had drawn the attention of the others and Kid Flash appeared by his girlfriends side with raised eyebrows.
"Am I missing out on the excitement guys?" The red head's eyes were full of anticipation. He'd always enjoyed being in the know.
"Oh not really. I'm just getting to know the newbie." Artemis stated, glancing at Robin with a knowing look.
"Y-yeah." Robin nodded, thinking back to when he'd first met the female archer exactly one year before.
Gotham City
August 16th 2013, 0130 UTC
The Narrows wasn't the nicest part of Gotham by any means. Considering the entire city was a cesspool of corruption and crime, technically no place was. But everybody knew that if you wanted to score, you would go to the Narrows. The police rarely patrolled which made it the perfect place for known criminals to disappear as well.
Jason ran out of the corner store, clutching the bag of money to his chest as he dashed towards the nearest alleyway. Behind him came cries of protest from the owner but he didn't look back. As he rounded the corner to enter the alley, Jason tossed aside the plastic toy gun he'd masqueraded as a real one and headed for the fire escape. With one hand, the boy climbed up to the rooftop of an apartment building and skidded down to hide from prying eyes. Peering into the bag, the fourteen year old smiled at the cash within.
"I'm going to have to take that, kid." Jason jumped as he looked up at a blonde girl wearing a costume who was looking down at him with a stern expression.
"It's mine. Narrows code." Jason replied, scrambling to his feet and clutching the bag to his chest.
"Oh yeah. Something about the wealth belonging to people with the strength to take it right?" The girl raised an eyebrow before shaking her head with a sigh. "That doesn't make it right."
"Yeah well..." Jason reached for the right word to say and fell up short, letting out a frustrated noise instead.
The girl crossed over to him and Jason felt himself go cold and freeze up. He knew he couldn't outrun this person, not on a rooftop. Everybody knew the vigilantes owned the rooftops. Maybe if he'd been on the ground, he would have been able to lose her but right now, he was in a losing situation. She stopped about an arms length in front of him and he flinched as she raised her hand. However, instead of hitting him, she held out her hand expectantly. Clenching up his face in frustration, Jason dropped the bag into her hand before folding his arms over his chest and scowling.
"I spose you're gunna hand me over to the police now right?" His eyes challenged her, burning like fire.
"I don't think this is a situation that requires the police to be involved." The girl regarded him for a moment before speaking again. "What's your name?"
"Jason. Jason Todd." He replied. He knew better than to lie to her type. They'd find out anyway.
"How old are you Jason?" The girl secured the bag to her belt and let a hand rest on her hip.
"Thirteen. Wait... fourteen today." Suspicious of her line of questioning, he continued. "But my age don't mean nothing. I'm just as legit as anyone else in the Narrows."
"Clearly." The girls voice was sarcastic, but her eyes softened. "Why are you out here stealing instead of at home on your birthday?"
"I ain't got no home." Jason replied. He tried to sound tough, but his voice cracked slightly revealing the vulnerability of somebody his age living on the streets.
"Oh." Artemis paused, unsure of what to say. Clearly against her better judgement, she untied the bag and took out a sizable wad of cash before handing it to the boy who looked up at her with wide eyes. Turning around, she ran for the other side of the building. "Happy Birthday."
Mount Justice
August 16th 2014, 1615 UTC
"You've only been Robin for a few months right?" Kid Flash asked, breaking Robin out of his memories.
"Yeah." The boy nodded.
"And already a part of the Team. The big guy must have faith in you." The Speedster smiled. "Anyway, I'm off to the kitchen to see what M'gann and Conner are brewing up."
As Kid Flash disappeared in a blitz of speed, Batman approached alongside Lagoon Boy and Robin wondered what his mentor wanted with him. The elder vigilante nodded at Artemis in greeting before speaking.
"Now that you've all been introduced, I'll let you know that you'll be working alongside Batgirl tomorrow on your first mission. To that end, I-" Batman trailed off as he raised a hand to his ear piece. Around the room, the other League Members present did the same thing. "I have to go."
Batman, Wonder Woman and Aquaman all disappeared into the Zeta beams without another word, leaving the Team members to occupy themselves. Robin caught Lagoon Boy eyeing him and looked at him with a raised eyebrow behind the mask.
"What?" Robin demanded.
"I don't want to sound rude, but shouldn't a human in your line of work be more muscular?" Lagoon Boy asked, earning an amused chuckle from Artemis.
"What's that supposed to mean?" Robin growled, stepping closer to the Atlanean and narrowing his eyes. "I could take you out no sweat."
"That sounds like a challenge!" Artemis interrupted, drawing the attention of the other assembled sidekicks. "Everybody gather around. We've got a brawl on our hands."
Robin looked around as the sidekicks headed towards them. Artemis said something and the floor below them lit up like the training area back in the Batcave. With the other sidekicks standing on the sidelines, Artemis made the two young men stand several feet apart.
"Right. First one to get knocked down or knocked out of the ring is the winner." Artemis informed them.
"What do they win?" Wonder Girl asked, her black hair falling down past her shoulders.
"Bragging rights." Aqualad replied for her, folding his arms across his chest. "The aim of this is not to injure your opponent, so powers and extra tech is not permitted. Only your hand to hand combat skills and ingenuity may be used."
"I got this." Robin smirked, dropping into a fighting stance.
"Gee, so humble." Lagoon Boy remarked, dropping into his own stance.
"Alright then." Artemis said, taking several steps back before waving her hand. "Begin!"
Robin dashed forward immediately, aiming a punch at Lagoon Boys face. His eyes widened as the boy let it land but didn't seem phased at all. Instead, the Atlantean grabbed his wrist before he could retract it and pulled Robin in roughly as he stepped forward to shoulder barge the other teen. Lashing out with his foot, Robin kicked Lagoon Boy in the side of his knee which caused him to release his wrist and let the new boy wonder dodge out of the way of the Atlanteans shoulder. Flattening his hand into a straight line, Robin struck Lagoon Boy on the back of the neck but didn't get the desired result thanks to the boys hard skin.
Lagoon Boy turned around and tried to punch him but Robin was faster and flipped backwards, springing off his hands to come back to his feet with a smirk. The Atlantean lumbered towards him and tried for another punch but this time Robin leaped into the air above, coming down with his hands on the other males shoulders. Swinging his legs down with considerable momentum, Robin slammed both feet into Lagoon Boys chest and knocked him to the ground. Twisting to land on his own feet, Robin bowed dramatically as the other sidekicks applauded his victory.
"Robin is the winner!" Artemis declared, moving to Lagoon Boy and holding out her hand. "You did well too though La'gann."
"Neptunes beard." Lagoon Boy grumbled, refusing her hand and getting back to his feet on his own merit. He glared at Robin and seemed like he was about to say something, but was interrupted as Miss Martian, Superboy and Kid Flash walked into the room. Each of them held a different kind of cake.
"Welcome everybody!" Miss Martian welcome them, a wide smile on her face. Seeing all of them gathered around the training ring, she raised her eyebrows in surprise. "Did we miss something?"
Wayne Manor
August 16th, 2135 UTC
Jason sat at the counter of the kitchen, his eyes scanning the pages of a new book that Dick had sent him. His predecessor hadn't been able to make it to visit him on his big day, but just the fact that the older male had thought of Jason at all made him feel appreciated. Eating a spoonful of a slice of the cake that Alfred had baked him, Jason turned the page in his book. It was something of a romantic mystery and he was determined to finish it before the next day so that he would be able to focus properly on his first mission.
"Still up?" Bruce asked as he entered the kitchen. There was a slightly disproving tone in his voice.
"I need to finish this." Jason replied through the mouthful of cake, swallowing before speaking again. "I can't be thinking about if they get together or not on my mission tomorrow."
"I see." The mans tone made it clear that he didn't.
"Where did you and the League rush off to?" Jason asked, not really because he was interested but because he felt like he had to fill the silence.
"Mass breakout at Arkham. We caught most of them, but Clayface is still at large." Bruce joined Jason at the counter, with his own small bowl of cake. "I find it strange that out of all of them, he's the one who we can't seem to track down."
"At least you caught the main ones. Can't have people like the clown and Ivy loose." Jason replied absently, turning the page again.
"True." Bruce took a mouthful of cake, chewing slowly before swallowing. "Did you enjoy meeting the Team?"
"They were pretty cool." The reply was blatantly vague. Jason didn't need Bruce knowing he'd already had his identity compromised and been in a fight. With a small smile, he spoke again. "Thanks for letting me go."
"Happy birthday." Was all Bruce said in reply and the two fell into a content silence.
LexCorp
August 16th, 2200 UTC
Lex Luthor eased into the chair at his desk in the C.E.O offices, pressing a small button just under the rim of the wooden surface. Immediately the windows dimmed and six holographic screens appeared in the air in front of them. Each showed the face of a member of the Light, except for one which was blank.
"I take it Ocean Master has been caught yet again?" The billionaire asked.
"He has." Vandal Savage replied. "I think it's time we considered replacing him. His consistent failures will only serve to endanger our future plans."
"Give him one last chance." Ras Al Ghul spoke up. "We can't afford to be fighting among ourselves at such a crucial time."
"I agree." Luthor nodded. His eyes shifted to the screen where Queen Bee's face was displayed. "Did the operation proceed as planned?"
"We got him out.' The female confirmed. "Are we sure about this? There are other methods we could employ."
"There are, but they aren't as memorable as this will be." Vandal cut in with a dark chuckle.
"We are taking a great risk with this." There was obvious concern in Ras' tone. "The detective will come after us with all he has if he discovers that we were involved."
"He's just a man." Klarion drawled, rolling his eyes.
"I agree with Klarion." The Brain's eerie voice interjected. "It is not as though we are planning to anger the Man of Steel or the Amazon."
"Do not be so foolish as to underestimate him." The great assassin snapped. "You forget that he holds himself back. Many times over, he could have killed each of us but instead he has kept to that code."
"Forgive me if I don't see Batman as a credible threat when compared with an alien that could tear the planet in two if he felt like it. The fact of the matter is that he's getting too close. We need to distract him while we help our new ally to integrate with humanity. Ideally if everything goes to plan, he'll be too blinded by his rage directed at our little distraction to focus on us." Luthor sighed. "We are either all on the same page with this, or we aren't."
"A vote then." Vandal stated. "All in favor?"
"Aye." The Brain was the first to vote.
"Aye." Next was Queen Bee.
"Aye." Luthor nodded, watching the other members faces very carefully.
"Let's do it." Klarion yawned.
"We will regret this." Ras warned, before nodding slowly. "But it is a risk that we must take."
"Then we'll proceed." A vicious smirk slowly spread across Vandal's face. "It's time for the Dark Knight to see the Light."