Back with an update, Gotham, Bruce Wayne, and a reference.

Kyle's hospital time came to an end and Hal processed his discharge papers. Kyle finally accepted Hal's decision to go to Gotham, though still dreaded it. Hal carefully guided Kyle to his car, making sure he didn't stress his ribs. He got Kyle in the car first, strapping him in with care before getting himself in the car and driving.

The car ride was quiet. Kyle's speech had been sporadic over his two day hospital stay. After the declaration that they'd go to Gotham, Kyle had been very picky about what he said and Hal didn't want to push it. It was disheartening since he had started opening up to Hal, but Hal gave him the benefit of being weary of the decision. It was a big one and it wasn't a guarantee that it would blow over smoothly.

Kyle watch the passing scenery outside his window. There wasn't anything special, but it did keep him preoccupied. Hal noticed, glancing at him when he had the chance.

"We'll stop at the house, pack a few days' worth of clothes, and grab a bite to eat before heading to Gotham." Hal planned, trying to start a conversation.

"And what about housing?" Kyle inquired.

"I have enough to get us a few nights at a hotel. Unless Bruce decides to chip in."

"How long do you think this will take?"

"Hopefully not too long."

They arrived at Hal's without issue. Hal brought out two suitcases, gave one to Kyle before he left Kyle to pack some of what he brought as did the same.

"Where's my ring?" Kyle asked in a slight panic.

"I have it." Hal admitted, standing in the doorway as he pulled it out of his pocket.

Kyle sighed with relief. Admittedly, he had forgotten that Hal had taken it, but

"Probably for the best anyways. I don't think it'd be wise to have it on me. Not that I could summon it. I've tried. Look."

Kyle attempted to bring his ring to him, but all it did was flutter in Hal's hand. Kyle stopped trying causing the ring to do the same. Kyle gruffly sighed.

"I don't know if it's because my will has been on the fritz as of late, my inactivity, or a sense of fear." Kyle observed. "Or if it's any combination of the three for that matter."

"It'll come back to you." Hal stated, sliding it back into his pocket. "You're not dead, nor does it think you're no longer worthy, so it's not going to abandon you."

"Yeah"

Kyle turned back to his suitcase, closing it. He pulled it off the bed and approached the doorway.

"Are you ready to go?"

"As ready as I'll ever be."

Hal and Kyle arrived in Gotham after a five hour plane ride. Needless to say, they needed to stretch their legs. After grabbing their minimal amount of luggage, Hal opted to walk to the hotel rather than take a taxi.

Kyle was anxiously surveying their surroundings, not wanting any unwanted attention. He didn't want to stray away from Hal, believing that he'd end up in a terrible accident if he did. Kyle wasn't the only one who was suspicious. Hal subconsciously surveyed their surroundings, cautious of his surroundings. He didn't want anyone to take a jab at them, Kyle especially.

Most people didn't give them much of any attention, going on with their lives. A few people watched them, some even shooting them glares. One, however, was eyeing Kyle with malicious intrigue and approached Kyle, causing them to stop.

"You look like you could use a friend." The man introduced. "Can I interest you in a night of fun?"

Kyle was conflicted, uncomfortable by the man's attention. It didn't take a genius to figure that out. Hal could feel his anxious aura.

"No thank you." Kyle tried to gently deny.

The man seemed almost hurt by the refusal.

"Come on. It'll be fun."

A hand grabbed Kyle's arm, causing him to flinch. Hal didn't need an incentive, swinging a fist at the man. Kyle jumped as Hal swung another punch at the man as he got up. He slammed the man against a wall.

"Let me go." The man ordered.

Hal glared at the man, ignoring his request.

"He said no." Hal threateningly growled.

He threw the man aside, but not without one last punch to the guy's face. Hal turned back to Kyle who was a little unsettled to say the least.

"Let's go." Hal ordered, dragging Kyle along.

They found the hotel with ease. They went to the receptionist to get their room keys, which they had called for ahead of time. When they did, they went up to the room. Hal was periodically checking his surroundings along the way.

"Why don't you get settled?" Hal inquired when they got to the door. "I just got to do one thing really quick."

Kyle entered the room, a little a curious.

"It'll only be a moment."

"Okay." Kyle accepted.

He closed the door, leaving Hal in the hallway alone. Hal's grin faded, ready to face his suspicions.

"Don't worry, I'm not here to steal your spotlight." Hal stated, greeting his visitor.

"I know." Bruce admitted. "I saw the news."

"Then you know what I'm here to do."

"Of course, but as your friend, I do have my concerns."

Hal snidely smirked, turning around to face Bruce. Even without the cowl on, Bruce was as stern as ever.

"Of course you do."

"You have a habit of being reckless at times. I just don't want you going overboard."

Hal rolled his eyes. Bruce didn't respond to it. Instead his attention fell on the door.

"How is he?"

"Depressed. Confused. He's taking it like anyone would in his circumstance, but I have my concerns. His emotions bounce, but he's definite emotions are depression and fear. I'm doing what I can to help him."

Bruce reached into his pocket and pulled out a folded out a folded up piece of paper. He handed it to Hal.

"If he needs someone to talk to about it, I think he'll appreciate knowing that someone can relate."

Hal studied the number carefully. Once he realized whose number it was, he shot Bruce a shocked stare.

"Gotham's bad, there's no denying that, but I'd never recommend going to Bludhaven. Ever."

Hal appreciated the gesture. The fact that Bruce was willing to give Kyle someone to reach out to was amazing. Not to mention, it was someone Bruce knew personally.

"Thank you."

Bruce nodded.

"I also know someone who can help find our predator. I trust him, and I'll have him keep an eye out."

Bruce excused himself, allowing Hal to get back to what he was doing. Hal looked back at the door. He was a little concerns about the lack of noise from inside so he entered the room. Once inside, he was instantly horrified. Blood drenched Kyle's wrist, slipping down his arms.

Hal ran over to Kyle in a panic, grabbing two towels from the bathroom along the way. He lightly tapped Kyle's shoulders, startling him. Kyle's eyes were drenched with tears.

"I'm sorry." Kyle quietly apologized as Hal wrapped his wrists.

Hal made sure he tightly bound the injuries before bringing Kyle in for a hug. He didn't care to find out what lead to this right that second. Calming Kyle down was.

"It's okay." Hal whispered. "It's okay."

I was originally going to have the ending in the hospital chapter, but decided against it since I felt it didn't fit the scene. So, I decided to add it here. The reference I made was to Nightwing, and if you would like an elaboration, feel free to ask.