I found myself underneath the perch where Jason was scanning for a target. Cloaked in shadow, I had the element of surprise. In one swift movement, I grappled up to the older man and grabbed the barrel of his rifle.
"Argh! You...bastard!" The Knight growled from behind his new red mask as we fought for control. I raised my leg to kick him, only to lose my balance and slip off the perch.
Just my luck. I twisted in the air and landed safely. I flipped backwards in anticipation and, sure enough, Jason slammed to the ground in a crouch. His sniper rifle split into two powerful-looking handguns, which he raised and fired in my direction. I barely had time to whip out my bullet shield to deflect the barrage of bullets he let loose in my direction. Thankfully, the Knight failed to notice the Snap-Flash I had planted near him just moments before.
The Arkham Knight cried out as I detonated the device. No doubt it had done some damage. Not wasting another moment, I lowered my shield and charged forward, throwing punches at his masked face. The first fist connected, but he was ready for the rest. He countered nearly every blow and kick I threw at him with deadly precision. On top of his own experience as Robin, he must have trained for these encounters ever since he escaped the Joker's clutches.
I flipped over Jason's head, ready to do some damage from behind. My feet had barely touched the ground when I was suddenly pistol-whipped and thrown to the floor.
Pain exploded in the side of my face and colors swam before my eyes as I frantically scrambled away from Jason. I couldn't let him hit me when I was down.
"You're gonna have to do better than that, Bird Boy!" Jason shouted, dropping a smoke grenade and disappearing from view. I blinked to clear my vision and grappled up to a vantage point. I spat out the blood that was pooling inside my cheek and scanned for any sign of the Knight.
A large, retractable door opened on the side of the bunker, revealing another huge wing. Jason was perched at the end of the room, sniper rifle aiming to kill. Several armed militiamen, as well as a drone, poured out into the main concourse. My gut dropped. Did I really stand a chance against all these men, exhausted as I was? I supposed there was only one way to find out.
"Batman's not the only one with sidekicks!" The Arkham Knight called menacingly.
"More like hired goons!" I retorted, trying to throw my voice the best I could. I swung from my perch, barely missing the drone's line of sight and landing in the shadows once more. I watched as Jason's men spread themselves out, making sure to sweep every major section of the bunker.
I activated the advanced optics in my mask to track the soldiers' movements. I noticed several floor grates nearby and made my way over to them. Hopefully these would help me get close to Jason.
"Rough him up as much as you want, boys," Jason laughed from above. "But bring him to me alive. I'll make him wish he never broke in here."
"He's stronger than you know," said Gordon from his chair, no doubt to encourage me. "He was trained by Batman, after all."
"I'm getting tired of your interruptions, old man!" The Knight growled, "I'll put one in you if you don't shut the hell up!"
"Ha! You wouldn't. I'm sure you still need me for whatever you're planning," the Commissioner scoffed. As I navigated the vents, I realized he was trying to divert Jason's attention and give me an advantage. Grateful as I was, aggravating the Arkham Knight in his current state was dangerous. I hoped Gordon's jabs wouldn't send Jason further over the edge.
I tensed as heavy boots stomped past the grate above me. "Where is he?" the soldier grumbled. I couldn't help but smirk. He was about to find out.
I emerged from the grate quick as lightning, seizing the surprised man and throwing him head first into the ground. Another nearby yelped and raised his gun, but it was too late. With a sharp strike from my staff he, too, fell unconscious. Not missing a beat, I raced to find more cover. Suddenly, a bright red light fell on my body. Crap.
"Die, Robin!" Jason snarled maniacally, firing a shot from his rifle. Gordon let out a shout of alarm as a burning pain spread in my upper arm. Diving under a balcony near the Knight's position, I grabbed the afflicted area, crimson blood seeping between my gloved fingers. I cursed under my breath. His bullet must have grazed my bicep. Willing away the pain, I continued towards Jason's perch.
I reached the end of the wing, looking up and spotting Jason past some glass on the upper balcony. If I wanted to get to him, I'd have to smash through the glass.
I hesitated. And then what? Trade more blows until he runs off and calls his lackeys to back him up? There had to be another way to get him while he was vulnerable.
Tell me something, kid, how much faith do you have in the old man?
A new strategy worked its way into my mind. Jason, at first, had hoped to break me with his bleak words and experiences. Perhaps I could give him a taste of his own medicine by pushing his psychological buttons? The Knight would be easier to deal with if emotions clouded his actions.
I glanced up again, ready to put my plan into motion. Before I could even move, however, the red mask shot its gaze downward, through the glass and right at me. I had barely turned to run when I was showered with razor-sharp shards. I threw my arms over my head in an attempt to deflect the glass away from my face. I had to move, now!
A gloved hand grabbed me by my cape, pulling me back into danger. A metal boot connected with my spine, sending me flying into the corner. Gritting my teeth, I let out a hoarse cry of pain. I grasped at the wall, pulling myself up only to find myself cornered by the Arkham Knight, dual pistols trained on my vitals.
"Game over, Robin," Jason chuckled. It may have been my imagination, but I could have sworn I'd seen his bloodthirsty grin flashing from behind his mask.