A/N: Thanks again for all the follows and favs! Those are reviews are just so motivating!
The van entered an underground parking garage of Lex Corp a few hours later, just as night was beginning to fall on the bustling city. They had driven around the city all day, in and out of warehouses and parking garages, intent on throwing anyone off their tail that may be following. Dick pulled again at his bindings to see if they had given at all, disappointed that his efforts of the last few hours seemed to be in vain. All he needed to do was get the gag off and yell…hoping Superman was in the city. Between he and Roy being taken his 'Uncle' was most likely with one of their mentors but given a chance it was still worth a shot.
Next to him Roy was literally growling in frustration and thrashing in his bindings, Dick beginning to worry he would hurt himself if he hadn't already. Roy's current predicament was a startling reminder to the younger of why Batman kept their identities such a secret. Roy was being used against Oliver while Red Arrow the League and the team. Aside from himself there weren't many who could offer such a prize to Luthor or any other criminal, Wally was close but not for money or the tech that Bruce and Ollie had access too, Artemis maybe if anyone really bought the story about her being Ollie's niece.
Finally coming to a halt Sportsmaster and Cheshire stepped out stretching their arms, both captive jealous of the simple action. "I was beginning to think you gotten lost" Luthor said from the loading dock, very clearly annoyed at being kept waiting.
"Made sure we weren't followed" Sportsmaster shot throwing open the door. Pulling Dick out first he slashed the bindings on his ankles and removed the gag. Dick was ready as soon as the cloth fell away "Superman, Superman help…" he was cut off as he was struck across the face, falling painfully to the ground. He blinked away unwanted tears feeling the side of his face burn.
Roy, whose ankles had just been cut free, threw himself at the mercenary despite still bound arms, spewing curses through his gag. He managed to knock Sportsmaster to the ground, rolling he brought his legs around and drove them into Crocks stomach, satisfied when he heard an "Oaf" and the breath leaving his lungs. Cheshire was on him then and he flipped up, quickly jumping and bringing his bound hands around to the front. He jumped again and spun catching her in the head with a vicious kick.
"ENOUGH" a new voice roared, Roy turning his adrenaline burning like fire in his veins, ready to take down another threat. He came face to face with Ra's Al Ghul holding Dick firmly, almost possessively by his shoulders. It was a something he had seem Bruce do many times over the years as a small way of shielding and comforting the boy, here the meaning was quite clear. Dick still looked dazed but was scowling at the hands on his shoulders. Roy pulled the gag from his mouth "I'm done" he said panting, trying to process the new players in the game. Satisfied Ra's turned to Luthor hissing "I told you another would be trouble, you and your stupid pride".
Luthor shot a withering glare motioning for the guards to take Roy "We needed insurance that there would be no interference from the League, what better way than one of the precious sidekicks" he said his voice equally dangerous. "Speaking of which it's time to call your guardian, he must be worried sick about you. Ra's show Mister Grayson to his accommodations for the night, though I doubt they are as luxurious as he is accustomed to back home…And Mr. Grayson should you want to try that little stunt again, this entire building has been soundproofed, the Boy Scout couldn't hear a bomb go off in here".
Ra's did not appreciate being told what to do and had to motion Ubu not to attack from the shadows, he wanted time alone with the Detective's son. As he passed the recovering form of Sportsmaster he felt something slip into the pocket of his jacket. Curious but not acknowledging it he kept walking Ubu in tow.
"Sportsmaster, if you would be so kind as to stay and have a chat with Mr. Queen for me, let him know that any interference by the League or its associates will be…detrimental to the continued health of his ward here". Luthor said patting Roy on his cheek, placing a disposable cell phone in his hands turning on the speaker "Call him…and do be good this time or it will be a long night for your little friend back there".
Roy was once again cursing his rash behavior of a few moments ago, dialing the number. It rang only twice before a soft familiar voice came across the phone "Oliver Queen's phone, how may I help you".
"Dinah? Is Ollie there, I need to speak with him" Roy said keeping his voice steady feeling so many eyes on him. He was relieved that Ollie had some support right now.
"Roy!" she shouted at trace of Black Canary seeping through "Where are you! Are you alright?"
"I'm fine, I need to speak with Ollie now" he said again keeping his voice steady hearing running come over the line, a crash, cursing, and Oliver's voice finally coming over the phone "Roy! " The teen couldn't help but be touched by the concern that filled his former mentors voice "Ollie…"
Sportsmaster yanked the phone away "Hello Mr. Queen or would you prefer Green Arrow?"
"Sportsmaster!" Oliver yelled "let him go, your quarrel is with me!"
The mercenary just chuckled "I would beg to differ Arrow, you took my daughter as your new sidekick, have her fighting against me on that team of teen terrors, consider this returning the favor." He grinned at Roy who despite himself looked stunned at the revelation about Artemis. "Ah, I see you didn't tell him, well I guess you really don't trust him anymore. However that matter will be settled another day, I am calling on behalf of my benefactor".
Roy could hear Ollie trying to control his breathing, keep a cool head "Who is this benefactor and what would he like?" Oliver knew exactly who the 'benefactor' was after getting word on Dick's abduction and subsequent demands but played along, not wanting to betray Bruce's identity and trying to give the trace more time.
"My benefactor wishes to remain anonymous at this time but would like for you to keep the Justice League and the sidekicks out of Metropolis for the next 24 hours. If we so much as see a hint of a cape or spandex Speedy here is dead and you will be finding pieces of him all over the globe for the next few years. I don't care how you do it, asking nicely or flat out sabotage, just keep them away". Sportsmaster looked to Luthor to see if the instructions were adequate. The mastermind nodded a gleeful smile on his face. "If you manage to do this I will call and give you a drop location, bring let's say 50 million in unmarked bills and this will all be over".
Oliver was silent a few moments before answering his voice sounding slightly defeated "I will keep them out and get the money..." Roy wanted to scream at the top of his lungs not to do it, that the heroes needed to come stop Luthor from finishing whatever he was starting, about Ra's Al Ghul being involved, but he thought of Luthor's promise to take out any punishment on Dick. "Good job, now just to remind you we are serious" without warning delivered a kick to Roy's chest. The archer cried out in pain falling back into the guards arms gasping for breath.
Roy struggled to breathe, his vision blurring from the lack of oxygen, Ollie's enraged voice the last thing he heard before Sportsmaster dropped the phone and crushed it under his foot.
Dick took one last look at Roy as he was forced to call Ollie and issue the demands before the doors of the elevator closed. He felt for him, having been forced to make that call on more than one occasion. Once away from prying eyes he pulled himself free of Ra's grip, putting as much distance between himself and the Demon Head he could in the small elevator.
"Didn't think you played well with others, especially someone like Luthor" Dick said his eyes narrowed. Ra's Al Ghul knew his identity and there was no need to play scared kidnappee in front of him.
"Neither did Batman before you came along, but it seems to have served him well" Ra's replied, watching blue eyes flashing with a mixture of anger and worry at the mention of Batman. "I assure you Luthor is unaware of you and your guardian's vigilante forms… your mentor is much more useful to me with his identity intact" A small smile graced his face "He would be proud of your actions down there, few would have been as bold to try that in the face of so much adversity". As he spoke he reached into his pocket, pulling out the slip of paper Sportsmaster had slipped in there. While Luthor thought the mercenary was working for both of them, Ra's was paying him a handsome sum to be part of a much bigger plan.
Dick felt a wave of relief wash over him only to become uneasy again as Ra's read the paper he'd pulled from his pocket, eying the boy before him with a wicked smile. The elevator chimed signaling door opening to a sterile corridor, as far as Dick could tell they were in the center of the building, feeling the ride wasn't long enough to reach the upper floors. Ubu grunted telling him to walk or pay the price.
"You have no interest in the weapon or Luthor's plan, do you?" Dick pressed, forced to follow, thinking back to his comments about Roy being there "This is all to get Bruce to join you, all to get him here…the robot to keep the League busy".
"As much as a Detective as your father" Ra's purred coming to the door of a cell. Dick was taken aback, many people referred to Bruce as his father now…Ra's Al Ghul was not one of them. They arrived at what seemed to be a cell with a glass panel, inside two beds and what appeared to be a bathroom behind a partition. Motioning for Ubu to block him, Ra's entered the code and his faithful servant shoved the boy in. Dick was able to stay on his feet, spinning quickly only to hit the glass as is closed again "I will be proud to have you grandson and additional heir" he purred.
Dick was revolted at the thought mind reeling now, Grandson0? He has seriously had 1 too many dips in that pit of his "He…we will NEVER join you! Batman will come; we will beat you, just as we have done every time before". Dick said using his best Bat voice "And even if you do get him to join you, how will you keep him? You can't hold me hostage forever and even if you try I assure you I will fight you every step of the way. You crossed a line Ra's by bringing me here and he will not forgive this action".
Ra's was impressed boys spirit and press the paper against the glass just long enough for the Boy Wonder to get a good look at it "I'm counting on him coming for you little Robin and as for keeping him…there are many wonders of the pits you are yet to encounter" Dick's eyes wide when he read the top and the implications of Ra's words "And when he does come he will do whatever I wish to save his precious son".
The doors to the elevator opened once more to reveal Sportsmaster and Luthor, Roy between them with a pained look on his face. Ra's quickly pocketed the paper and walked away "Come Ubu, we have much to prepare".
The last of Roy's cry echoed in the Batcave as Oliver ended the tape of the call he had just received. "The trace got as far as Metropolis" Oliver said wearily, all traces of his jovial personality gone.
"He is most likely being kept somewhere at Lex Corp, Lex would want them close at hand and secure" Superman said "I or the team could go in and…"
"No!" Oliver screamed taking a few calming breaths "No, I am not risking his life…Artemis, will he hesitate to kill him?" he asked referring to Sportsmaster. She didn't hesitate, having seen firsthand what her father did in these kinds of situations "No" she said "not for a second".
The next question had been hard to ask, for both him and Bruce "What about after the demands are met, will keep his end of the bargain?"
She had paused biting her lip "Historically once the exchange is made he does not harm whoever he has taken…however there have been a few instances…where the plan all along was to kill the victim, where the drop went bad or his conditions weren't followed exactly and he did…" unable to finish.
"I could be in and out before they knew I was there, or Lois I could have Lois…" Superman insisted.
"No" both Bruce and Oliver said together this time "We are not risking it, it's not just Roy you would have to find its Dick. There is no guarantee they are even together" Bruce said moving to his workbench and opening Robin's laptop, Superman had retrieved it for him not long after arriving. "Kid, can you see where Robin was before being…interrupted".
Wally nodded, working quickly through the various passwords securing the computer…Robin had given them to him just in case something like this ever happened, Batman wasn't the only one with contingency plans. He felt everyone's eyes on him as he worked wondering briefly if this is how his friend felt while everyone was breathing down his neck while he worked.
Finally getting to the virus he couldn't help but smile "He was actually quite far, the virus itself is done. From what I can see he intended to load it onto the prototype itself, there it would basically lay in wait until Luthor used it to attack, once he did we would trigger the virus remotely and kick its big metal butt to Jump City and back". Batman placed the prototype next to Wally "How long will it take you to load it?"
"Longer than Robin" he said already hooking up the appropriate cables "a few hours at least and I will still need to come up with a triggering algorithm". Batman looked at the clock on the computer "You have until 6am before I have to leave for Metropolis for the exchange, Artemis help him anyway you can. Superman patrol the perimeter of Metropolis…but DO NOT GO IN…ensure no one from the League mistakenly goes in either. Oliver, prepare your ransom…and wait until they contact you again. Have Dinah brief the League and the Team, impressing that they must no interfere, at least not yet".
Superman held up his hands and braced himself to be hit, Batman was not going to like this "Bruce you can't give him the device, it's too dangerous. What if Robin's virus doesn't work, then you are putting the entire League, not to mention world at risk. Even if you get Dick back after turning it over there are still hours left where they have Roy and that Robot rampaging in MY city. I care about the boys too but Red Arrow and Robin knew the risks, they wouldn't want you doing this either".
Wally felt the temperature in the room dropped a few degrees, Oliver looking at Superman in disbelief "Red Arrow and Robin weren't taken and so help me Clark if you set one foot in that city I have a Kryptonite arrow head with your name on it…" the archer said feeling Dinah place a comforting hand on his arm to stop him. Superman was a little taken back by the threat, but knew he was upset. Batman looked calm "If I don't Lex will find some way to get that thing operational, maybe not tomorrow but someday he will. This way we have some control and are able to weaken it…give us a fighting chance. It will take him time to get it online and I will stall as long as I can" taking a step forward he looked Superman in the eye "Finally I have complete faith in my son's abilities, if he says the virus will slow it down, it will slow it down."
Roy waited a few minutes after their captors left before feeling it was safe to speak. "You okay" he asked inspecting the younger for any sign of injury, angry at the red mark on his face. His young friend seemed to be in a bit of shock as he processed the paper he had seen minutes before, Bruce really wanted to adopt him. It was something he had wanted himself for a while now and was too afraid to ask, fearing Bruce would pull away and he would lose what he already had.
"I'm fine, you?" Dick asked shaking away those thoughts, now was not the time.
"Nothing worse than I've had before" Roy responded as he began pacing the cell, looking for a way out. Dick began to search as well, looking for any sign of cameras. He knew there were no bugs; otherwise Ra's wouldn't have been so open about his plans. Ra's words causing him to panic slightly, he was going to use the pits on Bruce, again not the time to dwell on such thoughts. So far he'd spotted a few in the corridor outside the cell but nothing inside, he looked at the angle and smiled, it only caught the corridor.
Behind him Roy let out a frustrated yell and put his fist through the nearest wall, "Roy stop" he said the older boy either not hearing or ignoring him as he added another hole yelling at himself "Stupid Harper, going into an ally after a known assassin!". Afraid he was going to hurt himself and knowing time was off the essence he changed the tone of his voice "Roy stop! You need to get traught! Now!" That got the archer to stop and turn to look at him stunned, he knew that voice. "Couldn't be…Robin?"
Dick took a deep breath, "Yes, I am Robin…look, I know exactly how you feel right now, angry, frustrated, helpless, but breaking your hand isn't going to help matters. We have to do something before Luthor and Ra's get that prototype and the robot online" stopping as his eyes caught site of a cable in one of the holes Roy had created. Running over he pulled it out, feeling a glimmer of hope. "Do you have anything on you I can use to splice these?"
"Yeah" he said sitting down trying to figure out how he had never put the two together, he had known both Dick and Robin for years…and opening a secret compartment in the heel of his shoe, pulling out a lock pick "Will this work? It has a sharp side for filing"
"Perfect, keep an eye out for any unwanted guests" Dick said snatching the small tool, using it to open the casing of the wires, setting to work separating the strands. Taking off his watch he inserted the ends into what seemed to be holes on the side, "Please be communication, please be communication…" he cursed as the results came up "Operations", pressing a button on the side causing a keyboard to be projected from the tiny device.
"You always did have the coolest toys" Roy said.
"We figured if I was ever caught with this I could say I stole it from the tech department not knowing what it really did" He responded typing away, Roy looking him over, picturing a mask over his eyes "You're really Robin aren't you?"
"Afraid so, so do be surprised of Batman decides he needs to kill you after all this for knowing my identity…though he let Wally live…"
"Kid Flash knows! How does Kid Flash, the biggest blabber mouth around knows and not me?"
Dick didn't stop his work "I needed someone to talk too, someone my age. Believe me it took a lot of convincing and Batman still questions agreeing to it…yes I'm in! So this controls the basic environmental systems of the building. We might not be able to escape but we can sure have some fun".
Roy smiled a genuine smile, remembering how much he liked hanging out with the kid "I think Lexi looked a little cold earlier, better turn up the heat in his office, somewhere just North of Death Valley's average high will do nicely".
To Be Continued…..