The Red
Disclaimer: I don't own the red just this f'd up version of red hood….WHO STILLDOESN'T HAVE A NAME!
A/N: well the updating spasm is still going strong and I'm very surprised the sudden of reviews on this story! Thanks you guys it means a lot to me. I feel I should put a warning that things are going to get violent for our favorite little bird but I find people actually like that. Anyways let's begin!
Robin's hands are shaking as he clutches the sides of the bat computer. The massive machine is running a search of every location in Gotham. The team stays to the side, fearful to get in the way of the bird.
Kaldur is in shock at Robin's behavior. Even in the horrific event that was their 'exercise' the youngest kept a cool head, but now…
His teeth are clenched and grinding. The way he is clutching the computer is causing his knuckles to turn white (of course this cannot be seen under his gloves). Sweat is dripping down his face and under his breath he is cursing every five seconds. It's honestly a scary thing to see.
"Robin," M'gann says in a tentative voice floating lightly behind him. "Maybe we could help…"
"No," Robin snaps in a voice that is so close to Batman's its terrifying.
"Why not," Artemis demands placing her hands on her hips and look of annoyance playing over her face.
"I mean we're your friends Rob," Wally says a little kinder then Artemis his voice being etched with concern. He doesn't like seeing his best friend in such a state.
"Because," Robin growl still in his bat voice. "This is our city and our villain and…" he takes a long pause in which his head drops and his voice becomes soft, barely able to be heard.
"I'd never forgive myself if something happened to you guys…"
The words come but they take a moment to register. A thousand dangerous missions and it was this that made Robin fear for their lives. Was this person really that bad? Then again he did get a hold of batman.
"No," the word cause the whole team to turn and face Superboy who is clenching his fist tight, his jaw set in a scowl, determination burning in his eye.
"No what," Robin asks finally turning to face his friends.
"I don't care what you says or how worried you are or how bad this guy is," the clone growls. "We're a team and we help each other no matter how dangerous things get! You guys are the closest thing to I have to family and I'll be damned if I let you do into this alone!" it seems like a very un-Conner thing to say but the fact that he is yelling makes it clear that it's still the angry clone they know and love. Robin looks like he's going to respond when the bat computer talks.
Batman located
Robin looks at the screen that reads Location: Crime ally. Robin turns
From the computer and starts to walk towards his motorcycle before looking back at the team.
"Are you coming or what?"
?
The team steps into the abandon church. The ceiling is raised high with menacing looking pillars leering down at them. Broken light from the street barely shows threw the cracked stain glass windows which show an angel being devoured by a demon (only in Gotham).
"This place is creepy as hell," Wally mutters.
"Don't be a wimp," Artemis hisses.
"Both of you shut up," Robin snaps looking around. "Where the hell are they?" suddenly a black mess of bloody cloth drops from one of second floor pews off the church. The Dick's eyes go wide under his mask as he realizes the blood heap is Batman.
"DAD," the words come to his throat without a second thought as he runs to the bat but is stopped when the red hood drops between them. Robin lets out a snarl.
"Move," he growls intent to kill echoing in his voice bouncing off the walls of the church. Red hood shakes his head and pulls out a gun at Bruce causing Robin to freeze like water in the artic.
"Well it seems I'm holding all the cards," Red hood says glancing at the team who are as still as Robin.
"What do you want," Robin asks his voice shaking with rage.
"To make Bruce here suffer," he says and the words break through the air like glass. Robin's mouth drops open and the hood laughs darkly.
"What's wrong Richard Grayson," Red hood laughs. "Oh I get it. None of your little friends know about you and the big bad bat. Probably a good thing. If they think the bat is a bastard wait until they meet Bruce Wayne." Red hood rips off Bruce's cowl then kicks him in the face causing a horrid cracking sound.
"STOP," Robin screams his voice cracking in fear. Hood cackles.
"Alright," Red hood says. "I'll make you a deal. Now I want the bat to suffer, I don't really care how as long as he's broken. So here it is: a trade, you take his place." The room goes silent; the only sound is the harsh uneven breathing coming from Bruce. Dick's head drops to the floor and tears are silently slipping from under his mask.
"Okay," Robin whispers. The teams face turn to shock.
"WHAT? NO," Wally cries out. Dick doesn't respond to him he just slowly walks across the room to the masked man until he is right in front of him. Red hood place a hand on his shoulder before hitting him on the head with the butt of his gun. Wally makes a dash for his friend but a smoke bomb hit the floor. Wally coughs and gags but when the smoke clears there is only a bloody batman, no little bird.