Welcome all new readers! I know picked up a couple in the last few days. Just a reminder that I do indeed update every day. If I can't, I make it up to my readers and post double the next day. So far I've only skipped one day, and I couldn't help that one. I have not read a lot of comics, also my details are very shaky. If you see something that is incorrect, correct me right away and I will fix it.
Also, please excuse my battle writing. I don't think I'm that good at describing battle sequences. I'm very much a dialogue person. Again, if anything is wrong, spelling, grammar, characters, plots (pshaw, you guys can't see any loopholes in here, can you?) let me know and I will do my best to fix this.
Long author's note is long. I'm sorry. I feel like a tour guide. Thanks to all my reviewers! You seriously keep me going and I hope I've kept all of you and will continue to keep all of you until the end.
Scotty1609, speaking of Roy...
Kon landed gently, completely opposite of how Connor would have landed. Dick immediately hopped off of the clone's back, rushing towards Tim, Jason, and Damian, who sat on the steps leading to the door to the manor.
"Robin!" Tim called, his Red Robin suit on, but cowl down.
Dick was content to see Jason and Damian also in their respective suits. Although he shouldn't have given Damian his Nightwing design. The blue against the black, the finger stripes, the sleek mask, it was just… cool! A prick of jealousy caused him to turn his attention elsewhere.
"Tell me all that you know." Dick ordered.
"They just marched right into the manor and took him. We were practicing in the Batcave, but Alfred…" Tim looked away and clenched his fists. "He's being taken care of by Grandpa and Grandma now."
Dick felt rage burn inside of him. First Bruce was taken and now Alfred was hurt. How severely, Tim never told him, but he was going to make sure that clown got what was coming to him.
"Pennyworth needed us," Damian said quietly, "and we weren't there."
"Yeah, well neither was Golden Boy, so buck up!" Jason pushed Damian and glared at Dick. "So where were you, huh? What happened to always protecting Bruce?"
"I was sending a message." Dick answered truthfully. "I had to go to DC to break into—"
Dick suddenly took a step back, barely avoiding an arrow with red feathers striking him in the chest. He fell onto his back and quickly rolled to his right to avoid two more arrows that followed.
"Arsenal, stop!" Kon called, stepping in front of Robin.
Immediately Tim, Jason, and Damian were aiming batarangs at a man standing on the roof of the manor with another arrow drawn and ready to shoot.
"What are you doing Superboy?" the man growled, eyes narrowed and arrow still targeting Dick. "That's the boy who broke into the Watch Tower. I got a call from Flash that you were headed this way."
"He's not an enemy, stand down!"
"What are you talking about, dude?" Flash stepped out from behind the parked limousine, hands on his hips. "He attacked me!"
"I said I was sorry." Dick mumbled. "Besides, I didn't even hit you that hard."
"You kicked me in—and another thing! Supes said he hacked into the mainframe. I bet he knows all of our ID's."
"Another reason to take him back for questioning." Arsenal growled.
"Roy?" Jason asked, lowering his batarang.
"Who are you?" Roy aimed his bow at Jason, who took off his mask. "Jason?"
"Yeah, funny," Jason crossed his arms, "you never said anything about running around like Robin Hood in your spare time."
"You never said anything either." Roy countered. "Besides, secret identity. What do you think you're doing rich boy? You haven't got any super powers. I'm sure I'd know."
"Like you're one to talk?" Jason snapped. "Pot calling the kettle black, fire crotch."
"At least Roy's got experience." Kon pointed out. "Tim, you guys don't. Did Robin talk you into this?"
"No." All four boys said at the same time.
"Don't even start, Kon. You never said anything about this either!"
"What, like I could?" Kon huffed.
"Why couldn't you? I wasn't judging! Not like you are now."
"Can you guys just shut up for a minute?" Wally turned to Robin, who was brushing himself off. "What's the deal, kid? Why'd you break into the Watch Tower. How did you break in?"
"Look, I'll explain later. We've kind of got a situation on our hands."
"Dad's been kidnapped and Alfred's hurt," Tim softened his glare at Kon to a concerned frown, "we could use as much help as possible."
"Bruce has been… is it ransom they want?" Roy asked, lowering his bow.
"It's the Joker." Robin answered. "He's insane and by insane I mean completely. This isn't someone we can just go in, beat up, and toss in jail."
"It doesn't matter how dangerous he is. I will rescue Father and tear him to pieces." Damian adjusted his mask.
"You're ten. You shouldn't be doing anything!" Wally crossed his arms and stood straight up. Dick noticed how tall he was. Then again, this was seven years older Wally.
"Look, don't even start with the whole kid thing." Jason growled. "We could take you out anytime."
"Yeah, I don't think so." Roy hopped down off of the roof. "You guys are staying here. Flash, Superboy, and I will go take care of this Joker."
"Not happening. Last I checked Gotham was my city." Robin snarled. "We're going to save him. It's either you join us or get out of our way."
"He's right." A feminine voice backed up, and Babs walked out in her Batgirl suit. "We'll be the one to rescue Mr. Wayne."
"Are you in?" Tim put a hand on his hip and gave Kon a pointed look. "Or are you the ones who will be staying here?"
"I want an explanation before I join up with a bunch of kids." Roy snapped.
"You never change, Roy. But, dude, the beard has got to go." Robin couldn't contain himself and started cracking up.
Everyone looked at him strangely.
"Dude's right, Roy." Wally smiled and also started to snicker. "It's really not your look."
"Agreed." Kon cracked a smile as well.
"Just explain your damn story and leave my beard alone." Roy glowered, running a hand over his beard. He'd taken Ollie's advice and he'd heard from quite a few women that it was sexy. Who were these runts to pick on it?
"Robin is from another dimension. I know it sounds weird, but it's the truth." Batgirl explained briefly.
"So when you said you were sending a message, you mean to your dimension?" Kon tilted his head and contemplated it.
"Yep. This is Golden Boy." Jason jerked his thumb towards Dick, who frowned.
"Golden Boy? You're not serious." Roy scrutinized the boy. "You said he died."
"I did." Dick sighed. "I don't know much either, but here I am. If you don't mind, Bruce's life is still at stake here."
"So wait. You sent a message across dimensions from the Watch Tower? How can you even do that?" Wally put a hand to his head. "You also know our names. Did you look those up, or have you met us in your dimension as well?"
"You're a lot older, because this is seven years into the future for me, but we were rebellious sidekicks."
"Sidekicks?" Roy snarled. "Those don't even exist."
"Well, that makes sense." Dick nodded. "I mean, I was sort of the first one. That was a while ago, and there aren't that many, but heroes aren't just adults. You were Speedy, Green Arrow's partner, but then you quit and became Red Arrow."
"It's Arsenal."
"Arsenal? Huh, I like it." Dick grinned. "Wally you were Kid Flash. Superboy you were still Superboy. Together we made a team called Young Justice with a few others. Well, actually Roy you refused to join."
"Father's still waiting." Damian tapped his foot impatiently. "Are you done reminiscing yet Grayson?"
"Just shut up, Damian. We're trying to work things out here."
"Actually, Damian is right. I'm worried about Bruce." Dick frowned. "Are you going to work with us, or do we have to put you down before you get in our way?"
"I'm coming." Kon piped up.
"I guess since there's a guy's life at stake… might as well work as a team, right?" Wally shrugged.
"Good. That just leaves Mr. Grouchy pants over there." Barbara quirked an eyebrow at him. "Unless he's too good for us?"
"What are you, twelve?" Roy shot back. "I'll come, but I'm not going to be ordered around like some sidekick. I've been doing this longer than any of you."
Dick rolled his eyes. "Then I guess we're all set."
"Joker broadcasted about ten minutes ago that he was holding Mr. Wayne hostage in—" Barbara began before being rudely interrupted.
"A warehouse by the dock, right?" Robin waited for Batgirl's nod before sighing. "Typical Joker."
"My car is a few blocks away from here." Roy started for the west side of the mansion, expecting the Wayne boys to follow.
"We don't need a car. We'll fly." Jason answered.
"You guys don't have any powers." Kon pointed out.
"Wait, you don't?" Wally sighed. "A bunch of kids are seriously playing superhero? I don't believe this."
"Yeah? Do you believe another kick will change your mind?" Dick threatened cockily. "Cause I don't mind."
Wally took a hesitant step back. "You got lucky."
"Then let me get lucky again. C'mon." Dick pulled out his grappling hook and shot it.
Jason and Damian did the same, shooting Wally, Roy, and Kon smug looks. Barbara shook her head and after a moment did the same. Tim looked to Kon.
"You never took me out flying." Tim pouted. "You're Superboy and I can't believe you never took me flying."
"Want a ride now?"
Tim glared at him. "No."
He shot his grappling hook, swinging through the air at incredible heights. Kon sighed and looked back to Wally and Roy.
"Are they all this moody?" Wally asked.
"Always." Roy deadpanned.
Kon groaned. "I really screwed things up."
"No kidding. Good luck getting that kid to forgive you. I'm going to get a head start. See you there." Wally ditched Roy, who shook his head and nudged Superboy.
"I could use a lift then. You're faster than my car, as much as I hate to admit."
"Yeah, okay." Kon hooked his arms underneath Roy's armpits and took off. "You're in the same boat I'm in, Roy. I don't think Jason is very forgiving either."
"Don't remind me."
Okie dokie guys, next couple of chapters are going to be a bit intense. You guys make me cry sometimes because you see right through my plot! It's not fair! You guys are way too good at predictions! So, despite all of that, I hope you enjoy at least some of the more clever plot twists within this last fourth of the story. You guys are all great and I love you!