Chapter 11 Offices, Luthor, and Hyenas
Disclaimer: The usual, I don't own Young Justice.
The following week passed quickly. Dick was excelling in his schoolwork and training to Bruce's delight. Meanwhile, Batman and Robin were taking Gotham by storm at night. It had finally leaked to the press that Batman had a partner so on Friday morning it was on the front page.
Dick entered the dinning room sleepily that morning wearing his Green Lateran pajamas. He was surprised that as soon as he sat down Bruce threw the newspaper at him. Dick caught it and gave Bruce a look.
"Look at the headline," Bruce smirked.
Dick grinned when he saw the headline: BATMAN GAINS KID PARTNER! Underneath it was a very blurry picture of Batman and Robin jumping across rooftops.
"Awesome!" Dick exclaimed, throwing the paper back at Bruce.
"Thought you might like it," Bruce chuckled.
"Gotham criminals beware! The Dynamic Duo is here!" Dick shouted, raising his fist into the air.
"The Dynamic Duo? I like it," Bruce laughed.
Dick laughed too, before eating some of his eggs.
"Would you be interested in coming to work with me today?" Bruce asked.
"Of course I would!" Dick answered.
"Then hurry up and get ready. We have to leave in ten minutes. Also, bring some stuff to do so you won't get bored," Bruce told him.
Dick nodded, and quickly finished his eggs. He then ran back upstairs to change clothes and pack some toys. He changed into his Green Arrow t-shirt and black shorts. Dick opened his closet and grabbed his Justice League book bag. He put a Scooby Doo coloring book, a pack of crayons, game boy, Hot Wheels: World Race game, Finding Nemo/Monster Inc. game, and his Batman plushie inside. Dick quickly put on his Ben 10 sneakers, and ran down the hall. When he reached the stairs he slid down the banister to where Bruce was waiting for him at the bottom of the stairs.
"Ready!" Dick announced.
Bruce smiled and led him to the garage.
"Can we ride in the Mustang?" Dick asked.
Bruce nodded.
Dick whooped and ran to the car.
Bruce laughed and followed him.
"I don't think I'm ever going to get use to how big Gotham is," Dick told Bruce.
"I know what you mean. When I turned eighteen I left Gotham for two years so I could train. By the time I got back I had forgotten just how big this place was. It took me awhile to get use to being around so many people again," Bruce replied.
"Do you ever regret coming back?" Dick asked.
"Never. I've helped too many people. Besides, if I'd never came back you'd never be a part of my life," Bruce answered.
"Yeah, but I'm nothing special," Dick shrugged.
"You are very special. You've changed my life and Alfred's life. You are also the first child hero. You are a Flying Grayson. The last time I checked all of those things were very special," Bruce said.
"Mulțumiri tătic," Dick whispered. "Thanks Daddy."
Bruce reached in the backseat and patter Dick's knee.
Dick grinned, as the car pulled into the parking lot of Wayne Enterprises.
"How many floors are there?" Dick asked, getting out of the car.
"Eighty three," Bruce replied.
"And your office is on?" Dick asked.
"The top floor," Bruce answered.
Dick smiled as the two entered the building.
"Good morning, Mr. Wayne," a man called, waving at the pair.
"Good morning, Larry," Bruce responded, leading Dick to the elevators.
Dick looked around in awe. The bottom floor alone was huge and full of people. Bruce had to nudge Dick to let him know the elevator had arrived.
"Hello, Mr. Wayne," a tall woman with red said.
"Hello, Alice, how is your son doing?" Bruce inquired.
"Much better. I don't know how we would have been able to pay for his surgeries without your donation. My husband and I are very grateful," Alice informed him.
"It's the least I could do. You are an extremely hard worker, and I would hate for any child to have to suffer because of being hit by a drunk driver. Besides, after having to take care of a child a person's view on life changes a great deal," Bruce replied, smiling at Dick.
"That it does," Alice agreed, exiting the elevator at the forty fifth floor.
"Do you give money to everyone that needs help?" Dick asked in admiration.
"Not everyone, but everyone I can," Bruce told him.
"Just don't take in another kid. I don't like sharing," Dick said, seriously.
"Wouldn't dream of it," Bruce chuckled.
They got off the elevator at the top floor, and Dick followed Bruce down the hall.
"This floor is mainly conference rooms so there is not that many people up here besides myself and my assistant," Bruce explained.
Dick nodded, only half listening, as he looked at all the pictures on the walls.
"Luckily for us, there was a conference room that was connected to my office, but I rarely used it. So I thought I could make it into an office for you," Bruce continued, nonchalantly.
This got Dick's attention.
"Really?" Dick demanded.
"Mhm," Bruce nodded.
"Well, hurry up then! I want to see it!" Dick exclaimed.
Bruce laughed as Dick began attempting to push him down the hallway.
"Alright then," Bruce agreed, picking Dick up and throwing him over his shoulder.
Dick giggled uncontrollably, as Bruce fast walked toward their offices.
Outside of Bruce's office, Bruce sat Dick back on the ground.
"Good morning sir," Lillian, his assistant greeted.
"Morning," Bruce replied, nodding in her direction.
"You must be Dick," Lillian stated.
Dick nodded proudly.
"Well, you should know that Bruce never stops talking about you. The two of us never had a conversation that did not involve work until you came along," Lillian said.
Dick smiled, "I'm just that special."
Lillian laughed, "You seem to be."
Bruce smiled at her, "Come on, Dick."
"See you later," Dick waved.
"Bye," Lillian replied, turning back to her desk.
Bruce held the door open to his office, and Dick skipped inside.
"Woah," Dick commented, running to look out the window.
"The view is one of the perks," Bruce agreed, coming to stand behind his ward.
"This has to be the best view in all of Gotham," Dick grinned.
"One of them," Bruce smiled.
"Can I see mine now?" Dick asked.
"Of course," Bruce answered, turning to show Dick a door that lead to his office.
Dick ran to it and opened the door. Inside was a small desk, with a Dell desktop computer sitting there. There also was a TV hanging from the wall.
"This is so cool!" Dick exclaimed. "Thanks Bruce!"
Dick ran to Bruce and hugged him. Bruce's smile fell for a minute when Dick called him Bruce instead of dad. "Can't expect him to call me that all the time," Bruce reminded himself.
"I thought that this way you could come to work with me sometimes so we could spend so more time together. It will also get you out of the house more," Bruce explained.
"Awesome! Can I come with you once a week?" Dick asked, giving Bruce his best puppy eyes.
Bruce nodded smiling.
"Will you show me around some?" Dick inquired.
"Later. First, I want to you show you something on this computer," Bruce replied, walking toward the desk.
Dick quickly followed, sitting down.
"This computer is directly linked to the system in the Batcave. You, Alfred, and I are the only people who can access it. The computer has voice and code recognition. To get on simply say RG1," Bruce explained.
"RG1," Dick said to the computer.
The computer immediately turned on.
"That is so cool!" Dick cried.
"Thought you'd like it," Bruce smirked.
"I love it!" Dick smiled.
"Alright. Well, if you need anything I'll be in my office. If I leave without telling you just go ask Lillian for anything you need," Bruce instructed.
"Yes sir," Dick replied, as Bruce left the room.
"So, what should I hack first?" Dick muttered to himself, popping his knuckles.
For lunch, Bruce and Dick walked to a Chinese restaurant a block away.
"I've been meaning to ask you how you would feel about going to school?" Bruce said, as the pair left the Wayne Enterprise building.
"School? Like public school?" Dick asked, looking up confused.
"Not public school. The public schools in this city are terrible, and I am not sending you to any of them," Bruce answered.
"Then just keep homeschooling me. Problem solved," Dick shrugged.
"It's not that simple, Dick. You need to be around people your own age for healthy development," Bruce sighed.
"But I don't want to go to school with a bunch of people I don't know," Dick argued.
"I know, bud, but everyone has to go to school with people they don't know at some point in their life," Bruce said.
"Yeah, but I can start next year," Dick replied.
"You can't keep putting it off. In the fall, you need to start going to a school with people your age. There are a ton of great private schools around here, and you can even help decide which one you want to go to," Bruce promised.
"But what if the other kids are mean to me?" Dick asked his feet.
Bruce sighed and got on one knee to be on Dick's level.
Bruce placed his hands on Dick's shoulders, "There will always be mean people in this world, but that doesn't mean you should let them keep you from living your life. Going to a normal school will help you learn and grow. I know it'll be a big change for you, and that's why I didn't put you in school right away. However, I think it's time for you to take the next step. Think you can at least try it?"
Dick looked at Bruce for a moment and nodded.
Bruce smiled and stood up.
"Come on. The restaurant is just around the corner," Bruce told him.
Dick followed him, "I want two egg rolls and rice."
"I can do that," Bruce nodded.
Dick cheered, and ran ahead into the restaurant.
Bruce shook his head, and speed up so he could keep up with Dick. Bruce entered the restaurant, and walked to where Dick was studying the menu.
"Still want two egg rolls and rice?" Bruce asked, looking at the menu.
Dick nodded.
"Hello, I would like five egg rolls and two servings of rice," Bruce told the lady at the register.
"Don't forget the fortune cookies!" Dick added.
"You heard him," Bruce said.
The girl wrote the order down and handed it to the cook.
"Aren't you Bruce Wayne?" the girl asked.
"Yes," Bruce answered.
"Wow. Can I have your autograph?" she asked.
Dick snorted.
"No," Bruce said.
"Oh. It's just I want to prove that I've met you," the girl said.
"I'm not giving you my autograph," Bruce said, barely suppressing an eye roll.
"How about a picture?" the girl pressed.
"No," Bruce growled, beginning to lose his patience.
"Oh. Well, would you be interested in going out with me sometime?" she asked, batting her eyes.
"No," Bruce repeated.
"But you went out with a friend of mine that you met at a diner!" the girl cried.
"Then definitely no," Bruce said.
"Here's your food then," the girl sniffed, handing Bruce a bag with their order inside.
"Thank you," Bruce smiled.
Dick started laughing as soon as they had exited the restaurant.
"What was her problem?" he asked, giggling.
"Some people just want five minutes of fame," Bruce shrugged.
"And dating you they get that?" Dick questioned.
"Sometimes," Bruce nodded.
"Have you ever dated someone that you actually had feelings for?" Dick asked.
"Once," Bruce answered.
"Selena?" Dick asked.
"Why are you so interested in my love life?"Bruce demanded, raising an eyebrow.
"Cause whoever you marry will affect me," Dick pointed out.
"Hate to break it to you, but me getting married is highly unlikely," Bruce said.
"And what a shame that is," Dick commented.
Bruce laughed, as the pair entered Wayne Enterprises.
"I already told you I don't like sharing," Dick shrugged.
"That you did," Bruce agreed, getting on the elevator.
The two rode in silence to the top floor.
"You don't have have a basketball court on the grounds do you?" Dick asked, exiting the elevator.
"No, why?" Bruce inquired.
"It's just you are one of the richest people in the world, but you don't have a basketball court. Don't you find that a little odd?" Dick said.
Bruce laughed, but stopped as soon as he saw a bald man waiting in front of his office.
Dick looked at him curiously.
"Hello, Mr. Wayne," the man greeted.
"Mr. Luthor, how can I help you?" Bruce replied, stiffly.
"I was wondering if I could talk to you in private," Luthor said.
"Of course, when?" Bruce asked.
"Right now would be preferable," Luthor answered.
"I was about to have lunch with my ward. Could you come back later?" Bruce requested.
"It will be now, or I will take my offer elsewhere," Luthor told Bruce.
"I see. Dick go to your office. I will come and get you when Mr. Luthor and I are done talking," Bruce instructed, handing the food to Dick.
Dick nodded, and went through Bruce's office into his own. He paused a moment to watch Bruce lead Luthor to one of the conference rooms.
"Something is definitely wrong here. It is obvious Bruce doesn't like the guy, and I want to know why," Dick thought, entering his office. He took one look at his computer and smirked.
"And I won't even have to wait to know why," Dick smirked to himself.
"RG1," he told the computer.
As soon as the computer turned on, Dick went straight to the database that connected with the Batcomputer. He quickly searched Lex Luthor. The profile that came up had a lot of information about past illegal dealings Luthor was a part of.
"He's pretty clever. He knows how to cover his tracks so he is never arrested for anything he does wrong," Dick concluded while reading the file.
"No wonder Bruce doesn't like him," Dick murmured.
"The question is what is he really doing in Gotham," Bruce said from behind him.
Dick turned around and saw Bruce.
"I'm guessing Batman and Robin are going on a stakeout this evening," Dick said.
"You'd be right, because I know Luthor does not care about the next Wayne Foundation event. Nor does he plan on doing anything for it unless it is talked about to the press," Bruce replied.
That night Batman and Robin stood on the building across from Luthor's hotel. Batman had his binoculars out staring into Luthor's room.
"It's been an hour and he hasn't done besides watch the news," Robin groaned. He was laying on the ground at Batman's feet.
"These things take time. Learn patience," Batman stated, not taking his eyes off Luthor.
"But I don't want to," Robin moaned, "It's boring."
"A lot of necessary things are," Batman said.
"But that doesn't make them any less boring," a voice from behind them said.
Robin jumped up and got in a fighting stance. Floating in front of him was Superman with his arms crossed.
Robin's jaw dropped, "You're Superman."
"That I am," Superman chuckled.
"What are you doing here?" Batman growled.
"Same thing you are, trying to find out what Luthor is up to," Superman said.
"Do you have any leads?" Batman asked.
"You can fly! I've always wanted to fly!" Robin cried.
Batman glared at him.
"Well, I have," Robin shrugged.
"That's the other thing I wanted to come to Gotham for. I wanted to see if the rumors about you getting a sidekick are true," Superman added.
"Partner," Robin interjected.
"They are," Batman nodded.
"You do realize how crazy it is to let a child on the field," Superman said.
"Are you his father?" Batman asked.
"No, but-"
"Didn't think so. Meaning you have no part of the decision," Batman said.
Superman sighed, and landed on the building.
"Can you take me flying sometime?" Robin asked.
"No," Batman answered.
"But-"
"No," Batman repeated.
Robin huffed and sat back down.
"I wouldn't mind," Superman told them.
"I said no," Batman growled.
"Why not?" Robin whined.
"You could get hurt," Batman replied.
"He's Superman! Nothing could happen!" Robin argued.
"Something could always happen," Batman insisted.
"You worry too much," Superman said.
"Live in Gotham with a young child and see how much you worry," Batman told him.
Superman rolled his eyes.
Robin giggled.
Batman glared at both of them.
"Are you going to keep gossiping and let Luthor find us, or are you getting to shut up and help us keep watch?" Batman asked, after a moment of silence.
"Obviously, I came here to help," Superman answered.
"Obviously," Batman agreed statistically.
Superman glared at him.
"I can't believe I am meeting Superman!" Robin whispered.
Batman groaned.
"So what do you go by?" Superman asked, ignoring his friend.
"Robin," Robin answered, proudly, sticking his chest out.
"Robin? Where'd you get that from?" Superman asked.
"Something my mom used to call me," Robin whispered, looking down.
"I'm sure she'd be proud," Superman assured him.
"You know who I am?" Robin asked.
"Wasn't hard to guess since I know who he is," Superman replied, nodding at Batman.
Batman grunted.
"Anyways, I thought you might want to know," Superman said, turning to Batman, "The rumor is that Luthor is working with one of the Gotham villains to smuggle in some shipment."
"Who with? What's the shipment?" Batman asked.
"I don't know," Superman sighed.
"Great," Batman groaned.
"Luthor's leaving," Robin commented.
Batman and Superman's heads snapped to Luthor's hotel room. Luthor was putting a coat on and walking out the door.
"One of us needs to follow him," Superman said.
"And you are too obvious," Batman pointed out.
"Meaning he'd be expecting you," Superman agreed.
"I can go," Robin offered.
"No," both adult heroes said.
"Come on. Think about it. He wouldn't expect me, and I can follow him easily without being noticed. Also, you can both follow from a safe distance to make sure nothing will happen," Robin persuaded.
"No," Batman repeated.
"I don't know. He has good points," Superman pointed out.
"I don't care how good his points are. He is not going to follow Luthor and ran into a situation he is not ready to handle," Batman growled.
"Come on! I'll be fine, and you'll be right behind me!" Robin whined.
Batman looked at them for a moment.
"Fine, but we'll be following right behind you," Batman said, "And don't engage."
"Yes sir," Robin saluted, and back flipped off the building. Then he took the grappling hook and swung to the next building. Robin followed Luthor's car to the shipping yard. There he hid behind a bunch of crates.
It was quite for a moment before he heard an evil laugh.
"I don't want to play your games Joker," Robin heard Luthor say.
Robin peaked from behind his hiding spot. He gulped at the sight in front of him. Luthor stood proudly with a woman beside him. Across from them was the Joker and Harley Quinn. Both were grinning evilly. At there sides were two hyenas.
"I wish Dad was here," Robin thought, watching the four stare at each other.
"Have the weapons arrived?" Luthor asked.
"Yes, but first I want my money," Joker replied.
"Let me see the weapons first," Luthor demanded.
"Of course," Joker said, "Harley show the nice man one of the guns he ordered."
There was no talking for a few minutes. Robin decided to sneak a look over one of the crates. He watched as Luthor inspected a large specialized gun.
"Would the ray be able to kill Superman?" Luthor inquired.
"Kill? No. Injure long enough to get him out of the way? Yes," Joker smirked.
"I see. How much would you like for it and the others?" Joker asked.
"I'll give you ten thousand for the lot," Luthor answered.
"Deal," Joker agreed.
Robin watched as Luthor handed over the money. Joker was about to hand Luthor the gun when a Batarang hit both of them in the hand.
"Batman!" Joker snarled, reaching to pick up the gun.
Superman flew upwards and shot his heat vision at Joker's hand. Joker screamed and glared.
"Mercy!" Luthor shouted at the woman with him.
Mercy aimed her arm at Batman and transitioned it into a gun. She shoot it repeatedly at Batman. Batman jumped around, easily dodging it. Meanwhile, Robin climbed on top of the crate he was hiding behind and threw an explosive batarang at Mercy's arm. It blew off half of her robotic arm, and threw her backwards into a nearby crate. Joker looked at Robin for the first time.
"Batsy has a kid!" Joker squealed.
"Awww! Can we keep him?" Harley cooed.
Batman scowled at her. He back flipped over to her, and kicked her in the chest.
"Oww!" Harley screamed. "Babies!"
The two hyenas ran to Batman and tackled him to the ground. Joker cackled. Robin did a front flip off his crate and landed a kick on one of the hyenas. The hyena squeaked and ran off.
"That was my baby!" Harley screamed, running at Robin. Robin got into a fighting stance.
In the meantime, Batman had pushed the other hyena off of him. However, Joker had come up from behind and knocked him unconscious with a shovel.
"Grab the boy!" Joker shouted at Harley.
Harley punched Robin in the stomach, causing him to fall to the ground. Robin used his arms to push himself back up and kicked Harley in the head.
"Must I do everything for myself?" Joker shouted, running toward Robin with a knife in hand.
Robin turned around in time for the knife miss his back, but it did end up piercing the skin underneath his left elbow. Robin cried out in pain, grabbing his arm with his other hand. Joker laughed at his pain and kicked him int the shin. Robin fell to the ground, glaring at Joker. He positioned himself to kick Joker, but was never given the chance. Joker quickly hit Robin in the side of his neck, effectively knocking him out.
"Good one, Pudding," Harley cackled from behind them.
Joker grabbed Robin by his collar and dragged him along, as he walked toward Harley
Meanwhile, Superman had been dodging one of the guns Luthor had just bought, and was currently shooting at him. Finally, Superman had gotten a chance to use his heat vision and split the gun in half. Luthor scowled at him before running to his car with Mercy. Superman began chasing him, but stopped when Luthor turned into the city. Superman had turned around and went back to where he had left Batman to deal with Joker. All he saw was Batman regaining consciousness. He flew to his side.
"Are you alright?" Superman asked, helping him up.
"Where's Robin?" Batman groaned.
Superman used his x-ray vision to check the area, before turning back to Batman.
"Gone."
AN: Sorry for the late update, but I've been really busy with school lately. Hopefully, the length of this chapter will make up for that. It's double the length of my usual ones. As always, thanks for all the support, reviews, favorites, and follows.