Chapter 3 (Some of it anyway)
His fists collided gracefully into the bag, sending sounds of grunts and thuds floating through the air.
It had been about a month since his fight with the Joker, and Bruce had continued with his typical dreamless slumber.
He hadn't informed anyone else of his dream, not wanting to bring extra attention to something that already frightened him. How the hell did it happen?
"It works better if you put a picture on it."
Tim stood smiling in front of him as he continued his strenuous work out, his small hands folded neatly into his pockets.
"Did you do your-"
He sighed,
"Homework, yes."
Bruce smiled, kicking the punching bag one last time before wiping the sweat from his forehead.
"Suit up."
Tim's face expanded with a large grin,
"Are we going to bust someone?"
He resisted the urge to ruffle up the child's hair,
"Just patrol, but there's always the chance."
Tim was already running towards his suit, yanking at the pants around his waist, and pulling loose the collar of his shirt.
Bruce laughed lightly, turning swiftly towards Alfred as he descended the stair case.
"How are you feeling today, Sir?"
He glanced down at the reddened scar on his stomach,
"Surprisingly well, Alfred."
"That's wonderful Master Bruce, I assumed you would be needing this."
In his hands lay a suit that emitted a life energy of it's own, sending out almost a feeling of placid authority and strength.
"Thank you."
Bruce's fingers clutched the material, letting it's coolness flow through his skin as he slid it over his body.
Every time he placed the cowl over his face, he couldn't help but feel his other identity fading away into the distance, the aura of Batman filling his very soul.
Routinely placing the belt around his waist, he looked down at Robin, and for some reason felt a surge of anxiety as he watched him leap into the Batmobile.
"What are you standing there for?"
He was pulled from his odd worry, casually making his way to the driver's seat.
"So when do I get to drive?"
Batman didn't bother to dignify that question with an answer.
***
The wind tore the leaves and litter from the ground as the batmobile drove swiftly through the streets of Gotham, it's passengers searching endlessly for the helpless victims of this diseased city.
Two hours had passed and they hadn't seen so much as a pickpocket out to snatch a quick buck.
Robin knew he should be relieved that no one needed to be saved tonight, but deep down he yearned for the chance to knock a punk in the face, stop a murderer, or chase down a bank robber. All his life he had wanted to be so much more than commoner, and now he was....he was a hero, and couldn't be happier about it.
Nights like this always brought him down a bit, the excitement of stopping a criminal on hold for a while. Sometimes he wondered if the gangs in this city had selected "days off" from crime.
A small noise, accompanied by a little red flashing light, boosted his spirits in an instant.
Batman's foot pressed down on the accelorator....they were headed to work.
***
"197.."
"198.."
"199.."
Dick rested for a minute, his arms aching from insistent exercise. He pulled himself up again, counting off two hundred before falling to the ground.
Scolding himself for such a decrease since the last time he'd done pull ups, he silently promised himself that he would practice more. One of these days he was going to beat Bruce's record, though he wasn't sure exactly how much it had been. For all he knew, Bruce had gotten over 400 now...Dick didn't know if he could achieve that high of a goal.
Using the back of his hand to wipe his face, he made his way over to the sink in the corner, pouring himself a cold glass of water. He sipped it, not wanting to upset his stomach.
From downstairs came the sound of a telephone. He raced down the steps, answering on only it's second ring.
"Hello?......Oh hi Babs.....huh?......No, nothing right now, why?.......all right, I'll be there as soon as I can."
Resting the receiver back down, he leisurely made his way back upstairs, donning his other identity before slipping out the balcony and heading down to mount one of his bikes.
***
She had already suited up while she was waiting for Dick, hoping that he would hurry and get there.
The police radio still transmitted with updated reports on the situation, keeping Barbara informed of where Croc was heading.
She'd tried to get ahold of Bruce, but Alfred had told her he and Tim had gone. He was probably already there.
About to wait by the window, the reports from the radio stopped her in her tracks,
"Repeat, Batman's unconscious, Killer Croc's retreating into the sewers with Robin..."
Oh god....She stared out the window,
"Come on Dick!"
***
A large rough arm wrapped itself so tightly around his chest that he couldn't breathe. He struggled vainly, kicking and punching, trying anything to release himself.
His hand grabbed at his utility belt, searching desperately for the flash bomb...there! He snapped the fuse, igniting it just while Croc's gaze moved towards him.
He screamed in pain as it popped, dropping Tim in a moment of shock. The brown water beneath him swallowed him whole, acting as a perfect cloak for him to get far enough away to inflict some damage. When he lifted his head from the liquid, Croc was no where to be seen.
***
Batman opened his eyes, rubbing his head lightly as he was helped up by two police officers. The events that had just transpired slowly crept back into his mind, bringing his concern right back where it should be.
"Robin..."
Bullock pushed his way through the crowd, giving him an awful stare before offering a form of help.
"He and the freakshow are down in the sewer. Was grabbed while you were nappin'. Maybe you should let the police take care of it next time, instead of puttin' a boy's life in danger."
"Shut it Bullock."
Jim came gradually behind Harvey, placing his hands in his pockets before speaking again.
"They went down that way about five minutes ago, he couldn't have taken him that far."
Bruce nodded, sliding on the pavement to squeeze himself into the large street drain. This wasn't going to be fun.
***
He slide open the pane, smiling as he hopped into her apartment.
"What's up Babs?"
She turned on her heel, her face full of worry.
"We have to go, now!"
His smile quickly faded,
"What is it?"
She grabbed Nightwing's arm and led him out, explaining as thoroughly as possible on the way.
***
The sound of running water ruined Tim's earshot. He couldn't hear the rats crawling disgustingly about all around him. He couldn't hear the dripping of the rain as the clouds began to release more liquid into the sewers. And he couldn't hear the sound of Killer Croc, creeping up as silently as possible from behind him...
***
Bruce waded through the rising water, trying to listen for any sounds of distress.
The walls around him lay thickly covered in a brown ooze, half waste, the rest moss. This place was disturbing.
Tim couldn't be that far away, and he was going to find him.
He debated on whether he should use a light or not, the visibility in these pipes almost nonexistent. No, it's not safe. Croc would see him first, and could either avoid or attack him.
All he could do was keep moving, and hope that fate was with him.
***
Tim opened one eye, the other painfully swollen shut. How had he gotten here?
The room around him was large, and solid, the only noticeable exit being a small vent on the ceiling.
Attempting to move his arms, a small pang of fear struck him as he realized his situation. He was bound to a short platform, already starting to lose it's leverage over the rising pool.
The walls were covered in small to medium sized waterfalls, all adding to his panic. He had to find a way out of this or he would drown.
***
"Thank you commissioner." Batgirl yelled back as she dove into the sewer.
He nodded, watching as Nightwing followed swiftly behind her.
"Good luck." He spoke under his breath, saying a silent prayer for the four of them.
***
Batman pushed his way forward against the current, the sound of splashing getting closer.
A loud grunt reassured him that it was indeed Croc that lay ahead, he only hoped that the creature hadn't done anything he'd regret.
***
The water seeped up the small of Tim's back, sending shivers down his spine.
It was cold, ice cold, and it was causing his breath to catch in his throat. He debated on calling for help, wondering just how close Killer Croc was to him.
***
Nightwing had moved in front of Babs, making sure he'd receive any blows dealt in the dark.
They heard the sloshing of the small river not that far ahead, someone was in front of them.
***
He almost didn't dodge in time as the fist came around the corner, sending a small jump through his stomach.
He retaliated with a kick, hitting his target directly in the gut.
Batman hated fighting without sight, but he couldn't risk giving his opponent the upper hand.
Croc stood in front of him, breathing heavily. He wasn't sure, but Bruce thought that he saw a smile on his face.
***
All the struggling in the world wouldn't help him now. He was securely fastened to the steel platform, forced to wait for someone, anyone to find him.
It wasn't until the water rose to his neck that he really began to fear for his life.
***
They had started to run, hearing sounds of a struggle not that far in the distance.
Batgirl ran along side him as they pushed forward, feeling a little better about the surprise attack against Croc that they were going to deliver.
***
His large green fist wrapped around Bruce's neck, crushing the air from his throat. This didn't look good.
He vainly tried to kick him, only making a small impact on the looming figure that clutched him.
His ears caught it before Croc's, the sound of a fist flying through the air, meeting in perfect alignment with what you would consider his nose.
The hand released him, leaving him to attempt a quick, gasping recovery.
Nightwing had come from no where, accompanied by a high kicking Batgirl. He would never admit it, but they may have just saved his life.
Bruce squinted to see Croc's face. It was a smile. He was grinning about something.
***
He'd had to shut his eyes, the dirt and other things floating in the water stinging them beyond belief.
Cocking his neck, he tried desperately to hold on to air for just a little longer.
***
The large animal lay on the ground, beaten and bleeding, and yet he laughed, a booming, bone chilling laughter that echoed off the pipes.
Batman grabbed his face in his right hand, squeezing with rage,
"Something amusing?"
He still chuckled, speaking through crushed cheeks,
"You're too late ta save 'im Batman. He's dead."
Something inside of him felt as if it were withering away.
"Robin...." He trailed off, punching Croc in the face before continuing,
"Where is he?!"
He didn't answer, instead concentrating on something that only he would know.
What happened next was something that would haunt Batman for a long time.
"Batman!" A distant scream drifted throughout the sewer.
He jerked his head up, not realizing he was leaving himself wide open.
A fist slammed into his face, breaking his nose and knocking him back against the wall.
Before he could even stand Croc was gone, vanished in the long string of tunnels.
Blood streamed down his face, the bitter taste of iron hitting his tongue as he finally stood upright.
There was no time to chase him, they had to find Robin.
Nightwing and Batgirl were already scouring the vents, pipes and tubes, hopelessly finding nothing.
Holding his breath, he listened, hearing another cry for help. It had to be coming from off to his left. He leapt down the slope, searching each pipe and vent before moving on.
To his horror he almost past the right one, the only evidence that Tim was in there was a red blur under rippling sewage water.
He tore the vent from the floor, leaping into the room below. It was over his head, making this one hundred percent more difficult.
Dick and Barb were right behind him, all three diving and clawing at the ropes.
Batman's knife sliced beautifully through the vinyl, releasing his young ally from his watery grave.
Resuscitation offered no help once they pulled him from the room below, the three of them emotionally torn from the inside out.
"Damn you Croc." Batman sobbed.
It was too late, Tim had stopped breathing, his wet lifeless body providing the most painful emotions imaginable. He'd failed him...
His fists collided gracefully into the bag, sending sounds of grunts and thuds floating through the air.
It had been about a month since his fight with the Joker, and Bruce had continued with his typical dreamless slumber.
He hadn't informed anyone else of his dream, not wanting to bring extra attention to something that already frightened him. How the hell did it happen?
"It works better if you put a picture on it."
Tim stood smiling in front of him as he continued his strenuous work out, his small hands folded neatly into his pockets.
"Did you do your-"
He sighed,
"Homework, yes."
Bruce smiled, kicking the punching bag one last time before wiping the sweat from his forehead.
"Suit up."
Tim's face expanded with a large grin,
"Are we going to bust someone?"
He resisted the urge to ruffle up the child's hair,
"Just patrol, but there's always the chance."
Tim was already running towards his suit, yanking at the pants around his waist, and pulling loose the collar of his shirt.
Bruce laughed lightly, turning swiftly towards Alfred as he descended the stair case.
"How are you feeling today, Sir?"
He glanced down at the reddened scar on his stomach,
"Surprisingly well, Alfred."
"That's wonderful Master Bruce, I assumed you would be needing this."
In his hands lay a suit that emitted a life energy of it's own, sending out almost a feeling of placid authority and strength.
"Thank you."
Bruce's fingers clutched the material, letting it's coolness flow through his skin as he slid it over his body.
Every time he placed the cowl over his face, he couldn't help but feel his other identity fading away into the distance, the aura of Batman filling his very soul.
Routinely placing the belt around his waist, he looked down at Robin, and for some reason felt a surge of anxiety as he watched him leap into the Batmobile.
"What are you standing there for?"
He was pulled from his odd worry, casually making his way to the driver's seat.
"So when do I get to drive?"
Batman didn't bother to dignify that question with an answer.
***
The wind tore the leaves and litter from the ground as the batmobile drove swiftly through the streets of Gotham, it's passengers searching endlessly for the helpless victims of this diseased city.
Two hours had passed and they hadn't seen so much as a pickpocket out to snatch a quick buck.
Robin knew he should be relieved that no one needed to be saved tonight, but deep down he yearned for the chance to knock a punk in the face, stop a murderer, or chase down a bank robber. All his life he had wanted to be so much more than commoner, and now he was....he was a hero, and couldn't be happier about it.
Nights like this always brought him down a bit, the excitement of stopping a criminal on hold for a while. Sometimes he wondered if the gangs in this city had selected "days off" from crime.
A small noise, accompanied by a little red flashing light, boosted his spirits in an instant.
Batman's foot pressed down on the accelorator....they were headed to work.
***
"197.."
"198.."
"199.."
Dick rested for a minute, his arms aching from insistent exercise. He pulled himself up again, counting off two hundred before falling to the ground.
Scolding himself for such a decrease since the last time he'd done pull ups, he silently promised himself that he would practice more. One of these days he was going to beat Bruce's record, though he wasn't sure exactly how much it had been. For all he knew, Bruce had gotten over 400 now...Dick didn't know if he could achieve that high of a goal.
Using the back of his hand to wipe his face, he made his way over to the sink in the corner, pouring himself a cold glass of water. He sipped it, not wanting to upset his stomach.
From downstairs came the sound of a telephone. He raced down the steps, answering on only it's second ring.
"Hello?......Oh hi Babs.....huh?......No, nothing right now, why?.......all right, I'll be there as soon as I can."
Resting the receiver back down, he leisurely made his way back upstairs, donning his other identity before slipping out the balcony and heading down to mount one of his bikes.
***
She had already suited up while she was waiting for Dick, hoping that he would hurry and get there.
The police radio still transmitted with updated reports on the situation, keeping Barbara informed of where Croc was heading.
She'd tried to get ahold of Bruce, but Alfred had told her he and Tim had gone. He was probably already there.
About to wait by the window, the reports from the radio stopped her in her tracks,
"Repeat, Batman's unconscious, Killer Croc's retreating into the sewers with Robin..."
Oh god....She stared out the window,
"Come on Dick!"
***
A large rough arm wrapped itself so tightly around his chest that he couldn't breathe. He struggled vainly, kicking and punching, trying anything to release himself.
His hand grabbed at his utility belt, searching desperately for the flash bomb...there! He snapped the fuse, igniting it just while Croc's gaze moved towards him.
He screamed in pain as it popped, dropping Tim in a moment of shock. The brown water beneath him swallowed him whole, acting as a perfect cloak for him to get far enough away to inflict some damage. When he lifted his head from the liquid, Croc was no where to be seen.
***
Batman opened his eyes, rubbing his head lightly as he was helped up by two police officers. The events that had just transpired slowly crept back into his mind, bringing his concern right back where it should be.
"Robin..."
Bullock pushed his way through the crowd, giving him an awful stare before offering a form of help.
"He and the freakshow are down in the sewer. Was grabbed while you were nappin'. Maybe you should let the police take care of it next time, instead of puttin' a boy's life in danger."
"Shut it Bullock."
Jim came gradually behind Harvey, placing his hands in his pockets before speaking again.
"They went down that way about five minutes ago, he couldn't have taken him that far."
Bruce nodded, sliding on the pavement to squeeze himself into the large street drain. This wasn't going to be fun.
***
He slide open the pane, smiling as he hopped into her apartment.
"What's up Babs?"
She turned on her heel, her face full of worry.
"We have to go, now!"
His smile quickly faded,
"What is it?"
She grabbed Nightwing's arm and led him out, explaining as thoroughly as possible on the way.
***
The sound of running water ruined Tim's earshot. He couldn't hear the rats crawling disgustingly about all around him. He couldn't hear the dripping of the rain as the clouds began to release more liquid into the sewers. And he couldn't hear the sound of Killer Croc, creeping up as silently as possible from behind him...
***
Bruce waded through the rising water, trying to listen for any sounds of distress.
The walls around him lay thickly covered in a brown ooze, half waste, the rest moss. This place was disturbing.
Tim couldn't be that far away, and he was going to find him.
He debated on whether he should use a light or not, the visibility in these pipes almost nonexistent. No, it's not safe. Croc would see him first, and could either avoid or attack him.
All he could do was keep moving, and hope that fate was with him.
***
Tim opened one eye, the other painfully swollen shut. How had he gotten here?
The room around him was large, and solid, the only noticeable exit being a small vent on the ceiling.
Attempting to move his arms, a small pang of fear struck him as he realized his situation. He was bound to a short platform, already starting to lose it's leverage over the rising pool.
The walls were covered in small to medium sized waterfalls, all adding to his panic. He had to find a way out of this or he would drown.
***
"Thank you commissioner." Batgirl yelled back as she dove into the sewer.
He nodded, watching as Nightwing followed swiftly behind her.
"Good luck." He spoke under his breath, saying a silent prayer for the four of them.
***
Batman pushed his way forward against the current, the sound of splashing getting closer.
A loud grunt reassured him that it was indeed Croc that lay ahead, he only hoped that the creature hadn't done anything he'd regret.
***
The water seeped up the small of Tim's back, sending shivers down his spine.
It was cold, ice cold, and it was causing his breath to catch in his throat. He debated on calling for help, wondering just how close Killer Croc was to him.
***
Nightwing had moved in front of Babs, making sure he'd receive any blows dealt in the dark.
They heard the sloshing of the small river not that far ahead, someone was in front of them.
***
He almost didn't dodge in time as the fist came around the corner, sending a small jump through his stomach.
He retaliated with a kick, hitting his target directly in the gut.
Batman hated fighting without sight, but he couldn't risk giving his opponent the upper hand.
Croc stood in front of him, breathing heavily. He wasn't sure, but Bruce thought that he saw a smile on his face.
***
All the struggling in the world wouldn't help him now. He was securely fastened to the steel platform, forced to wait for someone, anyone to find him.
It wasn't until the water rose to his neck that he really began to fear for his life.
***
They had started to run, hearing sounds of a struggle not that far in the distance.
Batgirl ran along side him as they pushed forward, feeling a little better about the surprise attack against Croc that they were going to deliver.
***
His large green fist wrapped around Bruce's neck, crushing the air from his throat. This didn't look good.
He vainly tried to kick him, only making a small impact on the looming figure that clutched him.
His ears caught it before Croc's, the sound of a fist flying through the air, meeting in perfect alignment with what you would consider his nose.
The hand released him, leaving him to attempt a quick, gasping recovery.
Nightwing had come from no where, accompanied by a high kicking Batgirl. He would never admit it, but they may have just saved his life.
Bruce squinted to see Croc's face. It was a smile. He was grinning about something.
***
He'd had to shut his eyes, the dirt and other things floating in the water stinging them beyond belief.
Cocking his neck, he tried desperately to hold on to air for just a little longer.
***
The large animal lay on the ground, beaten and bleeding, and yet he laughed, a booming, bone chilling laughter that echoed off the pipes.
Batman grabbed his face in his right hand, squeezing with rage,
"Something amusing?"
He still chuckled, speaking through crushed cheeks,
"You're too late ta save 'im Batman. He's dead."
Something inside of him felt as if it were withering away.
"Robin...." He trailed off, punching Croc in the face before continuing,
"Where is he?!"
He didn't answer, instead concentrating on something that only he would know.
What happened next was something that would haunt Batman for a long time.
"Batman!" A distant scream drifted throughout the sewer.
He jerked his head up, not realizing he was leaving himself wide open.
A fist slammed into his face, breaking his nose and knocking him back against the wall.
Before he could even stand Croc was gone, vanished in the long string of tunnels.
Blood streamed down his face, the bitter taste of iron hitting his tongue as he finally stood upright.
There was no time to chase him, they had to find Robin.
Nightwing and Batgirl were already scouring the vents, pipes and tubes, hopelessly finding nothing.
Holding his breath, he listened, hearing another cry for help. It had to be coming from off to his left. He leapt down the slope, searching each pipe and vent before moving on.
To his horror he almost past the right one, the only evidence that Tim was in there was a red blur under rippling sewage water.
He tore the vent from the floor, leaping into the room below. It was over his head, making this one hundred percent more difficult.
Dick and Barb were right behind him, all three diving and clawing at the ropes.
Batman's knife sliced beautifully through the vinyl, releasing his young ally from his watery grave.
Resuscitation offered no help once they pulled him from the room below, the three of them emotionally torn from the inside out.
"Damn you Croc." Batman sobbed.
It was too late, Tim had stopped breathing, his wet lifeless body providing the most painful emotions imaginable. He'd failed him...
