Author Note: I managed to just about squeeze out the new chapter, and spent most my day doing so please show a little gratitude and review. To all of you who did review thank you I'm glad you liked the last few chapters but there's a few pretty obvious lines I need to go back and fix. Thank you to all of you who added this story to you favourites and alerts.
Right finally we make it into the Under the Red Hood as such…
Disclaimer: There are lines and scenes within this chapter that are taken directly from the Under the Red Hood film as such I don't own these they belong to their respective writers.
Please read and review this chapter is unbetad so expect mistakes
Chapter 13: The great Amazo
Harry sighed in frustration as he carefully stood from his desk, carefully observing Mr Burgess who had his focus on grading papers. His bottom and lower back ached dully protesting having sat on such an uncomfortable seat for such an extended period of time, the small twinges of pain could be considered punishment enough for the boy. His eyes briefly flickered to the round clock set above the old chalkboard as they had constantly for the past hour, the hands revealing that it was now quarter past four in the afternoon the school day having ended an hour ago for the rest of the student body. The detentions had all been the same; he would remain seated as the other kids rushed past him as the end of day bell rang Mr Burgess waiting until all the others had left before bringing over various work sheets for Harry to complete.
To be fair to the man he didn't just leave Harry to it, often trying to question Harry on if he understood the material and if he needed help completing them. Harry would politely decline these offers already at least slightly knowledgeable on the subjects and therefore confident that he could complete the tasks withou6t assistance. Mr Burgess often looked disappointed at the reply before returning to his desk to complete his own work tasks, casting a worried glance at Harry every now and again as the boy fully immersed himself in his work.
Harry thanks to the Dark Knights insane training regime had found himself more and more immersed in studying recently his time between training and the occasional patrol consumed by it. When questioned, Batman would reply that the boy needed to train all aspects of his body, his physical strength only being as powerful as his mental. Harry didn't really understand the statement as he believed that even really dumb people could be strong which therefore flawed the Dark Knights logic but he had simply nodded feigning understanding so as not to appear dumb to the man. As such the simple tid bits of information on crimes that he had been provided increased greatly, profiles as well as bits of something called psychology being integrated into his studying.
As well as this the man also demanded that Harry focus on his school work not wanting him to fall behind the other kids even as he was put thru physical exertion. He had been more than slightly angered to discover that Harry had three detentions and as such had decided to punish the boy for failing to perform adequately in his school work. This punishment –which was greatly unfair in Harry's opinion, he had only gotten the detentions due to the man's training schedule as well as his capture which led the boy to the conclusion that they were in fact his fault- included extra bonus training as well as a ban from patrol for the next few days. For the boy who had greatly enjoyed being able to head out and dispense punishment on criminals after such a long break, this was quite harsh.
Another sigh escaped his lips as he scooped up his work sheets carefully shuffling then into a somewhat neat pile as he walked toward his teacher's desk. He came to a stop in front of it his hands carefully holding the pile of paper in his hands as he looked at his teacher waiting for an acknowledgement of some kind. After a few moments it became obvious that Mr Burgess had yet to notice his presence fully consumed in his marking, Harry had to resist the urge to sigh again and gave a small cough.
When that didn't garner a reaction the boy decided to be a little more direct "sir…?" Mr Burgess's head snapped up so fast the boy was worried he might have what the adults called whiplash his dark brown bangs briefly becoming airborne before his head came to a halt. His eyes where wide and Harry could for the first time make out the colour of the man's eyes 'brown…huh who knew?'
The man had looked prepared for a small panic attack when those eyes settled on Harry the brief look of confused panic fading away to show calm warmth as he looked at the boy. "H…Harry heh you startled me…" he gave a small laugh as he brought his arm up to scratch the back of his head "sorry about that…I got lost in my thoughts, did you need something?" The man now looked hopeful as he stared at the young boy giving him his full attention.
The look quickly dropped when the boy shook his head slightly instead moving his own emerald eyes to above Burgess's head, the man following his gaze a moment later. "Oh…" his voice sounded slightly dejected to the boy as he brought his attention back to him "I didn't realise the time" he paused momentarily as he appeared to be trying to gather his thoughts his eyes clouding for a moments before he moved his gaze to the papers the boy carefully held in his hands. "Did you complete all the worksheets?"
Harry nodded once more and held them out for the man wanting to hurry this along, he had a long night of training ahead of him. The man sighed taking the papers from the boy and giving them a brief once over, a small nod of satisfaction was rewarded a minute later. "Right well, they appear to all be here…you can leave if you wish."
Harry just nodded once more turning to return to his desk to grab his rucksack pulling the old thing into place on his back before he turned heading for the door. "Wait!" Harry paused turning slightly to see that Burgess had moved from his desk and was now standing before him an oddly vulnerable expression on his face as he approached the boy, a minute later he had kneeled so as to bring himself on level with the child. "Harry…" his mouth opened for a second before he closed it, his eyes showing his conflict as he briefly looked away a pained grimace making itself present for but a moment before it was gone. "Harry…I just want you to know that if…if you ever need anything I'll be here. You just need to ask, alright?" Harry by this point was confused beyond belief at his teacher's actions and gave yet another nod in answer not sure how he was supposed to respond.
Burgess seemed to accept this as he smiled momentarily before giving the boy a slight pat on the shoulder "right well…you better get off home then its…its getting dark soon" finished he stood up turning to face the empty class room. Harry watched him for a moment confusion all to evident on his face before he decided to ponder it later, turning he walked out of the classroom. Halfway down the dark hallway he glanced back finding Mr Burgess staring at him, and the boy almost paused as the man's eyes appeared to briefly flicked yellow disregarding the idea as a trick of the light he carried on down the hall.
Burgess watched from the doorway a pained expression on his face as the boys emerald eyes turned back to watch where he was going, a single tear leaked from the man's eye as he watched one thought running thru his head. 'Oh Lily…'
Scene Break
Harry quickly made his way out of the school, careful to avoid the odd looking janitor as he hurried down the halls. When he finally made into the fresh air he gave a small sigh of relief, happy to finally have all his detention time over and done with. As he expected there was no uncle Vernon waiting for him, the man having firmly stated that he wouldn't be picking the boy up and that it was a punishment for him showing them up once more. Harry didn't really understand just how he had shown them up but thought better then to question his uncle to his face instead making the decision that he would ask Alfred for an explanation. The old man for once hadn't given one and looked rather angry when the boy explained that his family would not be coming to pick him up from his detentions, again Harry was confused by the odd behaviour but made the decision to just leave it alone for now. Speaking of Alfred…his communicator had begun to buzz from its place within his pocket the small device slightly tickling his covered thigh as he reached in to grab it.
He brought the device out quickly but cast a glance around him for any observers, fining the road that the school stood by rather busy today the boy decided to head to the alleyway were he would be better hidden from view. A minute later he stood in the alley quickly placing the communicator in his ear as he waited for a conformation from the other end.
"Ahh…good evening sir, I presume that your evenings detention has come to its conclusion" the crisp British accent as usual brought an instant smile to the boy's face.
"Yeah, tell Bats that I'll be at the corner as usual" Harry said as he started to walk to the other end of the alley intent on taking his usual route to where he and the Dark Knight would meet when Batman chose to bring him to the cave. He had only moved a few feet when Alfred's voice filtered thru the comlink once more his words halting the boy.
"I'm afraid that master Batman is preoccupied with a case at the moment sir, he will not be returning for a good few hours" as the words came thru Harry found himself frowning slightly, annoyed that Batman was out working a case without him once more. The man had accepted him as his student…well as accepting as he was surely this should mean that he should start treating Harry like his partner or at the very least confer with the boy. His fists unconsciously clenched tightly at his sides as he leaned against one of the alley walls his gaze fixed firmly on the ground. "But I am sure that he could use an extra pair of eyes on the case sir" Alfred's voice broke him out of his musings his anger briefly forgotten "I can have your costume sent on the Red Bird."
Harry smiled slightly at that remembering naming his bike that a few days after having received it; Alfred would often joke over his affection for an inanimate object. Harry in reply would stick his tongue out at the man often using any of his-extremely rare- spare time in the cave to polish the bike to the extent that it still looked brand new, the red on the frame practically gleaming even in the dull light of the cave. He frowned as his thought process returned to the present "but Al, Bat's said that I'm not to go out for at least another week." His voice came out weak to his own ears and a feeling of frustration washed over him irritated with his continuous bouts of weakness, he hated how small and weak his voice sounded. He was a hero now he was supposed to strike fear into the hearts of criminals not sound like he was about to cry.
Alfred didn't appear to notice as he took no notice continuing on "well sometimes sir I believe that master Batman needs a boot up the rear end and a forceful hand to show him that he is not all knowing" Harry snickered as the man spoke an imaginary image of Alfred delivering a firm kick to Batman's butt causing the boy to momentarily act his age, he stopped after a few moments but got the distinct feeling that Alfred was smirking on the other end of the communicator. "As such I believe a bit of defiance is needed every now and again to remind him that he needs help from those around him."
Harry paused for a moment contemplating Alfred's words his eyes shut, taking a deep breath he reopened his eyes a smirk now only his face. "How long till you can launch the Red Bird?"
A slight chuckle answered his question "It's already on route sir."
Scene Break
Batman was not having a good night- no that was an understatement he was having a terrible night. First off his current love interest Veronica had released a statement to the press claiming that they had made love the night before and that Bruce had apparently 'proposed'. As far as he knew –which he believed to be a lot as he had a perfect recollection of the night having been sober for the whole of it, his date not so much- there had been no 'love making' and as for the proposal, well he wasn't that stupid. Veronica was quite clearly a gold digger who was with Bruce for his fame and money no true interest in the playboy billionaire other than how good he was in bed.
Of course none of that reached the press who had ate up the story of a love struck billionaire like a fine gourmet meal, there was now speculation on when the wedding was to occur as well as if the two would elope to one of Bruce's holiday homes. Suffice to say he wasn't happy; the press had been hounding him all day for a statement going as far as to camp outside of Wayne enterprise while he was working. It got to the point where he finally relented and went and told the press that there was no wedding in the works and that he had never proposed. But had they blamed Veronica for the false story? Had they sympathised with him for yet another gold digger making an attempt at his fortune? Hell no! Apparently he was the bad guy as the press had taken the news in concept that he had simply used Veronica for sex before discarding her having apparently lost interest due to her being to 'clingy'.
The feminist rights comity were going wild and his reputation was taking a huge blow as a result, many papers were even calling him a pompous pig who should learn to grow up. Well he had, had it! The Daily Planet – a paper he had purchased many years ago- was the only one on his side and had quickly asked for an interview so as to counteract the scandal that Veronica had created. He had spent his afternoon being grilled by their best reporter Steve Nicholson medium sized man in his forties with black hair and an angular face- who had treated him like he was a witness in a murder interrogation. Bruce had not been happy but had allowed the harsh and very personal questioning so a story telling what had really happened could be put in the paper at the earliest convenience.
Even so when he had finally returned home at four he had been ready to hit the sack and never move again, of course that could never happen. The bat wave –a computer system he had installed many years ago to alert him to any impending emergencies or sightings of the Batsignal – had started up informing him of a robbery in progress at Gotham docks. He was just about to leave the emergency for the police to handle when he finally took notice of what they were stealing and from just who they were stealing.
He had no other choice then to dawn cape and cowl quickly making his way to the Batmobile he left without a word to a worried looking Alfred. He didn't have time to deal with the old man or a lecture on how he should be giving Harr- Robin. How he should be giving Robin the chance to come with him, frankly he didn't want the boy here not now. The situation could be dire if that cargo was activated and as such Gotham took priority over his young partner's feelings, besides the boy was grounded.
As soon as he had arrived at the docks he had caught sight of the men, they were by no means professionals and looked like they would have been more comfortable mugging someone on a street. For one they were making way to much noise as they loaded the large steel case that carried their cargo, two they were only using one guy for a look out and said look out was paying more attention to the other then the shadows around them. Quite frankly the guys were rank amateurs, there was no way this was there bust they had to be working for a higher up of some kind. These men weren't high enough in any of the gangs to have garnered his attention meaning that they would not be high up enough to have contacts worth information on this job. His eyes narrowed slightly as they caught sight of an odd looking drill, which was Lexcorp tech if he was correct. This was definitely not their job.
Sighing slightly to loosen his body of the tension he stiffened his muscles before propelling himself from his vantage point on one of the metal containers he was perched upon, flipping forward as he landed perfectly before the men. All five turned towards him looks of horror on their faces, for a moment no one moved. Then it all went to hell. The lookout pulled out a gun from within his jacket three of the other men running to climb in the truck as the last locked the door of the truck moving to follow the other three. Batman merely growled launching a batarang at the first man's gun, the batarang served its job and knocked it out of his hands to scrape across the floor.
The man stared at the gun in disbelief before turning his attention back to Batman, he released a war cry before charging head on his arm drawn back to punch the Dark Knight. Batman merely deflected the oncoming punch before returning with one of his own to the man's face. The man rolled slightly as he hit the floor his hand moving to hold his face as he stared up at Batman with fear, Batman took a step forward about to finish the man when there was a distinct metallic click. He turned finding the fifth man standing there holding the discarded gun, a twisted smirk on his face, "say nighty night bats!"
'Idiot! Should have watched my surroundings I need to-'Batman's thought was cut short as a bola appeared out of nowhere quickly wrapping around the man causing him to lose his hold on the gun which fell to the floor out of his reach. Moments later a second bola shot out catching the man on the floor who fell back with a yelp his hand now to his face.
"Need some help?" turning Batman came face to face with Robin who stood on his previous perch spinning a bola almost playfully.
"What are you-" He was cut off once more only this time by the roar of an engine as the truck roared to life, the wheels screeching as it span round to face where Batman stood its lights blazing. He could faintly see the silhouette of the driver as the truck started moving. However it was not only Batman but also the two men who were in danger of being flattened by the vehicle, thinking quickly he released two batarang's at the oncoming truck one hitting the front screen causing a crack to form while the other hit the right head light cutting the intense glare by half. He then ran forward grabbing hold off both of the bound men in time to force his body into a jump. He landed on the bonnet before forcing his body into another jump this once moving him to the roof of the truck from which he jumped to a near container barely making it.
He dropped the two men who looked ready to wet themselves before turning to face Robin who stood looking beyond relieved as he held the bola loosely at his side. Batman ignored it moving to follow after the truck "Come on!" he commanded as he passed the boy, Robin just turned to follow struggling to keep up with his mentor. They jumped from container to container barely keeping pace with the truck that appeared to be heading toward the river, as he watched a plan formed in the Dark Knight's mind and he turned his head slightly to address Robin. "Robin I have a plan…"
The boy listened silently and when Batman had finished gave a sharp nod before turning to the left racing across the thicker stacks of the containers. Batman continued forward knowing exactly what he had to do.
Scene break
The truck flew down the road its three passengers jostling against one another slightly as they turned sharply onto the more open road that followed the river the tires screeching in protest as the driver attempted to pull it under his control. A few minutes later it was steady on moving in a more controlled fashion, its three occupants still panicking didn't really notice.
"Go! Go! Go!" Ronnie- a rather tall man with dark hair and mutton chops- shouted as he pointed to the road, panicking over the close call. He was shivering slightly in fear his dark blue coat doing little to conceal it as his heart pounded loudly in his ears as his other hand clenched tightly to the doors overhead handle.
His companions looked at him for a moment but didn't question him as they to felt similar feelings of panic, Nate a young twenty year old who had been appointed the position of getaway driver focussed his gaze on the road once more his hands gripping the wheel tightly. He took a deep steadying breath before questioning the other two "where's Raymond and Benny?"
"He got em, just scooped em up" Rob said as he pointed behind himself with his thumb, worry on his face as he watched Nate.
"Screw it! Just go!" Ronnie yelled as he looked at his companions. "Get us out of here" as he finished he turned his gaze back to the road, the nervous feeling reeling in his gut. As this was said they entered into another area surrounded by the metal containers, it wasn't their first choice for an escape route but it was the quickest and therefore their best chance at getting away.
They all failed to notice the shadow of a bat move over the containers close to the rear of the truck all to focused on escape.
Nate turned to his companions after glancing briefly in his rear view mirror "you think I lost him?" he questioned Ronnie who looked in the opposite rear view mirror before turning to answer him smiling as he spoke.
"I think you lost him" Rob didn't look too convinced and kept his gaze focused on the road, nervous tension racking his frame. A moment later he turned his gaze to Ronnie whose smile had grown "I think we're good."
Suddenly Batman landed on the bonnet his feet making a dull thud as he crouched his eyes focusing on the three men all of which who looked ready to scream as they stared back in utter disbelief his cape flapping dramatically in the wind. "No you're anything but good."
Ronnie recovered first and pulled a shot gun from his foot area pulling the barrel back in preparation for the shot, his eyes narrowing on his target. Batman jumped over the shot onto the cab roof, the windscreen wasn't as lucky and shattered raining glass on the three men and momentarily blinding them as they protected their eyes with their arms.
Scene Break
Harry raced across the containers barley keeping his balance at time as he leaped over large gaps toward his destination all the while keeping an eye out for the truck, thanks to his short cut he arrived at the canyon of containers before the men had even turned from their original path. He quickly got to work pulling a large amount of orbs from the pouch Batman had informed him of before throwing them toward the centre of the road below the orbs landed with a small clacking sound spikes suddenly shooting out to form a shape similar to batwings.
Harry smiled slightly before turning his attention to the approaching form of the truck watching as Batman purposefully distracted the men to prevent them from noticing the spikes as the truck continued forward.
Scene Break
Nate opened his eyes looking thru the now shattered screen with worry, only for his eyes to go as wide as saucers as he caught sight of something black and shiny on the road before the truck. However he didn't have time to turn away the truck suddenly rocked violently as the tires blew the truck rocking from side to side as the rims dragged across the ground causing sparks to fly leaving smoke in its wake.
Nate held desperately onto the wheel trying to regain control as the three slid into one another, suddenly a hand came crashing thru the passenger window grabbing Ronnie by the hair and forcefully pulling him thru it as the shotgun fell from his limp hand. Rob yelled as he recoiled from the window into Nate, who was pushed further into the door his arm twisting the wheel accidently to the left causing the truck to lose what limited balance it had. It tilted onto two wheels and forcefully smacked into the metal containers the back doors opening in response to the violent vibration, the metal case falling from the back to clang against the ground as a metal container fell just barely missing the box.
The truck continued on before finally losing its balance once more falling, this time not being caught by a wall as the speed caused it to continue sliding down the road spinning slightly before it finally came to a stop as it slammed into a stack of the containers. Dust settled in the air for a moment as the chaos stopped, Nate blinked from where he awkwardly lay noting that he was on top of Rob who appeared to have passed out. He moaned slightly in pain as he looked outside the shattered screen, his eyes focusing upon the barrel of the dark shotgun which appeared to have fallen out during the crash.
He quickly released an arm and desperately grasped at the gun only a few feet away, his actions were halted by a dark booted foot coming down on his hand causing him to yell out as he quickly withdrew his arm holding his injured hand to his chest a minute later he was pulled from the cab by Batman who held him above the ground by his shirt. A slight thud drew Nate's attention to a young boy who stood on the cabs side smirking up at him
"Who are you working for?" Batman asked drawing his attention back to his current position as he was held slightly higher from the ground, the white slits of Batman staring back coldly. Nate flinched feeling fear overwhelm his senses however there was another he feared more than Batman, and he knew his boss would be less forgiving then this guy.
"N-nobody…we…we just boosted the truck and eh…" he paused desperately trying to think of something to back up his lie.
Batman sneered at him shaking him slightly as replied "lie to me again and crashing into a wall head on will be the least painful activity of your evening."
"NO!" he shouted reconsidering the idea about Batman being more forgiving "I-I swear to God…" he suddenly trailed off as he heard a distinct beeping sound coming from somewhere to his right. The box that had fallen from the truck lay a hundred yards away twin red lights were flashing as an odd green circle seemed to move. Suddenly smoke erupted from the bottom rising into the air as the top split into two and opened, the case further split before it slid open revealing and something orange bent over.
Suddenly the orange from moved revealing a stern head with glowing red eyes, an oddly shaped black Mohawk serving as hair to the creature. Batman moved quickly pulling both of the men over to the cab before handcuffing them to the rail, Robin who had simply stood in silence so far asked the most obvious question "what is that?"
"The cargo."
Batman turned back to face the creature who had by this time stood to its full height revealing what should be an impressive physique, around his wrists were oddly coloured green gauntlets that reflected in the dim lighting. On his legs he wore a pair of matching green pants that led down into boots that appeared to be made of the same material, on his waist was a matching belt with a stylised A in the centre.
"It's called Amazo." Stated Batman his eyes never moving from the odd figure, Robin watched with open amazement baffled by the figure.
"What the hell is an Amazo?" demanded Nate as leaned further into the metal behind him, Rob finally coming around only to stare in horror at the figure.
"A highly advanced cybernetic android equipped with the ability to absorb the power of super humans" Robin stared wide eyed at Batman, 'super humans?'
Once again Nate butted in looking at Batman nervously "what kind of super humans?"
Suddenly the android brought its hands up above it head, clenching them together tightly before it drove them into the concrete below sending a ripple through the road. Batman simply back flipped landing on the truck as jolted back to the ground, Robin had not expected the attack and found himself knocked off balance by the wave falling onto his butt as he looked up at Batman whose eyes were fixed upon the machine. "Big ones" muttered Batman in reply before he turned to look at Robin in the eye, "Robin stay here!"
With that said the man jumped from his perch and ran towards the creature pulling out a smoke bomb from the belt as he moved, said device was thrown at the creature that reached out and grabbed it crushing it within its massive hands. Smoke immediately erupted around the two Batman using it to his advantage to launch a series of kicks and punches to the creatures head, upon landing he span throwing another punch only for the creature only for his wrist to be caught. He was pulled around to its front before being released mid-air. Knowing what was to come Batman pulled up both arms forming an X shape before his chest in time for Amazo's fist to drive into him. He was launched back only coming to a stop when he collided with the metal containers behind the truck, he fell forward landing on his hands and knees leaving a large dent when he had collided.
Robin watched I shock as Batman forced himself back to his feet looked pained for a moment as he tried to shake it off. Harry growled to himself as he sprang from his place on the truck ready to charge the creature when a new voice stopped him.
"Packs quite the punch for a toaster on steroids huh?" looking up they all found a young man standing in skin tight spandex with an odd blue design around the shoulders. Robin's eyes narrowed as he looked up at the figure in confusion 'who's this guy supposed to be?'
The guy was grinning down at them all, his gaze mostly fixed upon Batman who had yet to move. "Need a hand?" he offered.
Batman simply turned his back to him once more sending Robin a warning look before charging back towards the creature with a curt "no."
The guy didn't look the least taken aback as he watched the retreating back "ok, well how bout I stick around and watch" it was a statement rather than a question as he quickly flipped down onto the truck then to the road beginning to follow after Batman. Suddenly Amazo made another move grabbing the previously fallen container before throwing it at Batman who simply ducked under it, it continued on and both Robin and the stranger had to flip out of the way. The other showing great skill as he used his acrobatics to prevent himself from being crushed by the large piece of metal, he returned to the floor moments later and shot a curious look at Robin before taking off after Batman.
Robin himself had managed to land on the top of the truck watched the two forms as Batman and the stranger moved in sync to perform attacks on the android.
Nate who had remained silent as he observed the fight finally voiced his curiosity "who's that other one? The pretty boy in the leotard."
Rob leaned in slightly as he replied from his awkward position "That's Nightwing, the bats first sidekick. The first Robin." Robin's eyes grew even wider as he turned to watch the two in shock, the first Robin? No wonder Batman was more willing to fight the android with him, he had trained him. As he watched Harry felt an unexplainable flame of anger and a tightening in his chest as he watched the two work together to drive the robot back. Minutes later they took off across the containers the creature following close behind as Harry watched with discomfort, the two crooks started chattering amongst themselves as soon as the creature was out of sight but Harry filtered them out feeling a pang of lowliness as he stood there and waited for the return of his mentor.
There was one thing he was sure of, he didn't like Nightwing.