Hey Everyone! Here is another update from the amazing TheImaginativeFox! This is great! Thank you so much everyone for reading this! I cannot wait for you to see what TheImaginativeFox has in store for you next! Remember to go and check out her other works on her own fanfiction page!

Also note sorry about the formatting error. Something happened when posting it from word to here. It should be fixed now!

"We came here for a reason, I don't plan to just stand by. Besides, he's not in charge of me," Red Arrow started, pulling out an arrow and pointing it at Joker.

Red Arrow released his hold on the arrow, letting it fly across the room and towards the Joker. It landed on the ground, releasing foam, which immobilized him for a while. Batman easily took advantage of this, between the Joker being trapped and with the smoke giving him somewhere to hide, Joker didn't stand a chance. And still, the Joker struggled as batman got closer to him; attempting to escape. They watched as the two fought back and forth, not wanting to get in the way, but still looking for a chance to jump in and help Batman. The Joker had gotten out of the foam by using one of his own chemicals to disintegrate it. Then, he threw tear gas towards Batman and made his escape

"After him! Don't let him escape!" Batman shouted in-between coughs.

Red Arrow waved Kid Flash ahead, as he waited for Batman. All three of them had started to feel the effects of the gas, but Batman had gotten the worst of it. The two of them came out coughing, and they looked around for the direction that the hero and villain went.

"Which way?" Red Arrow asked Batman.

"I got a tracker on Joker after he threw the tear gas, we can track it from the Batmobile." he stated, walking towards the car, gesturing for Red Arrow to follow.

"Good thinking," Red Arrow commented, thinking about how Robin was fast-thinking like that, too.

" How long do you think Kid Flash can hold him off?" Batman demanded.

"Huh?" Red Arrow started, he wasn't expecting the question to come so suddenly, but this was the Batman, after all. He realized that he had been asked a question when the Bat grunted in annoyance." Oh, right. I don't usually go up against the Joker, but from what Rob's told me, not very long, but he could keep him distracted for a bit.

All he got for an answer was silence, as the car sped up. He could tell Batman wasn't too pleased with his answer, but Batman had seen the kid fight before, so he made his own estimate to go alongside the other one given. Luckily, it didn't take them long to catch up with the other two. When they got there, they saw that Joker was trying to catch Kid Flash, as he ran circles around the villain, dodging what was thrown at him. Well, he was trying. It looked like he was running low on energy, and it seemed like Joker had hit him a few times.

"Hold still!" they heard Joker call, as he threw another object at the speedster.

"Why would I do something like that?" he taunted. Kid Flash saw Red Arrow coming closer, but he saw no sign of Batman. Red Arrow indicated to keep Joker distracted, so KF did just that.

"This game's no fun anymore, so let's play something else…Oh! I know, we can play hide and seek, little birdy and I would have so much fun playing that game. He would try to hide, and I would find him, then I would get to have my turn and we would play with some of my toys. Well, I would, he usually wasn't in the mood," Joker explained, as his smile grew even wider across his face. This only made the hidden Bat even angrier. All night Joker had been taunting about what he had done to Robin, and frankly, Batman had had enough.

"No more games, Joker, this ends now." Batman growled, dropping down on top of Joker.

Kid Flash hadn't even heard Batman come in, but now that he was here, the fight began once more, along with Joker's continued taunts, but it looked like this time would be the last for a while. Batman was throwing punches like they had never seen him do before. Then, Batman stood up, dangling Joker by his shirt, and threw him against the wall. Red Arrow and Kid Flash hadn't seen Batman fight like this and allow his emotions to guide his actions. It was shocking, and honestly, a little scary.

By the time they snapped out of it, the Joker was broken and bloodied, although they still didn't think he looked as bad as Robin had. It was different; Robin wasn't just hurt physically, but emotionally as well. He had thought everyone had given up on him, but Joker didn't have to worry about that. He would spend some time in Arkham; thinking of his next plan, and then he would escape. He rarely had to fear for his life, and when he was in that position, he still didn't care. He would just laugh. He always laughed.

"Batman," Red Arrow called quietly, walking up to him slowly, Kid Flash following behind him. But Batman just ignored him. The laughing had stopped, and Joker was unconscious, but Batman was still going at it.

"Should we call the commissioner to take care of Joker?" Red Arrow continued. Batman stopped punching the man on the floor, but stayed in his kneeling position, breathing heavily.

"Yeah, and then we could go check up on Robin," Kid Flash said, hoping to get the man to snap out of it.

Mentioning Robin's name seemed to get the Bat's attention. He stood up from the ground, and began to handcuff the Joker, then picked him up, slinging him over his shoulder, and started to walk out of the building, not once making a sound. He exited the building, with Red Arrow and Kid Flash following behind him. He put the Joker down on the ground, and contacted the commissioner, telling him that they got Joker. It didn't take long for the commissioner to get there. Batman wasn't in the mood to explain what happened in much detail, so soon, Joker was on his way to Arkham, and the three of them were heading back towards the manor to check on their baby bird.


When the three returned to the cave, Alfred was there waiting for them. He had a tray of sandwiches, cookies, and some tea. Alfred let out a sigh as he saw blood on Bruce's gloves along with a gash on his cheek, and then started looking all three of them over for any sign of injuries. He was happy to find only a few bruises, and not much more. He set the tray down on the table, and the young speedster quickly came over and looked like he was about to drool.

"Cookies," Wally whispered under his breath, already starting to reach for one.

"You may have these, after you change." Alfred said firmly, and so the three went to go change into some more comfortable clothing.

"This stuff is so good," Wally mumbled through the food he had taken, although it wasn't very easy to understand. "Got anymore?"

"Jeez, Wally, save some for the rest of us," Roy said, as he came out of the changing room to find an empty tray.

"It's my metabolism," Wally replied innocently around a mouthful of food, as Alfred went to grab another tray of sandwiches. He was soon back, and started to look them over once again.

"So I take it your mission was a success?" Alfred asked, offering a sandwich to Bruce and Roy before handing the tray to Wally.

"I suppose," Bruce growled.

"We took the Joker in with recoverable damage," Roy said, receiving a nod from Alfred.

"That would be Joker's blood on your gloves then, sir?" Alfred questioned, receiving a grunt from Bruce, who just wanted to finish his sandwich and then go check on his son before going back to sleep for a few hours." And the slice on your cheek would be his doing, correct, Master Bruce?

Bruce put his hand to his face, bringing down fingers with blood smeared on them. It was deeper than he had thought it was. Joker had gotten a lucky hit when they were fighting in the smoke-filled room. He probably hadn't noticed it until now because of the adrenaline, but as it started to wear off, the sting was slowly making itself known. Alfred cocked his eyebrow at him, waiting for an answer from the man sitting in the chair. When he didn't receive one, he continued," Are there any other injuries I should know about from any of you?"

"Just a few bruises," Bruce mumbled.

"Of course, sir. Shall we take a look?" Alfred may have phrased it as a question, but it definitely wasn't up for debate. So, Bruce pushed himself out of the chair and over to the medical supplies where Alfred started inspecting and cleaning the wound.

"And the two of you?" Alfred asked, as he started to sew the wound shut.

"I'm fine, just tired," Wally said, letting out a yawn.

"Me too, I think I'm going to head up." Roy said, stretching and then heading for the stairs." Thanks again, Alfred."

"Yeah, thanks, Alfred," Wally said in-between a yawn and then following Roy.

"It was no trouble, now, goodnight, Master Roy and Master Wallace." Alfred said, grabbing an ice-pack and handing it to Bruce to reduce the swelling.

"I'm guessing you sent them after me?" Bruce questioned after they had left.

"If you must know, yes, I did. I am assuming they proved themselves useful?" Alfred asked. Bruce was silent for a while before answering.

"Somewhat. I guess they were able to keep the Joker distracted, and then chase after him when he got away as I tracked him in the Batmobile," Bruce commented.

"Was that all they did?" Alfred pressed, wanting a little more detail on the ordeal." Sir, please, what happened?"

"He kept taunting about what he did to Robin, and he kept laughing," Bruce said quietly after a while, avoiding Alfred's gaze. Although, the anger in Bruce's words said he was anything but calm.

"Master Richard is quite alright now," Alfred reassured, putting a hand on Bruce's shoulder.

"He almost wasn't. Dick almost died, Alfred! And that monster is responsible, and I just couldn't do it. I just couldn't. I want to make him suffer the way he made Dick suffer. To take away all of his hope, but he just kept laughing. Joker will be fine, I could care less about what happens to him, but what about Dick? He didn't think I was going to come for him. He thought he was all alone, what if it happens again? He's already been through so much, but what if he can never trust me again like he used to?" Bruce let everything out; all of his worries and fears he had been holding ever since this started. He didn't mean for it to all come out, but once he stated, the rest just followed.

"Young master Richard is strong, and he will get through this, even if it takes time. And he knows you will always be there for him in the end," Alfred started.

"But-" Bruce interrupted.

"Trust me; give it time, and just be there for him. Help him rebuild his trust in you, make him know he's not alone," Alfred said calmly." Why don't you go check on him before getting some rest yourself?"

"Thanks, Alfred," Bruce said, standing up, and heading for Dick's bedroom. He didn't feel completely reassured, but he did feel better, and hopeful that with time things could go back to normal.


"Dick?" Bruce called in a quiet voice as he opened the door. He was hoping to not wake the boy, but if he was awake, he didn't want to scare him.

"Bruce?" asked the boy from the bed.

"Did I wake you up?" the man in question asked, as he came to sit in the chair next to the boy's bed, taking his small hand in his own.

"No, I was up before Wally and Roy came up, what were you guys doing?" Dick wondered, as he struggled to sit up and turn the lamp on, letting out an unwilling hiss of pain.

"Here," Bruce offered, helping Dick into a sitting position, and turning the lamp on. Bruce quickly took in Dick's pale appearance, and his flushed cheeks. He was about to check on his fever when Dick moved his hand out from underneath his and started to speak.

"You're hurt," Dick said softly, slowly raising his hand to brush against the thin red line on the man's face. Bruce caught the hand, giving it a reassuring squeeze.

"I just went on patrol and one of the guys got a lucky shot with the knife, it's fine," Bruce said calmly. After years of working with Batman, Dick easily looked over his calm voice and sensed he was hiding something from him.

"Bruce," Dick pleaded, pouting his lip slightly, while also allowing his eyes to go slightly bigger.

"Aren't you a little old to be pulling the puppy dog eyes?" Bruce teased lightly, but Dick just pressed it further.

"That depends, is it working?" at that, Bruce decided to just give in. The sooner Dick got his answers, the sooner he would go back to sleep.

"Fine. I went after Joker tonight. Alfred sent Roy and Wally after me, even though I didn't need any help. Joker's now in Arkham, probably recovering from a few minor injuries," Bruce said, trying to keep his voice steady.

"Minor?" Dick questioned.

"Some minor, and some a little more severe, but it was nothing compared to what he did to you," Bruce said, seriousness washing over his face and in his voice." When I found you with him, you looked so broken. And when you were in the hospital, well, it was close. Then you weren't waking up, and infection set in, causing a high fever. Dick, I was afraid I was going to lose you."

"I'm fine, Bruce." Dick smiled, giving his hand a small squeeze." It's not like this is the first time I've been hurt like this. I'm not going anywhere without a fight, you know that."

"I know," Bruce started. And even thought it was true, and that Dick had been clinging to life before, it didn't happen often, and it worried Bruce every time." You're strong, but when you were lying lifeless on that bed, attached to all those machines. Dick, when we got you to the hospital, it was a close call, and there was a chance that you would never wake up. I couldn't help but think about all the things we never got to do; the things I never said. You're like a son to me, Dick, and I don't want to lose you. I don't tell you often enough, but I love you, and I'll never give up on you or leave you alone. I'll always come for you, promise."

"I know you will," Dick said, once again letting a smile cross his lips, although his eyes told a different story. He looked like he was about to cry, and he was starting to shake. Bruce knew he was probably still awake from the nightmares, which was also probably one of the reasons Alfred had looked so alert. Of course he had been checking in on Dick, and Dick had most likely been waking up over and over again during the time he had been gone." You did come, and I'm fine."

"Are you sure you're okay?" Bruce asked seriously. At first, all he received was a small nod, but then silent tears started to stream down his face." Oh, Dick."

"Bruce, I-I was so scared!" the boy cried out, and fell into his father's loving embrace." I-I thought I was going to die; that I would never see you again. I thought you all gave up on me, that you left me all alone. I'm sorry, Bruce. I love you, but I still gave up, even though you never gave up on me. I wasn't strong, I-I failed. I just wanted it all to end, and no one was coming. Joker said you all thought I was dead, and after a while I started to believe him. Bruce, I'm s-sorry."

"Shh, my little bird," Bruce comforted, running his hand threw the shaking boy's hair." It's okay, you're going to be okay. You're being so strong, and you're not alone, I'm here, I'm right here."

"Don't leave me, please," the boy whimpered." I thought I was going to die, Bruce. When I closed my eyes, I thought that would be the last time I would ever see you. I didn't' even know if you were really there at all."

"I was there, Dick, I'll always be there."

The conversation went on for a little bit longer; Dick crying as Bruce comforted him. Alfred, Wally, and Roy were now standing in the doorway. They all walked towards the pair on the bed, and embraced their bird in a tight hug, as his cries slowly turned into hiccups. He kept apologizing, and the group would all try to reassure him, muttering comforting words to the boy, trying to convince him that he was safe. He would calm down, but then a little bit later, the tears would come back. He tried so hard to stay strong for them, but he felt so weak and vulnerable. He felt guilty; he had given up on them, even though they didn't give up on him.

"I'm sorry," Dick whispered, as he started to choke on his sobs.

"Shh, it's okay, Dickie-bird, everything's going to be okay," they promised him, holding Dick closer until he finally fell asleep.

A/N:

Sanurakitkat: OMG! What happens next? *screams*

Robin: As Sanurakitkat is fangirling out, please read, review, follow and/or favorite! :) And please remember to go and check out TheImaginativeFox's page as well! And don't forget to read, review, follow and/or favorite TheImaginativeFox as well!