A/N: I decided to try something a little different this time.
First it is a bit different from the style of my previous chapters... a little more serious. I'm going for tears, just to warn you.
Second, this is written in Robin's POV.
Disclaimer: I don't own anyone or anything.
I wrinkled my nose up at the smell. Why would anyone voluntarily stay here? I didn't want to be here any longer than I had to. I glanced up at Batman but he didn't seem to be unnerved by the smell. I straightened my spine. Well if Batman wasn't affected then Robin wouldn't be either.
"Do you see them?" I asked. Batman had the binoculars up and was peering through one of the windows. We were two rooftops away from our target- an old abandoned factory near the docks. It smelled like burning rubber and rotten fish here.
Batman gave a nod to my question. "There are eight." He said. I knew what that meant. I meant that we should each take four, but most likely that I would get two and he would take the rest. Batman was still protective of me even though I knew I could handle myself easily.
"Why did they choose this place?" I asked. I tried to peer over Batman's shoulder. I couldn't see in the building without the binoculars though, which Batman still hadn't stopped looking through.
"They're hiding. Thugs seem to think abandoned warehouses are the best place to hide."
I frowned. "But if they always choose the same building it isn't a very good hiding spot."
"There are lots of buildings like it. They choose one of them, not the same one."
"Wouldn't it be smarter to hide in plain sight?"
Batman smiled slightly. "Sometimes it is." He agreed. He looked at me finally with the same tiny smile. "It's a good thing our crooks aren't as smart as you, Robin."
I grinned. "Why are they hiding though?"
"Remember that body we saw when we met with the commissioner?" I nodded. "They killed him. I'm not sure why. He was clean. It was probably some sort of warning."
"Do you know who did it?"
"I believe so." I waited. Sometimes Batman took forever to answer my questions. Other times he answered more in depth then I cared for. Like when I asked why I needed to eat my carrots I didn't need a lecture about their every calorie and vitamin. He was usually much quieter on missions though.
"I think it's a man named Aaron." Batman said finally. "I haven't seen the leader though. They may be waiting to meet up with him."
I nodded and waited for his next signal. He sat there, probably waiting for the boss to show. My legs were getting cramped. I sat down, stretching mildly. Whenever we waited it was so boring.
Finally Batman stood. "We're going to get a closer look, see if we can hear anything."
"Ok!" I agreed readily and swung after him.
We landed silently on the ledge and Batman opened up a skyline. We snuck in. Below were the eight thugs. Two were playing a card game. Two more were listening to a tiny radio. The others were walking around. All of them had guns.
I gulped. It wasn't that I was afraid of them. I knew that Batman and I could take them down easily. I didn't like guns though. Three nights ago Batman had been shot in the leg. Alfred had to dig the bullet out. It was disgusting and I hoped I never had to go through that.
"When do you think he'll get here?" One of the thugs playing cards asked.
"He'll be here." The other said. "That's what the boss said."
Another man snorted. "Which boss?"
"The creepy one."
This made another laugh. "Great description."
The man playing cards wacked his companion in the head. "They're both creepy idiot."
I could see Batman's frown deepening. There was more than one boss, which Batman hadn't been planning on. He didn't like that.
"I don't like this." One of the thugs was complaining. "We're sitting ducks here." He was looking around nervously and fiddling with his gun. "If the Bat comes crashing in-"
"Be quiet." Another hissed.
"But-"
"Sit back down." One of the thugs ordered tersely. He and three others had their guns pointed at the man. The thug hesitated then sat back down.
Batman glanced from the thugs to me. "Stay here." He ordered.
"But I want to help you." I said. I didn't want him to go into the mess alone.
"Until I know what exactly is going on here, I want you to stay here." He repeated. "I will call you if it's ok for you to join."
I bit my lip. I didn't like the plan. "Ok." I agreed, because I really didn't have a choice. If I didn't agree he'd take me back to the manor and leave me there. By the time he got back the thugs might have left. I knew he would too. He'd done it once before.
Batman took my shoulder and pushed me onto the floor so I sat. "Stay." He repeated, glancing firmly into my eyes.
Then he swung down. The shots of ammo rang out. I heard shouts from the men and grunts. I closed my eyes tight. I didn't like thinking of Batman being there all by himself. I knew he was smart and strong and that he'd be fine. But I didn't like it anyway.
I heard more shouts and more guns going off. Suddenly there was a large high pitched cackle. My eyes shot open. There was only one person who could do such a creepy laugh: the Joker. If Batman had known Joker was here he never would have let me go with him.
"Very nice Batsy!" The Joker said and I heard him clapping his hands.
There were more thuds and I assumed Batman was taking down the last of the thugs.
"I was hoping we'd catch your attention." Joker sighed dramatically. "I was so hoping though that you'd have brought the brat."
I snuck out from behind my hiding spot just enough that I could see what was going on. I'd never seen Batman fight the Joker before. The man I saw looked just like Batman's photos. A white face, green hair, a mouth stretched into an impossible grin, the same purple suit…
"It's over Joker." Batman hissed.
"Actually, it isn't, because I brought a friend." Batman froze. In the silence I heard a gun click into place. My heart stopped as another villain came out of the shadows, two guns pointed at Batman's head.
"Two Face here was so kind as to be my partner today." Joker said with a laugh. "We thought you'd bring the brat so we'd have a matched set. Seems it didn't work out that way."
"Why did you kill him?" Batman asked. He seemed unfazed by the gun pointing at the back of his head.
"That man? I needed to get your attention somehow." Joker laughed. I heard another click as Joker pulled a gun out of his own. "Harvey and I thought it was about time you died." Joker's grin grew and he looked at the man with half a face. "What do you think? Shot by two bullets at two different points? That should fit your ways, right Two Face?"
"Very fitting." The man agreed.
I tensed. Joker was still talking. I couldn't see it but I knew Batman had to be planning something. He could stop two guns… couldn't he? But, there were three. Two Face had two guns. Which one would he shoot?
I swallowed hard. Batman was probably doing everything he could not to call for me. I should help him! He should call for me!
I knew he wouldn't though.
So I did what I thought was right.
I jumped from the ledge, calling his name. Two Face spun to face me. He held his guns up, shooting away. Batman took the moment to tackle Joker to the ground. I heard a shot go off from Joker's gun and a grunt.
No time to look.
I landed on Two Face's shoulders. My momentum brought him to the ground. I yanked a gun from his hand and threw it aside.
He was stronger than I would have thought. He flung me aside easily. I bounced back and glanced to the side. Batman was fighting with the Joker. He seemed ok, which meant I could focus on Two Face.
I ran towards him, springing up to kick him. I landed in a handstand and sprang back to kick him in the head again.
Two Face gave a sort of chuckle. "You're just a boy." He said softly.
"So?" I demanded. I'd heard that tons of times. It was getting annoying.
"So that means you're a pair- Batman and the boy."
I ran at him again but this time he swung his arm. It caught me and I flew off to the side. I barely had time to catch myself. "That means," Two Face laughed, "it's my style."
The next instant he'd grabbed me, throwing me into the wall. I gave a cry. Before I could do anything he'd pulled out a gun and held it and aimed at me. I knew I should move. I knew I should get up and do something. But I froze.
"Robin!"
I gave a cry of pain as a bullet lodged itself in my right leg. Before I could even blink a second bullet at lodged into my left. I screamed.
"Ohhh, Batsy, you seemed to have forgotten your little bird!" Joker teased.
"Robin!" I heard Batman cry.
I tried to stand but pain seared through my body and I collapsed. I saw blood oozing from my legs. It must have hit something. I swallowed my fear and tried to grab something from my utility belt. I grabbed my batarangs and threw them at the approaching Two Face. He dodged.
My fear grew. I'd been trained! He shouldn't have been able to dodge them! I was being sloppy. Two Face grabbed me by the hair, hauling me up. "It was a terrible idea to bring you into this game." He hissed in my ear.
I screamed. "Batman!"
"I think he's just going to watch." Joker said.
"Batman!" I struggled uselessly. Two Face was holding me by my hair, two feet off the ground. And there, at the Joker's feet, lay Batman. He was bloodied and I saw a large wound across his stomach that he was holding. A knife was in Joker's hand, red liquid dripping off it. Batman coughed and I saw blood trickle down his mouth.
My body hung limp. Batman! He couldn't be hurt. He couldn't just lay there. He couldn't be that hurt! He was Batman, he wasn't supposed to lose!
"See Batsy? The kid was a bad idea." Joker said. He kicked him in the side and rather than just take it, Batman grunted loudly and fell down. My eyes widened in horror. No!
Batman turned his head to meet my eyes. "Now, as much as I'd like to kill you," Joker said, "I think it would be more fitting to watch the little boy die first."
"B-batman." I sobbed. I tried not to, but my tears flowed down my face.
Two Face dropped me. I started to fall but suddenly his fist swung out and hit me in the face. I hissed, going with the punch. I had to think! I had to get us out of this!
"Oh look. I guess it'll take more than one hit." Joker laughed. I saw him step onto Batman's back, pressing his heel down. "I guess we'll have some fun then."
Two Face brought his leg up, kicking me in the stomach. He was saying something but I didn't listen. His foot hit my nose and I felt it break. I tried not to cry, tried not to scream. Mostly I tried to think of a way to get us out of there. Nothing was coming. Just pain.
Suddenly something wacked into my head. Joker was there now, a crowbar in his hands. Now both punches and the crowbar were coming down on me.
I couldn't help it. I screamed. I screamed for Batman, for help, for anything. "Daddy!" I shrieked finally.
Joker stopped Two Face and howled with laughter. "Daddy?" He mocked. "Is that who Batman is? Your Daddy?" He laughed again. He grabbed my cape and dragged me towards Batman who was still lying there. He threw me at him. "Is that it, Bats? He's your son?"
Batman snarled.
"Daddy." I sobbed again.
"Well, Bats?" Joker waited but Batman gave no other reply. He was staring at me but I couldn't see his face I was crying so hard. "Fine. Suit yourself. He'll die right before your eyes."
Joker raised the crowbar but it didn't make it. Batman lunged at him, slamming him into the floor. He ripped the crowbar from his hands and slammed it down across the Joker's head.
I tried to roll over so I could see what was going on as they moved out of my vision. I couldn't see. I couldn't move. My legs hurt so badly.
I heard more shots going off. I heard screams- the Joker's intertwined with laughter.
"He is my son." Batman growled. This was followed by a loud 'thunk'. "Don't you ever touch him again!" I heard something crash as Joker was thrown aside.
More shots going off. I finally managed to push myself up and I turned over. Batman was on top of Two Face now, letting his punches rain down mercilessly. I saw blood all over his chest and there were small trails flowing from his arms and legs. Right now Batman didn't seem to notice he just kept punching Two Face until he was unconscious. Only then did he stop.
"B-batman?" I stuttered. I couldn't stand but I was able to sit.
Batman was breathing hard. His shoulders rose and fell harshly. He turned to me and even with the mask I could tell something was off. He staggered to my side and my eyes widened. "Batman!" I cried.
"Are you ok?" Batman asked. His voice was weaker as he knelt beside me.
"I'm f-fine." I lied. "Are you?"
Batman opened his mouth then quickly closed it. He fell onto the ground beside me. His legs stretched out in front of him, his one arm supporting all his weight. "Robin, come here." He said softly. I crawled into his embrace and his one arm wrapped around me tightly. His face rested against my head. I felt my eyes well up with tears and my throat tightened up.
"You need h-help." I sobbed. "You're bl-bleeding."
"Be a good boy, Dickey." Batman murmured. His breathing was getting ragged. He pressed a kiss lightly on my head. I gave a wail.
"Daddy!"
"I'm here." He murmured tiredly. He leaned backwards. His back was supported lightly by a beam. I wrapped myself around him, cuddling up to his side.
"Don't go, Daddy." I begged. "The police will be here soon. They'll help you."
Batman said nothing. I clutched at his cape with one hand and hugged him tightly with the other. Batman's arm tightened around me a moment.
"Daddy," I begged again.
Bruce coughed, blood trickling from the side of his mouth. He needed help now.
"Where is your communicator?" I asked.
"Third- left." Bruce gasped. His hand was tightening and loosening in a frightening pattern on my shoulder. I fumbled in his belt until I found it. I flipped it open and shouted for help.
"Batman?" A voice came out intermixed with static.
"Help!" I exclaimed, sobbing pathetically. "B-batman is-"
Suddenly Batman's arm went limp. "Batman!" I shrieked. I dropped the communicator and grabbed onto him. I shook him. "Wake up! Batman!"
"Robin? Robin!" The device was screaming my name. It sounded like Superman.
"Daddy…." I begged, sobbing into Bruce's chest. He didn't move.
"Robin! Where are you?" Superman begged.
I reached for the communicator. "W-ware-h-house f-f-five…" I sobbed weakly.
Not a moment later Superman was beside me. "Oh god." He whispered.
"Help him." I begged. I wrapped myself back around Batman, clinging as tightly as I could to his prone figure.
"Superman to Watchtower. I need three zeta beams and transport to medbay immediately."
There was a sudden bright light and then Batman and I were lying not in the old building but in the watch tower.
"Robin, I'll be right back." Superman promised. "Let me help him." He had to pry me off. I couldn't seem to figure out how to unclench my hands from Batman's cape. Superman scooped up Batman and flew as fast as he could to the med bay. Then I was scooped up into Flash's waiting arms.
"It's ok, kid. I've got you." Flash murmured into my hair.
I let out another wail and flung my arms around his neck. Batman. Flash hugged me tightly, pressing his face into my hair. "Shhhh…" He said. "I've got you."
"B-b-batman…" I sobbed.
"Superman already has him in our hospital. If they can do anything, they're doing it."
I whimpered.
"I'm going to take you there too, ok?" Flash said gently. "You were shot." I nodded my head slightly. "Good boy," Flash murmured soothingly. "Hold on tight to me." I tightened my arms as much as I could.
I felt the familiar sensation of wind as he ran. By the time we arrived my eyes were closing.
I woke with a scream. "It's ok, Robin. It's ok." A soothing voice said. I spun my head around, only to see Superman.
"Batman?" I demanded, looking around furiously. We were in one of the medical rooms. Wonder Woman sat on the other side of the bed. Flash was beside her. By the door were John and Hawkgirl. J'onn was in the corner. Superman took my hands in his. My eyes widened. "Batman?" I whispered again.
"He's in surgery." Superman said softly.
"He… he's going to be ok, right?" I asked. He had to be. He had to. He had to be ok because he was Batman…because he was my father.
Superman was silent a little too long. "We're doing our best." He said finally.
My lip trembled and I began to shake. I knew what that meant. It meant that he was dying.
I felt a pair of arms wrap around me. Diana was hugging me tightly, her cheek pressing against my head. "He will be ok." Diana insisted, half to me and half to Clark. I wrapped my arms around her. She was comforting. She felt safe.
I felt another hand rubbing my back and knew it was Flash. Barry was trying his best to comfort me as well. I just sobbed and clung to them. They were safe. With them I could believe that may he'd be ok.
"What happened, Robin?" Superman asked after a long time.
"We were in-investigating." I whispered. I struggled not to cry. "There were only e-eight guys. Batman told me to st-stay behind and then Joker and Two Face were there…. They were going to sh-shoot him. So I jumped down. But they got me." I sobbed weakly. It hurt to cry anymore. "And Batman was hurt but he stopped them after they hurt me."
Diana smoothed my hair just like Bruce did. She whispered words into my ears. I clung to her hopefully.
It was agonizing. The waiting was. Diana held me until I stopped crying. Then I was passed to Flash. J'onn decided to check me again and they rebadged my legs. Then I was back in Flash's arms as we waited more. Soon I was passed to Superman while the others got food. They all came back to eat. They wanted me to but I couldn't bring myself to do so. I felt sick.
Hours later I was tucked back into bed. The members flitted in and out now, but at least two were always in the room with me. I'd asked hundreds of times to go see Batman, but he was still in surgery. I shivered at the thought. If he was still in surgery… what did that mean?
"Robin," Superman held his arms out to me and I climbed from Diana to him. "Batman just came out of surgery. He's not awake… but we can take you to see him."
I nodded at the unspoken question and Superman walked down the hall. We met up with the rest of the league infront of the door. They all looked nervously at each other before Superman pushed open the doors and stepped inside.
The room was entirely white. Batman was hooked up to a total of five different machines. I shivered. He had bandages all over. He didn't even have his mask on anymore. All he had on was a pair of pants.
"Daddy." I whispered. I jumped out of Superman's arms despite the wounds in my legs and climbed up onto Batman's bed. He was asleep. His chest was rising and falling. I curled up against his side, pulling one of his arms around me in a lazy hug. "Daddy…don't die."
I heard someone sob but I didn't look to see who it was.
They were talking about vitals. They spoke about him but all I heard was "He may not make it."
"You have to make it, Bruce." I begged softly. "You aren't allowed to leave me. You promised you wouldn't."
It took five days for Batman to wake up. Not once in all of those five days had I left his side. Not once had I stopped hoping. He had to win. He had to wake up. He was Batman.
When his eyes finally opened I'd sobbed with relief. "Daddy!" I shrieked, throwing my arms around him.
"Dick?" He mumbled weakly.
"Don't leave me again. Don't leave me!" I knew I was wailing but I didn't care. I buried my face into his shoulder, sobbing away.
"Dick." This time my name was a breath of relief. I felt his head nuzzle against mine. "I'm here, son. It's ok."
"You died." I whispered. "Your heart stopped twice."
"I'm here now." he seemed amazed by the fact. "Where are we?"
"The Watch Tower. You feel asleep and I called Superman. He brought us here."
"Good." Bruce nuzzled my head again. "You're such a good boy, Dickey." He murmured. I felt myself beaming with pride despite my tears.
"I thought you were going to die." I whispered. "I thought you were going to leave me."
"I won't leave you again." He promised. His arm moved to wrap around me tightly. "I'm here now, little bird. I'm here..."
A/N: Well? What did you think of the new style? Like Robin's POV? Like hurting the characters? Did I make anyone shed a tear?
Hope you enjoyed! Please Review.
