Two days before New Year:
This was becoming too commonplace. Just when life was starting to settle down, things got complicated. First it was Harm, then it was New Genesis, and now Robin. Why couldn't things be normal? Why couldn't they just fight some evil incarnate like the J.L.A. or the Titans? Why did they always get stuck with the emotional baggage? Oh well, at least he was able to bring his Gamestation along to keep him occupied.
******************
Kon awoke to the sounds of explosions and gunfire. His first reaction was to leap to action.
"Die Communist dogs!!!' he screamed as he leapt up from his bed.
"Morning Kon," Bart said, his attention fixated on the television screen. Kon lay back in his bed, letting his nerves calm down.
"Morning Bart. What time is it?"
"Twelve thirty."
"Twelve thirty, huh? Oy, it feels like it's still two in the morning. How do they do it?"
"Caffeine."
"Hey, how long have YOU been awake anyway?"
"Since nine."
"NINE?!? But we got in at 7:30. How can you be awake at this hour?"
"I wasn't tired."
"Typical. Hey, where's Lobo at?"
"He's still in the closet."
"Wait....did you say `in the closet'?"
"Yep. Go see for yourself."
Kon-El walked over to the closet, opened the door, and, sure enough, saying upside down in a pile of clothing was `The Top Teen' himself, out like a light. At a loss for words, Kon simply placed his fingers on the roof of his nose and, shaking his head, quietly closed the closet door.
"I'm going to go get something to eat," he said. "You want anything while I'm gone?"
"Nah, I'm fine," he said. In a flash he was surrounded by mounds of chocolate and potato chip snacks. Superboy rolled his eyes.
"CM3, Beast Boy," he whispered as he looked at his teammate buried underneath a pile of snack foods and electronic entertainment equipment. "Any of them we could have had join. But noooo, we have to go accept a speedster with no attention span."
He walked down to the lobby of the hotel they were staying at. The Gotham Regale Hotel. It was renown for its high class clientele and five star service. He glanced around, marveled by the ornate masonry, delicate tapestry, and intricate architecture.
He walked down into the lobby. Several influential business people were checking in, while others were checking out, but overall it was pretty quiet. After a night like last night he wanted nothing but quiet. He didn't see any of his female companions, so he proceeded on to the dining hall. It was pretty vacant, obviously just missing the lunch rush. Seated at a long table, however, was the group he was looking for.
"Hey guys," he waved to a pair of young ladies.
"Kon," the blonde waved in response. Her name was Cassie. Seated across from her was Anita. They were two of the team's regional female members. Under combat situations they would have been referred to as Wonder Girl and Empress.
Superboy took a seat at the table. Anita was barely able to respond as she cradled in her hands a warm cup of coffee. Cassie had just finished her mug and was requesting a refill. Kon, taking the opportunity, ordered the strongest cup of java they had.
"So, how long have you two been up?" he asked, trying to be cordial.
"Since fifteen minutes ago, although I don't think Anita's awake yet." Anita slumped over the side of the table, unconscious. Cassie and Kon giggled at the sight. "So, when did you wake up?"
"Just now. Bart decided that, since he was awake, I should be too."
"*Giggle* I know. He came into our room wanting directions to get to our base from here."
"You've got to be kidding me. *Ugh* Sometimes I wonder about that boy."
"Tell me about it. Anita nearly took his head off with those blades of hers. So, where's Lobo? Is he awake yet?"
"Nah, he still has yet to come out of the closet." Cassie gave him a cock-eyed look, then just shrugged it off. Besides, their coffee had arrived.
"So, how's your group been doing?" he asked her as she sipped her fresh refill. "Any luck?" She shook her head.
"No, just false leads. I can't believe how twisted and huge this city is. I'm beginning to wonder if we'll ever find him at this rate."
Kon put his hand on her shoulders. "We'll find him. Don't worry. I don't care how insane this Joker guy is, we'll beat him, we'll find Rob, and then we'll bring him back." She rose her head, and gazed into his eyes. Such confidence, such poise. There were times that he was so arrogant she wanted to smack him, but, at times like this, she wished she had his strength. She allowed a weak smile, and Kon replied with a smile of his own.
"Huh...wha...." Anita said, regaining consciousness. "Oh, hey Kon. When did you get here?"
"I've been here for a while. Sleep well?"
"Shut up." She stretched, unaware of the coffee soaked napkin stuck to her face. "So, is everyone else up?"
"All except Lobo. What about Secret? She asleep?" Anita and Cassie both looked at each other, a quizzed look on each other's face.
"Actually," Cassie said, "come to think of it, I don't think she ever went to sleep."
"Yeah, I think she's still on the roof."
"The roof?" Superboy said.
"Yeah, she looked pretty upset," Anita noted. Kon held his chin in his hand in thought.
"I think I know what's up. I think I'll go talk with her. You guys just chill here a bit."
On the roof, knees brought up to her chin, Secret sat, gazing out towards the city. The sun was at her back and her mind lost in thought. Feelings rushed around inside her. Feelings of doubt, feelings of hope, feelings of curiosity, feelings of fear, feelings of hate, feelings of sorrow. But one feeling screamed loudest amongst the choir inside her. A feeling she felt for one person. A person she wanted so much to share with him, to be with him, to care for him, and to have him care for her.
"This seat taken?" a voice spoke behind her.
"Robin???" She said, her face aglow. Her face sank when she saw it was only Superboy.
"Oh, hey Kon," she muttered.
"Hey, make a guy feel good, why don't you," he jested. She wasn't laughing. Superboy took a seat beside her.
"How you holding up?" he asked her. She hung her head down, but did not answer.
"Look, I know you have feelings for Rob," he said. She snapped to attention.
"I...I don't know what you're talking about," she stammered.
"Look, you don't have to lie. I promise I won't tell anyone."
"How did you know?"
"It's not like it isn't obvious, even for someone who WASN'T trained by the world's greatest detective." She smiled.
"Look, I know it's not easy, having a secret crush like this. It's even harder when you don't know if the other person has feelings for you."
"You mean like between you and Cassie?" she said. This time it was Kon's turn to be taken aback.
"Uh...I think we were talking about you and Rob here." Secret giggled a bit as Kon blushed.
"I just wish Rob knew how I felt," she said with a sigh.
"I'm sure he does. He just doesn't want to make anyone else feel...awkward. I mean, how weird would it be if two teammates were dating each other, ESPECIALLY if one of them was the team leader? I'm sure he doesn't want to bring that kind of pressure down on you."
"You think?"
"Positive. Besides, who's to say he doesn't have feelings for you?" He sat closer to her, putting his arm around her in a friendly manner. "Look, sometimes you just have to dare. Take that chance and put your heart on the line. That's the best way, the only way, you can live life to its full potential."
Secret smiled, then floated to her feet.
"Thanks Kon. I really appreciate it."
"Don't mention it," he said. Secret proceeded of, but stopped shy.
"Uh, Kon?" she asked, curious.
"Yeah?"
"Do you even miss...her?"
Superboy gazed out to the sun. "Yeah, sometimes. I don't think I really, truly loved her though. I just...wonder...what could have been. That's why you should tell Rob how you feel. You never know how long you have." Secret nodded, then floated off to rejoin her friends. Superboy sat down at the building's edge, and gazed out at the city.
"I wonder...." he sighed.
*********************************
"This is getting us nowhere," Wonder Girl said, frustrated, as she flew through the midnight sky.
"Patience Wonder Girl," Red Tornado said as he flew behind her. "We can only do so much."
"Yeah, but Robin's counting on us, and it's only two days until New Years...."
"Why don't we just frag the city and get it over with?" Lobo said, sidling up to the pair on his hog.
"Lobo, you're supposed to be with Superboy over by the west side area," Red Tornado scolded.
"Jeeze, calm down Red Breeze..."
"That's `Red TORNADO," he corrected him. "And this is a search and rescue mission, so destroying the scenery would not be permitted."
"Whatever. I'm going to go find `Nita. Where she at?"
"She's with Secret and Batgirl on the rooftops," Wonder Girl said, not really wanting to talk to their gruff new addition. "So good luck finding `em."
"What about the little spaz that's always making an idiot of himself?"
"Impulse," Red Tornado said, "is down there." He pointed to the blur of red, white, and gold pacing the streets at speeds faster than the eye could perceive. "And you, young man, should be over there." He pointed towards the west area, where Superboy was flying lower to the ground.
"Fine fine fine," he said, flying off. "Frag, finding this loser better be worth the trouble."
"Sometimes I wonder why we let him hang out with us," Wonder Girl said.
"Lapse of judgement," he responded in typical sarcasm. "I COULD send a wind stream to carry him into orbit if you truly wish."
"Nah," she giggled, "he's okay, just aggravating some...."
"Hang on," Tornado said, stopping in mid air. He placed his fingers against his ear. "Go ahead Empress. Uh huh....Uh huh.....Oh my......Right, we're on our way. Tornado to group, meet us down at the corner of Seventh and Vine."
"What's up?" she asked their mentor as they rocketed to their teammate's position.
"I think we've found something."
*****************
Anita couldn't believe what she was looking into. She had heard rumors, stories, of the madness that was The Joker, and was thankful she never had to see it for herself.
Now she was looking at a mirror into that insanity, and it sent chills up her spine.
"What is this place?" Secret said as they looked around, just as stunned as her companions.
"If I'm not mistaken," she said, "I think this is The Joker's hideout."
If ever there could be a living model of a human psyche gone wrong, this place would be it. Around them was a menagerie of tidbits and treasures from the Joker's exploits. Gags, gizmos, a giant tank of pirana along the wall, all the fish floating upside down, dead. Various animals hung upside down, their features twisted and contorted into ghastly smiles. In one corner was a dummy dressed as Batman, riddled with bullets, arrows, knives, swords, and a chain saw.
All the windows were boarded up, allowing no natural light to come in. As some kind of joke, all the regular lights were replaced with green, purple, and black tinted lights. A disco ball hung in the center, shimmering in the odd mix of color.
"Hey guys," Impulse said as he sprinted beside the three ladies. "What's up with....Ooooooo! Look at all the pretty colors."
"Stay," Batgirl said, grabbing the Lad of Lightning before he could sprint into danger. Secret, however, was a little more difficult to hold back, as she floated around the room.
"Robin?" she called out. "Robin, you here?"
"Secret, you shouldn't go in there," Anita said, but her ghostly friend was not listening. Soon Impulse was inside the room as well.
"Ugh," she said, shaking her head as Batgirl shrugged, then joined the rest.
Secret stopped by what looked like a trophy case. Inside was a stitch work Robin costume. Underneath the costume was a crowbar, and a plaque.
`The Day I Won'
"This must have been from the other Robin," Impulse said as he stood by Secret, who had her face pressed up against the glass. "The one Joker....uh...y'know...."
"Let's just find Robin," she said, floating away to go search for their leader.
"Y'know, we SHOULD wait for the others," Empress said.
"They'll get here," he said with a smile as he opened up an old refrigerator. "What's the worst that could happen?"
A spray of fake snakes spewed out as he opened the refrigerator door. He screamed, sending a shockwave through the door, knocking over several beverage cans.
"You alright Bart?" Secret asked.
"Yeah, just need something to calm my nerves." He reached for a drink, and was about to sip when Batgirl grabbed his arm. Shaking her head, she pointed down to a rat, lapping up some liquid seeping from a broken can. The rat began to convulse, and in a few seconds died. Impulse looked at the can, eyes as wide as dinner plates, his thought bubble displaying the image of him, eyes crossed, tongue sticking out, after he drank the drink. Calmly, carefully, he put it up. "What's this?" Secret asked as she pulled a beaker out of the fridge. The liquid was a neon green, and had a strong smell of mold around it.
"I wouldn't touch that if I were..."Impulse was about to say. But Batgirl took the beaker from her hand and, examining its contents, poured a sample into a small test tube, which she placed into her utility belt.
"Look at this stuff," Empress said as they continued their tour. "This guy's gotta be completely nuts."
"And would you look at all these papers," Impulse said as he rummaged through a stack of junk on top of a desk near the center of the room. "Most of these look like maps of places, tech stuff..."
"Give," Batgirl said. She examined some of the papers she took.
"What do they say?" Empress asked.
"Don't know," she said.
"What do you mean you don't know?" Impulse asked. "Can't you read?"
"No," she said, folding a map and placing it into a pouch in her belt.
"Robin?" Secret said as she heard a rustle behind one of the doors. She approached it carefully, and proceeded to open it. A stack of human corpses, rotted and decayed, piled on down to the floor.
"AIEEE!!!!" She screamed as an inhuman chuckle emanated from the closet.
"Oh sweet Jesus," Empress said, holding back the urge to vomit. Impulse, however, could not hold it back.
"*BLECH!!!*"
"Wha...what are these?" Empress asked.
"Bodies," Batgirl said calmly as she examined the pile. She pulled out a small voice recorder, the one responsible for the laughing noise, and clicked it off. "Graveyard."
"What? You mean that he dug these bodies up? Why?"
"Insane," she responded coldly. It was then that the group became aware of a faint ticking noise.
"Guys," Impulse said, cleaning his mouth off. "What's that faint ticking noise?"
They looked deeper inside the closet. Inside they saw what looked like an alarm clock, its red numbers ticking down.
.......5.......4.......3.......2........
"BOMB!!!" Batgirl screamed. The team rushed to the doorway as fast as they could.
......1......
The group felt something pick them up and carry them into the air just as the warehouse exploded into a fiery ball of flame. They landed upon solid ground, and looked up to see Batman, his cape draped around them, their savior.
"What part of `stay put' did you not understand?" he scolded them.
"I thought you said we couldn't frag nuthin'!" Lobo whined to Red Tornado.
"Nothing was `fragged', Lobo. It just looks like our young ones here ran into one of Jokers booby traps."
"Itwasscarry," Impulse began to ramble on. "FirstIwasabouttogointhenBatgirlstoppedmebutSecretwentinthenwesawaRobincostu mebutitwasn'tourRobin'sthenIwasabouttotakeadrinkbutitkilledaratthentherewere thesebodiesandIvomitedand...."
"Was he in there?" he asked Batgirl. She shook her head, then pulled out a map and the vile. "Found these," were her only words. He placed the vile into his belt then examined the map. A scowl fell over his face.
"Take this to Oracle to be analyzed." He handed the paper to Batgirl, who nodded in response before taking off.
"I'm heading to the Batcave to run tests on this liquid. If it's what I think it might be, then Robin's in a lot more trouble than what previously thought...."
"Then we're coming with you," Superboy said. Batman gave him `the look', but the Teen of Tomorrow was unfazed.
"Look, I know you want to protect your identity and all that, but if we're going to save Robin, we need to know what he's dealing with, what kind of tricks Joker's got planned too. I mean, what happens if we do find Robin, but Joker hits us with that stuff? We might turn into zombies, and then you'll have a group of metas on your hand. So, like it or not, we're coming too." The rest of the group just gazed at Superboy, their mouths hung wide in shock.
"Kon, that was....wow," Cassie said. "I didn't know you had it in you."
"Neither did I," he said shyly, rubbing the back of his head. Batman simply grumbled to himself.
"Yes, it is frustrating when they make a point," Red Tornado whispered to Batman.
He was making a calculated risk, letting these teens, one a rookie and the other a homicidal maniac, into their circle. But Robin's life was at stake, and he'd be damned before he lost another one.
"Fine, follow me. But stay CLOSE! I don't want anyone else tailing." With that, the group was off.
***************
"So THIS is the Batcave," Anita said, gazing in awe at all that was legend brought to life. "For the longest time I never thought this place actually existed."
"There are those that don't think I exist," Batman said as he peered into a microscope. "But the fact remains, it exists."
"Wow, can I have some of these?" Impulse asked, carrying in a load of bat equipment.
"Put those back," Batman demanded, not looking up from his microscope. Impulse whimpered, but obeyed nonetheless.
"So, what's the deal?" Superboy asked.
"It's definitely similar to his Joker toxin," he said, adjusting the knob. "But there are some varying differences. I need to run more tests." He removed a sample from the test tube and added it to a blood-tissue sample. He then examined the reaction. He did not like what he saw.
"Sweet Jesus," he said.
"What?" Secret asked.
"It's a variation of his Joker toxin," he said grimly. "It disrupts various chemicals in the blood system, much in the same way his normal toxin does, only it doesn't kill people. It drives them insane."
"Oh my God. Robin...."
"There's still a chance we can save him," Batman said. "I'm pretty sure my regular antitoxins can cure this, but I need to run some more tests."
"Batman, this is Oracle," an image popped up on his computer monitor.
"Go on."
"I've examined the schematics you gave me," she said. "They're definitely for a pretty powerful bomb."
"BOMBS?!?" Superboy exclaimed.
"Bombs. Pretty standard design, really. Wouldn't take much to disarm given enough time, but powerful enough to do some pretty lasting damage."
"Was there anything else? And clues to Joker's whereabouts?"
"Sorry. Plans like these can be downloaded off the Internet, and narrowing it down to a specific computer takes time that we just don't have."
"Is there any chance that these bombs could be used to deploy gas of any kind?"
"No. These are just your typical blow-big-holes-out-of-the-Earth kind of bombs. Why? What did you find?"
Batman was eerily quiet for a few seconds, thinking of what words he could say, and realizing that nothing he could say would make the situation sound any more positive.
"I know what Joker has planned," he said silently. "And I don't think we're going to find Tim alive."
It was silent on the other end. The news was hard to take in, but she was trying as hard as she could to suck it up.
"I...I'll do what I can on my end. Oracle out."
"Wait, what do you mean you don't think he's alive?!?" Wonder Girl spat. The rest of the group was similarly confused/upset. Even Lobo seemed taken aback by the Dark Knight's statement.
"He has to be alive," Secret said, trying to hold back the tears. "He....he can't be....."
"Then why the FRAG are we still looking???" Lobo noted.
"Mon, this...this isn't real," Empress said in similar disbelief.
Batman seemed to ignore their arguments against the obvious. He glared back at the trophy case, the costume on display. Emotions began to swell inside of him, but, as always, he kept them in check.
"Look," he said, turning to them. "I know your feelings. You want to think that he's still alive, and, under normal circumstances, I could tell you definitely whether or not he was. But we're dealing with the Joker, and that makes everything uncertain. For now, we have to assume that Robin is dead, or worse. MUCH worse.
"But that doesn't mean we can stop looking for the Joker. Thousands, maybe even millions, of lives are at stake. If any of you respect Robin, you'll see this through." He paused one more moment to gaze at the display.
"I'm counting on you."
It was eerily silent, as each person took their time letting it all sink in. They came here with the purpose of saving their leader, their friend. Now their mission was for justice, and to bring a body home to bury. It was all too much for even them to swallow at once.
"You....you said his name was `Tim'," Secret was the first to speak. Batman walked over to his computer and, with a couple clicks of the keyboard, brought up Robin's file.
"Tim Drake," he said. "Son of Robert Drake, owner of Drake Industries. He came to me a few years ago, having discovered Nightwing and my identities. We agreed to train him. His mother was soon killed by the Obeah Man, who was brought to justice." He pulled out a floppy disk, and handed it to Superboy.
"It's all here, everything about him, from his shoe size to his favorite food. It's what Tim would have wanted." Superboy looked at the file, and, for a second, was tempted to take it. After all, it was all there. Every question he ever had about Robin. Every secret, every lie, every truth....all there. He extended his hand, but retracted it.
"No," he said. "Spit on what you think, Robin's still alive. I know it. And I don't care what YOU say, we'll find him. And you can bet the cave on that."
Batman simply looked at him, eyes narrow as paper cuts, then turned away, facing the case.
"Jason was the same way," he said grimly. The team stood there, waiting for something, anything, but got nothing. Finally, taking the cue, they left.
The emotions boiled over in Batman. Joker took Dick. Joker took Jason. Joker took Tim. Joker, Joker, Joker, JOKER!!!!
Batman screamed, his fist flying through the glass case. Glass shattered everywhere as he slumped to the floor, his breath heavy and hand aching. The costume's shadow cast itself upon him, as he gazed up, a tear flowing through his eyes.
He prayed that Superboy was right. He prayed to God, his mother, and his father, that Superboy was right.......
****************************
One day until New Years:
The place was alive with the sound of music. The pulsing rhythms echoed off the empty walls of the factory. Harley Quinn danced about, smile as wide as a garage. As she danced about, Joker came through the doorway. He was decked out in sequin purple pants, tight black spandex shirt, and gold chain. His hair was greased back, as he was dressed, literally, to kill.
"Livin' da vida locaaa!!!!" he sang as he pranced about. Harley cooed, as the two of them started to do the mash potato, just like the scene from Pulp Fiction. It would have been amusing under different circumstances, watching a pale white clown and his shapely ex-psychologist dancing about.
"Tomorrow night's going to be a BLAST!" he squealed as the music finally stopped. "Wine, women, music, dancing, fireworks..."
"But I thought that they didn't have fireworks at the New Years Eve celebration," Harley said, setting up for a Joker punch line.
"They will at this one. Heheheee. There'll be fireworks, explosions, and crescendo that'll have this whole globe dancing and singing to the tunes of the voices in their heads for CENTURIES! And speaking of madness, how's our little prodigy doing?"
"I dunno Mr. J.," she said, frowning. "You should take a look at him." She led him to a large metal door, and opened it slowly.
Inside was Robin. He was huddled in the corner, wrapped in a straight jacked, a puddle of sweat and filth around him. He was rocking back and forth, and weeping uncontrollably.
"Hmmmm....manic depression," Joker said, holding his chin.
"What do we do, puddin'? I mean, isn't he supposed to be, y'know, like you."
"Now Harley, I said that it would turn him insane. Besides, what's life without a little variety? We have a few manics, a couple maniacs, your plain nut bags, and VOILA, one giant fruitcake called Earth."
"You're a genius, Mr. J.," Harley said, cuddling up next to Joker.
"You're right, I am." He turned to her, an evil grin on his face, his eyes narrowed menacingly. "Is everything ready?"
"Troops are ready and waiting," she said.
"Good. Load our little bird into the truck. We're moving to a deluxe apartment in the sky."
"Right away, Mr. J!" And, with a salute, she was off to it. Joker walked away, shaking his head.
"I hate it when she calls me that."
***********************
"Any luck?" he asked the youngsters. They all stood there, the winter winds chilling them to the core. The clouds covered any light, and hid every dark. Batman stood there, arms folded. His cape fluttered like the wings of a bat.
"Nothing," Red Tornado said. "We can't find them anywhere."
"Keep searching," Batman ordered.
"We've BEEN searching," Empress said, tired. "We've been over this city at LEAST eight different times. We can't find them anywhere."
"She's right," Impulse chimed in, pulling off his boot. Soot and pebbles fell into a pile as he emptied the contents. "I've ran through the city at least two thousand, eight hundred and sixty seven times TODAY, and I still haven't found anything."
"We have to find him," Batman said.
"We KNOW we have to find them," Wonder Girl said. "But it's like they've disappeared off the face of the Earth. We have no idea where in the city they could be."
"Who says they're in the city?" Lobo said, cleaning his knife. The entire team, including Batman, turned their attentions to him.
"What?" he said.
Batman's face lit up. "The package! Impulse, bring me the package that Spoiler's mask came in."
"What, you mean...this?" In a blink of an eye Impulse was standing before them, holding in his hands the box that started it all. Batman snatched it from him and, carefully, examined its underbelly. His eyes widened to the size of dinner plates.
"How could I have been so foolish?" he said as he ran to the building's edge.
"Where's he going?" Secret asked as he fell off the side.
"I don't know, but we should follow," Superboy said. And, with that, they followed.
*************
"What is that?" Empress asked. The team stood in the darkness of the Batcave, the sound of winged vermin fluttering about the rooftop. Before them stood a large portal, twice the size of any of them. It was far more technological than anything else they had previously seen.
"It's a teleportation device," Red Tornado said. "It's similar to the ones the J.L.A. uses, but of his own design."
"What's he doing?" Empress asked.
"Beats me," Superboy said.
"I can't believe I let this slip me by," Batman muttered as he ran his fingers over the computer panel, ardently searching for something the team couldn't quite comprehend. "I let my emotions cloud my judgement. I only hope that Tim hasn't suffered too much for my foolishness." He then stopped, and holding his ear, began to speak.
"Oracle. This is Batman. I want you to print out an extra copy of those bomb designs. I know where Robin is, and I know what Joker has planned."
"Wait, you know where Robin is?!?" Superboy asked, stunned. "Where? Where is he?"
Pressing several keys, the portal leapt to life, a giant, swirling pool of blackness. Batman glared back at them, his eyes piercing as ice picks, his voice dark.
"Metropolis...."
This was becoming too commonplace. Just when life was starting to settle down, things got complicated. First it was Harm, then it was New Genesis, and now Robin. Why couldn't things be normal? Why couldn't they just fight some evil incarnate like the J.L.A. or the Titans? Why did they always get stuck with the emotional baggage? Oh well, at least he was able to bring his Gamestation along to keep him occupied.
******************
Kon awoke to the sounds of explosions and gunfire. His first reaction was to leap to action.
"Die Communist dogs!!!' he screamed as he leapt up from his bed.
"Morning Kon," Bart said, his attention fixated on the television screen. Kon lay back in his bed, letting his nerves calm down.
"Morning Bart. What time is it?"
"Twelve thirty."
"Twelve thirty, huh? Oy, it feels like it's still two in the morning. How do they do it?"
"Caffeine."
"Hey, how long have YOU been awake anyway?"
"Since nine."
"NINE?!? But we got in at 7:30. How can you be awake at this hour?"
"I wasn't tired."
"Typical. Hey, where's Lobo at?"
"He's still in the closet."
"Wait....did you say `in the closet'?"
"Yep. Go see for yourself."
Kon-El walked over to the closet, opened the door, and, sure enough, saying upside down in a pile of clothing was `The Top Teen' himself, out like a light. At a loss for words, Kon simply placed his fingers on the roof of his nose and, shaking his head, quietly closed the closet door.
"I'm going to go get something to eat," he said. "You want anything while I'm gone?"
"Nah, I'm fine," he said. In a flash he was surrounded by mounds of chocolate and potato chip snacks. Superboy rolled his eyes.
"CM3, Beast Boy," he whispered as he looked at his teammate buried underneath a pile of snack foods and electronic entertainment equipment. "Any of them we could have had join. But noooo, we have to go accept a speedster with no attention span."
He walked down to the lobby of the hotel they were staying at. The Gotham Regale Hotel. It was renown for its high class clientele and five star service. He glanced around, marveled by the ornate masonry, delicate tapestry, and intricate architecture.
He walked down into the lobby. Several influential business people were checking in, while others were checking out, but overall it was pretty quiet. After a night like last night he wanted nothing but quiet. He didn't see any of his female companions, so he proceeded on to the dining hall. It was pretty vacant, obviously just missing the lunch rush. Seated at a long table, however, was the group he was looking for.
"Hey guys," he waved to a pair of young ladies.
"Kon," the blonde waved in response. Her name was Cassie. Seated across from her was Anita. They were two of the team's regional female members. Under combat situations they would have been referred to as Wonder Girl and Empress.
Superboy took a seat at the table. Anita was barely able to respond as she cradled in her hands a warm cup of coffee. Cassie had just finished her mug and was requesting a refill. Kon, taking the opportunity, ordered the strongest cup of java they had.
"So, how long have you two been up?" he asked, trying to be cordial.
"Since fifteen minutes ago, although I don't think Anita's awake yet." Anita slumped over the side of the table, unconscious. Cassie and Kon giggled at the sight. "So, when did you wake up?"
"Just now. Bart decided that, since he was awake, I should be too."
"*Giggle* I know. He came into our room wanting directions to get to our base from here."
"You've got to be kidding me. *Ugh* Sometimes I wonder about that boy."
"Tell me about it. Anita nearly took his head off with those blades of hers. So, where's Lobo? Is he awake yet?"
"Nah, he still has yet to come out of the closet." Cassie gave him a cock-eyed look, then just shrugged it off. Besides, their coffee had arrived.
"So, how's your group been doing?" he asked her as she sipped her fresh refill. "Any luck?" She shook her head.
"No, just false leads. I can't believe how twisted and huge this city is. I'm beginning to wonder if we'll ever find him at this rate."
Kon put his hand on her shoulders. "We'll find him. Don't worry. I don't care how insane this Joker guy is, we'll beat him, we'll find Rob, and then we'll bring him back." She rose her head, and gazed into his eyes. Such confidence, such poise. There were times that he was so arrogant she wanted to smack him, but, at times like this, she wished she had his strength. She allowed a weak smile, and Kon replied with a smile of his own.
"Huh...wha...." Anita said, regaining consciousness. "Oh, hey Kon. When did you get here?"
"I've been here for a while. Sleep well?"
"Shut up." She stretched, unaware of the coffee soaked napkin stuck to her face. "So, is everyone else up?"
"All except Lobo. What about Secret? She asleep?" Anita and Cassie both looked at each other, a quizzed look on each other's face.
"Actually," Cassie said, "come to think of it, I don't think she ever went to sleep."
"Yeah, I think she's still on the roof."
"The roof?" Superboy said.
"Yeah, she looked pretty upset," Anita noted. Kon held his chin in his hand in thought.
"I think I know what's up. I think I'll go talk with her. You guys just chill here a bit."
On the roof, knees brought up to her chin, Secret sat, gazing out towards the city. The sun was at her back and her mind lost in thought. Feelings rushed around inside her. Feelings of doubt, feelings of hope, feelings of curiosity, feelings of fear, feelings of hate, feelings of sorrow. But one feeling screamed loudest amongst the choir inside her. A feeling she felt for one person. A person she wanted so much to share with him, to be with him, to care for him, and to have him care for her.
"This seat taken?" a voice spoke behind her.
"Robin???" She said, her face aglow. Her face sank when she saw it was only Superboy.
"Oh, hey Kon," she muttered.
"Hey, make a guy feel good, why don't you," he jested. She wasn't laughing. Superboy took a seat beside her.
"How you holding up?" he asked her. She hung her head down, but did not answer.
"Look, I know you have feelings for Rob," he said. She snapped to attention.
"I...I don't know what you're talking about," she stammered.
"Look, you don't have to lie. I promise I won't tell anyone."
"How did you know?"
"It's not like it isn't obvious, even for someone who WASN'T trained by the world's greatest detective." She smiled.
"Look, I know it's not easy, having a secret crush like this. It's even harder when you don't know if the other person has feelings for you."
"You mean like between you and Cassie?" she said. This time it was Kon's turn to be taken aback.
"Uh...I think we were talking about you and Rob here." Secret giggled a bit as Kon blushed.
"I just wish Rob knew how I felt," she said with a sigh.
"I'm sure he does. He just doesn't want to make anyone else feel...awkward. I mean, how weird would it be if two teammates were dating each other, ESPECIALLY if one of them was the team leader? I'm sure he doesn't want to bring that kind of pressure down on you."
"You think?"
"Positive. Besides, who's to say he doesn't have feelings for you?" He sat closer to her, putting his arm around her in a friendly manner. "Look, sometimes you just have to dare. Take that chance and put your heart on the line. That's the best way, the only way, you can live life to its full potential."
Secret smiled, then floated to her feet.
"Thanks Kon. I really appreciate it."
"Don't mention it," he said. Secret proceeded of, but stopped shy.
"Uh, Kon?" she asked, curious.
"Yeah?"
"Do you even miss...her?"
Superboy gazed out to the sun. "Yeah, sometimes. I don't think I really, truly loved her though. I just...wonder...what could have been. That's why you should tell Rob how you feel. You never know how long you have." Secret nodded, then floated off to rejoin her friends. Superboy sat down at the building's edge, and gazed out at the city.
"I wonder...." he sighed.
*********************************
"This is getting us nowhere," Wonder Girl said, frustrated, as she flew through the midnight sky.
"Patience Wonder Girl," Red Tornado said as he flew behind her. "We can only do so much."
"Yeah, but Robin's counting on us, and it's only two days until New Years...."
"Why don't we just frag the city and get it over with?" Lobo said, sidling up to the pair on his hog.
"Lobo, you're supposed to be with Superboy over by the west side area," Red Tornado scolded.
"Jeeze, calm down Red Breeze..."
"That's `Red TORNADO," he corrected him. "And this is a search and rescue mission, so destroying the scenery would not be permitted."
"Whatever. I'm going to go find `Nita. Where she at?"
"She's with Secret and Batgirl on the rooftops," Wonder Girl said, not really wanting to talk to their gruff new addition. "So good luck finding `em."
"What about the little spaz that's always making an idiot of himself?"
"Impulse," Red Tornado said, "is down there." He pointed to the blur of red, white, and gold pacing the streets at speeds faster than the eye could perceive. "And you, young man, should be over there." He pointed towards the west area, where Superboy was flying lower to the ground.
"Fine fine fine," he said, flying off. "Frag, finding this loser better be worth the trouble."
"Sometimes I wonder why we let him hang out with us," Wonder Girl said.
"Lapse of judgement," he responded in typical sarcasm. "I COULD send a wind stream to carry him into orbit if you truly wish."
"Nah," she giggled, "he's okay, just aggravating some...."
"Hang on," Tornado said, stopping in mid air. He placed his fingers against his ear. "Go ahead Empress. Uh huh....Uh huh.....Oh my......Right, we're on our way. Tornado to group, meet us down at the corner of Seventh and Vine."
"What's up?" she asked their mentor as they rocketed to their teammate's position.
"I think we've found something."
*****************
Anita couldn't believe what she was looking into. She had heard rumors, stories, of the madness that was The Joker, and was thankful she never had to see it for herself.
Now she was looking at a mirror into that insanity, and it sent chills up her spine.
"What is this place?" Secret said as they looked around, just as stunned as her companions.
"If I'm not mistaken," she said, "I think this is The Joker's hideout."
If ever there could be a living model of a human psyche gone wrong, this place would be it. Around them was a menagerie of tidbits and treasures from the Joker's exploits. Gags, gizmos, a giant tank of pirana along the wall, all the fish floating upside down, dead. Various animals hung upside down, their features twisted and contorted into ghastly smiles. In one corner was a dummy dressed as Batman, riddled with bullets, arrows, knives, swords, and a chain saw.
All the windows were boarded up, allowing no natural light to come in. As some kind of joke, all the regular lights were replaced with green, purple, and black tinted lights. A disco ball hung in the center, shimmering in the odd mix of color.
"Hey guys," Impulse said as he sprinted beside the three ladies. "What's up with....Ooooooo! Look at all the pretty colors."
"Stay," Batgirl said, grabbing the Lad of Lightning before he could sprint into danger. Secret, however, was a little more difficult to hold back, as she floated around the room.
"Robin?" she called out. "Robin, you here?"
"Secret, you shouldn't go in there," Anita said, but her ghostly friend was not listening. Soon Impulse was inside the room as well.
"Ugh," she said, shaking her head as Batgirl shrugged, then joined the rest.
Secret stopped by what looked like a trophy case. Inside was a stitch work Robin costume. Underneath the costume was a crowbar, and a plaque.
`The Day I Won'
"This must have been from the other Robin," Impulse said as he stood by Secret, who had her face pressed up against the glass. "The one Joker....uh...y'know...."
"Let's just find Robin," she said, floating away to go search for their leader.
"Y'know, we SHOULD wait for the others," Empress said.
"They'll get here," he said with a smile as he opened up an old refrigerator. "What's the worst that could happen?"
A spray of fake snakes spewed out as he opened the refrigerator door. He screamed, sending a shockwave through the door, knocking over several beverage cans.
"You alright Bart?" Secret asked.
"Yeah, just need something to calm my nerves." He reached for a drink, and was about to sip when Batgirl grabbed his arm. Shaking her head, she pointed down to a rat, lapping up some liquid seeping from a broken can. The rat began to convulse, and in a few seconds died. Impulse looked at the can, eyes as wide as dinner plates, his thought bubble displaying the image of him, eyes crossed, tongue sticking out, after he drank the drink. Calmly, carefully, he put it up. "What's this?" Secret asked as she pulled a beaker out of the fridge. The liquid was a neon green, and had a strong smell of mold around it.
"I wouldn't touch that if I were..."Impulse was about to say. But Batgirl took the beaker from her hand and, examining its contents, poured a sample into a small test tube, which she placed into her utility belt.
"Look at this stuff," Empress said as they continued their tour. "This guy's gotta be completely nuts."
"And would you look at all these papers," Impulse said as he rummaged through a stack of junk on top of a desk near the center of the room. "Most of these look like maps of places, tech stuff..."
"Give," Batgirl said. She examined some of the papers she took.
"What do they say?" Empress asked.
"Don't know," she said.
"What do you mean you don't know?" Impulse asked. "Can't you read?"
"No," she said, folding a map and placing it into a pouch in her belt.
"Robin?" Secret said as she heard a rustle behind one of the doors. She approached it carefully, and proceeded to open it. A stack of human corpses, rotted and decayed, piled on down to the floor.
"AIEEE!!!!" She screamed as an inhuman chuckle emanated from the closet.
"Oh sweet Jesus," Empress said, holding back the urge to vomit. Impulse, however, could not hold it back.
"*BLECH!!!*"
"Wha...what are these?" Empress asked.
"Bodies," Batgirl said calmly as she examined the pile. She pulled out a small voice recorder, the one responsible for the laughing noise, and clicked it off. "Graveyard."
"What? You mean that he dug these bodies up? Why?"
"Insane," she responded coldly. It was then that the group became aware of a faint ticking noise.
"Guys," Impulse said, cleaning his mouth off. "What's that faint ticking noise?"
They looked deeper inside the closet. Inside they saw what looked like an alarm clock, its red numbers ticking down.
.......5.......4.......3.......2........
"BOMB!!!" Batgirl screamed. The team rushed to the doorway as fast as they could.
......1......
The group felt something pick them up and carry them into the air just as the warehouse exploded into a fiery ball of flame. They landed upon solid ground, and looked up to see Batman, his cape draped around them, their savior.
"What part of `stay put' did you not understand?" he scolded them.
"I thought you said we couldn't frag nuthin'!" Lobo whined to Red Tornado.
"Nothing was `fragged', Lobo. It just looks like our young ones here ran into one of Jokers booby traps."
"Itwasscarry," Impulse began to ramble on. "FirstIwasabouttogointhenBatgirlstoppedmebutSecretwentinthenwesawaRobincostu mebutitwasn'tourRobin'sthenIwasabouttotakeadrinkbutitkilledaratthentherewere thesebodiesandIvomitedand...."
"Was he in there?" he asked Batgirl. She shook her head, then pulled out a map and the vile. "Found these," were her only words. He placed the vile into his belt then examined the map. A scowl fell over his face.
"Take this to Oracle to be analyzed." He handed the paper to Batgirl, who nodded in response before taking off.
"I'm heading to the Batcave to run tests on this liquid. If it's what I think it might be, then Robin's in a lot more trouble than what previously thought...."
"Then we're coming with you," Superboy said. Batman gave him `the look', but the Teen of Tomorrow was unfazed.
"Look, I know you want to protect your identity and all that, but if we're going to save Robin, we need to know what he's dealing with, what kind of tricks Joker's got planned too. I mean, what happens if we do find Robin, but Joker hits us with that stuff? We might turn into zombies, and then you'll have a group of metas on your hand. So, like it or not, we're coming too." The rest of the group just gazed at Superboy, their mouths hung wide in shock.
"Kon, that was....wow," Cassie said. "I didn't know you had it in you."
"Neither did I," he said shyly, rubbing the back of his head. Batman simply grumbled to himself.
"Yes, it is frustrating when they make a point," Red Tornado whispered to Batman.
He was making a calculated risk, letting these teens, one a rookie and the other a homicidal maniac, into their circle. But Robin's life was at stake, and he'd be damned before he lost another one.
"Fine, follow me. But stay CLOSE! I don't want anyone else tailing." With that, the group was off.
***************
"So THIS is the Batcave," Anita said, gazing in awe at all that was legend brought to life. "For the longest time I never thought this place actually existed."
"There are those that don't think I exist," Batman said as he peered into a microscope. "But the fact remains, it exists."
"Wow, can I have some of these?" Impulse asked, carrying in a load of bat equipment.
"Put those back," Batman demanded, not looking up from his microscope. Impulse whimpered, but obeyed nonetheless.
"So, what's the deal?" Superboy asked.
"It's definitely similar to his Joker toxin," he said, adjusting the knob. "But there are some varying differences. I need to run more tests." He removed a sample from the test tube and added it to a blood-tissue sample. He then examined the reaction. He did not like what he saw.
"Sweet Jesus," he said.
"What?" Secret asked.
"It's a variation of his Joker toxin," he said grimly. "It disrupts various chemicals in the blood system, much in the same way his normal toxin does, only it doesn't kill people. It drives them insane."
"Oh my God. Robin...."
"There's still a chance we can save him," Batman said. "I'm pretty sure my regular antitoxins can cure this, but I need to run some more tests."
"Batman, this is Oracle," an image popped up on his computer monitor.
"Go on."
"I've examined the schematics you gave me," she said. "They're definitely for a pretty powerful bomb."
"BOMBS?!?" Superboy exclaimed.
"Bombs. Pretty standard design, really. Wouldn't take much to disarm given enough time, but powerful enough to do some pretty lasting damage."
"Was there anything else? And clues to Joker's whereabouts?"
"Sorry. Plans like these can be downloaded off the Internet, and narrowing it down to a specific computer takes time that we just don't have."
"Is there any chance that these bombs could be used to deploy gas of any kind?"
"No. These are just your typical blow-big-holes-out-of-the-Earth kind of bombs. Why? What did you find?"
Batman was eerily quiet for a few seconds, thinking of what words he could say, and realizing that nothing he could say would make the situation sound any more positive.
"I know what Joker has planned," he said silently. "And I don't think we're going to find Tim alive."
It was silent on the other end. The news was hard to take in, but she was trying as hard as she could to suck it up.
"I...I'll do what I can on my end. Oracle out."
"Wait, what do you mean you don't think he's alive?!?" Wonder Girl spat. The rest of the group was similarly confused/upset. Even Lobo seemed taken aback by the Dark Knight's statement.
"He has to be alive," Secret said, trying to hold back the tears. "He....he can't be....."
"Then why the FRAG are we still looking???" Lobo noted.
"Mon, this...this isn't real," Empress said in similar disbelief.
Batman seemed to ignore their arguments against the obvious. He glared back at the trophy case, the costume on display. Emotions began to swell inside of him, but, as always, he kept them in check.
"Look," he said, turning to them. "I know your feelings. You want to think that he's still alive, and, under normal circumstances, I could tell you definitely whether or not he was. But we're dealing with the Joker, and that makes everything uncertain. For now, we have to assume that Robin is dead, or worse. MUCH worse.
"But that doesn't mean we can stop looking for the Joker. Thousands, maybe even millions, of lives are at stake. If any of you respect Robin, you'll see this through." He paused one more moment to gaze at the display.
"I'm counting on you."
It was eerily silent, as each person took their time letting it all sink in. They came here with the purpose of saving their leader, their friend. Now their mission was for justice, and to bring a body home to bury. It was all too much for even them to swallow at once.
"You....you said his name was `Tim'," Secret was the first to speak. Batman walked over to his computer and, with a couple clicks of the keyboard, brought up Robin's file.
"Tim Drake," he said. "Son of Robert Drake, owner of Drake Industries. He came to me a few years ago, having discovered Nightwing and my identities. We agreed to train him. His mother was soon killed by the Obeah Man, who was brought to justice." He pulled out a floppy disk, and handed it to Superboy.
"It's all here, everything about him, from his shoe size to his favorite food. It's what Tim would have wanted." Superboy looked at the file, and, for a second, was tempted to take it. After all, it was all there. Every question he ever had about Robin. Every secret, every lie, every truth....all there. He extended his hand, but retracted it.
"No," he said. "Spit on what you think, Robin's still alive. I know it. And I don't care what YOU say, we'll find him. And you can bet the cave on that."
Batman simply looked at him, eyes narrow as paper cuts, then turned away, facing the case.
"Jason was the same way," he said grimly. The team stood there, waiting for something, anything, but got nothing. Finally, taking the cue, they left.
The emotions boiled over in Batman. Joker took Dick. Joker took Jason. Joker took Tim. Joker, Joker, Joker, JOKER!!!!
Batman screamed, his fist flying through the glass case. Glass shattered everywhere as he slumped to the floor, his breath heavy and hand aching. The costume's shadow cast itself upon him, as he gazed up, a tear flowing through his eyes.
He prayed that Superboy was right. He prayed to God, his mother, and his father, that Superboy was right.......
****************************
One day until New Years:
The place was alive with the sound of music. The pulsing rhythms echoed off the empty walls of the factory. Harley Quinn danced about, smile as wide as a garage. As she danced about, Joker came through the doorway. He was decked out in sequin purple pants, tight black spandex shirt, and gold chain. His hair was greased back, as he was dressed, literally, to kill.
"Livin' da vida locaaa!!!!" he sang as he pranced about. Harley cooed, as the two of them started to do the mash potato, just like the scene from Pulp Fiction. It would have been amusing under different circumstances, watching a pale white clown and his shapely ex-psychologist dancing about.
"Tomorrow night's going to be a BLAST!" he squealed as the music finally stopped. "Wine, women, music, dancing, fireworks..."
"But I thought that they didn't have fireworks at the New Years Eve celebration," Harley said, setting up for a Joker punch line.
"They will at this one. Heheheee. There'll be fireworks, explosions, and crescendo that'll have this whole globe dancing and singing to the tunes of the voices in their heads for CENTURIES! And speaking of madness, how's our little prodigy doing?"
"I dunno Mr. J.," she said, frowning. "You should take a look at him." She led him to a large metal door, and opened it slowly.
Inside was Robin. He was huddled in the corner, wrapped in a straight jacked, a puddle of sweat and filth around him. He was rocking back and forth, and weeping uncontrollably.
"Hmmmm....manic depression," Joker said, holding his chin.
"What do we do, puddin'? I mean, isn't he supposed to be, y'know, like you."
"Now Harley, I said that it would turn him insane. Besides, what's life without a little variety? We have a few manics, a couple maniacs, your plain nut bags, and VOILA, one giant fruitcake called Earth."
"You're a genius, Mr. J.," Harley said, cuddling up next to Joker.
"You're right, I am." He turned to her, an evil grin on his face, his eyes narrowed menacingly. "Is everything ready?"
"Troops are ready and waiting," she said.
"Good. Load our little bird into the truck. We're moving to a deluxe apartment in the sky."
"Right away, Mr. J!" And, with a salute, she was off to it. Joker walked away, shaking his head.
"I hate it when she calls me that."
***********************
"Any luck?" he asked the youngsters. They all stood there, the winter winds chilling them to the core. The clouds covered any light, and hid every dark. Batman stood there, arms folded. His cape fluttered like the wings of a bat.
"Nothing," Red Tornado said. "We can't find them anywhere."
"Keep searching," Batman ordered.
"We've BEEN searching," Empress said, tired. "We've been over this city at LEAST eight different times. We can't find them anywhere."
"She's right," Impulse chimed in, pulling off his boot. Soot and pebbles fell into a pile as he emptied the contents. "I've ran through the city at least two thousand, eight hundred and sixty seven times TODAY, and I still haven't found anything."
"We have to find him," Batman said.
"We KNOW we have to find them," Wonder Girl said. "But it's like they've disappeared off the face of the Earth. We have no idea where in the city they could be."
"Who says they're in the city?" Lobo said, cleaning his knife. The entire team, including Batman, turned their attentions to him.
"What?" he said.
Batman's face lit up. "The package! Impulse, bring me the package that Spoiler's mask came in."
"What, you mean...this?" In a blink of an eye Impulse was standing before them, holding in his hands the box that started it all. Batman snatched it from him and, carefully, examined its underbelly. His eyes widened to the size of dinner plates.
"How could I have been so foolish?" he said as he ran to the building's edge.
"Where's he going?" Secret asked as he fell off the side.
"I don't know, but we should follow," Superboy said. And, with that, they followed.
*************
"What is that?" Empress asked. The team stood in the darkness of the Batcave, the sound of winged vermin fluttering about the rooftop. Before them stood a large portal, twice the size of any of them. It was far more technological than anything else they had previously seen.
"It's a teleportation device," Red Tornado said. "It's similar to the ones the J.L.A. uses, but of his own design."
"What's he doing?" Empress asked.
"Beats me," Superboy said.
"I can't believe I let this slip me by," Batman muttered as he ran his fingers over the computer panel, ardently searching for something the team couldn't quite comprehend. "I let my emotions cloud my judgement. I only hope that Tim hasn't suffered too much for my foolishness." He then stopped, and holding his ear, began to speak.
"Oracle. This is Batman. I want you to print out an extra copy of those bomb designs. I know where Robin is, and I know what Joker has planned."
"Wait, you know where Robin is?!?" Superboy asked, stunned. "Where? Where is he?"
Pressing several keys, the portal leapt to life, a giant, swirling pool of blackness. Batman glared back at them, his eyes piercing as ice picks, his voice dark.
"Metropolis...."