Chapter Nine: Words in a Web
"Alfred! Alfred!" I stumbled down the stairs and almost flew into the butler who was carrying a basket of laundry.
"What is it my dear?" he turned to me and juggled the basket, trying not to drop it.
"I gained ten pounds!" I lifted up my top to show my stomach. My ribs were no longer showing and I looked healthy. It had been a month and everything was going great, well, save for the case of the missing adults and ice wars.
He smiled and patted my head. "You're getting better now, I see."
"What's all this noise?" Bruce trotted down the stairs, fixing his tie.
I waved and greeted him. "I gained ten pounds! Can I go on missions now?"
After the fight with Red, where I had to be carried home in defeat, Batman refused to let me go on any missions until I had gained some weight and muscle. Of course, I argued that I was a strong fighter even when I was skinny as a twig, but Red Arrow shut me up and said to just listen. He wasn't going to carry me home again. So I trained endlessly in Bruce's gym and ate three large meals a day. I pounded water and ate an apple a day. And it paid off.
Bruce let out a laugh. "We'll see. Are you and Dick ready for school?"
"Yeah," Dick walked around the corner, tapping away on his phone.
I smiled. Everything was perfect.
For now.
Xx
I sat with Artemis at lunch and we gossiped and chatted. It was nice. She was so cool, the older sister I always wanted. I tried to get her to admit that she liked Wally but she denied it so much I got tired of asking. Even Barbara seemed to lighten up around me. I found her in the library and she helped me with my English Essay.
After school Dick and I went to the comic store and bought a few before we headed to the park. It was cold out and I wrapped my scarf around my neck tightly and covered my nose and mouth with it. It began to snow and I looked up at the grey sky. I smiled.
"We have to report in soon." I said, turning to him.
I found him staring at me and when I looked over he blushed and looked away, rubbing the back of his neck. "Yeah, I guess we do. Uh, can I… can I ask you a question?"
I raised an eyebrow. "Why do you sound so whelmed?" I grinned cheekily.
He smiled and went pink. "Bats said he had a mission for the team and I, uh, was wondering if when we get back… if you'd, y'know, wanna go on a date… with me."
He blushed and looked away, playing with his thumbs. I stared at him. He meant it. He really meant it. A date with Dick... I felt my heart skip a beat. I remembered when he kissed me on the cheek and told me never to leave him again. He liked me. He must have!
I smiled so brightly I thought my cheeks were going to explode. "I'd love to!"
He grinned back, a bit more relaxed now that his fears were pushed aside. "I'm looking forward to it then."
We smiled.
But the date would never happen.
Xx
I was in my room that night. The others had left for their mission; I waved to them as they went. After I was done on patrol with Batman I went home and took a long shower. I still couldn't wipe off the smile I had on since Dick asked me on a date. It was like a perfect dream.
I hung my suit in my closet and dressed in a large t-shirt. I was towel drying my hair when there was a tap on my window. I jumped and stepped back.
Red sat on the outside of my windowsill. I scowled and pushed open the window. She slipped in with grace.
"What do you want?" I snarled.
She pulled out a yellow envelope from her cleavage and held it out to me. "Boss wants you to give this to Robin. I take it you know who he is."
She looked at me with a blank, bored but hateful look. I snatched the letter and turned it over. It had his name scribbled on the front of it.
"Boss?" I growled. What was going to happen?
Red crossed her arms. "My Dad, the Joker."
My upper lip curled. "What does he want with Robin?"
"Dunno." She kept looking at me with this hatred that made my stomach tie into knots. "He didn't say. Probably make it so Batty-boy won't have a successor."
My eyes widened and my mouth dropped open a little. "N-no…"
She climbed back onto the windowsill but before she jumped she turned back to me, she bit her lip before speaking. "Be careful, Win, and don't do anything stupid."
Then she jumped.
I sunk to my knees. Everything that was perfect came crashing down around me. Robin was in danger. The Joker would no doubt trick him into going alone to his death. I couldn't let that happen. I just couldn't. I ripped open the letter and read it.
Little Bird,
You have three days. ONLY THREE! HAHA! To show up where I want you to be. You've gotta be alone. ALONE! HA! Or the little game won't be as much fun! But here's the catch. If you tell anyone or don't show up alone, then Gotham Academy goes BOOM! BOOM! HAHAHA! On Thursday night at MIDNIGHT! Go to the abandoned theater in Crime Alley. Red Queen will meet you there and take you to me. See you soon. Remember: COME ALONE! HAHA ALONE!
Joker
I broke into sobs. Everything wasn't perfect anymore.
Xx
It was late. I knew that the team would be back in about an hour, so I had to be quick before they caught me. No one had to know until…
I shook my head and set my folded uniform down in the kitchen of Mount Justice. On top I placed my own letter. I refused to cry and put the little green mask by the note. Looking around I quietly said goodbye before I slipped out.
I had stolen Dick's spare Robin costume and bought a wig and styled it just like his hair. I wrapped my chest up and I thought I could just about pass as Robin himself. All I had to do was refrain from talking. I met Red Queen and let her lead me to where ever.
I didn't know what was going to happen. I didn't know if I was going to live. But I would die happy knowing I saved Robin, allowing him to go on to become something great. Something I was too weak to be.
Looking up at the night sky I said a small prayer.
Xx
Wally sped into the kitchen howling about being hungry. They others, sore and tired, were going to hit the showers before heading home. But just as they got half way there they heard Wally call for them franticly.
Racing into the kitchen the huddled around the letter and green costume on the table.
Dear Team,
If you're reading this I'm either dead or wishing I was.
It doesn't matter does it? I'm not a Superhero. I'm not strong or skilled at anything. But I figured out how I can finally help the team without getting in the way.
The Joker wants you dead, Robin. So I'm going to stop it. I'm giving my life so you don't have to. You're going to be great. I know it.
So this is goodbye. And thank you for everything.
Winifred
Robin felt his heart drop down into his shoes. Without a second thought they raced to save her.