Ch 10~ Defying Orders… Again

AN: Ok… so it's been almost a year… I'm still interested in the story but I've really just been busy and struggling with inspiration lately, but I know how the story is going to go now… still no promises on speedy updates though, sorry!

Irenerb: Yeah no one is really out of the woods yet!

Player Zero: I could make up an excuse about if he flew wally that could destabilize him etc but honestly I just didn't think of it your way, nice idea!

Mark in Orlando: Thanks, I'm trying my best! :D

AFlashofSpitfire: Thank you! I really try hard to make it good, which is why it takes so long to update sometimes!

The Guest Girl: Sort of like that… but there's something else too ;)

Guest: Your wish is my command! It may still take a bit of time though XP


When Wally woke up, there was an instant where everything felt peaceful. He smiled dreamily and closed his eyes, about to go back to sleep, but something tugged at his mind, like a dream wanting to be remembered. He pushed the feeling away and settled back into the bed, turning over. Something pinched his side, causing him to sit up. His hand flew to the sight of pain, fingertips brushing the rough bandages. Everything came flooding back: the fight, the jungle, stumbling through the dark, feeling like he would never make it home, and Artemis, still trapped.

Wally pressed his palms to his eyes, but the darkness only made his memories clearer. Sportsmaster's mask, Poison Ivy's contorted face, the murderous look in Count Vertigo's eyes.

"Make it STOP!" Wally yelled, clutching the sides of his head. He heard footsteps running down the hallway.

The lights flicked on, and Wally looked up to see his teammates surrounding him. He looked at each one of them, suited up and ready to fight. He felt so small, so weak, so embarrassed, sitting there is his paper gown. Quickly he wiped his eyes, hoping there weren't any tears.

"Wally…" M'gann said, touching his hand. He didn't move away, but he didn't welcome the touch either. He sat there like a statue, staring down, unmoving. At that moment, Wally's heart constricted. He couldn't let his friends fight the injustice league alone, but begging them would do no use. Batman was right- in this condition, he was only a danger to his friends.

"I'm fine, go." He said quietly.

Hesitating at first, the team began to file out of the room. Zatanna and Robin were the last to leave.

"Wait," Wally said, quiet enough only for them to hear. The two came closer.

"Wally, I get it. You love her, but that's what makes you dangerous. Not just your condition, but the choices you might make." Robin said.

Wally looked up at his friend with tired, bloodshot eyes. "No, you don't get it. Just… go."

Robin looked at his friend, opening his mouth to reply, but Wally looked away, repeating himself more forcefully. "Just go!" His voice cracked.

Robin nodded and left the room, Zatanna turned to follow, but Wally's hand shot out and seized Zatanna's wrist. A surprised gasp escaped her as he pulled her in close.

"Zatanna, I need you to heal me," Wally whispered urgently.

The magician shook her head slowly.

"Wally… Robin was right. Even if I did heal you, your head… just isn't clear."

"You don't get it Z, the Injustice League isn't doing this for kicks! They have a plan. They have an endgame. Whatever it is, it is not going to end with the team swooping in and rescuing her."

Wally looked at her desperately as Zatanna looked at back at him sympathetically. She started to pull away.

"Look, Wally, I have to go- ow!" Zatanna yelped, surprised by Wally's painful grip.

Wally locked his eyes onto hers.

"Zatanna. Please listen to me. I love Artemis, but I care about the rest of my team too. I just… feel like we're being reeled in, and Artemis is the bait. They know the team will come for her, that's what they want. If you heal me, I won't go in with you, I'll hang back… just in case I'm right."

Zatanna let out a slow breath, then pushed Wally back none too gently onto the bed. She raised her hands over him.

"Dia sih sdnuow!"

There was a golden light that surrounded Wally's body, but it was gone so quick, the speedster thought he may have imagined it.

"It's the best I could do at the moment. I have to go." Zatanna turned.

"Thank you," Wally said. Zatanna glanced back at him.

"Wally, I swear if you come rushing in, I'll take you out myself." Zatanna threatened in a steely tone.

"And I don't doubt you," Wally said seriously. "M'Gann will detect me if I get too close, leave your comm on if you can."

Zatanna nodded, and with that she was gone.

Wally leaned back for a moment, taking a deep breath in, then letting it out slowly. The speedster sat up and peeked under his bandages. The gashes on his side and shoulder were an angry, inflamed red, but they were closed. Wally slowly started testing his limbs. He winced as he lifted his arms. The wounds felt worse than they looked. Carefully, the speedster put his feet to the floor, dizzy from being bed-ridden. Wally looked down at his gown and shook his head.

He knew that his friends' lives were in danger, but first, Wally needed to find some pants.


AN: Hopefully I can write over spring break and finish this story up within the year! There will probably 3 or 4 more chapters, so stay tuned and let me know what you think! Also, like I've said before, if I'm taking too long let me know if you want the story sooner! I get new reviews in my email so I do see them, plus it really motivates me to actually get stuff done.