Ah! We're getting close to the end here guys! I'm hoping to make it to 50 chapters. Actually, it'd be cool if I ended at 50. Dunno if that'll happen. Lots of emotional stuff coming up, just thought I'd warn you. May or may not post another chapter today. Depends on if I've got the drive and inspiration to double up today and still have a chapter prepared for tomorrow.
From the moment Batman pulled Robin's limp figure from the rubble to the time they reached the Batcave, no one was really sure what had happened in between. There may or may not have been a few thugs or a woman with red hair in a green leotard.
Truthfully, Wally would have been more impressed with the Batcave if he didn't have tunnel vision for Robin and how torturous it was for the kid to take in air. There was a very large commotion, but no one could keep up until after Robin was placed on a makeshift gurney and taken into another room. Batman and Alfred went in with Robin, but no one else was allowed in.
There was a moment of silence, and then a smaller commotion arose. Tim was practically tackled by Bruce into a hug, M'gann collapsed onto her hands and knees, completely exhausted, and the room slowly segregated into two halves.
Young Justice found themselves staring at the Wayne Family, wondering who these people were and why they were in Batman's Batcave. Well, there was one among the Waynes who didn't quite fit the bill. Roy found all of his attention on his older counterpart with scrutinizing eyes. Who the hell convinced him a beard would be alright?
"Drake," Damian hissed, grabbing his brother by the back of his costume, "what are all these people doing in the secret Batcave?"
"These guys are Young Justice." Tim answered, pulling away from the little brat. "Kon and I found them."
"Who are you?" Kaldur eyed them carefully. He had never heard of any others allying themselves with Batman. On another note, there seemed to be a lack of Batman from this dimension.
"My name is Bruce Wayne," Bruce stepped forward, "My mansion is above us, but due to the circumstances, we've been hiding out here for a while."
"So the Batcave is under Wayne Mansion, huh?" Wally thought about it for a moment. "Okay, you're not telling me Batman is actually—"
"Me? You are correct."
Tim, Damian, and Jason stiffened. What was Bruce doing? They were supposed to keep their identities a secret! Bruce didn't look back at his sons, instead focusing on Young Justice.
"Whoa, seriously? Then Robin is—"
"Our brother." Jason growled.
"This was… unexpected." Connor turned to look at the "forbidden" room which contained his teammate.
"No kidding." Kon cracked a smile, only to let it fall when his fellow clone didn't give one back.
Wally hadn't noticed before, but there was a man and a woman huddled close to each other back behind the Waynes. The woman was crying, clutching onto the man's shirt as he rubbed her back, whispering things to her. Something about this scene made Wally's heart ache. Who were they and why did he feel like crying himself?
He was relieved Robin was alive, but at the same time, his best friend was in critical condition. Who were these two people crying? Dick Grayson was adopted by Bruce Wayne, so they couldn't be…
The woman looked up, looking at him with blue eyes. Her dark hair was beautiful and there was a familiarity about her. The man was strong and big; nothing like Robin who was tiny, slim, and agile. The concerned frown on his face was what convinced Wally. He'd seen that look a dozen times when Robin was thinking hard about something.
These were his parents.
"Well, go on." Damian demanded, nodding to them. "Introduce yourselves."
"Oh, uh, Kid Flash."
"I'm Miss Martian, but my real name is M'gann." M'gann didn't bother getting up, her legs felt like jelly. This was a bit too much, meeting these people, discovering secret identities, and finally seeing Robin again. "You can call me Megan."
"I am Aqualad," Kaldur turned to Connor who was still focused on the room Robin was taken to, "this is Superboy."
"Red Arrow." Roy said pointedly. If anyone, Robin would have been the one to tease him by introducing himself as Speedy. "Now you."
Damian harrumphed, crossing his arms and scowling. There was no way he was going to give vital information to this bunch of misfits.
"Arsenal." The other Roy nodded back at Red Arrow, pleased with the way he was mowing over the name in his mind. The slight quirk of the lips meant he liked it.
"I'm also Superboy." Kon rubbed the back of his head. "Awkward…"
"Red Hood."
"Red Robin." Tim glared at Jason, still upset by how similar their names sounded.
"Nightwing." Damian begrudgingly revealed.
This was the first time Bruce had heard his sons introduce themselves as superheroes. He didn't quite know what to think about it.
"I would love to introduce myself as… Batman… but I'm afraid I am just Bruce Wayne." Bruce nodded towards the door. "Alfred is in there with the Batman you know. These are my parents, Thomas and Martha."
Martha waved, offering a small smile. Thomas didn't acknowledge them, also concerned about the happenings within the room he was not allowed to enter. Mary and Thomas did not introduce themselves, but no one complained as Alfred opened the door and quietly slipped out. He was surprised to see so many people, but revealed his message nonetheless.
"Young master Robin has been stabilized. His condition is still unfavorable."
"Can we see him Alfred?" Bruce asked.
"Master Bruce," Alfred deflected, "I believe it is still unsafe to move to the Manor. However, I strongly urge the move. Young Master Robin needs a more comfortable environment for rest."
"What do you mean unsafe?" Wally asked. If Robin needed a better place to heal, he'd do anything to make it happen.
"Two days ago we were attacked in our own home by the Joker." Thomas informed.
"We'll keep you safe." Kaldur assured. "With all of us here there will be a security you have never known."
"Very well," Alfred nodded, "I shall ask you to set up that security now."
"C'mon." Wally pulled up M'gann and pulled on Roy's arm. "Rob needs a safe environment. You heard him, so let's get it done."
Arsenal also stood, nodding to Kon and Tim. Despite his shoulder pulled back in place two days ago, he was still in a bit of pain. He'd manage, though. He was more interested in talking to his younger self. There were some issues they needed to work out. Tim and Kon followed suit, Tim lagging behind a bit to look back to his brothers and Alfred, who gave him a pointed look.
Once most of the teens were out of the room, Mary and Thomas approached Alfred.
"How is he?" Mary asked. "I want to see my son."
"He's stable, but has yet to show any signs of consciousness. There was a head wound, resulting in head trauma; how bad will be apparent as the rest of his body heals. He had two broken ribs, one of which impaled his lung. It was collapsing before I managed to fix the problem. Luckily, the damage was not severe and he will not need surgery."
"Thank heavens." Mary breathed.
"He's going to be alright then?" John swallowed, trying to restart his heart. He'd already lost his son once. There was no way he was going to lose him a second time. "We can go see him?"
"Yes." Alfred stepped aside and allowed them to enter the room. "Master Bruce, Master Thomas, and Lady Martha, I must ask you to be patient."
"No, we understand Alfred. Thank you." Bruce heaved a sigh of relief, looking back to his remaining sons.
Damian was struggling to hide his emotions. Truly, if Grayson had died he wasn't sure what he would have done. Jason shook his head with a small knowing smirk.
Dick was going to be alright. Everyone was alive and everything was going to be fine.
JuJu, uhm, just tell me? I can't exactly change my story to fit what you want. Especially so close to the end, but I'd like to know what you would have liked. Also, how do you think it's going to end?
Skylark, I feel incredibly silly thinking you just hadn't noticed the PM. Take your time getting back to me. No rush here.
Scotty1609, Sorry bro for all the cliffies. It's just the spot where I end for the day. I just realized I do cliffies for like every chapter. That must be annoying. Super sorry.
TheGrayson, you little sweetheart! Thank you so much for your kind review! I hope you don't suffocate from waiting so long.
KKCopper, you thought that last chapter was the most epic? Really? My favorite chapters are in the beginning. I also loved my Robin vs. Zucco chapter. But if you think it's really great, hey, I'll take that any day!
I wish I could write a little faster for you all. I live on the West Coast in the State That Always Rains, so all of you East Coasters, Mid Westerners, and Desert Goers, as well as all you out of country folks get my chapters probably super late in the afternoon or at night. Sorry for that!
So, I've been needing to make some internet friends. Anyone wanna chat with me or something? Send me a PM.