Got this one out fast yay me. This was the chapter I have really wanted to write but it ended up shorter then I wanted it to. Hopefully it won't deter you.
I also want to apologize to all my awesome reviewers. I always want to write back to you but when I see that I have reviews it's usually on my phone when I am out and about and then I forget to write back when I get home. I'm one of those people who forget things when it's not in front of my face. I just want you to all know that I read each and every single one of them and I appreciate it with all my heart.
Chapter 4: Aamir
Bruce stood at the doorway of Dick's bedroom. For the four years of the teen staying at the manor it had never been this clean before. Even when Alfred made him clean the room something always found its way back on the floor within the hour whether it was a stack of text books or a dirty sock. But now it was just empty. He turned around, closed the door behind him and walked down the long stair case.
Alfred had just come through the grandfather clock that lead to the Batcave and spotted him.
"Ah Master Bruce there you are. Batman had just gotten a message from the Canadian government giving the go ahead to question Bane. They said the sooner the better," the butler said. Bruce still wanted, no, needed to interrogate Bane. Just because there wasn't a Robin anymore didn't mean the attempted kidnapping would go unjustified.
"I'll be leaving then," he said and made his way to the Batcave to suit up and head to Canada.
He landed the Batjet on the helicopter pad on top of one of Canada's most secure prisons. An officer met him and led him through the building to one of the interrogation rooms. From the one way mirror Batman glared at the now jailed criminal. While the mask was left on the rest of his attire was gone including the serum that made him so strong. Batman walked in and took a seat in front of the masked man.
"Ah Batman, how nice to see you again. How is your back," the man laughed bringing back memories of old fights he had with the hero.
"Its fine," Batman said back. He would not let the drug dealer into his head. He just wanted to get in, get the information, and get out.
"And what brings you all the way up here," he asked smiling his yellow teeth.
"I want to know who hired you to intercept the team at the medical facility," he said in a monotone voice.
"What's in it for me," Bane said leaning on the table. Batman glared at him.
"I will see if I can transfer you into the states."
"No…I will only help under one condition," Bane said.
"Which is?" Batman asked.
"I want Arkham."
"You're not criminally insane, just a criminal, and you won't be able to fool anyone into thinking you are," Batman stated.
"No I can't. But you can," Bane smiled. He leaned back on his chair. "Take it or leave it Batman but let me tell you what I have to say is very important."
Batman glared at him for a long time but he knew that the information would be important.
"Fine I will try and get you into Arkham now tell me what you know," Batman growled. Bane laughed slightly that made it sound more like a hiss then an actual laughed.
"The League of Shadows wasn't hired by anyone. I was hired by them. Their leader wanted the little boy wonder and said they would pay me the price of one million American dollars to help keep his friends occupied. Who was I to refuse the offer," he said.
"Why did they want him?" batman demanded.
"I don't know, I didn't ask. All I know is that you might want to keep a closer eye on your little bird before someone goes and snatches him up," Bane laughed but jumped when Batman slammed his fists on the table. The door to the room open by two police officers but before they could say anything Batman was already out the door.
Batman had the jet on high speed the entire way to Gotham. He knew who the leader of the Shadows were, everyone in the Justice League did; Ra's al Ghul. The only problem was is that Ra's knew who Batman was. He knew that the dark knight was Bruce Wayne and in association that Robin was Dick Grayson. Not being Robin anymore wouldn't stop the leader of assassins to get his hands on his ward. But why would Ra's want Robin in the first place. The man was evil but he kept his word and he said he would never use Batman's secret identity against him.
He put Dick's new address into the GPS and flew straight to where the boy was living. He landed the jet on top of a large roof and got out. He shot his grappling hook and swung the rest of the way there. He dropped to the ground and faced the building that Dick was supposed to be living in. His eyes widen as he walked forward. While it was a nice building the windows were bordered up and a giant sign over the door read: Sunrise Apartment Complex coming soon July 16th, homes still available.
"No," he whispered to himself. He made his way back to the jet and once in the air he radioed Alfred.
"He's gone Alfred," he said in anger.
"Who is gone," the older man asked.
"Dick, he's gone. We've been tricked and now Ra's al Ghul has him."
"My word," Alfred said taken back. "Why would he want Master Dick," he asked.
"I don't know but I'm about to find out," Bruce said steering the jet over the ocean. An hour later he had made it to Infinity Island where it was known to house the league of Shadows. He stormed the door ready for a fight; his weapons out and waiting for an attack but he was met with nothing. He carefully walked inside his shoes making no noise on the marble floor.
He headed down to where he could only assume to be where Ra's al Ghul kept his Lazarus pit. He made it to the bottom and looked around. He spotted the pit or so he thought. Instead of its usual green it was a bright red that bubbled and churned. Each pop of a bubble sounded like a sticky breath of air.
A beeping sound caught his attention and he looked to his left. His eyes widen at the sight of a giant detonation timer showing that he only had 32 seconds left. He had been fooled and must have set off a trigger when he opened the front door. He ran as fast as his legs could take him. He reached the front hall when the explosion beneath him went off.
He pressed a button on his glove and then grabbed his grappling hook. He pointed it upwards and shot it through the glass roof above him. As fire erupted from underneath him and the ground began to collapse he pulled himself upwards. His jet was already in the air with the hatch open and he reached for it. He grabbed the bottom of the hatch with his finger tips and pulled himself up with pure upper body strength. Sweat beaded down his face as the hatch closed behind him and he looked out the window as the island collapsed under the explosion. The question was now, if Dick wasn't here then where was he?
aaaaaaaaaaaaa
Dick shot up with a gasp and looked around quickly. He was lying on a cot in a cell with no light except for a small amount of moon light breaking through a high window that had bars on it. He swung his legs over so they were flat on the cold ground and he looked down realizing that his sneakers were missing. He checked his pockets and just like he thought his cell phone and wallet was missing along with anything else that was in his pocket.
Pulling his sweatshirt closer to his skin he realized that the draw string around his hoodie was also missing. These people really thought of everything to make sure he didn't get out. It was then that everything came back to him.
"Uncle Rick," Dick cried and walked up to the bars of his cell and wrapped his hands around the thick metal. "My uncle…where is he. I know you can hear me," he shouted. After what seemed like forever he screamed for the last time and growled. He was just going to have to find a way out and rescue his uncle on his own. He went to his cot and dragged it over to the window. He stood on his tippy toes and looked out the window the best he could and his eyes widen. He was no longer in Gotham that was for sure. In fact it looked a lot like:
"Bialya?" Dick said in confusion looking out to the desert and rocky region that reminded him of their mission in September. It couldn't be though, he couldn't have been asleep for that long and why would Clayface bring him all the way to Bialya; it just didn't make sense. On further inspecting though he caught a glimpse of a black and yellow flag with the Bialya symbol on it waving in the moonlight near the outside of his cell. If he was in Bialya was it because he was Dick Grayson ward of Bruce Wayne or did who ever hire Clayface the same person who was after Robin.
Taking a deep breath he collapsed onto the bed and sat cross legged. He tried to put the pieces together like Batman had shown him how to do such a long time ago. It must be for Robin, who would go to such intricate lengths just to kidnap Dick Grayson. The only reason his civilian identity would be kidnapped was for money and if they made it so he wouldn't be with Bruce anymore…well that would just be stupid.
This meant that the person who took him had to know that Dick Grayson and Robin was one and the same and very few people knew that, even fewer who were an enemy to the Batman. As he counted off the people in his head the sound of a metal door opening and he waited to meet his abductors.
aaaaaaaaaaa
Wally shuffled into the caves kitchen and sniffed the air. Drool slipped from his lips as he spotted M'gann bending over the oven and pulled out a pie. She turned and gasped at the sight of Wally standing by the door.
"Oh Wally I didn't see you there," she laughed and placed the pie on the counter. Wally walked over and carefully sat on a chair in front of the pie, trying not to aggravate his injuries.
"Is that apple pie?" he asked the Martian.
"Yep, it's a new recipe I am trying out. You want to be one of my test subjects?" she asked the speedster.
"Do you really need to ask," he said rubbing his hands together. M'gann laughed again.
"Alright hold on I'm just going to get Conner while we wait for it to cool off. Don't touch," she said and flew off to get her boyfriend.
Wally sighed and rested his head on his hand while tapping on the counter top with the other. He looked at the pie and then to the entrance of the kitchen. Seeing no one there he pulled the pie closer to himself and was about to stick his finger into the dessert.
"Didn't she tell you not to eat that yet," Wally heard a female's voice behind him causing him to gasp and pull back quickly. He shuddered in pain and held his shoulder while looking over at the den. Artemis was sitting in front of the blank TV with a book in her hands. Artemis cringed at Wally's pain and closed the book. "Sorry I didn't mean to scare you," she said.
"Scare me…you didn't scare me," Wally said sitting up straighter. Artemis walked over to the red head and took a seat next to him.
"Whatever you say Baywatch," she laughed. Wally sighed once again and Artemis rolled her eyes. "You'll get your pie just calm down."
"It's not the pie Arty. It's you," Wally said lowering his head.
"Me," Artemis said in defense. Wally looked at her with a frown and the two had a stare down.
"You…confuse the hell out of me. One minute you are all over me and the next you act like I don't even exist. I need to know what we are," he said. Before Artemis could say anything the sound of M'gann and Conner echoed through the hallway. Artemis bit the inside of her cheek.
"Come with me," she said and dragged Wally off the chair and through the other hallway at the other end of the kitchen.
"But my pie," Wally groaned. As soon as they left M'gann floated into the kitchen with Conner behind her.
"And then Wally said…oh…where did he go?" M'gann said looking around the room.
Artemis led Wally to the beach after grabbing there winter jackets and she took a seat on the sand. She looked towards the setting sun as Wally took a seat next to her.
"So you want to talk about…us," Wally said with puffs off his breath lifting into the cool air. Artemis pulled her legs up to her chin and watched her own breath escape from her mouth.
"I don't know if there is an us," she said. Wally looked at her in confusion.
"I'm pretty sure two months ago you were thinking something completely different. At least your tongue was," Wally said and Artemis hit him in the arm. Wally yelped in pain.
"Can't you be serious for once in your life," Artemis complained.
"Sorry I try to be funny when I'm nervous," Wally said.
"Try being the optimal word," Artemis stated. She arched her eye brow. "And…you're nervous?" she asked.
"I'm always nervous when it comes to you." Wally said his face set in seriousness. "Whenever I'm around you it's like…I can't really think anymore and when I'm not around you you're the one I'm always thinking of."
Artemis eyes widen and she stood up. "This is getting way to deep," she said quickly. "I…I need to go…" she said but before she could leave Wally clasped his gloved hand over her arm and winced at the movement of his injury. She looked down at him in fear.
"Why are you so afraid," he shouted "You know that no matter how much I may annoy you I would never hurt or betray you."
"No you wouldn't but I may hurt you," she said with her eyes squeezed shut. She waited for more yelling but when she heard nothing but the whistling wind she opened her eyes to see Wally staring at her in confusion.
"What is that supposed to mean?" he asked letting go of her arm. Artemis sighed and sat back down with a thud.
"I lied to you…to all of you. Except for Robin no one knew who I was, who my sister or mom or dad were. How do you know that I won't lie to you again or worse hurt you."
"Because I trust you," Wally said taking her hand into his. "You lied under good intensions and I know now that you wouldn't do anything to me unless you had good reasons for it."
"You have too much faith in me," Artemis said.
"Yeah well I'm Kid Idiot remember," Wally said as Artemis leaned in. The two of them pressed their lips together as the sun dipped behind the ocean.
aaaaaaaaaaaa
Ra's al Ghul stood in front of the large computer with Sensei and his daughter Talia next to him. He smiled as a small red dot on a large map disappeared.
"It seems like the detective has discovered that his protégé has gone missing," he said "Unfortunately for him it is much too late."
He turned around to face his group of assassins and robed priests including Cheshire and Clayface in his human form. They stood around a large red Lazarus pit with a small table covered in a purple silk cloth on the side.
The large metal doors at the end of the room opened up and Queen Bee came walking in with a smug smile upon her lips.
"Our guest has arrived," she said and two of her guards came in behind her holding the struggling teen. Instead of being in his sweat shirt he was now in a similar costume that Ra's al Ghul wore except that there was no green cape and instead of the white sleeves his arms were bare.
"You are late," Sensei said in annoyance.
"I apologize," Queen Bee said flipping her hair casually. "My mind control doesn't work on him; he is Batman's protégé after all. My guards had to force him into his new attire."
"Let…me…go," Dick shouted trying to get out of the guards grasps. He finally punched one of the guards in the face and tried to escape but two ninja's came up behind him and grabbed him. Unlike Bee's guards they knew how to hold the boy wonder and kept him from escaping from there grasps.
"Now child you know that there is no use of escape," Ra's said "Behave and I will make sure that nothing befalls your uncle."
Dick stopped struggling instantly and looked at Ra's. "Why are you doing this," he shouted.
"Think of it as an honor Richard. Your body will be used to bring a new order to this chaotic world."
"What?" Dick whispered as the ninja's brought Dick over to their master. He faced Ra's and was placed to stand right on the edge of the red pit that was churning angrily more than ever before. The teen looked behind Ra's at Talia who would not look him in the face. Sensei moved to Dick's side and pulled the purple cloth of the table revealing a small crooked dagger with rubies and diamonds decorating the hilt. Dick's eyes widen in horror and he struggled again.
"You're going to kill me. Why? I haven't done anything to you. You fell off the rocket by yourself; I didn't know you would-"
"Hush," Ra's shouted and Dick silenced himself "You will die but then you will be reborn, reborn better than ever. How I wish I was in your shoes but alas I was not chosen," the man said taking the dagger from the older man.
"Can I…can I at least leave a message, as a last request. To Bruce," Dick begged. At this point he knew there was no one that was going to save him; no one would know he was in Bialya. He needed Bruce to know how he felt. Ra's nodded and gestured for his daughter to walk up to the teen.
She stared into Dick's blue eyes as strands of black hair weighed down by sweat swept across them. She bent down and let him whisper in her ear. After a moment she pulled away and nodded. Dick looked back at Ra's al Ghul with a glare. The man raised both his hands into the air and the robed priests began to chant.
After all the languages Bruce had Dick learn this one was unknown to him. It was rough but hypnotizing as they sang through the ancient language. Dick felt the red liquid behind him rumble almost like it was calling out to him. He almost began to lose himself before he felt the searing pain in his gut.
He gasped and looked down at the jagged blade sticking through his lower stomach and watched in numbness as his blood began to spill from himself. Ra's al Ghul pulled the dagger out and the assassins let him go. Dick took a step back as he placed his hand on the wound. His foot touched the red fluid substance and he shivered. It was freezing and it felt like it was pulling him in. The last thing he saw before falling backwards into his watery grave was the rocky ceiling of the room, and then he knew no more.
aaaaaaaaaaaaaa
M'gann, Conner, Artemis and Wally all sat together around the kitchen table with plates filled with apple pie crumbs.
"That was amazing," Wally cheered.
"Was it? I was nervous that I might not have used enough sugar," M'gann said.
"I thought it was perfect," Artemis said and Superboy nodded along with the statement. The computer chirped and the group listened.
'Recognize Aqualad B0-3, Aquaman 0-6,' it said. The four of them looked at each other in confusion and then made their way to the Zeta tube.
"Kal what are you doing here?" Wally asked walking up to his friend.
"I am not sure. My king received an emergency transmission from Batman to meet in the cave."
'Recognize Red Arrow B0-6,' the computer said and everyone turned around in surprise as a tired looking Roy walked into the cave. He stopped and stared back.
"Hi," he said quietly.
"Roy!" Wally said happily and went to give him a hug but the archer held his hand out to stop him.
"Batman called me for an emergency. I'm just here to hear him out and then I'm gone," he said. Wally frowned and Artemis placed her hand on the speedsters shoulder to comfort him.
Soon the computer began to announce more heroes of the justice league; all of the mentors including Black Canary, Wonder Woman and Red Tornado.
"Does anyone know what this is about?" Flash asked looking around.
"I can tell you," they all heard as Batman walked in from where he left the Batjet.
"Batman what has happened," J'onn asked as everyone gathered to him except for Red Arrow who stood in the back with his arms folded.
Batman said nothing but held his glove up that made an image appear on the screen. Wally's eyes widen.
"Dick…Grayson?" he asked while staring at the school I.D image of the teen in his Gotham Academy uniform smiling cheekily.
"I know him," Artemis said "He goes to my school. What does he have to do with anything?"
"Batman what is going on," Wonder Woman demanded being one of the very few people who knew that Robin and Dick was one in the same.
"Dick Grayson and his uncle, Rick Grayson have been kidnapped. We need to find them," he said sternly. A snort was heard the group and they all turned. Red Arrow unwound himself.
"You called the whole league here to find some snot nose brat," he said. Batman growled under his breath.
"Bruce Wayne asked to find him. He is the league's biggest financial supporter and he said he would cease all donations if he or Rick Grayson is not found," batman said.
"Batman…" Superman started also knowing who Dick was.
"How does Mr. Wayne even know that they are missing?" M'gann asked "It's all over the news that he had moved away from him and is now living with his uncle."
"He went over to visit him and the apartment isn't even open yet. Mr. Wayne thinks that the two were tricked and were taken hostage," batman stated.
"Just get the junior justice league to do it," Roy stated "I'm out of here."
Wally watched him go worryingly. He looked at all the members who didn't know that Robin and Dick were one and the same as they all began to shrug; Red Tornado, Black Canary, Green Arrow, Aquaman, Aqualad, Artemis, Superboy, and M'gann. They were agreeing with Red Arrow. They were all going to leave.
"No wait please," Wally said loudly "You can't just go. You need to help he's…" Wally started but stopped. He couldn't reveal Robin's identity. While he was sure his best friend wouldn't mind Batman might just finish Amazo's job and kill him. He hung his head low.
"Dick Grayson is Robin," Wally heard the deep voice of Batman say in defeat. He turned around to the Dark knight as some of his team members gasped.
"What did you say," Black Canary asked. Batman grabbed his cowl and pulled it off his face showing his true face.
"Bruce," Superman started.
"I need your help. I wouldn't be asking if I knew I can handle it by myself but for some reason Ra's al Ghul has taken Robin," the unmasked man said.
"Did you check Infinity Island? Did you go after shadow members?" Red Arrow demanded moving closer to the group.
"Infinity Island no longer exists. It's been destroyed."
"Did you find anything there, did you look hard enough," the red head clone demanded.
"Roy," Green Arrow said trying to calm his ex-partner down. Roy breathed heavily for a few minutes and turned around.
"I know a few people that may know where Robin is. I'll find him," he said and left with the computer announced his leaving.
"We'll find him," Wonder Woman said putting a hand on Batman's shoulder "I swear on Athena I will try my hardest to find him."
aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa
Ra's al Ghul waited by the side of the red pool in anticipation. Talia stood back against the wall holding her arms against herself with Cheshire at her side. The room was now silent as the liquid began to bubble. Suddenly it all stop and the red water was silent. Ra looked over the edge and jumped back as Dick broke through the surface with a gasp. Ra's and Sensei pulled the wet teen up from the pool and Dick fell to his knees.
Everyone waited as the boy continued to breathe heavily; his eyes hidden under his bangs. Suddenly he began to laugh and Queen Bee looked at him in confusion.
"I think he cracked" she said.
"My lord?" Ra's al Ghul asked in concern as Dick stood up slowly. He finally looked up his eyes a darker blue then they normally were.
"Don't look so concerned," Dick said with a smiled. He walked forward and turned around on one leg. "I haven't felt this good in centuries. Even my form host wasn't so…flexible," he said and begun to do a few backflips. Ra's smiled at his lords childlike actions.
"My lord…" Ra's started gesturing to Queen Bee.
"Aamir. That is the name I take when I take a host."
"Yes Lord Aamir…this is Queen Bee who has graciously allowed us to stay in her home."
"Good," Aamir said and walked over to Queen Bee. To her surprise he took her hand and gave it a kiss.
"I've been kept up to date. For allowing me to use your country as my fortress you will get as much of the Lazarus pit as you need for your "Desertification" project."
"Thank you," she said with a smile.
"Now I must rest and acquaint my mind with my host's mind."
"Yes Lord Aamir," Ra's said. "Let me show you to your bedroom."
"Thank you," Aamir said and snickered as he walked through the doors "Underwhelmed ha, this child is priceless."
As they left and the room began to empty out Cheshire and Talia stayed behind.
"Are you happy at what you did," the masked assassin asked Talia. The brunette growled and looked at her.
"I had no choice. Aamir is one of the most powerful demons in the world who just so happens to be the overseer of the pits. If my father angers him he loses his immortality."
"And you are fine with Batman coming after you," Cheshire asked. Talia turned to the map on the computer.
"Not only am I fine with it…I'm looking forward to it."
Yep I killed Robin. He a dead wonder boy with a demon controlling his every movement. Hate me now and get it over with…
So those of you who read Batman comics see my little references in there. Such as Bane asking Batman about his back, yeah I thought it would be funny.
Also I thought it was so funny that before editing I actually had Robin name a few baddies who knew who Batman was and the first name I wrote was the Appolaxians and who was to come along in the new episode but Appolaxian golem. I am just that good. So that brings me to this chapter's…
YJ rant: People I did not see Guardian being another clone but I was like PEOPLE EVIL MOLE STADNING RIGHT NEXT TO YOU. I guess he really is reformed. He seems much more well-adjusted with being a clone then red arrow.
And Wally and Artemis are still together and that totally gave me inspiration for my Wally/Artemis moment. I know it was really sappy though. I love the end when Cheshire is all like 'oh yeah and here's your baby…take care of it,' Just pure loved.
I have three theories on who Sportsmaster was working with. #1 the failed Superboy clone (Least likely just thought maybe) #2 The real Roy (the one I am hopging it is going to be) and #3 just some new alien we never heard of (Most likely because YJ likes to mess with my mind) although I have been surprisingly figuring things out correctly before it happens like I knew Red Arrow was the mole first (For all the wrong reason's though)
Review kindly xD