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Luthor waited impatiently for Merci to arrive with his latest guest. His plan was continuing to go smoothly, Oliver missing the mid this morning, no doubt mother henning his ward after his ordeal last night. Godfrey had an impressive rant going on the TV in the background. Like Penguin, Cupid had done a marvelous job, though the promised video had never made it.
Finally Merci entered the office with a hulking man, still in his Arkham uniform, trailing behind. "Ah, Mr. Bolton I must thank you for agreeing to meet with me". The criminal known as Lock Up merely grunted and looked annoyed "Make this quick, I must get back to watch the scum". Lex was perplexed, this one wanted to go back to Arkham? From what he knew of the criminal Bruce hadn't appreciated his talents or methods and took his funding away. "Of course, but before you go hear me out. I understand that Mr. Wayne didn't understand your work and talents…I for one appreciate them and am prepared to offer you freedom and 5 million dollars in exchange for you taking down the ultimate private security system...Wayne Manor".
"And what happens when I break it" Bolton asked clearly intrigued, smiling at the challenge and chance for revenge.
"I have a rather important meeting to attend in a few days and Mr. Wayne's presence would be most unwelcome…use your imagination. Though I might suggest having some fun with his kid, he used to be in the circus you know quite the little flyer". Bolton sat back a delighted smile on his face "Consider it done".
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The meeting had descended into pure chaos, and only 15 minutes in. Heroes at each other's throats powers threatening to fly at any second.
"ENOUGH!" Batman roared silence falling immediately every eye turning to him "We will sit down and discuss this like adults, everyone who wants to speak will be allowed to. Once we have discussed we will do what we always do and vote, the vote will be final and both sides must accept the results". One by one they sat down, many still scowling Batman returning with a glare of his own. "Now I am well aware that there is disagreement about how the Metropolis situation was handled and the fact some of us have taken on protégés. Let's start with Metropolis. Roy Harper and Richard Grayson are the ward and son of our biggest financial backers, meaning they paid for that chair you are sitting in and coffee you are drinking…not to mention they are children, children who were violently kidnapped and held for ransom by an assassin, a psychopathic serial killer, head of the League of Shadows, and criminal mastermind. We must acknowledge we are under attack right now by that same criminal mastermind, Lex Luthor, and must unite if we are going to stop it before it destroys us or worse".
"Red Arrow is hardly a child, he is 18 and of age" Green Lantern said wasting no time getting to the point. Green Arrow bowing his head, his knuckles white with strain. Superman stepped in working with Connor completely changing the Man of Steel's outlook "John, Yes he is of age but that doesn't change what he means to his guardian. The fact he was targeted again proves that".
"It proves the sidekicks are a Liability we can no longer afford. Kid Flash was one thing, especially since it was a Gotham Rouge hunting Robin that is business as usual…but the incident with the Arrows….what if that footage you saw had gone public" Hawkgirl added "The team's success aside it's time to retire them and get these kids out of danger".
Wonder Woman was next her own eyes alight "May I remind most of you that even though you don't' have sidekicks you do have someone that can and is used against you on a regular basis" she said staring the men down many looking away from her gaze. Must we remove them from your lives as they are a liability to you and the League? Finally we would have lost the battle of Metropolis without them" she said "Lest you forget it was Robin and Kid Flash that came up with and executed the programs. The rest of the team performed admirably and lasted longer in the battle than most in this room".
"There would have been no battle if Wayne hadn't handed over the technology in the first place, on our planet one life is not worth thousands more" Hawkman growled. Batman keeping his face neutral, he and the Hawks would need to have some training time in the next few weeks. To Batman Robin's life was worth any price.
Flash spoke up "If we pull the team, they will still be in danger the target has been placed whether we like it or not" he said sadly "Luthor has found a hole in our armor now and is going to continue to exploit it. Even if they stop being a heroes how many of their identities have been compromised, it just takes one villain knowing, the right amount of money offered, and they will be hunted. I would rather have Kid fighting at my side than hidden away. He's saved my life more than once and paid his dues just like you…"
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At the Mountain the team watched the feed Robin had provided, for once with Batman's permission. "I can't tell who is winning" Kid Flash said grimly feeling as if their fates were in the balance as they were that night after Cadmus.
"I believe our Mentor's and those who agree with them currently have the upper hand" Aqualad said calmly. As the others continued to watch occasionally offering their own follow up to what someone said about them, the leader noticed Robin had been quiet for most of the meeting, instead working on his computer and carefully studying those speaking.
The Atlantian would never admit it but he had spent years trying to live up to the model of the infamous Robin, Boy Wonder, and darling of the League. His King craved a partner like that, one that could elevate him within the League. In Atlantis he was King, within the League a solider. He pushed his young student to be better, stronger. He'd thought when he'd become Leader that would earn his King the adoration he wanted. It hadn't the team was still Batman's and after Metropolis Robin was still the Golden Boy. And while his King craved a partner he craved a father, a strong father like Batman. "What are you working on my friend?" he asked quickly pushing those thoughts of anger and jealousy aside thankful Meghan wasn't there to pick up on them.
Robin didn't look up from his work "Analyzing the conversation and vocal tones of those speaking, searching for signs of deception and malice" he said quietly.
"You believe there is a traitor amongst them?" he said lowering his voice Conner yelling at Hawkman's most recent comment "I am really starting to hate birds" the team turned Roy nudging his arm, Connor looked over at his young team mate "Sorry big birds, big cranky old birds that don't' know what they are talking about".
"No big Supey" he said with a smile "I'm not too fond of the big birds right now either". The others returned their attention to the debate and Robin lowered his voice "Yes, the enemy has too much information that only someone close would know" Robin said simply, leaving out he knew about the communications, pausing to look at his friend "Between you, me, and Batman does anyone stand out". Kaulder appreciated that Robin reached out to him, "The Hawks seem to be our biggest critics, and they have kept their distance from us from the beginning, even before Cadmus, never training us like the others have. I feel they will always see us a children and incapable". Robin had to agree, but the Hawks didn't seem like the sneaky type, as they were proving now if they had a problem they were vocal about it.
The younger boy nodded narrowing his eyes "They are voting". The group moved closer together, Wally slipping his hand into Artemis's giving it a comforting squeeze. Batman stood calling for the vote "All in favor of retaining the Team and allowing any League member to retain or take on a protégé say I…those opposed…"
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"It was close Alfred" Bruce said relaxing into the sofa allowing himself a few moments of peace "If it weren't for Hal…" Alfred was seated in a large chair beside the fire preparing the cup of tea. "I had feared the worst, you returned so late". Bruce looked at his watch and groaned he had to be up in just a few hours and was in no mood to tangle with Luthor in a way that didn't involve plowing his fist into his face. Bruce had arrived home after picking his son up from the mountain, the boy fast asleep in the front seat by the time they arrived, not wanting to wake him Bruce had put him to bed still in his civilian clothes.
"The traitor didn't transmit after the decision?" Alfred asked handing him the cup a tea before settling back with his own.
Bruce shook his head "Not yet, there was no need, the last stunt with Roy and Artemis is still dominating the headlines. Though I doubt they go after the same ones twice and those remaining are going to be a little harder to get their hands on. Robin is more vigilant than ever and someone is getting to him over my dead body. Conner is more than capable of taking care of himself…anyone who has managed to capture him has had a tough time hanging onto him…and Clark is either with him or he's at the mountain. Aqualad is never on the surface alone, usually with his King or the team protected in the mountain. Like Conner he is very capable of defending himself and Luthor will have a tough time extending his reach to Atlantis".
Alfred chuckled "Nice to see some of your over protectiveness has worn off on Master Clark".
"Me too" he admitted "I was worried for a while the Clark wouldn't accept him and we'd have a very angry and dangerous teenage version of Superman to deal with. That could have proved more dangerous than what we are dealing with now".
"Amazing what a few wise words can do" the Englishman said "even from one so young".
Bruce smiled fondly, though it was Two Face's actions that fateful night that set thing in motion with Luthor it was also what set Oliver and Clark on the path of being the mentors and fathers they needed to be. "How did I get so lucky Alfred?"
"I like believe Master Dick's arrival in your life was the Universe paying you back for the number of times you saved it from exploding sir…"
"Bruce! Help! Bruce!"
Tea cups crashing to the floor Bruce was on his feet in an instant nearly tearing the study door off of its hinges as he burst into the foyer "Dick!"
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Dick woke with a start, surprised to find himself back in his room at the manor. Last thing he'd remembered was leaving the Mountain. Slightly embarrassed that at his age he had to be carried in and tucked in bed by his father. The embarrassment giving way to a warm feeling in his chest as he once again reminded himself that he had found a family again. The night and worry about what the League would decide had been exhausting for everyone. Looking to his nightstand he saw he could still eek out a few more hours of sleep.
Snuggling back into the covers, inhaling the comforting scent of lavender on his freshly laundered sheets he allowed sleep to overtake him again. Just as he felt his eyes getting heavy he noticed a shadow outside his window, rapidly getting larger.
How did they get past the security had barely registered when the figure burst through the window sending glass shattering into the room. Dick scrambled to get out of bed only to find himself pinned against the headboard when a large armor covered hand wrapped itself around his neck, another covering his mouth. Small hands moved to the one holding his neck desperately pulling and trying to relieve the pressure.
Robin instantly recognized the man that held him as Lyle Bolton or Lock Up. In the scheme of Gotham villain's he wasn't a major player, actually content to stay in Arkham once he was put there, his warped reality convinced it was all part of his plan to watch the Rouges better. Unfortunately for Dick this man could also blame Bruce for being pulled from Arkham in the first place. This was who was responsible for sending the article?
Dick continued to squirm, his eyes watering, screaming under the hand praying Bruce or Alfred would hear something, anything. Bolton finally spoke "I am going to remove my hands from your neck and mouth. You will not run. You will not call for help. Or I will snap you like a twig before the breath leaves your body, nod if you understand". Dick nodded, if he wanted to get away he needed to let him feel like he was in control. Feeling the pressure finally release he fell against the bed, gasping for breath, pulling his knees to himself and wrapping his arms around them, making himself look small and scared as possible. "Who are you? What do you want? If its money Bruce will give it to you, whatever you want…just please don't take me away, I don't want to be taken away again".
Though he couldn't see his mouth Dick could tell he was smiling under the mask "Money? You think I want money? Your father pulled my funding, removed me from Arkham, all to protect those freaks that terrorize the city…he took what I loved most away. So he needs to know what it's like to have the very thing he loves most ripped away right before his eyes" Bolton said his eyes falling upon the poster of the Flying Grayson's that hung on his wall "My friend says you used to be in the circus, an acrobat, an acrobat that could fly….why don't we test that theory off the roof of Wayne Enterprises" pulling out a pair of heavy handcuffs.
"Not a chance" Dick shot, springing to life and diving past Bolton with a summer sault. Slamming his door shut behind him he started screaming at the top of his lungs, hearing his door reduced to toothpicks as Lock Up barreled through. "Bruce! Help! Bruce!"
"Dick!" responded back from the foyer telling him what way to go. Not daring to look back as he could feel the thundering footsteps behind him as he entered the main hall, Bryce and Alfred in the door of the study looking panicked, two floors away. His only thought on getting to safety he leapt over the railing and intending to latch onto the great chandelier, as he had done many times before since moving into the manor. Alfred could kill him after he got away from the demented security guard. He didn't make it, broad arms wrapping around his waist and pulling him back. "No, Let me go" Dick screamed hearing Bruce shouting below, echoing his words. Alfred melting back into the study before he was seen.
Bolton looked down, squeezing his prize tighter to get him to calm down. "Nice try kid, very impressive, but it appears I caught your circus brat Mr. Wayne before you did. You were warned". Bolton took the route Dick had attempted to use, landing hard on the floor below, Dick still tightly against his chest.
"What do you want Mr. Bolton" Bruce asked forcing himself to calm down "And aren't you worried being away from Arkham, without you there who is watching all those criminals". The words seeming to have a small effect on him as he grimaced for a moment. "You did more damage taking my position away, without me that place is a revolving door…now I'm going return the favor and take something away from you or I should say someone" he said moving towards the front door. "I've been waiting Wayne, waiting since you took Arkham away. Watching for my chance. So imagine my delight being given the challenge of breaking the security of the mighty Bruce Wayne, the man who has it all and spends millions on the latest systems. And I broke it, in a matter of hours I broke it".
Bruce switched tactics "Yes you did, and I am very impressed. Tell me can I solicit your skills to improve it? I can pay you very well even talk to the board at Arkham. Let him go and we'll talk this out". Bolton laughed continuing to move, making sure he was facing Bruce at all times "Oh no Mr. Wayne I've already been paid quite…" gasping and turning around to see Alfred standing behind him, pulling and empty syringe from his neck
"I apologize for not having tea, but this should help you relax as well. Now, if you would kindly release the Young Master" the butler said politely watching with pleasure as his eyes rolled back into his head and he crashed to the floor. Bruce was there yanking Dick from his weakened grasp before his small frame was crushed.
Batman wanted to pummel while Bruce was held in place by small arms wrapped around his own. Looking down Dick was still panting, the first signs of finger shaped bruises appearing on his neck. The vigilante could wait, the boy needed a father right now.
Kneeling down he wrapped him up in his arms Alfred guiding them back into the study, taking a moment to secure the fiend with his own cuffs. "Would you like me to call Master Kent? Based on the dosage our intruder should be out for 6 hours at the very least"
Bruce nodded his head refusing to let Dick go until he was ready "Yes call Oliver, Barry, Orin, and Clark we'll have Batman have a chat with him when he wakes, he said he was given this opportunity and I want to know by who". After a few minutes the teen took a deep breath and pulled away.
"Are you okay?" Bruce asked blood boiling at the ever deepening bruises.
"Fine" Dick said rubbing his throat.
"What did he want?"
Dick narrowed his eyes "To throw me off a building…but it doesn't make sense, he said it was for taking Arkham away from him, but that was over a year ago and according to the reports we receive from there he's been no trouble even downright happy since he felt like he's still guarding the prisoners."
"He is one of the few out there with the skillset to take out our security" Bruce said.
"Shall I clear your schedule for tomorrow Sir?" Alfred asked.
Bruce nodded again wanting to devote the entire day to Batman in the cave with Robin at his side where he could watch him like a hawk…"No" Dick said forcefully "You have the meeting in DC for the tech contract, no one needs Lex having access to top secret government…wait" blue eyes wide in a sudden epiphany and he went for his wrist computer that wasn't there, "ugh, the last threat came the morning you had a bid, you missed it…"
"And Luthor won it easily" Bruce said the pieces suddenly falling into place. "The day after Cupid attacked Ollie missed one too…" Dick added. Bruce was seething now furious he had to wait 6 hours for Batman had a talk with Mr. Bolton and just what Lex Luthor had given him to keep him busy.
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As they had months ago 4 men were gathering at Wayne Manor discussing the threat against their young protégés. Normally they would have met at the Batcave or Watchtower but Batman did not trust League lines right now. This time they had their protégé's with them. Flash had been first to arrive Kid in tow who was happily helping himself to the tray of cookies Alfred had waiting for him. "Um, I take it this is why you called" Barry said indicating the downed Rogue "any why is he just lying on the floor by your front door, shouldn't you take him to Arkham or something?"
"I will have Clark run him over when he arrives, he will be out until morning and then Batman will pay him a little visit". Speaking of which Clark arrive next carrying a very confused Superboy, not only had he never been to the Manor he was about to find out Batman's and Robin's identities. As with Kid Flash Alfred was there with a plate of cookies "This must be Master Conner" he said warmly handing the stunned clone the plate "welcome". Dick came up slapping his wide eyed friend on the back leading him away from the adults so Bruce could handle Bolton "I know I was pretty whelmed the first time I came here too, Richard Wayne, pleased to meet you" Dick said with a bright smile. Conner recognized him from the news, circus orphan adopted by a billionaire a few months ago, this all explaining why Clark had such an interest in it. If anything his young team mate look smaller and more vulnerable than ever. "What happened to you?" he asked seeing the bruises around the boy's neck.
"Hazard of the job" Dick answered hoping they would drop it.
Wally was now over inspecting the injuries, Roy was going to have kittens when he saw this "Geeze did Bane leave Santa Prisca and crash land in Gotham tonight".
So much for dropping it "I didn't get these as Robin" Dick said his friends eyes traveling to the hulk of a man Superman was now hauling off to Arkham.
"Dude, seriously how is it one person can get kidnapped so many times" Kid Flash shouted jumping to the first conclusion that made sense to him, earning a scowl from Bruce and a shut up before Bats kills you look from his uncle. Conner let out a gasp "So many times? What do you mean so many times?" Sure he knew about Lex's attack but the way Wally was talking this was a regular thing.
"I wasn't kidnapped this time, didn't even make it out the door with me. It was a set up to keep Bruce from going to a meeting tomorrow" Dick shot pulling the collar of his shirt up to hide the bruises.
"A super villain breaks into your house in the middle of the night and was heading out the door with you, that's kidnapping in my book" Kid said. Dick could see Conner was still confused "My civilian identity was once the ward and now son of a billionaire known the world over. His company is on the cutting edge of almost every technology and Bruce is a celebrated diplomat, hacking off dictators the likes of Queen Bee on a daily basis. The mob can't stand him because he can't be bought and he is very generous with the police department, making it difficult for them to get dirty cops. A few times a year" ignoring Wally's snort "some creeps feel the need to go after me as a means of making a quick buck or forcing him to do something. Just like Luthor did a few months ago."
"But your Robin, I've seen you get away from guys 5 times your size, take on androids and monsters with Superman's strength" Conner said. Dick gave a sad smile "Thanks Conner, but how long do you think it would take the smarter villains out there to put two and two together if Richard Gray…Wayne took out his would be kidnappers with, martial arts, a few birdarangs and knock out gas. I can use a little of my acrobatics when attacked since we can attribute that to my childhood. Not to mention these guys are usually pretty motivated and don't fight fair I've been gassed, tranquilized, and chloroformed more times than I can count".
The 2 older men approached the conversation Bruce placing a hand on his son's shoulder "My public persona is a far cry from Batman as is Dick's from Robin. He is quiet, subdued while Bruce Wayne is a playboy, center of attention. I too can't fight as Batman when attacked, forced to duck and cover, allowing security or police to handle a situation until I can slip away."
Conner nodded now understanding "That is why some in the League has such a problem with Red Arrow, he was used against the League but on a personal level against Mr. Queen." Clark had returned "You will have that danger as well" he said grimly "Though the cousin of mild mannered reporter Clark Kent is hardly as tempting as let's say the ward of a billionaire…the son of Superman on the other hand…let's just say that line runs around the block"
Oliver and Roy were the last to arrive, not having the benefit of super powers to get them there quickly. Wally had run to the door after hearing the front door, only to return sulking a few moments later. Plopping down next to his Uncle with another cookie he answered his mentor's unasked question "Artemis is 'hanging out' with Black Canary".
Oliver smiled "Dinah is enjoying a female in our little club and they both needed a break, I arranged for brunch, pedicures, and some shopping for them" looking at the assembled group "We beat Orin?" Roy not far behind eyes immediately zeroing in on his friends bruises. What had happened, they were just in the Mountain "Is Godfrey going to have another slide show tomorrow?" he asked dangerously, he was done with his friends and family being attacked.
"Orin had trouble in Atlantis to deal with" Clark said.
"Atlantis is always having an issue when we meet, I think he just doesn't want to get out of bed" Barry said offhandedly. "And no, the Wayne's were attacked this evening"
Dick pulled up his retrieved wrist computer "We believe it was an attack in order to make sure Bruce didn't go up against Luthor tomorrow, this is a critical bid for him not to mention the support form Congressmen and Senators for his campaign".
Roy was livid "He's using us again, not directly but he's using us again!"
"We believe he is also assisting the traitor, Penguin said it was his assistant Merci that paid him and collected the pictures" Bruce added as Dick pulled up Penguin and Cupid on the monitor "According to Penguin the underworld is in overdrive and until we address the matter the Team will continue to be targets".
Thinking of Meghan and his friends Conner felt his temper flare "We know where he is, why is it we haven't crashed his office and beat him to a pulp yet". Clark understood his feelings "Publicly Luthor is still a hero and the League's favor is at an all-time low, outright attacking him now would surely be the end of us".
"And if he keeps assisting in going after you guys it's only a matter of time before someone snaps" Oliver said "I meant what I said to Cupid, I would put an arrow through his heart to protect any of them. I'm just lucky you were able to intercept the video or I'd be in jail for threatening a Presidential Candidate now".
Bruce knew it was true he was close to breaking as well "The attacks show our strategy was working, we were stopping him. He needs capital even more now with all his resources, paying villains and running for President is financially exhausting him".
"But he'll keep going after Dick and Roy, possibly Artemis" Wally perking up again, "to keep us away" Oliver said "And I'm sorry I'm not willing to do it anymore".
They sat in silence for a few moments before a mischievous smile crossed Dick's face "That's it! What if we repaid him in kind, and kept him from getting to the meetings?"
"The Justice League will not attack someone he cares about….if there is anyone" Clark said.
"No nothing like that. We have no solid evidence that he was behind it and everything else…but I know someone who believes us and would be willing to make sure we were protected…"
Bruce smiled "Jim, Jim Gordon. We could get a restraining order for Dick and Roy, he verbally and physically threatened both of them and while their word isn't enough for an arrest it would be enough to keep him away".
Roy understood now "And if we attending the meetings with you he won't be allowed in, he could still call in but it wouldn't have the same effect as being there in person".
The momentum was going as the plan came together "Not to mention the press would have a field day, Presidential candidate with two restraining orders" Barry added turning to Clark "I'm sure the Daily Planet could love to be the first on the story, perhaps a Lois Lane exclusive interview with a 'frightened' Dick Grayson and Roy Harper".
The Man of Steele finally smiled "You have no idea, she loves Dickie and taken a real shine to Conner as well". He wouldn't know what hit him.
"Hate to be the party crasher but we still have the little issue of him going after their alter egos" Barry added the new plan doing nothing to protect his nephew.
"It's time to fight back on that front as well" Roy said feeling confident for the first time in ages "I for one am tired of this, I am his son not the reason he can't be a hero" Oliver nearly jumped before a soft smile appeared on his worn features, Roy had never referred himself as his son and apparently hadn't noticed as he continued "set a trap of our own, one that Luthor and the traitor can't resist".
Wally looked at him doubtfully, there was no way his Uncle or any other mentors for that matter were going to let them put themselves in any sort of danger, especially as bait in a trap. "You've met Batman right, big, dark, scary, insanely protective and puts villains in body casts for coming after Robin". Bruce surprisingly silent as he pondered the plan.
Seeing he wasn't shut down right away Dick picked up "I don't like it either, but according to the Penguin there is quiet the payday for me alone but if someone were to get all of us….they will do something extra special…wanting to embarrass Batman and the League".
"Absolutely not" Clark said "we are not putting any of you out like a sacrificial lamb". Conner inclined to disagree "You've put us in dangerous situations before" he said "every mission you send us on you send us into the line of fire, every time we go on patrol you know something could happen".
"We knew the risks" Dick said looking at his father pleadingly "I am tired Bruce. Tired of being used against you, watching over my shoulder every time Robin goes out, tired of knowing my friends are being hunted. And with every capture the situation has only gotten worse, the smarter more dangerous ones are only biding their time. Penguin is bad but there are much worse out there, Zoom, Merlyn, Metallo, Black Manta, Joker. Let us help you stop this now, on our terms. If I fall, I know you'll catch me".
Barry could see Bruce wavering and made the mistake of looking to Wally who was staring him down with equal conviction. But they were right, eventually someone would lose this little game. With a resigned sigh he sat back "Just what did you have in mind?"
To Be Continued….