Chapter 10

I'm just going to try and get some chapters up so no body is staring at their computer mentally killing me for being lazy….

Well, thanks to everyone who reviews! And to everyone who follows and favorites, love you lots!

I don't own DCPlease enjoy!

Ok, just to refresh in everyone's heads…

Dick- 20

Barbra-22

Damian-11

Stephanie-17

Tim- 16 (just)

Jason-well, after dying and coming back, 18-ish

Wally(and average age of friends) – 23

Batcave, May 7th, 4:00 am

Jason winced as the nasty dry-heaving noise echoed throughout the cave. Dr. Leslie hadn't been kidding when she said the new serum would empty out his systems. Dick had been vomiting, and had diarrhea, and was sweating buckets, for about two hours now. Jason was worried the Manor would run out of water.

Bruce, who had taken the first watch, had escaped the degrading state his eldest ward was in. Bruce had gone to his day job around 10:45, in which Tim had taken over watching over Dick. After two hours, Tim traded with Jason and went to school late. Jason, of course, had been lucky and just as Tim left, Dick had started 'expelling'.

Using a fifth towel, Jason mopped Dick's brow. The guy was still dizzy and barely conscious as he flopped over and vomited into a well placed bucket. Jason was shocked anything kept coming up. Dick had obviously not eaten anything, but watery chunks kept oozing out as the tired muscles were forced to expel the dangerous drug.

Putting an ice pack on Dick's forehead as he shivered on the cot, Jason could imagine steam rising since Dick's fever felt intense. Jason wiped some green tinted saliva from Dick's lips. Dick's eyes flittered, but didn't quite open.

"Come on buddy, tough it out." Jason swallowed. He turned as footsteps echoed through the chamber. Stephanie stood over Jason's chair with an angry expression. She was decked out in her Spoiler uniform.

"Don't you have school?" Jason snapped. Stephanie rolled her eyes.

"Don't you remember, dipshit, Alfred tutors me on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays. Today is Monday." Stephanie kept her arms crossed and flipped some hair out of her face. "Why was I not informed?" She demanded. Jason glared at the blonde, his eyes hot enough to burn marshmallows, but Stephanie was unaffected. "Don't be an ass." She hissed.

"Why do you care? You uneducated brat." Jason went for the low blow, wanting to be alone. He sensed Stephanie stiffen, but she didn't swing."

"Well, you should be in school too."

"I'm legally dead."

"I'm legally nonexistent." Stephanie retorted.

As a seven-year-old child, her father had sold her into prostitution, but by careful planning and a sharp wit, she had escaped her father the day before pickup. With no where to go, Stephanie spent two years surviving on New York's streets. She was taken in by a police officer, but she was too busy to actually make the apartment feel like home. Then, one day a different officer came into the female officer's home and gave Stephanie the news. Stephanie didn't wait for legal help, she ran away. Hitchhiking to Gotham, where the famed Batman lived, Stephanie had a goal. She was 12 when she finally, almost on death's door, got Batman's attention. She had been pick-up by a street whore and was being taken care of, but tragedy once again caused her meager living to be destroyed. The whore had been killed by Two-Face, and Batman had stopped Two-Face from killing Stephanie.

"What is your name?" The dark shadow was broken by a burst of yellow. A kid, about 13, with a nasty sneer frowned down at her.

"Nobody…." Stephanie cried as she passed out. Waking up in a hospital with a tall dark haired man above her, Stephanie screamed, thinking it was her father.

"It's ok; I'm taking you somewhere safe." The man assured her. Two days later, Stephanie was in a huge manor. She had her own room and plenty to eat. Not only that, but there was a 16, almost 17, year-old boy who kept trying to make her laugh. Eventually the 13 year-old warmed up to her. The 13 year-old boy, known as Jason was always mean to the older boy. The 16, almost 17, year-old boy, a guy the all called Dick, was friendly with everyone but always seemed to force his happiness.

She had been surprised when, three days after her arrival, a fourth boy arrived. He was not as tall as the 13 year-old, but he was close, suggesting closeness in age. He was called Tim. He was often called snitch, and wannabe by Jason, and Stephanie guessed that Tim knew one of Jason's secrets. Stephanie liked Tim. He was very smart, and was the first to discover Stephanie's desire to learn. He brought her books and model toys and was very nice.

"I can't read." Stephanie cried one day while the boys were all reading in the study and Stephanie just could not understand what a picture was trying to represent. The boys didn't laugh, not like the whore's friends, not like her father who refused to send her to school, not like the officer who had shown her the death certificate of the female officer.

"Want to learn?" Dick asked.

"I'll teach you." Tim offered.

"It isn't that big of a deal." Jason had said, flipping his book page slowly. Stephanie had learned that Jason had needed to learn how to write and that Tim was a genius. She learned that Dick was a genius too, but compared to Tim's potential, he was average.

By the end of the month, Stephanie would learn The Secret. She had known it existed. How everyone treated Tim. The odd awake hours, the lack of the presence of the man who had saved her, the edginess that everyone had when they were together.

Stephanie was listening to the news, just to hear that Robin had died in an explosion by the Joker. She felt herself cry, but she didn't know why. She had been in the study and was crying into her book,The Secret Garden. She heard a rumble. She quickly hid under her chair, thinking it was an earthquake.

Alfred raced into the room, stopping to play a tune on the piano. Stephanie recognized it and was shocked as the grandfather clock shifted slightly. She probably wouldn't have noticed if she hadn't followed Alfred's frantic gaze. He pulled the clock out and slipped behind it. Stephanie tried to pull out the clock, but it was secure. She went to the piano, and after a few experimental tries, played the tune.

Going down the staircase was terrifying, Stephanie hated the dark. She reached the bottom and saw them. Bruce, in the Batman suit, and Alfred, and a body, mangled and almost unrecognizable.

Jason.

Stephanie screamed and cried. Bruce was by her side and wrapped his arms around her shoulders.

Another year later and Tim would blackmail Bruce into letting him be Robin, and Stephanie would hate Tim. She kept to her normal life, but found herself learning, and finally able to go to school, though she was still a year behind. She had died her hair black since Jason's death. But eventually, seeing Tim as Robin, Stephanie begged Bruce to train her. He did, and Dick was furious. She became Spoiler. She found her life still intact. She let her hair return to blonde and found her self relaxing, found herself living. She realized she liked Tim, but it was so fun teasing him.

Even though her life was intact, Stephanie was still furious that no one had told her The Secret. Stephanie felt she could have saved Jason or something.

So why was no one still not telling her anything? Stephanie stared into Jason's brown eyes that had red flecks. His white streak of hair fell forward breaking the staring contest.

"We didn't want to worry you." Jason said.

"You all forgot about me." Everyone forgot about her.

"No. I consciously decided to not call you. Think about Dick, Steph. Do you think he wants you to see him life this?" Stephanie sniffled.

"I remember him for good things and how he's helped me, not by accidents." Stephanie said, not looking at Dick.

"Well, I doubt he'll vomit or anything anymore, you watch him." Jason stood up and left. Stephanie listened as the motorcycle revved and disappeared. She picked up the cloth and wiped Dick's brow.

"Please, brother, be ok. Don't leave me!"

Batcave, May 8th, -5:10 pm

Dick groaned. And he felt everything crash down on him and he could only groan again.

"You ok, Boy Wonder?" A soft voice whispered. Dick tried to roll his head towards the voice, but found his head was already facing that way.

"Mami"He croaked.

"Nope, try again."

"Well, Bruce?" Dick asked, reason returning rapidly to him. He heard the gasp of fake insult and snickered at Barbra's over offense, then groaned. Breathing hurt.

"You, my friend, are in quite the predicament." Barbra whispered.

"I guess." Dick groaned. "Light off. Please." He asked, his throat felt raw and his mouth tasted horrible. Dick felt like maybe something could make this feeling go away. He knew, in fact that there was something. He should get some.

"Barbra."

"Yes?"

"Do you have it?"

"Have what?"

"I need it Barbra. Please. I need it." Dick felt like every breath was a thousand pounds of pressure on his chest. He couldn't keep his eyes open. He didn't see Barbra's horrified face. He coughed and felt pins and needles coating his throat. His skin burned and Dick felt a desire like never before. Burning sensation sent shivers to his groin. Dick groaned in discomfort. He couldn't breathe and every movement caused extreme pain.

"Dick, you don't need anything."

"Yes, I need it. Barbra, please, it's killing me. Please, help me!" Dick begged, tears filling his eyes. Barbra covered her mouth and choked on sobs. She couldn't let herself listen. He needed to fight it. Barbra reached for some water.

"No, no Dick! You don't! You're stronger!" Barbra pleaded to Dick. She lifted his head, offering the water.

"Barbra!" Dick's voice broke and he was truly crying. He begged and begged, reached with weak, uncooperative hands. Barbra forced him to sip the water, which he did, most of the water running down his chest.

"Please, you care, a little right? You care for me in just the slightest no? Please Barbra, please!" Dick cried. Barbra, after setting the empty glass on the stand backed up her chair. Dick sat up and reached for Barbra. His face contorted in pain. Barbra jumped as Dick lunged at her. She backed out of the temporary room set up around Dick's cot and slammed the door shut and turned the lock. Barbra fell out of her chair against the door, causing a slight clashing sound as her chair rolled backwards and hit the computer.

Barbra took in huge gasping breaths, crying against the door. She felt Dick's fingers scratch the door. Felt it every time he pounded on the door. Heard every, weakening cry for help. Barbra could do nothing.

When, two hours later, Bruce and the others came home and found Barbra just crying softly against the door.

Batcave, May 9th, -8:10 am

Dick groaned as the world swam in and out of focus. He could feel a presence off to his right.

"I see you're more or less conscious." A deep voice began. Dick gingerly raised his hand to his head, probing his aching head. It wasn't until he felt his head that he realized that his whole body ached, a lot.

"Ugh."

"Are you alright?"

That is probably the dumbest question I have ever heard.

"Ugh."

"Alright, you're probably not in the mood to hear this, but you need to. Did you kill him?" Dick didn't even need a moment to even consider what was being asked of him.

"No… I…yes." Dick relented, trying to breathe evenly. He felt the burning eyes, the disappointed stare.

"Richard. Did you intend to and go through with killing Dr. Desmond?" Bruce's burning dark blue eyes lit with a determined fire. Dick's vision cleared and all he saw was Bruce's disappointment.

"Bruce." Dick's throat closed and he could only meet those angry eyes in shame.

"Did you pull the trigger?" Bruce's voice was hard and cold. Dick looked deep into Bruce's eyes. He searched his brain for the recollection of squeezing a trigger. He did remember firing a gun, but that was clear and Dick knew he was aiming for flashes of silver and had a clear goal of just disarming.

"I…" Dick closed his eyes, trying to remember. Bruce held his breath.

Dick felt the hate, the emotions, the confusion, but he couldn't remember doing anything. He thought as hard as he could, the effort making him sweat.

"Dick?" Bruce put a hand on Dick's forehead. Dick's fever was rising. Bruce grabbed the washcloth and dabbed his eldest ward. "Dick, please, did you shoot Desmond?" Bruce pleaded. Dick looked frantically at Bruce, and in a breathless voice, tears choking him,

"I killed him. Did I need the gun? I stood by and let her shoot. Bruce, I may not have had the gun, but I killed him." Dick gasped, gripping Bruce's arm now in a death grip as if he was drowning. "Bruce, please, help me! Please!" Dick begged, trying to sit up, but a leather band over his chest held him down and his left arm was restrained as well. "Bruce, don't let me die!" Dick begged.

Bruce gripped Dick's hands and pulled it close to his mouth as he prayed and held his son tight. He barely heard Dick's begging, he just held onto to his ward tightly.

"Dick, please, son, hold tight to me." Bruce whispered over and over. The two gripped each other tightly until Dick made himself pass out. Bruce waited another half hour, then gently let Dick's hand fall. He wiped Dick's brow once more, then gave Dick a light kiss on his forehead. Stopping just once at the door to glance back one last time, Bruce left.

Watchtower, May 7th, -9:00 am

Batman walked swiftly into the Watchtower, a disc flashing in his hand. He walked with strong purpose. Walking into the first briefing room, Batman was faced with some of the most influential people in the world: the UN Director, the American President, the Chinese Ambassador, four African representatives, and various representatives of the most global corporations. Not to mention: Superman, Wonder Woman, Green Lanterns (Hal Jordan and John), Martian Manhunter, Hawkwoman, The Flash, Aquaman along with Hawkman, Cyborg, and Tigress. Everyone fixed Batman with long, hard stares.

"I'm here to clear Nightwing's name." Batman announced, lifting the disc.

Batman had of course edited the video. He was lucky Dick was gasping desperately so much, because editing out names made it look like Nightwing was just gasping, that and Batman had edited in him saying 'Nightwing.'

"He admits to killing the man." The Chinese man said.

"If you consider Desmond still a man." Batman retorted. Superman put a supportive and restraining hand on Batman's shoulder.

"But," one of the African men said, "He did not fire. He was not actively part of this… man's death."

"But he stood by and did nothing." The UN Director said. "The worst places in Hell are those who do nothing. Dante."

"I believe, for Dante, he placed liars the closest to the devil." Batman growled. The UN director paled, and swallowed hard. Suspicious glances were tossed towards the Director. After an awkward silence, the argument resumed.

"He appeared in an unstable condition, how can we trust what he says?"

"I ask you, did he look like he was mentally able to come up with a lie?" some discontented murmurings.

"Batman," The US President stood, "We have come to an agreement, If the young woman, Catalina Flores, aka, Tarantula, admits to killing Desmond, then we, the World Leaders will consider a full pardon."

"Consider?" Batman's voice was dangerous, but he kept his body relaxed and in an unthreatening, if Batman could be unthreatening, pose.

"We'll agree to drop all charges." The President said quickly, supported by the rapid nods of the other World Leaders.

"Now, we should leave, and return to our normal meetings." The Chinese man said. The League nodded, and Martian Manhunter's eyes glowed as all the men fainted.

"They shall be returned to the meeting room on Earth and be ready to go home." J'hn said. The League nodded again.

"Bruce,"

"Not only are we in costume, we are in the Watchtower." Batman said, sighing wearily. Superman was surprised at his friend's now more relaxed shoulders.

"You really, I'm proud of how you handled the situation. But you might have made them think you were related." Superman commented. Batman nodded sadly.

"Clark, I now need the League to clear my son's name as well."

"Bruce," Diana walked up, "We, though we all wish to just forgive Dick, we should get Catalina's confession first."

Batman closed his eyes as if in pain.

"Jason has her."

"What?" Oliver Queen walked up, worry evident on his face.

"Damian, Tim, Stephanie and Jason all charged out after Dick… he more or less broke down right in front of Barbra. Barbra went home in tears and I haven't heard from her yet. The others, they were so pissed at Tarantula, they charged out. I've talked to them, and Jason told me he has her in custody. He is bringing her to the Batcave, I suggest you follow me and help me get a confession."

May7th Batcave, 12:00 pm

The leaders of the Justice League entered the cave and follow Batman down three levels to the jail cells, where all the Batkids, minus Barbra, were gathered. In the cell, was a blonde, who looked about thirty, who was chained to the wall. She looked up as the League members approached.

"Hello boys."

"Excuse me." Diana and Dinah, who had joined them, exclaimed coldly.

"Oh, I guess there are some efforts to make the hero business more gender equal." Catalina smiled, showing off bloodied teeth. Batman glared at Jason.

"She wouldn't just come with me." He grunted. Catalina laughed, and her voice tinkled like bells.

"I'm impressed, Bruce. You have quite a few attractive children." Catalina's smile was still stunning even in her torn clothes and bloodied mouth. Bruce frowned.

"Explain." Batman growled. Catalina went through another round of giggles.

"You're such a gentleman; I can tell you've been a great role-model for Rick."

"Rick?" Oliver asked.

"Hm? I guess he would expect to have you guys call him dick. In Bludhaven, Trainee Richard Grayson was also known as 'Rick'. I have a News clipping, if you want it." Catalina dug in her pockets. "I guess it is in my purse."She shrugged. "It wasn't hard you know. I just let myself get mugged and Nightwing saved me one time. Had a cute little flirt-off. Well, then I ran his physical attributes through the FBI system. As an officer of the law, he was in the system. 5' 9 ½", short for a hero, black hair, and unfortunately, I couldn't say 'great ass' to find him on the site. I had a few hundred possibilities, about fifty in Bludhaven, and then I looked for the police station in the worst part of town, and bingo. Luck and Logic." Catalina yawned. "Now what do you want?"

"Who killed Desmond?" Superman asked. Catalina paused before fixing Superman with a hard stare.

"Did you not ask Rick?" She asked, her face guarded, but her eyes trying to stay flirty.

"He said he didn't pull the trigger."

"He said he killed Desmond, didn't he?" Catalina asked, her face smiling slightly. "I guess he should blame himself. Fine, I pulled the trigger, but Nightwing, upon his own choice, walked out of the way and let me shoot." Catalina smiled triumphantly at the fallen faces.

"She admitted to pulling the trigger and killing Desmond." Batman whipped out a recorder and turned to walk out. "I'm sending this to the world Leaders and you were witnesses. All you asked for has been accomplished."

Only those who really knew Batman, which was basically everyone except Catalina, could hear the tightness in Batman's voice as he tried to focus only on getting his evidence.

"Oh! I can't wait until Dick wakes up!" Catalina shouted at Batman's retreating back. "This will be just so fun! You get to deal with that shit! You'll want to do it too! I thought he was strong, but you get to watch your little baby in his true self, a pathetic, self-loathing, maniac who does nothing but try to make himself seem like an angel." Catalina was laughing, but crying and the same time. "Please, please don't let him wake up." She begged. "He doesn't deserve it." The rest of the group left Catalina as a sobbing mess.

Well? It is a bit longer, but I just really wanted to get this arc wrapped up. I hope you enjoy the story and

REVIEW! Please and thanks.

Love,

Burning Bright