"Okay, kid, we've been getting some strange readings off of you, but I need to use a friend of mine's equipment to get a better idea of what the heck's going on." Barry, in his Flash suit, explained as he ran towards the edge of the city with Alf in his arms, Irey just a few steps behind him. "And before he let's us come into his home, I've got to explain what's going on, and let him have a look at you. Nothing to worry about!" But Alf just ducked his head even lower, unable to say just how bad of an idea this was. He may not have been making any progress with the speedsters, but at least keeping his mouth shut was enough to prevent any serious accidents. With the Bats, though... They were the world's best detectives, and could figure out a lot even if he didn't say a word.
Arriving at the darkened field, the stars overhead blocked out by low, grey clouds, the three of them settled in to wait for a bit.
Not much longer after that, a deep whine started up, and only grew louder as a black shadow descended from the cloud cover. Like the herald of doom, the Batplane hovered for a moment before settling on the bowed-over grass. Irey stepped forward, grinning, and rested an elbow on Alf's shoulder. The poor kid was so distracted he didn't even notice, mesmerized by the sleek black jet, the cockpit began to open.
Two figures dropped to the ground, and his fascination was quickly subverted by the anxiety.
"Hi, Damian!" Irey chirruped from beside him, the first that Alf realized her close proximity as he winced a little from the volume of the greeting.
"West." The boy approaching them replied with barely-concealed distaste. "Who is this? Some poor peasant you've dragged into-" His words cut off as the boy's eyes widened from close inspection of Alf's uniform.
"This would the anomaly you mentioned, Flash?" A deep, gravelly voice asked, and it took a few seconds for Alf to remind himself that, no, it wasn't his dad- technically, it wasn't even his grandfather, either.
"Yeah. It's going to take a while to explain..." Barry drew Batman off to one side so he could share his private thoughts and Wally's theory along with the events of the day. Irey launched into her own description for Damian - Robin - while Alf nervously shuffled away a few steps. The dark haired boy had begun glaring at him, and while it was nowhere near the level of the gaze that could, and would, make Alf instantly apologize, the look was still disconcerting. Fortunately, as Irey's chatter continued, Damian's attention was drawn back to her. Alf took a few more cautious steps. Batman's gaze flickered over to him for the briefest of moments, but then returned to Flash's muttered words. A little further, and Alf was standing beside the Batplane.
It wasn't quite as advanced to the one he was used to, and not as highly equipped, but still highly impressive for this time period. Thinking about the differences, though, had Alf longing for some familiarity. He suddenly felt the need to see home for himself.
"Hey- where'd Alf go?" Irey broke off what she had been saying, and both Flash and Batman's heads snapped around at her words.
Then the jet's engines started.
Damian swore, leaping forward and plucking from his belt a remote fob to shut down the airborne vehicle. He tapped out the code (repeatedly) but to no avail. The Batplane continued to turn and rise into the air. Batman swiftly pulled out his grappling line, firing it at the underbelly of the jet.
Polarity shields crackled to life and blocked the incoming projectile, just before the Batplane soared away into the clouds. Shocked, Flash turned to stare at his fellow Leaguer, who returned the look with his famous glare.
"I don't know how he got into the plane and started it without our noticing," The Dark Knight ground out between clenched teeth. "Or how he managed to activate the specialized security measures, but your guest has some serious explaining to so when we catch up to him."
"He hasn't deactivated the tracking beacon yet!" Damian called out, fiddling with the device in his hand. A moment later, though, the boy's face fell. "Nevermind. But, it looked like he was headed for Gotham."
"We can help you beat him there!" Irey said excitedly.
"How?" Then, horrified understanding spread across Damian's face. "Oh, no way in h-"
"Language," The extra glare his father sent him also told Damian: it's not going to be fun for either of us, so deal with it. Reluctantly, the ten year old allowed Irey to grasp one of his arms, pulling it over her shoulder even as her opposite hand wrapped around his waist.
"Ready, tough guy?" She took off without waiting for his answer, Flash carrying Batman in a similar fashion just a step behind them.
Didn't I promise the plane would be stolen at some point? Muahaha. As of next chapter, details start leaking out, and things get really interesting.
-Triscribe