The Value of Heroes

Chapter 34: Old Wounds

"The first person I ever revealed my identity to was Dick Grayson. Maybe because he was almost the same age I was my when parents were murdered. I wanted to make a difference in his life, the way my parents, if they had lived would have made in mine. Through the years I've debated whether or not it was fair of me to take him in. Train him. But I've learned that Dick wasn't like me. He didn't come from a world of privilege. He was a performer, gifted in that way. And while at the the time his transition away from Gotham was... difficult for us both it was a day I had long prepared myself for because... Dick was born to be in the center ring."

Batman

-Jump City-

(Main Street)

It was an interesting sight for a Tuesday morning.

The sun wasn't even really up yet and to many it was still considered way too early for someone to even attempt crawling out of bed. So in most cases the park would usually be empty around this time of morning; save for a few dedicated joggers and the average street vendor setting up their stand for the day.

But unlike most days, today a small crowd of curious bystanders had gathered around a hot dog stand in the Main Street Park to watch as a half naked superhero, covered from waist to toe with bandages and gauze consumed nearly 3x his weight in hot dogs.

Not that Kid Flash really minded the gawking. And once he was satisfied he had enough hot dogs shoved into both arms that they would last him for at least ten minutes he awkwardly waddled back to a nearby park bench and continued his conversation with the little old lady that had been waiting for him.

"Sorry for the delay, Phyllis." The boy apologized, "So what were you saying?"

"I was just telling you that Freddy's acting like a madmen these days." The old lady exclaimed as she dived back into her spouts of juicy gossip, "And I'm at my wits end about what to do with him."

Nodding the boy paused to shovel mouthfuls of food into his mouth and wiped a trail of mustard off his chin before responding, "You shouldn't have to put up with that Phyllis, he knew you were a live wire when he decided to marry you. And it's like my girlfriend always says, 'if he doesn't want to take you out then he can't get upset if other gentlemen come a calling.'" Grinning the boy blushed and admitted, "I'll let you in on a little secret. I have two left feet when it comes to anything other than running but my girl's got this real thing for the club scene. So I had to learn the hard way that if I didn't want her grinding up against someone else, I had to get my tail out on the dance floor. Besides it's really bad luck to get on her bad side."

The boy was going to say more when the peace and quiet of the park was interrupted as a sonic boom washed over the area. A dark shadow instantly blotted out the sun before the tree-line was replaced with a black, sleek shadow that rendered him and most of bystanders into slack mouthed silence. Kicking up debris and dust as the infamous Batwing landed on a nearby soccer field Kid Flash got to his feet and let out a sigh before he threw a wink at the little old lady, "Sorry, Phyllis but I think we're going to have to pick up on this up next time. I'm pretty sure that's my ride."

The jet door sliding open Batman emerged soundlessly from vehicle as his black mantle spilled out in the early dawn; the wraith like form of the Grim Avenger a jutting contrast to Jump City's vibrant atmosphere.

And it was obvious from the gaping mouths of most of the residents that this really wasn't his kind of town.

Every syllable dripping with authority the stoic Dark Knight motioned to the boy with a single gloved hand, "Get in the plane."

"In a minute, don't get your tights in a twist." Kid Flash muttered giving the Caped Crusader a crabby glare of his own, "I'm not just standing around here for my health you know. Well... actually I am. But that's sort of the point." Pointing to his lower torso he explained, "In case your detective skills didn't pick up on the body cast you'll notice that I got my butt whooped pretty badly while you were dealing with things in Gotham. And since I didn't want to run back to Titan's Tower on an empty tank just to get my hams handed to me all over again I'm recharging the old batteries and giving my stitches some time to set."

"Your stitches can set on the way, I said 'get in.'" Batman ordered for the second time as he towered over the boy.

The menacing shadow of the fearful Batman washing out what little light managed to seep through the morning air; Wally threw his hands up in surrender and instantly caved, "Maybe I'll just get in the plane then."

Grown men weren't immune to that frigid death stare the way Dick was and rather than face Batman's looming wrath Kid Flash quickly made a scramble for the jet. Climbing in the boy was aiming for shotgun, a plan he had to quickly abort as he skid to a halt in the attempt to stop himself from flopping into the large pair of breasts that were currently occupying the passenger's side.

"Put on the breaks will ya pip-squeak, before you bust something else! And hands off the merchandise." Harley barked catching him by one of his ear bolts before he landed in her lap face first.

"Bats, what the heck is she doing here?" KF exclaimed pointing at the mad clown girl then back to Batman with a look that had implied the Caped Crusader had finally lost it. "Isn't she a part of the dastardly gang of super creeps that turned everything upside down in the first place?"

"That's not important right now." Batman answered stoically as he started the engine.

"Look Big Guy, I understand that it might be slim pickings out there as far as partners go these days but that doesn't mean you should just settle for the first pair of tights that applies for the gig!" Kid Flash murmured once they were off the ground, "I mean you have options! And let's not forget that this chick is packing some serious mental health problems here!"

"It seems to be the trend around here." Was all he got in reply.

Leaning back in his chair Kid Flash blew out of a puff of air in a final huff and decided to shut up.

Batman was a frigid gargoyle on even the best of days but now... he barely seemed human.

You'd never guess it by looking at him, unless you were a detective or in KF's case someone who knew most of Batman's personality quirks through years of petty complaints courtesy of his teenaged sidekick.

So with that said Wally didn't really need a P.I. badge to know just how badly Robin's betrayal was getting to the big guy.

"Boy, kid what happened to you?" Harley couldn't help but gawk, interrupting the tense silence when the boy began unwrapping some of his bandages, "You look like you just crawled out of a blender."

"Close but no cigar, sugar britches!" The boy exclaimed snapping his fingers,"But I did run into an arsenal of military grade childhood abandonment issues made special by your boy toy. You know I never appreciated how truly sick you wackos up at Arkham were until now. You'd think a good old death ray or even a sound cannon would suffice but oh no, let's make jacks the size of land mines!" Voice dripping with sarcasm he exclaimed, "I mean where do you find these guys, Bats? That clown of yours not only went to the crazy buffet, he filled his plate and went back for seconds!"

Glancing at the boy's severe injuries from the corner of his eyes Batman could already make out thousands of small incisor shaped wounds that covered the youth's legs from calf to toe. Never mind the ugly black bruising and the Frankenstein like stitches stretching across the speedster's knee.

Barry would never forgive him for letting something this serious happen to the boy.

Catching Batman's glance Kid Flash offered him a comforting smile, "Jeez, don't look so worried, Bats. Besides it's kinda creepy seeing that expression on you." Thumping on his knee he added, "It's all a lot more ugly than it is serious. And besides it's not like this is permanent. You know I never... scar up the way..." Trailing off he realized too little too late that he had brought up the wrong subject in a foolish attempt to sound braver than he actually felt.

"... the way Robin does." He finished in a hushed voice. Rubbing his neck apologetically Wally cringed, "Sorry, Batman. I didn't mean anything by that."

"Never mind." The Grim Avenger answered as his stony expression never faltered. "But you can start being useful by telling us what's been happening up until now."

Meanwhile...

-Titan's Tower-

(South Entrance)

Jericho awoke to a burning sensation filling his nostrils. Weakly raising his head up from the barren ground he let out a muffled choke as dirt and ash stung at his mouth and eyes.

At his feet the broken remains of a syringe lay beside him as a cruel reminder that all his effort up until now had been for naught.

And despite everything he had done to protect his little sister from the monsters of their childhood, that man had still managed to corrupt her.

That madman from his nightmares that always managed to strip him of everything that ever mattered.

He felt sick.

Feverish and suddenly intensely claustrophobic Jericho was overcome with the instant need to escape from the burning sensation tearing through the very air. Clawing at his turtle neck Joey ripped at the sides until the fabric gave way and some small ounce of relief hit his burning skin in the form of bitter wind.

It felt like there was acid in the pit of his stomach, and no matter how much air he rushed in his lungs he just couldn't breathe...

Everything was on fire again, the only thing he could taste was blood and the toxic stench of war and despair.

On the verge of a panic attack Joey fought with his body and dug his hands into the ground trying to find to the strength to crawl up from the dirt.

He just had to keep breathing.

The contents of the broken ample coursing through his system, Joey's whole body tingled as though every capillary in his circulatory system had fallen asleep at the same time. It was constructing and only added to the laundry list of pain he was currently experiencing but the boy was infinitely more concerned with finding the whereabouts of his attacker.

Things were turning out just like before... everything was turning out just like that day...

That one bad day when he had lost everything...

Only this time it was all his fault.

He had been too weak.

It seemed he was always too weak to stop his precious things from being broken...

Dropping his hand from the ripped remains of his collar Jericho's bare flesh revealed an ugly scar that sliced its way around the boy's throat from one end to the other. Aphotic, distorted tissue tattooed the area from his jugular to his larynx, and though the mangled wound had long since healed over by time it did little to blot out it's jarring and downright unsightly appearance.

Once he had calmed down enough so that his lungs no longer felt like they would collapse from the inside, Joey instantly regretted his foolishness.

There was a reason he never wore anything other than a turtleneck.

He never wanted anyone to see the disfiguring wound that mutilated his neck.

Especially not the Titans, the last thing he wanted was for them to have a reason to pity him.

But the damage had been done and right now appearances were the least of his worries.

Getting to his feet shakily Jericho looked all but possessed as the darkness in his eyes seemed to have expanded to encompass more of his face like shadows stretching away from the setting sun.

Raising his half dead eyes up the youth set his sights towards the rabid dogfight Slade and Robin were all but engaged in.

Jericho was done with trying to find contentment in karma, in placing false hope in forgiveness but most of all... most of all he was just so tired of being weak.

And there was a lot that Joseph Wilson had endured over the years.

His father standing idly by while a crazed terrorist slit his throat when had only been seven years old was just a small footnote in the twisted dynamics of the Wilson family's fun filled past.

But Jericho could forgive his father for allowing him to become crippled, from failing to stop the assailant from slicing his vocal cords and rendering him a mute for years. Thanks to the recent growth in his powers and the constant encouragement from the Teen Titans to get a handle on his psychic abilities; Jericho had become strong enough in recent years to manipulate the air in his larynx long enough to allow him to recreate sounds that could almost count for whispers as long as he concentrated hard enough. It had been a long and hard road, but words had finally been given back to Joey after nearly a decade of silence.

And though it had been much harder... Jericho had even learned to forgive his father for his mother's death.

Solace in mediation, redemption through prayer and peace from reflection... Joey had spent a life time trying to prove to himself that he would not be manipulated by the rancid blood that ran through his veins. Just because his family had lived a life dedicated to misery and blood shed didn't mean he had to.

And yet Rose had been the only pure thing the word 'Wilson' could still be attached to.

Ruined just like everything else.

Maybe one couldn't run away from their heritage after all.

As Jericho bore down on the image of Slade his eyes turned pitch with hatred as his drew out his powers up from the depths of his consciousness.

There was no more room for forgiveness left in Joey's heart after this.

Not even for himself.

So if Deathstroke the Terminator wanted murderers and monsters so badly, then it was high time Joey started living up to the family name.

-Jump City-

(Airspace)

"It probably means he's rerouted the missiles." Batman concluded once he had finished listening to Kid Flash's story. "If Robin intentionally tried to inject all of us with the ionic neutralizers it means he's expecting one of them to come in close contact with Titan's Tower. It's the only explanation as to why he would spend that much effort vaccinating you all."

"But the tower's too far away from the mainland to spread that brain melting virus. If Robin detonates one of Slade's missiles there, wouldn't it put a damper on the whole plan to wipe out most of Jump City?" Kid Flash asked.

"Then we should assume he's not trying to wipe out Jump City." Batman deduced, lost in the heart of the situation. "Which means we'll have to find his real targets when we hack into the computer's I/O system back at Slade's lair."

"But Robin still has a detonator with him back on the island," Kid Flash countered, "What good will finding the computer do us if he can still set off the countdown thingy via remote?"

"Insurance." The Dark Knight answered, "In case we have to diffuse them manually."

Paling at the thought of having to diffuse three SS-23 Spider missiles by hand Wally clawed his face and groaned, "Man... I was afraid you were going to say that."

Meanwhile...

-Titan's Tower-

(South Corridor)

"Can't believe I'm stuck here watching my tower crumble to the ground while I'm babysitting a crazed kindergärtner who probably wants to kill me..." Cyborg grumbled as he and the small girl at his side marched towards the door at the end of the evacuation tunnel.

Glancing at the child it was obvious she could hear him but she didn't seem to mind as he continued to blurt out his frustrations. Finally when he couldn't stand hearing the sound of his own voice as the sole object of distraction in a tense situation he asked, "So why exactly are you going along with all of this? You can't possibly tell me you actually like hanging out with mental cases like Slade and the Joker."

"I hate Mr. Slade and the Joker." The girl said defiantly before she pleasantly corrected him, "But I like Robin a whole bunch!"

Rubbing his temples in exasperation Cyborg sighed and nodded, "Yeah, yeah... a lot of chicks end up liking Robin. Don't ask me why."

"Well don't you like Robin, Mr. Cyborg?" Rose said with a pause. "He is your friend isn't he?"

Taking a deep breath Cyborg had to seriously ponder that one for a minute.

He was beyond angry with the spiky haired little know-it-all.

First chance he got he swore was going to pummel his former leader with the T-car; considering they ever managed to get out of there alive.

But to actually hate Robin...

Swallowing a lump in his throat Cyborg shook his head already knowing the answer, "No. I don't hate him, Rose. At times like this it would sure make things easier." Lowering his eyes he murmured, "We've butted heads in the past though. I figure few people can raise my blood pressure the way Robin can. But... now that he's gone, I honestly miss fighting with the guy."

"Why do you guys fight so much?" Rose asked curiously.

"'Why' huh? That's a little harder to break down," Cyborg confessed, "Guess if I had to put it in black and white I'd say a lot of it just has to do with guy stuff. We're both alpha males, that whole 'lead not not follow package'." Seeing the somewhat blank look on the little girl's face the robotic teen faltered, "You'll understand when you're older, kid. Trust me."

"So he's a rival?" The white haired girl offered, "Like the guys in comic books!"

"Yeah, guess that's one way of putting it." Cyborg agreed as he scratched his cheek, "It doesn't help that I don't always like taking orders from someone half my height who used to wear pixie boots."

Giving her a small smile the older boy added, "But Robin's my friend. So I don't have to like everything about the guy to know that he'll always have my back. He's never once let me down." Getting quiet Cyborg felt a pang in his chest as he corrected, "Well... until now anyways..."

"Y'know Robin told me that Batman warned him once that sometimes, sometimes despite fighting your best there's simply nothing you can do to save someone." Rose replied her doll like eyelashes lowering, "Robin said at the time that he just nodded but he didn't really believe him. He didn't even think Batman really believed it. 'Nobody's helpless', Robin thought. 'Nobody's totally without resources.'" Hugging her chest the white haired girl whispered, "But he was wrong, Mister Cyborg. Some people just aren't worth saving."

"Now I can't accept that." Cyborg replied coldly, quickening his pace as he found himself angered by her words.

"But what if Robin really does set off the missiles and destroys those cities? Hundred thousands of lives will be gone just like that." Rose ventured, picking up her own pace though she was no match for his longer legs and was quickly falling behind. "Would he be worth saving then? If he becomes someone as bad as Mr. Joker?"

Silence.

"Well would he be, Mister Cyborg?" Rose pressed as she stomped her foot.

Almost stopping cold Cyborg's back was rigid as he snapped, "I don't know, okay?"

Slamming his fist into the side of the wall the heavy frame tore and crunched under his fingers as he let his frustration get the better of him. Rage overruling his actions the pressure from his monstrous strength ripped through the tunnel, almost sending the little girl crashing to the ground by the sheer force of the backlash.

Of course Cyborg instantly regretted his actions.

Guilt washing over him the cybernetic youth recoiled in child-like terror, the fear of his robotic strength getting out of hand quickly overriding his anger at the situation.

Clutching his hand in shame the boy looked disgusted with himself as he muttered, "I just don't know."

There was a shaky silence between the two before the white haired girl finally reached over and gently patted his hand. "I'm sorry, Mister Cyborg." She whispered tightly knotting his robotic fingers through hers, "I had no right to ask you a question that has such a big answer. It's okay if you don't know."

Stroking his hand she repeated, "It's okay."

Flinching Cyborg couldn't help but be surprised at the simple act of kindness.

And despite his best efforts to figure her out he still wasn't sure if this kid was insane, evil or just plain weird. After all she kept changing personalities like a person changes underwear.

But still... there was something strangely haunting about her words. And no matter how far they walked, the ghost of her question lingered long after they reached the tunnel's exit.

Meanwhile...

-Jump City-

(Entrance)

Times like this Robin almost missed Bruce's presence. The flap of his cape as the boy caught a simple nod or a movement of his eyes as they'd decide right then and there whose faces they were gonna devote their fists and feet to first.

Things sure were easier back then... back when he had still believed in heroes.

The youth managed to resist the momentum transferred to him by Slade's uppercut just in time to avoid crashing into the decimated remains of a boulder.

But just barely.

He threw himself out of the way, sloppily avoiding the rock and crashing unceremoniously into the dirt. The wind ripped out from his insides the boy let out a muffled choke as he fought with the radiating pain shooting through his lungs. Digging his hands into the loose earth it was all the young man could do to keep himself from slumping into the mud like a beaten dog.

Slade didn't wait for him to catch his breath, and it was mere seconds before the assassin's fists slammed into the boy with the force of a wrecking ball.

Instantly a rib gave way and Robin could hear the sick cracking as it shattered from within him.

Rolling a few feet away from Slade, the youth somersaulted to a near crouching position before his legs buckled and gave out from underneath him. Falling to his knees Robin tried to force back a bitter laugh as his vision blurred.

His body felt so heavy... it wasn't doing what he wanted it to.

Though it probably didn't help that he was losing blood at an almost obscene rate, not to mention the severity of the burns on his arms and legs were more than likely sending him into hypovolaemic shock.

Even with the stamina of a madman, Robin knew he only had a few minutes of fight left in him before he'd succumb to his injuries.

Though it looked like Slade would finish him off before that happened.

Pain searing through the boy's skull Robin was brought out of his half daze as rough hands ripped at the teen's scalp and forced him up into to a half sitting position.

Pausing for only a second it didn't take much to come to the understanding that Slade was a mercenary to the end. And as a cold metal barrel was brought to the boy's temper Robin realized that he was going to be given an executioner style death.

Death staring him blankly in the face, Robin glared up at the old mercenary and smirked, "Master, you still didn't teach me that lesson you said you were going to. Not to mention killing me with a gun's pretty cliche, even for you." Eyes narrowing he asked, "What happened to all that talk about being a 'different kind of criminal'?"

"I'm afraid you've left me with little choice, Robin. Now give me the detonator." Slade ordered his young apprentice, as he causally removed the device from the boy's utility belt.

"I already told you that one is just as worthless as yours is. It's just a decoy." Robin replied with a smile, "The real one is in the Teen Titan's hands. Only they're too busy trying to stop their Tower from being destroyed to notice it."

"What...?" Slade asked blankly.

What on earth would possess the four do-gooders to possibly go along with Robin's evil plan?

Good eye widening the man suddenly realized there was a way to infiltrate their party so that they didn't have to.

"Rose." The assassin snarled as he bore down on Titan's Tower with all the fury of a man facing hell.

"Ding, ding, ding!" Robin practically gargled from within Slade's choke hold. Eyes bright with a mix of discomfort and amusement he chided, "Tell him what he's won, Johnny-"

Slade's boot rupturing the boy's insides however quickly silenced whatever joke the Teen Wonder had attempted.

Blood spurting out of the boy's mouth, Robin would have crumpled to a fetal position if Slade hadn't been firmly holding his hair.

But if he was in agonizing pain he wasn't doing a very good job of showing it.

Shakily bringing a hand up to wipe the oozing red splotches off his face Robin fought back a chuckle. His bloody lip set in a amused smirk the Teen Wonder looked as cocky about the situation as if he were the one holding the gun to someone's head.

But the final insult came in the form of the boy casually spitting out a loose tooth before he raised his head and asked, "How does it feel to know you've been completely outsmarted by an ungrateful brat?"

And it was there in the boy's burning blue eyes that insanity truly seemed to take human form.

"Three minutes, Slade." Robin teased as he leaned closer to the gun barrel, "Which means you can do your worst, you'll still never make it off the island in time. And it really won't change the fact that I won."

"That may be, Grayson," Slade replied stepping back to take a good look at the boy. "That may be."

Deathstroke the Terminator had learned long ago that you're always responsible for the things you create; and the monster at his hand would be no exception to that.

"But then, I never have been a very good sport." The man retorted.

Right before he squeezed the trigger.

To be continued...