AN: Sorry for the wait everyone, I actually wanted to post this chapter a few weeks ago, but I kept feeling like something was missing and I'm having a lot of fun with this fic so I wanted to make sure it was just right before I posted it. I hope it was worth the wait.
Kid Flash wasn't sure how long he had been wandering the bare and aging halls of the building. It felt as though it had been hours, but his mind was racing making it difficult for him to guess how much time had passed and even then he couldn't be sure if that was natural time or his own relative time.
He turned a corner and Wally almost cheered when he finally spotted a set of stairs leading to a door.
Finally! Please don't be locked.
The speedster glanced around warily before setting his foot on the bottom most step. He took one step, then another, grunting at the pain in his side and grabbing a hold of the railing, using it to haul himself up the steps, concentrating on putting one foot in front of the other.
When he finally reached the top he leaned heavily on the railing, hugging himself tightly, trying to use the pressure to ease the throbbing of his wounds, his breath coming in shaky gasps.
After several long moments the red head pushed himself up and reached for the doorknob, it turned easily in his hand and he was able to push the door open half an inch, "Sweet, looks like my luck hasn't run out yet. I love it when baddies are stupid."
Wally peered out, slowly opening the door further as he confirmed that no one was going to stand in his way.
He shifted his suit into stealth mode, taking a bit of childish pleasure in watching the bright colors fade to black then he slipped out the door, shutting it carefully behind him.
The speedster hid between the wall and a stack of decaying crates, some of the boxes on the bottom had given out and the entire stack had tumbled down in a haphazard pile, but it was sheltered and offered him a decent view of most of the room.
He glanced around, hoping to find something that could help him get his bearings, when he looked up he could see dirty skylights and several metal walkways spanned the room.
He dismissed the upper levels immediately, in his current condition his goal was escape so there was no point in trying to find a way up. The red head lowered his gaze and looked around, the building was dimly lit and it was filled with heavy machinery in varying degrees of disrepair.
Wally rolled his eyes, wondering how a group of villains could be so deadly and so predictable at the same time. Sure Central's rouges were goofy at times, but at least they were creative.
Of course they were still bad news, but at least they weren't psychotic; he had a theory that the brutality that was common among Gotham's villains made up for their tendency to all chose similar hideouts.
Kid Flash bit back a sigh, Never thought I'd miss Boomer and Captain Cold. At least I know how to handle those guys.
The almost cliché nature of his captor's hideout, coupled with the dank, smoggy air he was breathing, confirmed his suspicions that Joker had taken him to Gotham.
The thought brought a spark of hope, then of fear.
Since he was in Gotham it almost a guarantee that Batman or Robin would find out that he was being held by Joker and he knew that they wouldn't hesitate to come to his rescue.
On the other hand that was exactly what the madman wanted. He was merely the bait to lure Robin into whatever twisted game he had planned.
The speedster sighed, I wonder if anyone's on their way yet. I'm sure someone's noticed by now.
His stomach growled and he frowned, I'm sure Uncle Barry is looking for me since I missed lunch. Crap, I was really looking forward to Chinese….
Kid Flash sighed and quickly scanned the room once more before leaving the relative safety of his hiding place. He moved quietly, staying close to the wall as he made his way toward the large double doors that he could just make out at the other end of the room.
Wally hissed as his bare foot came down on a discarded nail, "Damn it, I'm so sick of this place." He looked around warily, "It's a freaking maze in here, who designs buildings like this?"
There was shuffling behind him and he froze, he turned around slowly, his eyes growing wide when he saw a figure moving toward him.
He threw himself down behind a rack filled with empty bottles as a man wearing a clown mask appeared around one of the empty vats, he held his breath not wanting to risk giving himself away.
The man passed without so much as pausing and Wally felt relief wash over him, So far so good.
He fought back a groan as he forced himself to his feet and crept out from his hiding place, being careful to stick to the shadows and suddenly very grateful to Batman for adding a stealth mode to his suit.
Wally moved as quickly as he could, but he stumbled and nearly tripped when he heard shouting erupt from the way he had come.
Shit, shit, shit!
He ducked behind a machine whose function he couldn't discern as another hideous clown ran by, "The kid escaped! Everyone spread out, find him now! Don't let him out of the building!"
Spoke too soon.
Wally's heart thudded in his chest as more and more clowns flooded the room, spreading out to check behind and underneath the machines that cluttered the area. They got closer with each passing second and he quickly realized he had no choice but to make a break for it. He took a few deep breaths trying to gather the strength he needed to escape.
The red head stood, intending to skirt around the clowns so he could come around behind them to hide in the places they had already searched, hoping he could slip out while they were distracted.
He moved from one shadow to the next as quietly as he was able, grimacing as the sound of his feet against concrete seemed too loud in his ears and wishing he had Robin's ninja skills.
The speedster debated finding a place to lay low until things started to die down, but he almost immediately rejected the idea knowing that if he stopped moving his body would seize up and he might not be able to get back up again.
"Check this way!"
The shout had his head whipping around, fearful that he was going to be discovered, but there was no one behind him so he turned back, intending to quicken his pace. He got half way around when he ran into something solid, his eyes scrunched up and he stumbled back. Strong hands clamped down painfully on his arms, heedless of the injuries there, catching him and pulling him forward once more.
There was laughter and his eyes snapped open, Wally felt his blood go cold and he bit back a yelp when he realized he was face to face with the Joker. The pasty white face was mere inches from his own and the man was smiling cruelly at him.
Of course it was sort of hard to tell, Joker was always smiling.
Creepy Bastard.
He couldn't keep himself from shuddering as the man spoke, "Well, well lookie what I found."
Wally wanted to say something, anything, he wanted to scream at the man to get his hands off of him, but when he opened his mouth no sound came out. Joker laughed again, "What are you doing out of bed Speedy?"
Wally's eye twitched and he frowned, momentarily forgetting his anxiety, "Kid Flash."
Joker raised an eyebrow and leaned in closer, "What was that young man?"
Wally grit his teeth and took a deep breath, forcing himself to look the man in the eyes, "I said it's Kid Flash you carnival reject." he leaned back as much as he could and jerked his head forward, slamming his forehead against the Joker's.
The criminal grunted in pain, releasing his hold on the speedster and grabbing his head; Wally's head spun, but he took the opportunity to turn, trying to dash back the way he had come and ran straight into the arms of two of Joker's henchmen.
He tried to struggle, but his stunt with the Joker had taken a toll on him, so when a third man came up behind him and pulled him into a headlock he knew he had lost his chance.
Joker's moans of pain had faded into disturbing giggles that sent a chill down Wally's spine, "You're a bad little boy. It's already past your bed time." he wagged a finger as he pretended to scold his captive.
He moved closer, and Wally leaned back into the men holding him, wanting to keep as much space as possible between himself and the man who was staring at him with eyes full of evil intent, "I don't think Flash would be happy to hear that his sidekick was breaking the rules."
Kid Flash's heart was in his throat, but he grit his teeth and glared defiantly at the criminal, not wanting to give him the satisfaction of seeing how frightened he was.
Joker was smiling one moment, and the next his fist shot forward connecting with Wally's ribs. Stars burst in his vision and his ears rang as he doubled over, only half aware that the men holding his arms were the only reason he hadn't ended up on the floor.
He took deep breaths, fighting against the throbbing pain in his gut and the blackness creeping in on the edges of his vision. It wasn't until the Joker's insane laughter reached his hears that he realized that he was being dragged away.
The man who had been holding his neck had released him and he could hear Joker saying something.
Wally willed himself to focus, "Put him back to bed boys, and make sure to read him a bedtime story." his voice fell dangerously, "Let's put him to bed for good this time, we don't want him sneaking out and ruining Robbie's surprise party."
The criminal broke out into hysterics and the men holding him were laughing as they dragged him between them. Wally's mind reeled and he felt panic creeping up on him once more.
They're going to kill me. They're going to kill me! And Rob's going to walk right into their trap for nothing!
He forced his head up and looked around, his mind racing as he looked for anything that cold help him escape. Wally glanced around as best he could, as far as he could tell the gang members were heading back to whatever they had been doing before he had escaped and he had been left with only two guards.
The red head took a deep breath, praying he was strong enough to attempt one more escape. Once he was sure the three of them were out of sight of the other criminals he pulled his feet up and flipped them forward; his foot connected with one man's knee, sending him tumbling to the floor and he pushed himself to vibrate, enabling him to yank his arms free.
The men fell to the floor with a shout, clutching their hands and Wally took off as fast as he could manage, heading for the other side of the building.
Hearing more shouting and footsteps heading his way he broke into a brisk jog, ignoring the pain in his feet and side. As he pushed himself to pick up the pace, he caught a glimpse of red and yellow out of the corner of his eye.
He stopped in his tracks, and rubbed at his eyes wondering if he had been imagining things, then he looked up, careful to watch the space between the machines. His vision was blurry and he rubbed at his eyes again, squinting as he scanned the area; Wally felt a grin spread across his face when he saw it again.
It can't be! Oh man I really hope that's who I think it is. he changed direction, intending to follow his would be hero, his hope giving him the boost he needed to break into a run, Please be who I think you are!
Wally turned a corner and found himself in a large room filled with brewing vats, but he didn't take the time to examine his surroundings. He immediately caught sight of his uncle's familiar form and he was so happy that for an instant he forgot all his pain and anxiety, "Uncle Barry."
The older speedster's back was to him and he was walking away. Wally grit his teeth and shot forward, not wanting to lose track of the hero and half afraid that he was imagining the other man's presence.
Barry was following Batman and Robin as they moved silently through the building, he was trying his best to stay focused, but the horrible scene that they had found at the warehouse kept popping up in his mind sending tremors of fear down his spine.
His speed was working against him, no matter how much he fought it his hyper-speed thoughts had already produced hundreds of scenarios and none of them had ended well for Wally.
In his head Flash knew that he there was nothing he could have done to prevent this, no way he could have known, but he kept thinking of Wally, cold, hungry and hurt and he felt his chest tighten almost painfully.
The speedster clenched his fists, he was angry at the Joker for daring to lay a hand on Wally, angry at Batman for not allowing him to simply tear the place apart, but he was angrier at himself for allowing something like this to happen.
His nephew was a capable hero, Barry had faith in him, but he had promised the boy, and himself that he would always keep him safe. Barry new that Wally wouldn't blame him for any of this, in the red head's eyes his uncle could do no wrong.
Barry sighed, even after all this time he was still stunned by the teenager's fierce devotion to him, he was, as Wally frequently reminded him, the younger speedster's favorite hero.
The Flash was flattered and he loved that his nephew felt he was someone worth looking up to, but there were times when he couldn't help but wonder if he deserved Wally's steadfast admiration.
This was one of those times.
He glanced at Robin, the boy was tense and his head kept snapping from one direction to another, he thought he heard the young hero's neck pop and he winced. The dark haired boy was obviously distressed, and Barry wasn't sure if he was even aware of his own jerky movements.
Even Batman seemed more on edge than usual as he led them through the building, every now and then he would stop to disable a trap or warn them of a trip wire, but the Dark Knight hadn't turned to face them since they had entered the factory.
Bruce had insisted that they check the perimeter of the building first, disarming the traps that likely ringed the area where the gang was staying in order to secure an escape route should the need for one arise.
Got to hand it to him, Bats likes to think ten moves ahead.
The Flash looked around, once again debating whether or not he could risk setting off a trap if he took off to find Wally himself. Batman paused, and he stopped, watching the other hero as he knelt to deal with what he assumed was another trap.
Barry tapped his foot impatiently, barely able to contain his nervous energy.
He gasped as he felt someone grab him from behind; the Dynamic Duo whipped around at the sound and at the same time Flash turned, his fist raised to strike.
His hand froze and he had to stop himself from crying out with joy when he saw the familiar mop of red hair that was currently pressed against his side.
"Kid!" he barely managed to choke out the name past the lump in his throat as he wrapped his nephew in strong arms and pulled the teen against his chest, "Thank God! I thought I'd lost you!"
Kid Flash shifted, looking up at his favorite hero with glossy eyes, "They-they're right behind me…"
He didn't need to finish since they could all hear the angry voices that were approaching, "Damn that brat! Joker will kill us if we lose him again."
"He won't get far, and he won't escape again! I'm gonna remove his legs when we find him, then we'll feed him to the hyenas!"
The pair of burly clowns suddenly appeared as they came around one of the many vats in the room, but they never laid eyes on their target. Batman and Robin leapt at the goons, earning their reputation as the Dynamic Duo as they knocked both of the men unconscious with identical kicks and perfect timing.
The younger of the two turned back to the speedsters, leaving his mentor to restrain the men.
Robin felt hot tears stinging behind his eyes, but he forced them back as he dashed over to the pair, Batman followed more slowly, watching for signs of anyone else pursuing the younger speedster.
Dick skidded to a halt beside the Flashes, "KF! Are you okay?"
The Boy Wonder's question brought Barry back to reality and he was suddenly aware that Wally was trembling.
He pulled away, holding his nephew at arm's length intending to look him over, but as soon as he was no longer supporting the teen his knees buckled beneath him and he sagged.
Barry tightened his grip on Wally's shoulders; at the same time Dick rushed forward grabbing his friend around his waist and lowering him gently to the ground.
Wally grunted in pain and clutched at his side and Dick yanked his hand back, immediately realizing what he had done, "Shit, I'm sorry, I'm sorry!"
Flash frowned as he looked at his partner, he was covered in blood and he could see the wounds still hadn't closed, the teen was trembling with exhaustion and there was a gash just above his right temple surrounded by dried blood that had caked into his hair and run down his face to stain his cheek.
Wally turned to his friend, his face was twisted into a grimace, but he still managed a small smile, "I thought you didn't swear in front of Batman."
Dick tried to speak, but the sound that came out was something halfway between a laugh and a sob, so he settled for winding his arms around the other teen's bicep and burying his face in his shoulder, ignoring the half dried blood.
After a moment he felt a shaking hand rest on his head and he looked up to see Wally smiling at him, "I'm okay Rob, sorry I scared you bro."
"KF…."
He felt the speedster trying to get to his feet so he tightened his hold on his friend's arm and stood slowly in an attempt to steady him. He was surprised when Wally turned and placed his hands on his shoulders, "I was coming to look for you Rob. You have to get out of here. This is a trap, I'm just the bait. It's the Joker, I-."
Dick wanted to reply, but they were cut off by a burst of insane laughter echoing throughout the room and Kid Flash's fingers dug painfully into his shoulders.
"Crap, too late."
Robin moved closer to his teammate, putting an arm around his shoulders to steady him as the Joker appeared before them, blocking they way they had come, he was vaguely aware of the other clowns moving in to surround them, but he kept his focus on the green haired lunatic.
The criminal snickered, "Oh now that's a Kodak moment! Flash brat reunited with Boy Blunder," Robin carefully pushed Kid back against the vat, putting himself between their enemy and his wounded friend, "How sweet, I think I'm getting a cavity! Though I must admit…."
He frowned as he looked past the young heroes and his heated gaze landed on the adults beyond them, "I half expected DaddyBats to show up, but I am sort of surprised to see Red."
He cackled, the sound echoing and ringing in Robin's ears causing him to grit his teeth, "I'm a little disappointed in you Robbie, your playmate is in trouble so you go and tattle on me? Really now, I thought you were a big boy."
Dick clenched his fists, fighting back his urge to retort, still aware that getting his friend out of the building had to be his top priority.
Joker stopped laughing and his face took on a deadly sort of calm, "Alright boys, it's time to put down the wounded puppy, it's for the best really, we shouldn't let him suffer anymore, but leave the little birdie for me."
Robin's eyes widened in horror as the grotesque clowns rushed forward, pulling at him, trying to get to Wally. He heard the speedster grunt as he was pushed back, pressing the older boy against the machinery, Robin lashed out viciously with one hand, reaching for his staff with the other.
Dick cursed colorfully as he was yanked forward away from his friend; he heard Wally cry out and he whipped around to see that one of the henchmen had the red head by the arm while another had the speedster by his waist, trying to drag him away.
Robin let out a guttural shout and lashed out with his staff, smiling cruelly when he heard the satisfying crunch of the first thug's arm breaking. He dropped into a crouch, bringing the staff around in an arc that connected with the other clown's knees, when the man fell back the young hero sprang up and kicked him in the temple.
He rushed forward to catch the speedster, Dick grabbed the older teen's arm, pulling him against his chest to keep his head from hitting the concrete. Robin winced as the larger boy landed half on him, but he recovered quickly, sitting up and pushing Kid Flash up with him.
"KF? You still with me?"
The older hero's eyes fluttered open, for a moment I Dick felt like Wally wasn't really seeing him, but the red head scrunched his eyes shut, when he opened them again his eyes were more focused, "Rob…yeah, sorry."
"Don't worry about it man. I'm going to get you out of here okay?"
Wally gave him a tired smile, "I know."
Robin pulled Kid Flash to his feet, so he could lean against a vat then turned to face the other attackers. He grinned when he saw both Barry and Bruce pushing their way through the gang forcing Joker's men to back away from them.
The adult heroes weren't holding back as they tore through the gang, leaving a trail of unconscious and bloody clowns, their masks still grinning eerily at nothing.
Barry punched a clown in the face, sending the man sprawling, at the same time fighting to get his arm away from yet another clown that was trying to keep him still, "Robin get him out of here now!"
Wally pushed away from the machine, trying to protest, "Flash-"
He was cut off as Batman turned, flipping two of the clowns over his head and slamming them into the concrete floor, "Go!"
Robin nodded and pulled the older boy's arm across his shoulders, his other arm reaching around his back, remembering to be careful of his wounds, "Let's go KF, they can handle things here."
"But Rob-"
"No arguments! They'll be fine!"
Dick pulled Wally away from the fight, the red head stumbled and he stood a little straighter, trying to take on as much of the older boy's weight as possible. He heard a shout and looked around to see several of the gang members had broken off from the group to pursue them and he cursed.
His worry was short lived however, when a streak of red intercepted their pursuers sending them crashing into walls and machinery. Dick let out the breath he'd been holding and turned his attention forward, trying to make it to the door at the other end of the room.
Wally was gasping at his side, letting himself rest heavily against the younger hero and Dick silently thanked his years as an acrobat that had given him the strength to practically carry the larger boy.
They reached the door and Robin kicked it open with his foot, leading his friend through it and letting the door clang shut behind them, muffling the sounds of battle.
