Hey guys, this is just a one shot based off of a challenge from fgfgmyfgtr that was posted earlier this week that I decided to accept. It is in fact 666 words as requested, which was actually really difficult for me. Enjoy.
Ash covers the ground as I emerge from the old sewage pipe. I flinch slightly, expecting to be blinded by the change in light, but the clouded horizon forms a smog of sorts, suffocating the souls of those working the land beneath it. I do my best to lurk in the shadows. Being discovered would bring an end to my mission. And an end to me. I think nervously. Sprinting though the shadows I make my way toward the main building. Screams and cries of their human experiments echo throughout the camp. My heartbeat quickens. Just get in, grab the devise, and get out. I coach myself through the haphazard plan. My fist clenches around the metal clinging to my neck. Memories come as I'm reminded of my time as a slave. It was crucial to the plan. Not wearing one would give me away and once I crossed their barrier about two miles back, it activated. I sigh as I still feel its familiar hum. Not yet. I remind myself to keep the panic a bay. It'll only be long enough for you to get in the building and back to base. Damian could only buy me four seconds, not enough time to last my entire journey. I hop from one foot to the other as I wait next to the outer wall that shields the devise from the outside world. That is, if our intel's good. My shoulders stiffen. Don't think that. This'll work and we'll prevent all of this. My foot taps quickly as I place my hand against the metal wall. Hurry up Damian. Suddenly, there's a quiet tone and the collar turns off. I vibrate through the wall, spy the devise, grab it, and run. A second later my vision blurs as I fall to the ground. With the lack of sustenance the quick jolt of speed has left my body practically motionless. A distant voice speaks my name as hands grab underneath my arms and sit me in a chair. There's a light tap on my cheek that causes my eyes to flutter. "Come on Bart look at me." His voice is muffled, but I know it almost as well as my own.
"Damian?"
"I'm here kid. Now look at me." Ignoring his request my hands fumble with the metal around my neck. He stops me and pulls my arms away from my neck. "No kid, leave it." I hear the tone and feel the buzz of the collar reactivating. My eyes fly open. With lungs hyperventilating I claw at my neck. "Easy kid, easy. You're fine. The inhibitor collar will keep your body from draining anymore of your energy." He grabs ahold of my chin to force eye contact. Sad eyes do their best to comfort me. Most of the time I forget that Damian is only twenty-nine. After the death of Batman and Nightwing he had become more warm and comforting. Something Tim and Jason had described to me as wanting love while it lasted. But after his two older brothers were murdered by the Reach, Damian took on the teachings of Batman and became his work. He never left the cave and never thought of anything besides the mission. He was Batman, something none of his protégées ever wanted. "You did well. Mission complete." He says with a smirk while ruffling my hair. Before I can respond a glassy look hazes over his eyes as a gasp leaves his mouth. Blood seeps through his teeth and drips down his chin. I look up only to see Blue Beetle standing there. They followed me. I brought them here! My eyes widen as a scream tears through my throat.
"Bart!" I'm shaken awake by frantic hands. My eyes snap open to meet those of Nightwing. His brow is drawn in concern. "You alright, kid?" I freeze for a moment, remembering the last time someone called me that, the dream I just had.
I nod numbly. "Yeah, just inner demons."