Robins POV

I jumped inside the prototype Bird Jet (courtesy of Batman) and typed in the coordinates.

"Coordinates locked" A digital map appeared , a red shining light indicated the coordinates locked onto a warehouse not far from Gotham.

"Proceed?" the computer sounded. "Voice module activate" I commanded.

"Voice module activated" I pressed a button, and pushed a lever beside me. "Proceed to given location".

"Thrusters online" "Landing flats online" "Auto pilot activated"

"Go" I commanded. I felt the thrum of the engine come to life as I was lifted into the sky.

Batman had given me this prototype six months ago before my departure, a new model was currently being improved and tested at the Batcave. He knew I wanted to travel the country, get away from everything, and so he had givien me this. It was a lot faster than my motorcycle to say the least.

"Arriving at given location in two point three minutes"

My fist balled up at my side as I replayed the video given to me by Joker. I was furious to say the least.

I knew there was a chance he wouldnt let me get out of this alive, and I accepted that.

"Contact Batman from Justice Leage" I ordered. "Contacting" the ship sounded.

"Robin" his voice sounded. "You know this frequency is forbi-"

"Joker has the team" I said, cutting him off. I wasnt feeling too patient today, considering the fact I was flying to my supposed death.

He was silent, I could almost feel his icy glare coming though the line. "He has Zatanna" I said, my voice was slightly more gentle.

"Im going in to save them" I said, my tone was back to dead serious.

"There is a high probrable chance you will not make it out" he said, his voice completely stoic.

"I know that" I growled. "And I dont care"

I sighed, running a hand through my hair. "You know how it feels like to lose someone..." I started.

He was mute.

"Im not gonna experience that for the third time..." I said, my voice was one of finality.

"Robin-" he started.

"Disconnect" I ordered. "Disconnecting"

I sighed again, both my hands gripping the the handle of the machine.

"Sorry Bruce" I murmured.

"Destination arrival in ten seconds"

"Thanks for everything"


I slowly entered the warehouse. Apparently it was abandoned.

It somehow struck me as a cliche movie move. I chuckled darkly inside my head.

I purposely let my steps echo throughout the silent room, making sure they knew I was already here.

"Are we really gonna play hide and seek?" I chuckled darkly. "If I find you..." My fist balled up at my side.

"Your dead" I said. My voice threatening, dark, deadly.

I grimaced as I saw shadow and a hint of a purple overcoat move in the darkness. He slowly came out, stepping into the light. His usual, sadistic, self satisfying grin was plastered on his face. His hands stuffed inside his pocket, fingering something he was hiding.

"aww, birdy...your no fun" he complained with sarcasm.

"Where is she?" I growled.

"Where is who?" he mocked innocently, throwing his hands up in the air.

My eyes narrowed behind my mask, I fingered a bird-arrang behind my back.

His eyes widened in this aha kind of moment. "Oh, you mean...her?" he stepped aside, the lights blared across the entire warehouse.

My eyes widened as I saw Zatanna still tied up, tears streaming down her face. The screams and protests were both muffled by the white cloth that was acting as a gag around her mouth.

I turned my head to the side to find all of my teamates tied up in a similiar position against one of the pillars in the corner. I took in all of their surprised expressions, their eyes were wide and they even stopped struggling as they took in my presence. I turned my attention back to the Joker.

I grimaced, my fists balling up at my sides. "What do you want?" I said. I sounded calm, but the hot, boiling anger that was under that was still evident in my tone.

"Are you willing to make a little exchange?" he proposed, tilting his head to the side.

I didnt answer him, because he already knew what I was gonna say.

I would give him anything, in exchange for their lives. Yet somehow, I already knew what he wanted.

"You take their place" he said calmly. He chuckled a bit to himself.

I saw Zatannas eyes widen. She struggled against the cuffs on her hands, trying to say something against the gag on her mouth. She shook her head at me, still crying.

I stared into her gaze. I mouthed 'sorry'. She looked at me, blue eyes pleading.

Joker offered an outstretched hand. I slowly proceeded to shake it once, noting how cold his skin felt. "Agreed" I said as my gaze fell on the floor.

Wally screamed something at me, but it was muffled beacause of the gag. Artemis shook her head vioelntly, tears building up at the corners of her eyes. M'gann started crying as she stared at the scene before her. Kaldur and Conners eyes were filled with anger, shock and grief.

I took my utility belt off, casting it off to the side. The stupid clown stared at me, obviously amused.

Zatanna started sobbing again.

"First and foremost..." he said as he started pacing around in circles. He turned to me, a smirk on his face.

"Take off the mask" he said. My eyes widened.

"Well?"

I still didnt move.

"Hmmmm...I think this might motivate you..." he said mockingly. He took slow easy steps towards Zatanna, I saw her eyes widen as he held a knife in his hand. The tip touched her neck.

"Stop!"

He paused, the knife a mere centimeter away from her smooth neck.

My hand reached up to touch my face, stopping at the edges of my mask.

He tapped his foot impatiently.

I slowly peeled of the mask, closing my eyes as I did so. I breathed out a sigh as I slowly opened my eyes. I saw the mask fall to the floor.

Time stopped as I stared at his sickening face. I felt completely vulnerable now. The anger, grief, pain...it was all evident in my gaze. It contrasted greatly with the calm expression I had placed on my face.

He started laughing, throwing his head back. His laugh sent shivers down my spine. The guy was utterly insane.

"The Boy Wonder willingly unmasked" he laughed again, clutching his stomach. "I wonder what Batsy will say to that"

My fist balled up at my side, but other than that. I showed no emotion.

I looked over to my friends. Their eyes were wide as they were visibly shocked. They all stopped struggling, staring at me. I saw Artemis's eyes flash over in comprehension. I looked away, I knew she realized who I really was.

Zatannas expression pained me most. Hey eyes were still streaming tears. The grief I saw in them. Her eyes were so tortured.

'Im so sorry' I mouthed, looking at her.

My attention was stolen away as Joker laughed again. "Im feeling a bit generous today..." he started.

"Before you die..." he smirked. "I'll give you a few minutes with your friends."

I smirked, mocking him. "Thank you for your...generousity" I spat.

He laughed again, not heeding my tone. "Im all about generousity bird boy" he said, clearly amused at my reaction.

I walked over to my team, ripping away the gags from their mouths.

"I contacted Batman, their on the way." I whispered.

"Rob..." Wally started.

"Get out of here as soon as he lets you" I ordered.

"What about you?" M'gann whispered.

My gaze fell towards the floor. "Im staying" I said, emotionless.

"No!" Conner yelled.

"There must be some other way..." Kaldur spoke.

I shook my head slowly, face completely blank. "Bye" I said simply. I walked away from them, heading towards Zatanna.

I gently took the gag off of her mouth, my fingers brushing against her cheek.

"Robin...I..."she stuttered. I realized she was still crying. She shook her head slowly, as if she was trying to shake away a bad dream. Her eyes filmed over with tears again, she blinked them away this time.

I took her chin, guiding her face towards mine. I crashed our lips together. After a moment, to my surprise she responded.

I shivered, pressing her against the wall. One hand tangled itself in her hair as I kissed her even deeper.

My mind was completely intoxicated. How long has it since I was this close? Her scent, her skin, her mere presence clouded my vision.

I slowly parted from her, my lips lingering on hers for a moment longer than necessary.

"Get out of here" I breathed against her lips. My fingers untangled themselves from her hair. I slowly stepped away from her, not daring to look her in the eyes.

The infamous clown prince gave me a huge grin. "Birdy's in love...how sweet" he mocked.

He handcuffed me to the corner, near my other teamates. "Do your worst" I rasped.

He laughed at me, throwing his head back. "Didnt need your permission" he mused.