A/N: I know most people guessed this chapter was coming, but just a heads up to anyone who hasn't...the Robin torture starts here.
I should point out that I love Robin and Joker is the one who is committing the horrible misdeeds so please direct all rage at him. I'm just the slave to a very evil plot bunny.
oOo
Robin watched the Batmobile pull out with a mixture of anger, hurt and frustration. He wasn't just some kid! He'd proven to Batman over the last few years that he was more than capable of doing this job, and he'd spent the last few months going on missions with the Young Justice team without any adult supervision!
He stalked over to the computer where Alfred was watching him sympathetically. "Master Dick, you do know that Master Bruce and Master Jason only have your best interests at heart?"
"I know, Alfred, but why do they have to treat me like a little kid?" he replied softly, his eyes on the news bulletin that was still playing.
Alfred put a hand on his shoulder. "You may not like to hear this, lad, but you are only thirteen. It's only normal that they would want to keep you away from certain criminals."
"But my age hasn't been a problem since I was ten! Batman has always trusted me till now."
"You mean until Master Jason appeared?"
Robin nodded, wondering if Batman no longer needed Robin now that he had Red Hood. After all, Red Hood was older and had more experience. Suddenly, Robin felt very small and insignificant, and he hugged his arms to himself.
Alfred seemed to guess what was bothering him. "I highly doubt that Batman would retire Robin just because there is a new crime fighter to aid him, but I imagine the appearance of the man who killed Robin in Master Jason's world would be enough to frighten him into wanting you to stay here where you would be safe?"
"But that's just it, Alfred! Batman is assuming I'm going to get in trouble, he's never done that before; he's always trusted me."
"It never occurred to him that you could be killed before," Alfred pointed out gently. "But I'm afraid Master Jason's history has brought some uncomfortable truths home to Master Bruce."
Robin continued to stare at the computer, his heart sinking. Alfred was right. Batman had never worried before because he'd never really been given a reason to worry. Jason's appearance in their world had changed all that.
But I'm not Jason and I'm not going to die! I just need to prove that to Batman.
The bones of a plan began to form in Robin's mind, although he doubted very much that Alfred would approve of it, which would mean the stealth option; sneaking out. But that was okay…he could do covert.
"Alfred, I don't really feel much like talking now if that's okay. Would you mind if I go to my room?"
Alfred gave his shoulder a comforting squeeze. "Of course, Sir. Would you like me to bring you some hot chocolate?"
Robin gave him a small smile. "No thanks, Alfred."
It took longer then he had anticipated to change out of his costume, get upstairs, set up his bed and sneak back downstairs – mostly because Alfred hovered in the hallway outside dusting, like he suspected Dick of sneaking out. But eventually, the man went downstairs to answer the phone and Dick was able to creep down to the cave and change back into Robin. It was with a certain sense of guilt that he guided the R-cycle in the direction of Gotham. He had never misled Alfred before.
Robin arrived in Gotham and found the same chaos that Batman and Red Hood had encountered just a short time before. Realising that he wouldn't be able to travel through the city on his bike, he pulled into an alley and activated the holographic computer in his glove. He guessed that Batman would be somewhere in the vicinity of Gotham General but wanted to triangulate with the tracker in Batman's utility belt just to be sure. The tracker revealed Batman's location to be several blocks west of the hospital, in one of Gotham's less than savoury areas where most of the buildings were either abandoned or condemned.
Robin set off in that direction, hoping Batman wouldn't be too angry; he was disobeying a direct order after all. But then, Bruce hadn't punished him too harshly for the Cadmus incident a few weeks ago which had proven to the entire Justice League that they were capable of operating on their own.
Exhilarated and apprehensive, Robin landed on the roof of one of the taller buildings leading into the area where Batman was. But before he could take stock of his surroundings, the ground shook slightly as an explosion went off at the other end of the street. Hurrying to the edge of the roof, Robin was alarmed to see people waving for help from the upper windows of a burning building. He was about to go to their aid when he saw Jason running in that direction. Batman was entering another building with flames slowly flickering up the side.
Robin was deciding who to help first when he was distracted by a man in purple crashing out a window at the back of the building that Batman had just entered.
Joker! He's getting away!
Without thinking, Robin swung after him. He could hear the man's high pitched cackle as he swooped lower, before dropping on the man and sending him crashing to the ground, then tumbling away out of arm's reach.
"Why, Batsy," the clown chuckled, dusting himself off as he got to his feet. "I didn't expect you to come after me in favour of rescuing–" He stopped talking and went very still as he caught sight of Robin. A slow smile spread across his face. "Well, well, where have they been hiding you?"
Robin didn't answer, shifting into a defensive stance. He wasn't stupid; he knew this man was dangerous. He was going to be very careful and prove to Batman that he could do this. No more kid gloves.
The Joker laughed. "Aren't you just adorable? I suppose you're going to bring me in?" He held his two wrists out together and Robin scowled.
The Joker's cackling grew even louder. "Oh my, he even has a little glare just like Batsy! This is too perfect!" He dropped his hands to the side when Robin didn't respond. "What's the matter, little birdie? Shy?"
Robin caught the flash of metal dropping from inside his jacket sleeve seconds before the Joker swung and flipped backwards, narrowly avoiding being smashed in the ribs with a crowbar. He landed several feet away and quickly flung an exploding bat-a-rang at the Joker which he smacked away with the crowbar.
"Oooooo," the clown squealed in delight. "Itty bitty birdie knows how to play!"
Robin gritted his teeth. Dear God that voice was annoying!
"You and I are going to have so much fun together," the Joker told him. "We're going to play all sorts of games!"
"Sorry, I only hang out with the cool kids!"
The Joker clapped his hands. "You see? This is why the little birds are the most fun; they have a sense of humour!"
He charged suddenly and Robin flipped again, but the clown was faster than he had anticipated and he felt the bar smack down hard on his back. He landed awkwardly and twisted sideways, just avoiding another swing of the crowbar. Okay, Joker was a lot faster than he'd anticipated.
Robin flung three more bat-a-rangs at the Joker. The clown ducked while swinging the crowbar, batting one back in Robin's direction and forcing him to flatten himself against the pavement. He snapped quickly to his feet and retreated slightly, studying the Joker. Bat-a-rangs weren't going to work on this clown; he was too fast. And Robin wasn't stupid enough to engage him in close combat.
But the Joker wasn't about to give him a choice in that matter and charged again. Robin catapulted over the clown's head, using his leverage to land a hard drop-kick that sent the man crashing to the ground.
Joker got back to his feet, smiling dangerously. "Hoo, looks like this little birdie can fly!"
Whirling the crowbar, he rushed forward once more. Robin responded by flipping out of his reach...except this time Joker kept coming and he was forced to produce his escrima sticks in an effort to deflect the now violently swinging crowbar.
So much for no close combat! Robin thought, clenching his teeth as the crowbar clanged off one of his sticks, sending vibrations shuddering through him. He ducked as another swing almost took his head off and countered with a stinging blow to the Joker's abdomen that caused the clown's cackling laughter to come out in wheezing gasps.
His heart starting to pound a little now, he crouched down and delivered a sweeping kick that the Joker jumped backwards to avoid. Robin used the slight opening to once more flip out of the Joker's reach, landing in a defensive position with his escrima sticks at the ready.
This time the Joker didn't attack, merely smiled while stroking his chin. "You know, Kiddo, I could play tag all night with you, but I really don't have time before Batman or the Hoodie come looking so we're just going to have to cut this short, okay?" With lightning speed, he threw a handful of marbles at Robin which exploded on impact, enveloping the boy in a noxious gas. Coughing, Robin flipped backwards several times in an effort to distance himself before it overcame him, but it was highly potent and he stumbled, feeling his head start to spin and his limps get heavy.
Wavering slightly, Robin gripped the sticks and swung them at the purple suit approaching him. The Joker twisted, hooting wildly. Something silver flashed through the smoke and Robin threw a stick upwards to defend himself. The crowbar clanged off the escrima stick just as a hand grabbed him by the throat and lifted him off the ground. Robin kicked out and was rewarded by an oomph of pain from the Joker before he was slammed into the ground and pinned. The world was really spinning now making him feel like he was going to tip right off the edge. He struggled but his efforts were feeble.
"Lights out, Bird Boy!" the Joker sniggered and a vicious blow cracked off his skull, sending Robin reeling into darkness.
oOo
"Jesus, Bruce, this is a waste of time! We need to get out there now!" Jason slammed a fist down on the table beside the computer where Bruce was frantically searching the city schematics for abandoned buildings, warehouse and storage facilities within Gotham. Jason had told him that Joker would take Robin somewhere private, somewhere no one could hear the boy scream.
Bruce fixed him with a ferocious glare. "Gotham is a big city and we are NOT wasting time rushing out there without a clue where we're going. Dick is the nearest thing I have to a son and you are not the only one who is worried about him so pull yourself together!"
The frantic worry in Bruce's dark eyes broke through some of Jason's blind panic. "Sorry."
"Make yourself useful and start searching the east side schematics," Bruce told him shortly.
Jason did as he was bid, although he had to force himself to concentrate past the painful pounding of his heart and the shrill whine of panic going off in his head.
After discovering that Dick was not in his room, Bruce had checked for the R-cycle and Dick's Robin costume. Finding both missing he immediately activated the trackers in Robin's utility belt and the computer in his glove. Both had been disabled. Once Jason had informed him of what Joker was most likely to do, he had begun scanning the city schematics while Alfred had gone to call someone called Clark.
Jason's hand trembled as he downloaded the address of at least thirty buildings that fit the Joker's requirements, God knows how many Bruce had. It would take hours to search them all…hours Dick didn't have.
Jason didn't believe in prayer but he prayed now, desperate for Dick to be okay.
A very strained looking Alfred returned to the cave. "Sir, Mr. Kent and Mr. Allen are both off world at the moment. Ms. Lance informed me that it will be several hours before they return."
Bruce's head snapped up. "What?! But we need someone fast who knows Gotham!"
"I anticipated that, Sir and took the liberty of calling–"
"What happened to Rob?!" a panicked voice cried and Jason jumped a foot into the air as Wally appeared beside him suddenly.
"Jeez, don't DO that, Kid!"
"Whatsgoingon? Where'sDick?" Wally demanded.
"We think the Joker from Jason's world has him," Bruce replied, face pale and eyes tight. "We don't have a lot of time, can you start checking some of these addresses?"
He was just handing the addresses he had printed to Wally when Jason snatched the paper out of his hands. "Hell no! Another kid out after the Joker? Are you for real?! What about this Super Club you're a member of?"
"Wally has super speed and he knows Gotham, he can do this faster than any League member other than Superman and Flash who aren't available. All he has to do is check these buildings for Robin, you and I will take the Joker down."
Jason scowled. Much as he didn't like it, Bruce's plan made sense.
Bruce turned back to Wally and handed him a communicator. "Keep in contact. Jason and I will be right behind you. And, Wally? Stealth mode."
The teenager nodded, pulling a pair of red goggles over his eyes and then touching a finger to his chest. Jason blinked as his clothes morphed from bright yellow and red to grey and black. He hardly had time to marvel before the boy was gone leaving just a blast of wind behind.
Bruce pulled the cowl over his head. "Alfred, with everything that's happening in Gotham tonight, Leslie may not be at the clinic. See if you can track her down and ask her to stand by, we may need her." The Butler nodded, looking grimmer than Jason had ever seen either Alfred look.
Batman turned to Jason. "Are you ready?"
The younger man nodded, snatching his masks off the table and hurrying to the car after Batman.
Hang on Dick, we're coming!
oOo
Someone was humming. That was the first thing that Robin became aware of. The second was that he was lying on his side on very hard ground, with his arms pulled uncomfortably behind him. Keeping his eyes closed and feigning unconsciousness, he assessed his predicament.
His hands were handcuffed behind his back – no, not handcuffs…manacles; thick bands of steel encasing his wrists with no more than an inch of chain between them. Robin's heart sank when he realized that another set of manacles pinned his upper arms together just above his elbows, making it impossible to maneuver his hands in front of him. Just where in the hell had Joker managed to get manacles anyway?
He attempted to access the lock-pick in the finger of his glove, almost groaning aloud when his fingers met nothing but skin. This Joker was smart enough to not only remove his utility belt, but his gloves as well. Further investigation revealed that his boots were also missing and his ankles were tied together. Robin's heartbeat quickened when he realized just how well and truly screwed he really was.
"Come on, Bird Boy, no more playing possum!" a sing song voice echoed above him and a finger poked him hard.
Reluctantly, Robin opened his eyes to reveal the grinning face of the Joker crouched over him.
"So, little Birdie, are we all refreshed and ready to play after our nap, mmm?"
Robin just scowled.
"Oh dear, a little bit cranky after naptime, are we?" the clown cackled gleefully and Robin longed to put a fist through that grin. "Never mind, Pumpkin, some fun games won't be long cheering you up!"
Robin seriously doubted any of Joker's games would have a positive effect on his mood.
The Joker tapped a finger against his chin. "Let's see, what should we play first? Oh, oh! I know, hide and seek! You hide and I'll count to fifty. But just to make it a little more interesting…" Joker's voice dropped, becoming more threatening as he leaned in closer. The sound of something hard scraped slowly along the floor and Joker pulled a baseball bat from behind him. "If I find you…I use you as batting practice."
Robin swallowed as the Joker reached into his breast pocket and produced a switchblade, using it to cut the ropes that bound his feet. Then he stood up. "I won't peek," Joker promised, covering his eyes and starting to count.
Robin didn't waste any time. He rolled onto his knees, scrambling quickly to his feet and started to run. His sharp eyes took in his surroundings as he did so. They were in a large storage warehouse filled with dust-covered furniture, piled in untidy heaps and scattered throughout the vast space. The whole place smelt musty and dank with feeble lighting.
Robin raced along by the wall, his best chance for discovering an exit quickly. His heartbeat quickened when he spied a small door several feet away and he hurried towards it. With his arms pinned as they were, Robin wasted several precious seconds just trying to turn the handle and groaned with frustration when he found the door locked. Did you really think it would be that easy?
He continued searching. Just trying to turn the handle had been hard enough, there was no way he could pick that lock, even if he could find something to do it with. He had only gone a few yards when there was a loud yell and something slammed into him sending him reeling into a set of chairs.
"That wasn't fifty seconds!" he cried before he could stop himself. Had he honestly expected the clown to play fair?
"What can I say? I didn't count mississippily!" Joker declared happily, raising the bat and swinging hard.
Robin tried to jerk out of the way, but his pinned arms were throwing his balance off and the bat smashed into his right arm. His body had barely registered the pain when an even stronger blow was delivered to his ribs, sending shockwaves of pain crashing through him. Desperately he spun away, trying to avoid a third strike, but the baseball bat crashed into his back, sending him to the floor.
Blows rained down on him and Robin curled inwards in a futile attempt to protect himself. Explosions of agony ricocheted through him with each whack of the bat, leaving him writing and gasping for breath. And as the Joker brought the bat smashing down in a particularly violent blow to his ribs, a horrible crunching noise sounded, resulting in pain so excruciating that Robin let out a cry of distress.
The blows finally stopped but the pain didn't. Robin tried very hard not to move in an effort to ease the agony. Joker dropped beside him, placing a hand on either side of the boy's head and bringing his face close to Robin's.
Robin gave a slight gasp and turned his head away as the Joker's putrid breath assaulted him, making him feel sick.
The Joker gave the high pitched giggle that had irritated Robin so much in the beginning, but was now beginning to scare him. "Awww, what's the matter? Is the itty bitty birdie not having any fun?"
"Bite me!" Robin ground out.
"Tempting, buuut…" The Joker hauled him to his feet and dragged him back into the centre of the room. "Lets just go again!"
"You actually gonna count to fifty this time?"
Joker pinched his cheeks. "Aren't you just adorable with your little Batman glare? Did Daddybats make you practice that in the mirror?" He gave Robin a rough shove that sent the boy crashing to the floor then covered his eyes and started to count again.
Robin was slower getting to his feet this time. His whole body was on fire as agony raged through him, making his breathing come in punctured, wheezing gasps. He tried to silence them, under no illusions this time; he knew that Joker had ensured there was no way out of this room. His only chance was to hide somewhere in the mountains of junk and hope the clown couldn't find him.
Staggering, but trying to remain as quiet as possible, Robin slipped in behind a large old closet that looked like termites were eating it alive and squeezed through the mounds of junk piled precariously alongside it. For the first time in his life, he was glad to be a skinny short-ass as he carefully made his way towards the back wall that the junk had been pushed against without dislodging anything. Reaching it, he leaned his head against the wall and took a few gulping breaths to ease his suffering before sliding slowly to the floor.
Closing his eyes, Robin tried not to think about how much he hurt. The reality of his situation was pressing in on him. Joker would kill him, slowly, unless someone rescued him. But thanks to his stupid stunt this evening, no one would even discover he was missing until morning. And by then it would be too late.
I could die here, Robin realized, breathing hitching as cold terror snaked around his heart. He had really screwed up this time, why hadn't he listened to Batman? To Jason? Robin didn't want to die like this; alone, hurting and scared.
A loud crash drew his attention. Joker was pulling out furniture, looking for him. He was very near, suspiciously so, and Robin's heart started to pound. The clown must have watched him disappear behind the closet. The whole counting thing was clearly just a charade to mess with his head. He could have cried with frustration; this wasn't fair! More bangs echoed and a chair toppled inwards, almost hitting him. Joker's smiling face appeared overhead. "Peek-a-boo!"
Ignoring the pain that shuddered through him, Robin scrunched down; trying to evade the grasping fingers. But the clown only shoved more furniture aside, reached in and seized the front of his cape, yanking him out of his hiding place. "Clever little birdie to get so far in!"
Robin struggled as the Joker once more dragged him back to the centre of the room. Releasing the boy, he bent down to pick up the baseball bat which lay discarded on the floor. Robin could see flecks of blood on it, his blood, and made a desperate attempt to knock the Joker over.
But the clown twisted up from where he was bent forward and drove the handle of the bat into Robin's stomach. The boy bent over, gasping. He didn't see the Joker winding up for a brutal hit.
As he straightened up, he heard the clown yell, "FOUR!" A violent explosion of pain shattered him and suddenly Robin was being propelled through the air. He hit the wall with a hard crack and slumped to the ground.
Through the red haze of pain he could hear the Joker laughing and crackling. "Little birdie can fly! Little birdie can fly!"
He couldn't seem to catch his breath. Pain was everywhere as convulsive gasps rattled his body. Robin clenched his teeth, trying desperately to breathe. Why couldn't he breathe? He knew how, it was simple; in and out, in and out. Why couldn't he breathe? Oh God, it hurt!
Gradually, he was able to draw several short unsatisfying breaths, but he still couldn't seem to catch his breath properly and that scared him. It meant something was very wrong.
Joker's shoes appeared by his face and Robin closed his eyes. He didn't want to look at the clown right now. There was a slight whoosh and he knew Joker was crouched beside him once more.
"Awwww, is poor ickle baby bird not feeling well?" asked the clown, patting his cheek with mock sympathy. "Never mind, we'll play a quieter game."
Every move hurting him, Robin shook his head. No. No more games. He didn't want to play anymore. He hadn't wanted to play in the first place.
"Don't worry, Pumpkin, painting won't take too much effort. I even know where we can get some paint." The rancid breath was coating his skin once more as Joker leaned closer and whispered in his ear, "wait till you see it, little birdie. It's the perfect shade of red."