When I started this I had the urge to write some Robin torture at the hands of a Gotham villain… but I couldn't decide which one. So I said to myself, "Self, why write a short little drabble about a bit of Robin torture at the hands of one villain, when you could write a full blown multi chapter battle between all the villains and Robin?" So that's basically what this is. I started this fic because I had the urge to write Robin torture, meaning there will be lots of violence and gore and what not. It's not just fight scenes and being captured (and keep in mind Dick isn't the only one getting hurt here), there will be sickness, mental issues, disease, self-inflicted pain, and I may even throw some limb cutting in there, and I really haven't decided how it's going to end but so far it's not looking excessively happy. If you have a weak stomach, can't handle it, don't like that kind of thing, or it's a rather touchy subject… don't read.

Also, because I know it bugs people sometimes, the chapters have no set length. There is a specific way I decide where to start chapters that I can't quite tell you because it could lead to spoilers. But I will say it has a lot to do with when various plot points start and whatnot.

I don't own Young Justice, because if I did… it wouldn't be a kids show any more.

When he woke up he was vaguely aware of a slight pain in his arms. Everything was foggy and he couldn't concentrate. The more he tried to focus, the more his head hurt and his muscles ached every time he tried to move. Still only barely awake, he made the conscious decision to refrain from moving and try not to think too much until he could do so without doing more harm than good.

Just after deciding not to inflict any pain on himself, he was instantly shocked completely awake by a searing pain across his chest. The lash was accompanied by a sharp crack, rivaling lightning. A hoarse moan escaped his lips as his head jerked backwards. The red liquid spilling from the fresh laceration felt so warm and his body was so cold, he almost let himself enjoy the warmth of the deep crimson fluid. Had he been any more light headed, his body any more sore, or his mind any frailer he would have allowed himself to bask in the heat it momentarily provided before it dried and caked up against his skin.

He could hear… something. Rather, he was aware there was something to be heard, but he couldn't make it out. It sounded about as clear as someone miles away babbling into a sheet of cotton. He couldn't find the strength to open his eyes, and his body had gone numb, spare the places it was excruciatingly wounded. Moving was a ridiculously tolling chore and he was only rewarded with more pain. He really was just completely helpless, like a baby bird trapped under the ruthless paws of its feline rival.

He endured a few more lashes before blacking out. Each of them had stung worse than anything he'd felt ever before. The deafening cackles of the leather were almost just as torturous as the pain itself. He was losing blood fast, and he didn't have much blood left to loose. He couldn't think. He felt heavy like he had absolutely no strength left to even try… to try… to…

The wheels screamed against the asphalt as he drove through the sea of filth that was Gotham City. There was something rotten with this place, not that it wasn't always like that but now was different. There was something terrible approaching. Could it be the terrifying climax of their great tragedy, or was it simply another agonizing plot twist in the drawn-out play of life. Whatever was waiting for them in the future, he paid no mind to it, not tonight, and not when his Robin needed him now. He'd run there if it were the only way to reach him in time.

That was the one thing that he'd always had just enough of. He had just enough time to escape a deathtrap, just enough time to deactivate the bomb, to catch the villain, to save the victim, to rescue Robin. All the past incidences where he had had enough time were never reassuring enough that this time would be like the last. This was one of those nights he was utterly shaken to the core with worry for his poor boy. One of those nights that happened… every night.

Batman stormed in, infuriated. He was so engulfed in fear and anger, he wasn't even aware of tearing through the building as relentlessly as he was. He checked every room as he went, quickly and with skill. It was on the landing for the fifth floor when he heard the faint jingle of chains, a clinking that sent a chill down his spine. He ran for the source, the last room in the long hallway. Finally, after what felt like an eternity of running down the hallway, he burst through the door.

He saw Robin standing off in the distance but soon realized he wasn't actually standing. He was being held up, suspended, by handcuffs attached to long metal chains anchored in the walls. Bruce ran closer, shouting for Robin. When he was halfway to his partner the chains gave in and the young boy's body slammed ungracefully onto the floor. It continued to lay there, unresponsive, until Bruce ran over and gathered the small boy in his arms.

He felt a slight movement from him. He was trying to say something but his voice was too weak and just moving his lips took so much concentration and effort. It was a senseless endeavor that only drained him even more.

"Such a touching sight, really," she purred from the shadows, "The caring father figure rushing to aid his young ward."

"I don't have time for you Selena!"

"I know, but you have time for a warning. That boy," she said as she nodded to Robin, "is in some serious trouble. It would be best for your wellbeing, Bruce, to forget about him. He's not worth it."

"You have no idea what he's worth to me."

"No, Bruce, no I don't. But, this city is planning on taking its anger for you out on him. I don't want to see you damaged when it does."

"Then look away, because he will not die as long as I am alive to take the fall for him." He growled.

"Well, we'll see how far you'll take that promise when the time comes." She said as she stalked over to the window, preparing to jump, "Trust me, the coming weeks will present many opportunities for you to test the sincerity of that promise. I did my job; deliver the first blow in the war against the Bird. Now, I'm getting out while I can, because these people… they want to see you broken and I refuse to help them. This battle is all just a plot for revenge."

With that she was gone. Robin began to, ever so slightly, squirm in his grasp. "Shhh, it's okay. Just stay awake until we get home," he pleaded as he ran out of the building and gently laid Dick on the seat in the bat mobile.

The ride was torture. He wanted so badly just to rest. He wanted to close his eyes and sleep for only a moment. But, Bruce was driving so recklessly and it shook him in different directions as he hurriedly swerved through Gotham. He wanted to go to sleep but Bruce wouldn't allow it. Every time he grew still, even if only for a moment, Bruce reached over and shook him out of it.

"Bruce…? I'm … C- cold. S-s-so… c-cold…" he stuttered.

"I know, Dick. I'm sorry. I'm doing what I can to get home."

"… s't-too cold, th- think I might d-die…"

Yup, this is one of the milder chapters because Selena somewhat respects Bruce's love for Dick and doesn't want to hurt him more than necessary. Since the other villains don't know Bruce on as much of a personal/intimate level as Selena, and most of them have no sanity or conscience, they will do whatever they can to hurt him, though they each have their ways. Some do it by physically beating him; others do it other ways… It all just depends on the villain and my interpretation of them.

Review if you want to see what happens next and what Robin torture lays in store from the next villain!