Chapter 2: Shadow of Doubt
"Do you have them?"
"Yes."
"Closing in now."
"Good. Stay in pursuit. Do not engage unless necessary. We must discover the source, along with any and all other participants involved."
The three heroes moved quietly to follow the pair of figures as they walked into an abandoned office. Slipping to the ground, Aqualad cautiously entered through an emergency exit. Robin remained on the outside, leaping silently from the scaffold of a nearby building to manoeuvre his way along the sculpted ridge that wrapped below the windows. Artemis took her position on an adjacent roof, long-range microphone primed as she moved stealthily from window to window, maintaining a clear shot.
The mission was unusual, but straightforward. Over the past two weeks an apparent 'wave of depression' had swept a large corner of Portland, Oregon. The 'wave' had overtaken the majority of the people in the region, evidenced in falling school grades and work productivity, rising absenteeism, increased reports of mental episodes, suicides; despite stable economic conditions. Usually the League wouldn't take active interest in such matters – leaving it to local authorities and services – but the encounter with Starro-tech at New Year's increased the priority of any reports of large-scale abnormal behaviour. Especially suspect was the fact that the 'wave' occurred in a city where Zeta-tube access was currently disabled; a combined product of poor weather and a systematic upgrade of the whole network in attempt to increase security following the aforementioned incident with Vandal Savage and his 'Light'. A team was sent in, taking the bioship to investigate. The parameters were simple: identify any common denominators, discover the source of 'the wave' - should it exist – and, if possible, apprehend the responsible individuals.
Selection of teammates was one of availability. Dr. Fate had reluctantly called for Zatanna's aid in investigating a new lead on the whereabouts of the witch boy, Klarion. Rocket was off-world, assisting Icon on personal business. Wally, M'gann and Conner all had civilian commitments. Which left Aqualad, Artemis and Robin to investigate; though Batman informed them that Superman and Martian Manhunter were standing by if needed.
After four days they had identified what looked to be a pair of key players in the outbreak. Investigation, both as civilians during daylight and in full capacity after dark, had flagged a common point among the worst affected areas. One Penelope Simmons and her assistant, Bertrand Rossi. Employment records, surveillance photographs and witness statements described a tall, leonine woman, red hair pulled into a professional bun, accompanied by a stocky, grey-haired gentleman. The pair had been sighted working as therapists and councillors at a number of schools and free clinics frequented by the effected population. Some casual hacking by Robin revealed a more disturbing detail: no record of the duo existed beyond the levels needed to pass the background checks for their positions. There was none of the incidental evidence that came with a real person. Undercover operatives seemed likely. Security footage had captured the pair coming and going at unusual hours of the night - presumably meeting other partners who supplied the chemicals or technology that kept the population under their depressive control.
With this information the team had opted to follow the supposed 'therapists' on their nightly venture. The teenaged heroes moved quietly as they tracked the pair through the long-emptied cubicles and conference rooms. Artemis patched the conversation registered by her microphone to the com sets of her teammates.
"Do you think we have enough yet?" A polished male voice – 'Mr Rossi' – asked in clipped tones.
"Oh, my dear," a smooth female voice – undoubtedly 'Ms Simmons' – replied with a laugh, "of course we do. By why stop at a slice when we can take the whole cake?"
"Planning to expand their operations?" Aqualad murmured quietly into his com.
"Sounds like it," Robin whispered back.
"The big question is," came Artemis' voice down the link "how're they doing it to start with?"
"Oh, Bertrand?" Simmons spoke casually to her assistant as the pair moved into a large workspace, "It seems we're being rude. Would you be so kind as to greet our guests?"
The pair outside heard a shout from Kaldur's position as a growl sounded from the building. Robin vaulted over the window frame, dropping in quietly to assist his friend. A crash from the opposite wall told him that Artemis had had the same idea, rappelling through the glass to aid their downed teammate. Neither was fully prepared for what they saw.
The grey haired gentleman – Bertrand – was nowhere to be found. Instead, Aqualad had hit the ground, rolling out of the way as a glowing green, bear-like creature with iridescent red eyes charged the fallen Atlantean. Robin frantically gestured for Artemis to assist their comrade, running to distract Simmons, who was watching the struggle with an amused smile. He heard the twang of bowstrings as the archer launched her assault, reaching into his own belt to hurl a smoke pellet at the smirking woman. He flung a set of bolas as the dark fog erupted, seeing the weighted cable spread as it entered the cloud. Robin waited for the sound that would tell him that the ties had successfully entrapped their target, but it never came. Instead, Simmons strode calmly out of the smoke, smile even wider than before.
"Now, is that any way to treat a lady?"
The Boy Wonder recovered quickly, firing the cables of his taser to deliver a small electric shock; enough to put the woman out for an hour or so. His eyes widened as her form became transparent, the sparking barbs passing cleanly through her body. 'Martian?' he wondered, changing tactics. This time he launched a low-level explosive disk – strong enough to generate heat and stagger a person, but not enough to severely injure. Even if she was Martian it would definitely give her something to think about.
He was stunned when, instead of dodging, the woman carelessly caught the device, allowing it to detonate in her hand. Robin's throat tightened as the smoke cleared to reveal an inky black shadow with merciless red eyes. Whatever it was, it clearly wasn't human. His eyes went to the green creature, immediately drawing the connection between the beast and the short grey man. 'What are these things?' From the sound of it, Artemis and Kaldur were having similar difficulties against their opponent, but with slightly more success. Robin quickly turned back to the shadow, launching his more heavy-duty projectiles. His attempts were unsuccessful, the creature either fading into her - its - seemingly intangible state or dissolving into formless mist as it allowed the weapons to pass harmlessly by. Gritting his teeth Robin drew the escrima sticks from his belt, relying on the fact that M'gann and J'onn had to stay solid to strike at close quarters. He leapt back with a startled shout as the being fired a flame-like energy blast from its hands, moving in quickly to close the distance before it could resume fire.
The Boy Wonder dropped low, trying to sweep the thing's legs out from beneath it; only to have his kick pass cleanly through as the being turned transparent again. Rolling onto his back, Robin drove both feet upwards at the shadow's chest. This time he connected, knocking it back a step. It growled deep in its throat, lashing out as he regained his footing. He sidestepped, dodging the swipes and bolts of cold fire as he aimed for specific points found on humans, atlanteans and aliens, hoping to discover a weakness. He skipped away from a claw, deflected a kick with a gloved hand, threw himself over its head in a flip as it lunged bodily. The creature twisted with inhuman speed, racing for him as he landed.
Robin crouched defensively, absorbing the blow with the exposed skin of his triceps. Icy fire trickled through his veins. Acid churned in his stomach, his throat tightened and a prickling mix of dread and despair swept through him as the creature continued to grasp at his bare arm. He wrenched himself away from the contact, staggering slightly as his heel caught on the uneven floor. The place where the shadow had grabbed him stung as though burned or frozen. The thing broke into an unpleasant grin as it watched, eyes gleaming curiously.
"Oh, but you are interesting," it purred, stalking forwards. The Boy Wonder flung himself backwards, wary of the malignant, poisoned touch.
"Robin!" The Atlantean had seen him stumble.
"I'm fine, keep going!" He called to Kaldur, watching his friend dodge a blow from the corner of his eye. "Take him down; I'll hold this one off!" He flung another disk, this time aiming for ground in front of the creature. Victory was short lived as the shadow prowled unharmed from the blast, reaching toward him with a twisted hand.
"And how are you going to do that hmmm, little Robin?" The creature's soft voice was filled with poisoned malice, "Tiny, tiny birdie all weighed down by chains, so afraid…" the last word was drawn out with relish, barely reaching his ears. He lashed out, letting training take over, raining down a flurry of precision blows in attempt to drive the shadow back. It laughed breathlessly, "Oh look at you trying so hard to fight, to play at hero… but you can't. You can't. Knowing all the while you're going to fall…" its eyes glowed, "just like they did." Robin's breath hitched and suddenly he was nine, standing on a platform, watching… No. No. He was fourteen. He was on a mission, his team needed him. He kicked with all his strength, horrified as the creature simply wavered into dark smoke before advancing. An arrow and a rope of water flew harmlessly by, and still the creature moved forward, whispers unceasing. "One... two... three... four… five," Robin tried to back away, tried to shut out the words, but they kept coming. "You were there little bird. Could have tried. Could have, should have, would have… didn't. You'll never forget, never forgive yourself." A cruel smile spread as it leaned forward to speak, almost lovingly, in his ear, "And more importantly: They'll never forgive you." Dick staggered, reeling. Iron filled his throat, bands tightened around his heart. Memories and darkness flooded in, unerring, unstoppable. Merciless. No. He wasn't. He couldn't. He didn't. No-nononono he didn't want. Didn't mean to... A kick ripped across his torso, flinging him away. Something slammed into his back and he slid to the floor. He fumbled for his belt, fighting the dark clouds, desperate for anything, anything, knowing all the while that it was hopeless. He was going to fail. He already had.
The creature smiled cruelly. "Such a scared little boy. But now my toy is broken. Guess I'll have to find another."
Robin watched helplessly as it turned on Kaldur and Artemis. His friends had almost subdued the green beast, which was slinking backwards, outline ragged, but the shadow was too strong. He struggled to shift the fog, to push himself upright as they engaged the monster. He felt rather than saw the blows, hearing them stagger, hearing cracks and crashes as they lashed out blindly, trying to hold the creature back. He shivered at the sound of the whispers, feeling the ragged pain, the torment they promised for his friends. Artemis gasped and he heard Aqualad's grunt of pain as a body hit the wall.
"Ooooh," the shadow taunted, voice delighted. "If I'd know all teenage goody-goodies were such waterfalls of misery I'd have done this years ago. Maybe I should keep you hmmm? You'd make such nice pets."
Robin fumbled blindly for the spare com on his belt, unsure if he'd be able to get the words out; to tell the League just how badly they needed backup. He heard Artemis hit a desk, crashing through to the floor. The creature loomed victoriously. It raised a clawed hand and-
The shadow was thrown backwards, away from the downed teens. The creature hissed as it hit the floor, gesturing to its partner. The green being's form wavered as it morphed into a large cat-like beast. It crouched and growled, lunging at something unseen, only to be shunted forwards by the unknown force. The puma was suddenly lifted and carried cleanly through the wall, leaving no damage in its wake. Furious snarls and what could be a detonation erupted from outside.
The shadow rolled to its feet, expression irate. "Ecto-brat! Can't a gal have a little fun?"
"Sorry Spectra," The voice came out of nowhere, echoing through the chaos. A blast of green fire flew from the corner, striking the creature, "I don't think they want to play." Robin pushed himself weakly to his knees, searching for their unexpected ally. The shadow released a wave of energy in the direction of the fire. Someone huffed as an unseen object collided with the wall.
"I need your help."
Robin started as the echoing voice spoke softly beside him. He shivered, trying to push away the crying doubt as he glanced in the direction of the unseen speaker.
"She," Robin assumed the voice meant the shadow, "has to stay tangible to hit you. And she can't do her mist trick properly if she's distracted. Back me up?"
Memory of the pain roared in his mind, urging him to hide. Robin swallowed shakily against the sudden fear, nodding as he watched the being stalk towards the corner.
"Hiding little pest? You always were the coward," the creature called, head turning as it searched the room. It lashed out at Robin's attempted movement sending a wave of energy towards the Boy Wonder. He rolled away weakly, feeling it graze his stinging arm. Something slammed the shadow again, making it stagger. It laughed mercilessly.
"You think you can save them hero? Ha! You can barely save yourself."
A low growl sounded in response, green fire flying at the shadow, who passed through it like water. The monster smiled cruelly, reaching out to grasp an unseen throat, pinning it to the wall.
"Please, you think you can win? You couldn't protect your family, couldn't save your friends… why would this be any different?" Robin fumbled for a batarang, throwing it clumsily at the creature's back. His aim was off but it had the desired effect. The shadow whipped around, face twisting with anger. Fixated on him, it didn't see the glowing energy that welled up against its chest, flinging it away from its would-be victim.
"Why all the invisibility hmm?" the creature taunted as it climbed to its feet. "Afraid that your new playmates will be horrified by your hybrid self? That they'll reject you like the freak you are?"
More green fire, this time accompanied by thin spines of ice. The creature wavered into black mist, steeping lithely out of the way as it continued.
"How convenient for you little halfa, everyone dying like that. You'll never have to worry about their reaction. Safe to pretend that they'd have been able to love an abomination." The shadow's form solidified as it lashed out again. Robin took his chance, flinging an explosive disk towards the monster. This time it saw the projectile, wavering out of tangibility and firing a concentrated ball of flames his way. The Boy Wonder threw himself desperately to the side as green light flared in front of him and a shockwave rippled through the air. Robin saw a pair of white-booted feet flicker into visibility, hearing a grunt as a body hit the wall. Then the creature was speaking again.
"Oh… how sad. And you never got to tell her. How you felt." It snorted derisively, voice full of sadistic glee. "As if she could ever love you." A black and white blur and a snarl answered as their newly-visible ally launched at the shadow, hands alight with green flames. The creature snarled in return as it grappled with the figure, throwing it into the metal lockers at the side of the room. Robin watched in mute horror as they fell, smothering their would-be rescuer, hiding him from sight. The monster tossed a few fireballs into the wreckage, outline blurring as it turned dismissively away. He had weakened it. But the shadow was nowhere near gone.
"That's it? Oh well." It turned back to the team, eyes shining coldly as it prowled towards the Boy Wonder. His throat closed over. "Now you on the other hand. I was almost tempted to keep you, but you've been a very bad boy. And I can't stand loose ends…" Cold fire lit its hands once more as it stepped forward. Robin struggled backwards, falling, mind going blank as dark clouds flooded in. It smiled. "Are you afraid?"
"Hey Spectra…" the shadow whirled back to the twisted metal, coming face to face with a green and white mechanical cylinder. The device hummed, emitting blue-white rings that encircled the creature, compressing it fluidly into the tube. A silver cap was slammed over the open mouth by a white-gloved hand. Their benefactor smirked tiredly, leaning heavily against the ruined lockers, "…beware."
Broken silence filled the room, punctuated only by the heavy breathing of four teens.
Robin stared up at their unexpected saviour, stunned. Pain dragged him down, fogging his vision. His mind was whirling, chest and throat burning… but the figure before him was unmistakeable. It was the boy from Cadmus. He was thinner, more ragged than Robin remembered; white hair long and shaggy. But there was no denying the glowing neon eyes or the distinctive black and white suit, despite the rips and charring that decorated the latter.
The boy walked over to Aqualad, stumbling slightly as he shifted nearby rubble to make room for the Atlantean. Artemis' bow was gently retrieved from the mess as the shivering archer rolled away from the splintered table.
Robin pushed himself upright, approaching their mysterious ally. His chest throbbed, eyes prickling unpleasantly. He swallowed hard, trying to keep the broken smallness out of his voice as he spoke.
"Hey. Thanks for the save." He extended his hand in greeting. It surprised him when his fingers didn't tremble.
The teen jumped slightly, twisting round to face him. His green eyes were haunted, but he forced a small grin of his own before reaching out hesitantly to shake the proffered appendage.
"Glad I could help. Will you be okay?" The stranger's voice had an odd echo, carrying the same aching edge that the Boy Wonder had tried to conceal in his own.
Robin hid a flinch at the question. At that moment he felt anything but. He nodded, supressing a shudder. "Yeah, we're good."
"We thank you for your assistance." The boy stepped swiftly backwards, turning to face Aqualad as he climbed to his feet, soft voice dull. "I am sorry, but we do not know your name."
"I'm nobody special," the boy replied quietly. He gave a faint, mysterious smile, "just a ghost."
And before they could say anything else he darted away, passing through the wreckage that filled the room. The trio slowly and painfully gathered, negotiating their own way carefully to the bioship. It was not a good night to be a hero.
