His Own Scar- 7
Disclaimer: Don't own YJ, obviously.
Sorry about the update times. Busy and such. Also, it's really not that bad compared to other updates for stories... So really no reason to be that mad... xD But yeah, I've also been battling writing block. Tried getting Pitied done... But nothing is coming. I'm really sorry if this chapter is crap. I have no inspiration right now. I've been crying for the past like... hour... so you're lucky I'm doing this xD
It's also insanely hectic with skating right now. I'm just under a bit of stress.
So I have this new poll for a new story. It's a bit of range, with all of them Wally based. I would be forever grateful if you voted x
Isodelle Ruddick was no stranger to the world of superheroes and cowls. In fact, she could claim she knew every single League's identity. She had patched them up enough, AND after all and they did have regular conversations on quite a frequent basis. She was surprised to be called in by Bruce, who had called her to come to the Cave immediately. This surprised her greatly, because she knew about the Cave, but had never been near it. They're (meaning the young team) injuries were nothing the League themselves couldn't handle. So she had never been called in. Hell, she was rarely called in with the League unless it was something serious.
Batman greeted her with a nod of his head, and she nodded politely back. She was solemn, and so was he. 'But then again, he's always like that...' She thought absentmindedly, taking in her surroundings. She had to admit, she was impressed. Well, it was built by super powered humans... well, that wasn't the point. She followed as Batman lead her to the medical bay, and her eyes were immediately on Barry Allen- The Flash and his flailing protege. She didn't even have to meet the boy to know who the kid was. Who else had red hair like that?
"What happened?" She asked, checking the boy's health. In conclusion, it was not good. The Flash snapped out of his haze, looking up at her familiar face. His eyes turned hard, but it wasn't directed at her. "His father. Child abuse," The words were harsh and cold, and it made Isodelle freeze. Because Barry was always laid back and the most approachable at the best of times, but right now he was being very unapproachable. The words eventually sunk in, and she frowned. Weren't the Flash and Kid Flash father and son?
'Wally West' The name rung in her head, and she then realized that the two weren't related. Which was surprising, but that wasn't the focus. She nodded to Barry, having worked on a few domestic violent injuries herself. She knew how to handle it. She started with trying to get the dang speedster to stop flailing.
Barry was anxious.
No, a lot more than that. He had been pushed out by Bruce quite physically as he watched as his nephew laid on that damn medical bay. He was barely keeping a growl in his throat. He should've watched the kid. Kept tabs on Rudy. Something! Anything!
He had enough restraint to stop himself from killing the sick excuse of a man, but he knew if Wally woke up he would definitely need to be there. The kid, as strong as he was, was a hairs breath from shattering and if anyone needed to be there, it had to be him. Worry, anger, anxiety all passed through him, flushing down to his pacing feet. He didn't notice the youngest sidekick sit on the chair, watching him carefully. Eventually, Barry caught notice of the hologram and he slowed, eyeing the boy. Wally told him he knew what was happening between Rudy and Wally.
Neither of them spoke. Robin sighed,
"He just forgot his phone. He stupidly forgot his phone and he ends up in the medic bay..." It was a soft voice, and Barry looked at the young kid. The sunglasses didn't stray from the screen, but Barry could tell the Kid's eyes were glancing at the medic bay door.
Barry sat down next to him, "You were with him?" He asked, not really getting any updates from Wally during the day on his phone via text. Maybe that explained it.
"Yeah, caught up with him. We sort of hang around and had to duck into the house to hide. KF left his phone in there and went back after lunch. I- I was called out for Gotham. Not whelming timing. Not whelming at all," The boy sighed, rubbing a hand through his ebony hair. Bruce stepped out as soon as Barry slouched down, but the speedster was immediately up and firing questions. "How is he, Bats?"
Bruce sent Robin a glare, and Robin felt like gazing at the floor to avoid the gaze. He kept his gaze up, staring right back as his mentor glowered. "He will heal. But there are other... complications. There's a scar." The Knight waited for a response as Barry's head tilted slightly. "Wouldn't the speed healing have covered it up all nice and clear?" He knew most of his scars were only caused by deadly shots. Even then, they were barely visible. Batman's eyes narrowed slightly, and Barry's eyes widened in response.
"You're saying this happened before the spandex, aren't you?" Barry ventured, a sick gut feeling twisting into a very sick gut feeling. "It is a possibility. Especially with Rudy-"
"Oh god. No, he couldn't have kept it that well hidden. Someone, anyone, would have noticed, right?" Barry's voice sped up slightly, panicking. How could he not notice a damn lightning bolt actually carved into his chest? His fists clenched, and Bruce just sighed. "I'm trying to locate Rudy West. Until then, I believe your boy is waking up."
Barry quickly dashed past Bruce, flinging himself into the medic room. Robin went to follow, but Bruce towered over him. "No." He declared, sternly and cold.
"But, Batman!" He pleaded, wanting to see his best friend. He wanted to see him smile. Joke. Fall over for all he cared. But apparently Bruce wasn't going for that. "No. We are going to discuss your habits of hacking into the Zeta system to sneak in against my orders. You will return to the Manor, and you will not go out. I trust you can, at least, do that?" Robin had a slight pouty look, but Bruce wasn't budging. He wasn't doing it for Dick, but rather the two speedsters. This was something they needed to discuss, with only one Bat's or person eavesdropping. Robin walked to the tube, disappearing with a voice this time.
Too bad that plan was also out the window, as Artemis had stayed in the vents and listening to every word she could. Batman, thankfully, didn't seem to take notice. She had crawled along soundlessly, actually getting a perfect view about the medic room. She could look through the holes to see the room. The speedster looked calmed, which looked completely unnatural who was supposed to be bounding around and annoying her at every possibility. She watched as
a man walked in. She knew who he was- The Flash. His blonde hair was spread out in every direction it could reach, and his clenched fists represented he was pissed. Which was surprising, seeing as Flash was always the one who was laid back and calm. 'Then again,' Artemis thought, 'Seeing your protégée beaten up by his father...'
And then something clicked. Under both of their skins, both Artemis and Wally weren't that different. They hid their pains from their fathers, but clearly both in different ways. Artemis went for the more Independent outlook and a headstrong girl, and it seemed Wally went for the all jokes and smile. It was a stupid plan. If one found a crack, one could smash the entire mask down.
Then Wally started flailing. Her eyes snapped to him as he cried out. "No, no I'm sorry! I didn't mean it! I didn't mean for her to..." He trailed off as Barry roughly shook him awake. His green eyes snapped open, and that's when Artemis was taken by true surprise.
It was a sight she never wanted to see again. Wally, with his terror filled eyes that brimmed with tears, taking deep breaths. The older speedster immediately went to comfort him, whispering things that Artemis couldn't hear. She figured she may want to get out of this stupid vent before Zatanna became suspicious.
Sadly, it seemed her plan failed just as badly as Batman's. As she went to move, the holes below her feel and crashed, and she went down with them. She braced herself for impact, a gasp on her lips as she realized that she hadn't landed on the floor. She tensed, opening an eye to see Barry's amused eyes looking down at her. "So... I suppose you get the award for besting the bats in the eavesdropping competition... Well until you fell. Isn't that right, Bruce?"
Flash turned to the door, the last words exaggerated. Artemis tensed as she felt a presence behind her and she immediately whirled, seeing Batman.
Amongst this, Wally watched with tired but amused eyes. Oh, now this would be something to backfire at Artemis. A grin formed, and that's when his eyes locked onto Artemis'. He didn't look away. But she did, turning her gaze to his chest. He smirked, about to say something like "Like what you see?" before he looked down himself.
His eyes widened, seeing the bandages. His head quickly snapped to his Uncle and his eyes studied Barry before they clouded over with something as his gaze lowered.
Barry recognized it as shame. He was about to step forward, but someone else did.
Well, actually, the other two heroes did whilst he stood there staring.
Artemis slowly made her way to Wally, sitting down near his feet cautiously.
'And Green Arrow now owes me twenty...' He thought smugly, before his head snapped to Bruce.
"We're tracking Rudolph West. "
Wally's head snapped up, and he stared at Batman. Slowly, his eyes went to Barry. "H-He's done it before," He whispered, Artemis only barely hearing it.
"He'll disappear. Go into hiding like the coward he is," Wally's voice grew louder. "And then he'll come back. Back for m-me," No one missed the stammer, but no one picked up on it.
Bruce shook his head slightly. "Rudolph won't be coming back for a while yet."
Before Wally could ask, he was suddenly falling back asleep. Both mentors left the young heroes eventually, mostly after Barry's sad looks and glimpses.
Artemis sighed. No point in going home. Her mother was out anyway for something. She didn't exactly take note. Wally began twitching, and the twitches became shakes. Moans became cries of anguish, and Artemis crawled up the bed. "Sh, Wally. I'm not sleeping with you if I can't get any sleep."
Miraculously, the speedster seemed to settle. Artemis wondered just how much he had been hiding under that smile of his that she loved.
She fell asleep, not getting the chance to correct her slip at the end.
Dick Grayson usually followed orders. He listene to teachers, did his homework without complaint and usually listened to Bruce.
Well, usually wasn't exactly always. For one, he wasn't even in bed. He was in the BatCave, hacking away. Two, even Alfred didn't seem to notice him down here. To put up the act, Dick had said Goodnight and waited half an hour before slipping out to the cave.
He tapped away, a wide smile appearing as he found what he wanted.
"Got anything?" Dick tensed on instinct, but he quickly relaxed as he saw Bruce walk in with the cowl down.
"Turbing enough, I've got a lead on Rudolph."
I have no idea what I'm typing. God, I hope this is actually somewhat cohert, but I can barely see through these stupid teary eyes...
Thank you guys so much for your support!
And remember, there's a poll waiting for you ;)
-Kayla :)
