Chapter 36
A/N: Hey everyone welcome back! Glad to see y'all liked the last chapter. I know I was happy to get this story rolling again after some writer's block. So, hopefully chapters come out a little more consistently now, but…I can't really make any promises.
For the love of God, do not mention anything about the movie in the comments! As of writing this I haven't seen it yet! I am going to, but I do not want spoilers!
Remember, I just own the story. Neither FNAF nor YJ are mine.
/comms/
Telepathy/Flashbacks
Mt. Justice, December 9, 17:22EDT
"Recognized: Remnant—B07."
It was quieter than normal.
That was the first thing Mike noticed as he stepped into the Cave.
Though, considering the past couple of days, it wasn't like it was particularly surprising. Tensions had been rising ever since the mission to New Orleans went sideways. Mostly because of a certain archer.
Ever since he arrived, Red Arrow had not so subtly been eyeing several of them with distrust. Throwing random accusations and insinuating that they'd betray the Team. Quietly trying to convince Kaldur and Robin that there was a traitor amongst them.
It was the mole fiasco in India all over again.
Only this time, the accuser refused to listen to reason.
And, in some ways, he'd been successful in sowing distrust amongst them. Kaldur had been looking more wary and guarded as of late. Conner had begun to throw distrusting glares in the direction of their leader and the new archer again. M'gann was less likely to start a conversation with certain members of the Team. KF and Artemis had stopped talking entirely save to argue. Robin was sticking closer to his own side or Wally's. And even his own relationship with Artemis was strained after the stunt she pulled.
Mike wouldn't lie and say he hadn't felt betrayed by the blatant deception. For months, he'd been keeping the fact that she'd been living in Gotham secret from the others—except Rob, but he already knew so it didn't count. And, even during the first mole fiasco, at any point Mike could've tossed the other girl under the bus for her secrets. But he didn't. Because other than rumors, there had been no reason to distrust her.
He had been willing to give her the benefit of the doubt despite everything. And still she had gone behind his back.
It wasn't like he would've been opposed to the idea if she told him about it. Sure, he might've been a bit wary about using such an underhanded tactic, but that had never stopped him before. At least then he would've been able to confront his father like he planned.
Because that had been his whole reason for going on the job.
Mike wasn't stupid. He knew that everyone involved in his damn case wanted to keep him as far from William as possible. Of course, he didn't blame them. It would be hypocritical given he had the same intention of keeping Robin away from his father.
But that didn't mean he was happy about it.
Had Artemis trusted him the way he had trusted her, then maybe he would've been able to break William Afton's jaw like he wanted. Finally, be able to show the man that he was no longer that weak submissive boy he used to beat the crap out of. Maybe then he wouldn't have cast doubt onto himself by recognizing a villain that none of the others had ever heard of.
Especially since it was clear Artemis had been wanting to ask him about that. Even now he could see the gears turning in her head. Trying to piece together just what exactly was going on.
No doubt it wouldn't be long before she would uncover his own secrets.
And there was no guarantee that she would take it well.
So far, he'd been lucky so far in managing to avoid her questions. Not that he was sure he trusted her enough right now to answer them anyways.
Because that was always his problem, wasn't it? That he was too easy to trust. Even despite knowing better.
After all, that was how he wound up in this mess in the first place.
It was like he never learned.
So, yeah, long story short: he was essentially avoiding her. Well he avoided being alone with her.
At school it was easy. There were always classmates nearby. And typically they were hanging out with Better or some of their other friends. Making it difficult to ask about anything Team-related without exposing their identities. But, when they were at the Cave, he made it a point to hang out with one of the others. Hell, he even had stopped waiting for her at the Zeta like he used to.
Make no mistake, he felt incredibly guilty for his actions. Especially whenever he saw the hurt on her face whenever he avoided her. He was being a coward. Once again choosing to run from his problems instead. But…what else could he do?
He loved his friends. But he didn't want to involve them in his problems anymore than they already were.
Sure, Robin may've been involved already. However, that was because the kid wormed his way onto the case by sheer stubbornness. And Mike only tolerated it because he didn't want the other boy to run off on his own to hunt his psychopathic father.
While his confidence in Artemis had been bruised, that didn't mean he doubted that she wouldn't immediately try to jump in on the investigation herself. As abrasive as she was at times, she did care for her friends.
Sighing, he crossed his arms, leaning against the wall away from the others as he waited for the mission briefing to start. Hopefully it would be a quick one. He finally had tickets to go see his mother's old ballet studio perform the Nutcracker.
And, for once, he was actually looking forwards to it. It had been years since he'd been able to go. He used to go every year with his family to watch his mom but…that stopped after his father murdered her.
At first, he'd been glad to not have to go to the same boring dance every year. They had used to bore him to death. He would've rather watched one of his mom's ice-skating competitions. At least then they changed enough to keep things interesting. Plus, her insane routines had been amazing to watch. They made her a world-champion for a reason. But…it didn't take long for him to missing it.
Well, he mostly missed going to practice with his mom.
As long and tedious as her training sessions had been, they were actually kinda fun.
After a while, he had actually wanted to try to see the ballet again. If only to feel a little closer to her. Of course, his father had refused adamantly. Going even as far as punching him for asking.
Guess now he knew why.
When his father had ditched him, Mike had initially thought he could finally go see it. Only, that had been before he realized just how damn expensive the tickets were. He'd been saving up for years, and only now due to his recent change in circumstances had he finally been able to purchase one. Better yet, in a decent spot too. Not just the nosebleeds like he'd just been initially hoping for.
"Advanced weapons tech has been stolen from manufacturing plants throughout Europe," Robin started, apparently giving the briefing in the Dark Knight's place. Drawing the older boy from his thoughts as he pulled up a map, "and each stop coincides with stops made by Haly's Circus."
Mike's brows furrowed. Haly's Circus? Where had he heard that name before?
Right…that circus that had been in Gotham just a few years back. Lizzie had been dying to visit it. And, as always, his father's favorite had gotten what she wanted. They had been fully planning to go on opening night too. If it hadn't been for…for her disappearance.
Though, it was probably for the best anyways. From what he remembered from the news, that had been the night those trapeze artists had fallen to their deaths. Dick's parents if he recalled correctly.
"Batman's sending us undercover to catch the thieves."
Feeling confused, Mike bit the inside of his cheek. Keeping himself from making any snide comments. Mostly because it was highly unusual for the Dark Knight to let anyone else take over a mission briefing. Not unless there was something serious going on in Gotham.
And given that the Dynamic Duo had solved the most pressing case just a few days ago. There shouldn't have been any reason for the Bat to not the give the orders himself.
Not unless, there was something more going on here than he understood. After all, this wasn't the first time that something Robin did just so happened to coincide with something—oh…
Mike was a fucking idiot.
Of course Robin had a lot in common with Dick. They were the same goddamn person! There were too many coincidences for it not to be though.
If anything it just confirmed the suspicions he'd had for a while now.
He was just angry it took him this long to confirm it. Honestly, how could he not have realized it sooner? Both clung to him in very similar manners. They had the same birthday. The same gymnastics skills. Hell, even the same creepy ass laugh. Even on their first day of school, Dick had been hinting about his true identity. Why else would he say they'd laugh about it someday?
Really it was no wonder his father got away with murder for so long, because he had the observation skills of a rubber duck.
"Does this clown car have room for one more?" an irritatingly familiar voice asked, breaking the silence.
Turning to the entrance, Mike glared as his current least favorite member of the Team waltzed in like he owned the damn place. A casual smile on his face as if completely unaware of all the problems he'd been causing.
Thankfully, Robin appeared just as apprehensive. "Uh, we have it covered."
Unsurprisingly, the smile fell from the archer's face as he leaned in to whisper, not even bothering to adjust his voice for those with super-hearing in the room, "You may have the mission covered. But who's covering the four potential mole suspects you're bringing along."
Huh, wonder when Red decided he was a suspect? Was it before or after Mike had taken the liberty of knocking him down a few pegs?
Either way, judging from the look of uncertainty flickering across Robin's face, it didn't look like the younger was going to be able to come up with a convincing reason for him to stay behind. Not without arousing suspicion.
Which could only mean one thing: Red Arrow was coming along.
Fan-fucking-tastic.
-.-
Bruges, December 10, 20:08CET
"Damen und Herren! Madame et monsieurs. Ladies and gentlemen. Welcome to the Haly International Traveling Circus!" the ringmaster exclaimed, stepping into the center ring. "Where the world is your oyster. And these are our latest pearls, that Daring Dangers!"
The lights moved up to a platform up above, revealing the form of a young man standing on one of the platforms, grabbing the trapeze bar and swinging off.
"Dan Danger!"
Releasing the bar, he flipped past a redheaded girl in a white and red unitard similar to his own.
"Dawn Danger."
Down below, a redheaded boy and a blonde girl notched three sets of arrows each, raising them to fire.
"Diane and Derik Danger."
Between them a black haired boy and a brunette stood. One lifting massive barrels without any effort. The other casually flipping a throwing knife in his hand.
"And Dean and Devan Danger."
On some unseen signal, Dean hefted the barrels up, tossing them into the air just as the two on the trapeze released to flip by each other again. At the same time, the two archers fired their bows, the weapons leaving a trail of sparks behind them as they soared through the air. Illuminating the small daggers flying up from the ground below. All narrowly missing the to trapeze artists as they flew through the air.
"You'll never see another trapeze act like this, folks! And all performed without a net."
Turning on the bar, Dan met Dawn's gaze as she swung her legs over, lowering her arms in preparation to catch him. As the bars began to swing back towards each other, he swung his legs forwards. Vaulting himself from the trapeze towards the girl. Arms outstretched ready to catch him.
Only…it didn't go according to plan. As their aim was just slightly off. Causing their fingers to just barely graze by each other as the boy fell towards the ground. Screams beginning to fill the air as the crowd realized what was happening.
"Robin!"
"Shit." Mike cursed. "Throw me!" Running towards Conner. The other teen nodded, picking up a barrel and throwing it into the air as the other boy jumped on. Riding it up only to leap off, using the momentum to flip and kick Robin back towards M'gann.
Falling back towards the ground, Mike curled up and did his best to roll with the impact. Quickly springing back to his feet just in time to see M'gann and Robin land safely on one of the upper platforms. Though, his relief was almost overshadowed by his ankle screaming at him. No doubt having been at the very least sprained during the landing.
It wasn't the worst injury he'd ever had. But it still hurt.
Still, better him than Rob. Mike could at least walk off a broken bone within an hour or two at most. And while the Boy Wonder no doubt had learned how to survive landings from such heights, there was no guarantee that he'd walk away entirely unscathed. Something which the younger teen would no doubt be quite angry about given his own personal investment in the mission's success.
So, yeah. Better him than Robin.
Besides, the other boy had been more than willing to help him investigate his own personal case. Even more amazingly he'd been willing to tolerate all the problems and baggage Michael brought into it. Helping this mission go well was the least he could do.
"What did I say about blowing our cover?"
"Oh, like saving your life was such a bad thing?" Conner retorted.
"Don't worry, Rob," Mike chided lightly, "as far as the crowd's concerned, it was all part of the show."
"Exactly!" M'gann chimed in. "The crowd couldn't see me use telekinesis from below…Besides, I've been using it all night. I'm not exactly the acrobat you are."
"Yeah, neither am I right now," Robin grumbled. "Think I caught that twenty-four-hour bug that's been going around the circus."
"I could've filled in for you if you weren't feeling well," Mike reminded as the pair began to climb down. "I mean, you have been showing me how to do this kind of stuff. And if I miss, the fall won't kill me." Striding over as they made it to the ground, the elder boy gave the younger a cursory exam. On first glance, the boy appeared to be mostly ok, if only a bit rattled. But Mike couldn't help but note the flush on his cheeks and the sweat dripping down his brow.
Maybe he should've insisted the other boy sit out when he first started looking unwell.
Though…given the circumstances, Mike wasn't too sure how successful that would've been.
"Too short notice. Besides, the show must go on."
"Bullshit."
"Put your hands together for the Daring Dangers!"
Unaware of the telepathic debate, the crowd cheered as the acrobats put on wide smiles. Waving to them as if it had all just been a part of the show.
"Didn't think you'd make it through," M'gann said as the lights fell away from them. Hiding them in the shadows as the next act began.
"Neither did I."
"Real vote of confidence guys," Mike deadpanned. Putting a hand on Robin's shoulder, the older boy frowned as he felt the heat rolling off his skin. "C'mon. Let's get you backstage."
Robin didn't protest as he was nudged towards the arena entrance. Only giving a passing glance to the firebreather talking to one of the stagehands as they moved somewhere where the youngest could take a seat.
They only just managed to get settled before two other guys began yelling at the ringmaster. "Haly what's the deal?! Giving the top slot to those Danger kids!" one growled, "That's our slot."
"Was your slot. Until you missed that performance in Paris."
"Carlo was sick. He's better now."
"Plus, those Dangers are a sham. They say they're all brothers and sisters, but they don't even look alike."
Thankfully, if the ringmaster was bothered by the accusation, he didn't show it. Instead choosing to push by the other acrobats, "Nah, you just don't like the competition." Though the man didn't get far before he was stopped by someone else. A man in a suit this time. "Ah for crying out loud. Not you again. We're in the middle of a show."
"Then we'll talk after. But we will talk. Another city last week, another tech firm robbed, another stop on your tour. If I prove you're responsible, I will shut you down."
Despite the obvious threat, the Haly held the man's gaze. "I've got three minutes to gather props and get back to the center ring." Without giving so much as a dismissal, the ringmaster walked away. Leaving the suited man standing in the middle of the backstage area.
Of course, it didn't take long for him to turn his attention over to them.
Brows furrowing, the platinum blonde strode over, reaching into his jacket to pull out a badge. "Faraday. Interpol. New act?"
"Yeah," Robin rasped, taking a bottle of water from Mike. "We just joined the tour."
"Probably clears you," he muttered, putting the badge back, "But don't get too comfortable. Haly's going down for this."
-.-
23:24CET
Mike crouched beside Robin on the rooftop overlooking the warehouse they were staking out, waiting for the thieves to show up.
In all honesty, he was hoping that the thief would be too spooked by Interpol to show tonight. Because Robin wasn't looking too good.
Ever since their earlier performance that boy's condition had only seemed to get progressively worse. He was wiping sweat off his brow every few minutes despite the sharp chill from the snowflakes falling around them. Shoulders trembling every now and then as he fought back a harsh cough.
Whatever this bug was, it was clear that it was hitting the Boy Wonder hard.
If he thought he could've talked the younger out from coming on the stake out, Mike would've left him in cart holding their bunks. However, given the circumstances, he supposed he would just have to settle for keeping a closer eye on him for the time being.
"If Interpol's already on this, why are we here?" Superboy grumbled, finally voicing his obvious annoyance.
"Because Batman said so," Robin replied curtly, pulling out his binoculars.
"Why?" Mike hissed, "You got something better to do?"
Thankfully, Superboy didn't reply. Seeming to get the message to shut up.
Good.
Normally, Mike would feel bad for being so harsh. But this wasn't one of those times. Robin wasn't at his best right now. So, someone needed to keep the mission on track. The sooner they finished this, the sooner they could get out of the cold and get some rest. "See anything?"
"Not yet," the younger grumbled, jaw clenched.
"And how exactly do we know that the bad guys will strike here?" Artemis chimed in.
Amazingly, Red Arrow of all people agreed with her, "Yeah. There are more obvious targets."
"Too obvious," Mike corrected, quickly getting over his surprise. "Interpol will have them covered already."
"Exactly," Robin said, wiping his brow again, "Besides, based on the previous thefts this place meets the thief's criteria."
"How are you feeling?" M'gann's worried tone finally spoke across the link.
"Lousy," the boy sighed, "But I'll manage."
Yeah, he was definitely keeping a close eye on him this mission.
However, before he could start to interrogate the younger about his condition, Superboy noticed something, "Contact. Northeast quardrant."
All went quiet as they whipped around to spot the intruder. The thief's form quickly spotted running down the empty, snow-covered street. Pulling out his binoculars, Mike watched as the man charged at a lightpole, leaping up and using it as a vault to launch himself over the barbewired fence.
"Guess we know why Carlo missed that performance in Paris."
"Perhaps. Could be Carlo, could be his brother."
"Or just someone using the circus as a patsy to cover for their own activity," Robin reminded. "Don't be so quick to jump to conclusions; keep an open mind."
Firing a line, the boys slid down it towards the warehouse rooftop. Quietly slipping in through the overhead skylight to drop onto the banisters. They quickly found their target using a crowbar to pry open one of the cases.
Well, if they weren't certain if they had their thief before, they certainly did now.
"Caught red-handed," Robin laughed, causing the man to jump and nearly drop the box he pulled out as his head snapped up, "Red-faced too I bet."
On one of the other platforms, Artemis and Red Arrow drew their bows, "Acrobatics won't get you outta this."
"Surrender quietly, or things will get ugly."
He did not surrender quietly.
Instead, he flipped back away from them, landing on another set of nearby crates. Pulling out what looked to be a baton. They quickly found out it was, in fact, not a baton the moment the end burst into flames. Allowing their opponent to spit a stream of fire in their direction.
"Shit!"
Leaping out the way of the flames, Mike rolled to his feet and ducked behind some of the crates. Quietly cursing the entire time. They had been expecting the acrobat, not the firebreather. There had been no indication at the circus that the guy even knew acrobatics. But clearly he must have because there was no way there was more than one thief. They would've seen them if there was.
"Those crates are full of live ammo!" Red Arrow exclaimed, drawing his attention to the bright white words written across the nearby boxes. "Move!"
He didn't have to tell him twice.
Sprinting out from his cover, he fired a grapple hoping to swing away to the floor below before the flames reached the explosive behind him. Unfortunately, he didn't move fast enough as the shockwave of the blast knocked him off the platform.
Mike didn't know which hurt worse, the broken bones from the fall or the burns on his back.
Slowly sitting up, he grimaced as he spotted a metal bar sticking out of his leg. It must've impaled him when parts of the warehouse collapsed in the explosion. Meaning there was more than likely other injuries he hadn't noticed yet either.
Well…that sucked.
He hoped the others were in better shape than he was.
Biting his lip, he ignored the taste of blood as he proceeded to ignore every piece of medical advice he'd ever been given and ripped the object out. Tossing the bar into the flames as he shakily rose to his feet, pushing pieces of rubble away off himself to get a clearer view of his surroundings.
To say the warehouse was trashed was beyond an understatement. Actually, it was probably going to get worse given the fact it was currently on fire.
No doubt Farady—or whatever his name was—was going to be pissed about all the lost evidence.
Not that it was his problem.
"Guys!" he called out, wincing at how scratchy his own voice sounded. No doubt a side effect of the rising temperatures around him.
Nearby, some of the rubble shifted. The metal scraping just loud enough over the flames to be heard before falling away with a loud clang as Conner tossed them aside. "That guy's dead meat," the clone growled.
To Mike's relief, the others were with him. Each one looking a little scraped up and bruised, but for the most part there was nothing too serious. "Everyone alright?" he called, stepping towards them. The motion immediately made the teen his through his teeth as he felt his ribs shift unhappily.
It hurt like a bitch. But it wouldn't kill him.
"We need to get Miss M out of this heat!" Robin exclaimed, drawing attention to the girl leaning against him. The redhead's normally bright green skin looked ashy, her frame trembling lightly.
Superboy, who previously looked like he was about to run off after the thief, immediately became concerned. Darting over to his girlfriend's side and scooping her into his arms, quickly racing out of the burning building.
"Artemis, Arrow…" Robin panted, suddenly looking quite pale, "find the thief…"
The boy stumbled forwards and Mike reflexively caught him before he hit the ground. His various injuries screaming at the sudden aggravation. Out of the corner of his eye, he could see to two archers looking quite alarmed. "Go. I got him."
"Yeah right," Red Arrow scoffed, striding forwards and gently grabbing both of their shoulders, "you don't look much better yourself. You both need medical attention."
"But the thief—"
"Like he matters more than you two," Artemis said, coming up on his other side. "Let's get them outta here." Nodding with Arrow, she looped Mike's arm over her shoulder while Roy picked up Rob. Quickly rushing towards the exit as the building continued to collapse behind them.
-.-
December 11, 09:21CET
"Another weapons plant hit. And once again the circus is in town," Faraday said, glaring down at Haly, "I don't believe in coincidences."
"I don't care what you believe!" the ringmaster shot back, poking the agent's chest. "My people are not responsible! I did a bed check last night and everyone in my troop was asleep in their bunks."
Around the corner, Artemis crossed her arms, "Well, we sure weren't. And if he's lying about us…"
"Actually," Mike interrupted, "we might've been. I think I heard him walking about sometime after we got back. It could be he thought everyone was in their bunks."
"Doesn't explain why he checked so late though. If only to create an alibi."
"Well listening to this conversation isn't going to get us anywhere," Robin muttered, turning away and walking towards the other exit.
Sharing a look, the others quietly followed behind him. Heading towards their bunks to regroup and rest before they'd have to start helping get ready for the performance that night. "So," Artemis started, "Am I the only one who was thinking there were two thieves last night? The firebreather and the acrobat. Just dressed in identical clothes."
"Maybe not just two," Robin said as they boarded the train. "I looked at the footage from the other heists. The one in Madrid had what looked like the strongman and Paris had the tightrope walker."
"The entire circus could be involved."
"I don't know," Mike frowned, opening the door to one of their bunks, "I feel like we would've seen someone else come in. We had eyes on every corner of that building."
"Wouldn't be the first time someone snuck past you," Roy sneered. "More than likely Haly himself is the mastermind of this entire thing."
"You don't know that."
"It would explain his lies," M'gann agreed.
Robin, who had barely just sat down, shot to his feet. "I told you to keep an open mind!" he snapped, whirling on his heel and storming from the small room.
Sighing, Mike rose from his spot as well. Still feeling the ache of his recently healed wounds. "I'll go talk to him." Not bothering to wait for whatever bullshit excuse Red could come up with to stop him, he slipped from the room. Making sure to grab his coat along with Robin's.
He must've really been upset to have forgotten it after being so sick yesterday.
Though…Mike couldn't say he was surprised. If his suspicions were correct—and they more than likely were—then of course the kid would be angry that the others were accusing people he considered family of committing these crimes.
"You didn't have to follow me."
Looking down, Mike's brows furrowed as he saw Robin leaning against the side of the train. Arms wrapped protectively around himself as he shivered lightly in the cold air. "Maybe not," he said, hopping down. "But you looked like you needed the company." Draping the coat over his shoulders, Mike gently wrapped an arm around him. Guiding them away from potential eavesdroppers. "How are you doing, Dick?"
"Better now, I think I'm over it for the most part." The boy's eyes widened, head snapping up at him in shock, "Wait. How did you—?"
"Finally put everything together?" he finished for him, "Well, you didn't make it easy. But after so long all the coincidences began to add up and I put it together from there. In retrospect it was pretty obvious."
"…Why didn't you say anything?"
"It wasn't my place. And regardless of the real reasons behind this mission it's important to you. That's good enough for me."
"Thanks…" Robin said, coming to a stop as they strode in front of one of the old posters. The one showing his family's old act.
Hesitantly, Mike spoke up, "You know, my sister was always a big fan of the circus. When she heard it was coming to town, she practically harassed…well she managed to get us tickets for it. We were planning to go on opening night but…well…" he trailed off slightly, cursing his own lack of conversation skills. Mostly for his lack of forethought in addressing the entire situation. Because not only had that been just weeks before Lizzie disappeared, but undoubtedly it was reminding Dick more about family's accident. Sighing to himself, he turned to look up at the poster, "I'm sorry I didn't get to see them perform. I heard they were amazing."
"Yeah. They were the best," Dick whispered softly. The tips of his fingers lightly tracing the poster. "…I miss them."
This may not have been his place, but cautiously, he reached out to wrap an arm around his shoulders in a one-arms hug. "I know."
"It's just…when I heard about this…I may be biased, but I know Jack. He wouldn't do something like this." Dick turned away from the picture, wrapping both his arms around Mike's torso. "I don't want him to lose the circus."
"He won't," he quickly reassured, running his fingers through the younger's hair. "We'll find who's responsible, Birdie. Don't worry."
-.-
22:21CET
Mike grunted as he hefted up some of the bags, doing his best to help finish loading up the train before they left. Frankly, he was kinda amazed at how much there was to pack. Well, he knew there was a lot, but it never really occurred to him just how much a traveling circus would need.
"Need a hand?"
Turning around, he looked to see M'gann talking to one of the stage hands. Stepping away from him looking mildly uncomfortable. "Uh…I'm good. But I think some of the others could use a hand," she motioned further down the line, where bother the firebreather and strongman were sitting on the ground looking exhausted and pale. "I think a lot of them seem to have caught that flu."
"Yeah, it's going around."
Mike was going to point out about how strange it was that two of their apparent suspects were both obviously ill when they'd been perfectly fine last night. However, before he could, Haly strode up to the car, quickly pulling himself up, "Everyone aboard! Now!"
"Someone's in a hurry," Roy muttered.
Doing his best to ignore another obvious attempt to start another fight, Mike joined Conner in helping the obviously sick members load the last of the gear. Barely managing to finish before the final boarding call whistled through the air.
Quietly, they made their ways between the train carts. Moving to the one housing their bunks. Where they found the others crowded around M'gann. The redhead was now lying on the bed in the room she shared with Artemis, looking more gray then Caucasian at the present moment. "Sorry M—Dawn," Dick corrected himself. "I didn't think you'd get it from me."
On the bed, the girl chuckled weakly, "I feel so silly. Who knew a Martian could be vulnerable to a human illness?"
"Uh…H.G. Wells?" Robin offered unhelpfully.
"She does have a point though," Mike spoke up. "I mean, you were sick last night and I'm staying in the same room. If anyone's most likely to catch it, it should've been me."
"Yeah, but if your immune system is anything like your healing powers," Roy chimed in still looking rather disturbed seeing Mike's broken bones snap themselves back into place, "then you probably got over it so fast you didn't even notice."
"True."
"When did you first start feeling sick?" Robin asked, turning all attention back to the sick Martian.
"Uh, it was really sudden. Just after we boarded the train."
"Same with me last night," the Boy Wonder remarked. "I remember Ray rubbing my head for good luck and suddenly I started feel sick."
"Ray? That roustabout?" Conner spoke up, sounding annoyed. "He touched her shoulder just before we boarded. Guy must be a walking petri dish."
"Maybe…" Robin trailed off, not finishing his thought before leaving the room. It looked like he was about to start running down the hall. But he was stopped by the form of the ringmaster blocking the hall, pushing a cart down it.
"Dan!" the man smiled, turning around to face them. "You're looking much better."
"Thanks," Dick grinned. "Uh, Jack, just out of curiosity, how long has Ray worked for you?"
"Ray? I picked him up just at the start of the European tour. Poor guy's down with the same flu as the rest of them."
"We can check on him," Artemis quickly offered, "It's the least we can do."
"If you insist."
"You should stay in bed," Dick said, looking to M'gann as she got up.
"As a friend once said: I'll manage."
Making their way down the quiet hall, they quickly made their way down the to cart that Ray was supposed to be staying in. Only instead of finding the blonde man sick in bed, the room was completely void of life.
"Guess he wasn't that sick."
"Uh, does this circus have an elephant I don't know about?" Roy spoke up from further down the cart. Motioning to a box labeled elephant feed.
"Not on foreign tours."
Now suspiscous, the others came closer as their teammate opened the box. "Empty," he muttered before furrowing his brows, "no, wait." Reaching into the box, his fingers scraped across the bottom, the tips coming up black. "Ash."
"From the warehouse fire in Bruges."
"Guess we know who our thief is," Mike muttered.
"Uh, guys," Artemis spoke up, causing all heads to turn to her as she looked under the empty mattress, "I found Ray." Sitting back, the girl looked mildly perturbed as she held up a mask clearly made to mimic Ray's face.
"Split up! Search the whole train!"
-.-
Mike followed silently behind Dick as they moved through one of the cars. Quietly listening at each door for any signs of their target. For the most part it had been quiet. However, the few times they did hear something, it had only proven to be one of the sick cast members.
Though, as they entered the next area of their search, it didn't take him long to hear something from one of the rooms. Something that sounded like muffled shouting.
Motioning to Robin, the younger boy followed his gesture to the third door from the last. With a small nod, Mike pulled out a knife as Dick pulled out one of his batarangs. The pair quietly creeping down the hall to the door before suddenly kicking it open.
While there was no sign of their target, they did find the ringmaster tied up on the floor in his underwear. "Who did this to you," Dick asked, quickly removing the gag from Haly's mouth as Mike cut the ropes around his wrist.
"Ray!" Haly answered quickly. "Ray the Roustabout. Right after the train left Bruges."
"Then who the fuck did we talk to?" Mike muttered to himself. But clearly not quiet enough as he got a glare from his teammate. Rolling his eyes, he got up, tucking the blade away as they ran back out into the hall. Leaving Haly to finish untying himself.
"Dawn, come in," Dick hissed, tapping on his comm.
/Dan? Devan?/
"I tried to reach you. The other way."
/Uh, I think the flu's knocked out my other way/
"Fantastic," Mike muttered, reaching up to his own comm. "Diane. Derik. Dean. Come in."
/What read you. What's going on?/
"We're chasing down someone who's stolen Dawn's act," Robin said, "Her whole shtick, if you catch my drift."
Mike did. And he, in fact, did not like the implications of the other teen's words. Because that could only mean that whomever they were chasing had stolen M'gann's powers.
"Fuck."
/I got him,/ Conner called. /But he's onto me. Exiting the dining cart now/
"What happened in the past thirty seconds?!"
Racing down the hall as fast as they could, the pair barely managed to avoid barreling through doors as they moved between the carts. Trying to catch up as fast as possible.
/He's gone topside/
Moving through the now demolished dining cart, the two made their way to the exit. Quickly leaping up to the roof as they heard Conner snap, "That won't work on me clown!"
"That's no clown," Robin hissed, "He's the Parasite. The guy who once stole Superman's powers!"
The clown scoffed, "As if you kids are who you claim to be. Please." Flexing his muscles, they watched as the paint-clad skin turned dark purple with a few weird pinkish growths spidering across his skin. Though for having Martian shapeshifting, the man really did have poor taste since he was still in the clown suit.
"Ew…I'm never going to complain about my looks again."
Ignoring Mike's comment, Robin waved his arm as Superboy began to step forwards, "Stay out of reach. There's no flu going around. The weakness comes when he makes physical contact. It lets him feed off the powers and abilities of others."
"I have been a bit of a glutton today," Parasite sighed. "Chowed down on almost every loser in this troop. But oh my, the piece de resistance was Dawn Danger—or whatever her real name is," he smirked at her as the others climbed up to join the fight, not realizing they were walking into a monologue. "Thought I'd munch on her trapeze skills. Imagine my surprise when she tasted like Martian Manhunter instead. She made a lovely appetizer. But guess who I want for my entre." Smirking, the being's eyes glowed and Conner yelped as he was suddenly yanked forwards by an unseen force. Flying straight into the Parasites open palm. "Mmm. Now that's the full-bodied Kryptonian flavor I love."
"Everyone stay whelmed! Subdue, but keep your distance."
Following orders, Artemis and Roy raised their weapons. Only to be stopped by a pair of red beams shooting from Parastie's eyes, incinerating their bows.
"You know, I'm not normally one to say this, but I'm sated." Dropping Superboy, the creature took off into the air. "Hate to eat and run."
Charging forwards, Robin leapt up, grabbing the edge of the crate Parastie had brought along. Swinging up over to balance on top of it before leaping at the Parasite.
"No hitchhikers!" he hissed, swatting the teen back. falling towards the ground where Roy was quick to catch him as Mike threw a tracker onto the bottom of the mystery case. Quickly pulling the youngest back up, they quickly turned as M'gann knelt beside her boyfriend, helping him back to his feet.
"I'm fine."
"You're drained!" Robin countered, "Parasite took more power than you even have. Heat-vision?"
"I have the genetic potential. It must've been enough for him."
"Great."
Going back down, they quickly made their way to their rooms. They got dressed in their respective uniforms. This way they could give chase the moment the train stopped in Gineva.
"It wasn't a total waste," Robin began as they regrouped. Smirking, the boy held up a small flashdrive. "Picked his pocket in the fight. Got this flashdrive, "plugging it into the port on his glove, he quickly hacked through the minimal firewalls protecting the information on it. "Looks like Parasite's working for Intergang. Everything he's stolen, they're all pieces of something. They're putting together a weapon that generates…black holes!"
"Well fuck."
"Oh come on!" Roy groaned. "To build that you need a particle accelerator."
"Like the large Bozon collider in Geneva?" Robin retorted.
The archer froze, "…The circus's next stop."
"And he's got a head start now that he can fly," Mike growled. "Tracker shows he's almost half-way there."
"Sorry."
"Not your fault. But this thing could wipe out entire cities. We need to hurry."
"You, Remnant, and I need to hurry," Red Arrow corrected, grabbing his spare bow off the overhead shelf. "Without powers the others will only hold us back."
"Hey," Artemis snapped, holding up a crossbow, "You're not the only one with a backup bow."
Whatever fight was brewing was quickly stopped by a loud thud by the door. Prompting all heads to turn to see the massive crater Conner had created in the wall. "My powers are back."
"What?"
"My powers are still—"
"I guess Kryptonians recover faster than humans or Martians," he said, sheepishly rubbing his arm.
M'gann shrugged, putting her hands on her hips, "Well, don't even think about leaving me behind."
-.-
Geneva, December 12, 00:37CET
"I'm guessing he went that way," Mike muttered as they finally caught up.
Though, it wasn't as if his commentary was necessary. It was obvious given the trail of destruction and unconscious guards leading up to the demolished doors.
Without a word, they all quickly ran inside. Superboy only lingering for a moment to no doubt cover their flank. Weaving their way through the halls, they moved through the smaller passages, following Robin's blueprints down towards the main accelerator. Using the cameras to watch as Parasite stood, working on the final steps of setting up the weapon, having decided to go shirtless in leu of the clown costume he'd previously been wearing—not that it was any form of improvement.
"We need to take him down," Robin whispered. "Or at least lure him away so we can safely disengage the—"
Whatever the plan was, they didn't get to finish it before Superboy gave an animalistic roar of rage. Blindly charging through the wall and at Parasite.
The man—creature—thing looked surprised to see them there. But he didn't appear to be fully opposed to it as he telekinetically lifted Superboy. No doubt planning on draining his powers again. However, this time it appeared the Conner learned from the last incident as the moment he was within range the clone decked the purple people eater across the face. Knocking him several yards back.
"What's wrong with him?!" Roy hissed, loading his bow as Parasite punched Superboy back.
"Wait!" M'gann said, putting a hand on his shoulder to stop him.
"Why?"
"I have a theory."
"This isn't exactly the time for theories!"
"Theoretically," she continued, ignoring the protests, "if Parasite takes peoples powers. It stands to reason he also takes their weaknesses as well. If parasite had my powers, then he's going to be weak to fire. What do you think?"
"Pretty big risk to take on a theory."
"Do you see any other way right now?" Mike hissed.
"Do it."
Reluctantly, they watched as Conner hit the ground after being thrown into the ceiling, getting into position and waiting for their opening. The Parasite quickly taking advantage of the stunning blow to yank him back into grabbing range. "Oh! What a rush. How'd you do it kid? Even Superman never recharged this fast?" Not bothering to receive an answer, Parasite tossed the clone aside. "Alright Dangers. Come on out. We've only got a few minutes before this baby's done warming up and eats Geneva."
Smirking, M'gann confidently strode out, putting her hands on her hips. "What do you have against Geneva anyways?"
"Never liked the food. But the menu keeps improving."
"I'm just appetizer remember?" Letting herself be lifted into the air, she flew towards Parasite. However, once he swung to grab her, the Martian girl ducked, rolling out of the way and kicking his legs out from under him. "Here's the main course."
As parasite got up, he was hit in the chest with an arrow, the foam erupting from the tip and rising to cover the bulky frame. Solidifying as it spread.
Parasite, seemed very offended by the attack. "Foam? You think foam can hold me?" Eyes flashing, he yanked Red Arrow off his perch, holding him in what appeared to be a force-choke. "Or stop me from crushing out with just a thought? Combined Martian and Kryptonian powers here." The foam crack as Parasite jerked, ripping his arm out from the containment.
"But do any of those powers free you before I stop your death machine?" Robin taunted from where he stood typing on the control board.
"This one does," Parasite hissed, eyes beginning to glow red. Only he didn't get to fire before Mike came from behind him and kicked the trapped being in the face with the heel of his boot, causing him to lose focus from the burst of pain.
Leaping back, Mike smirked as an arrow hit the side of his containment, releasing thin white mist. The Parasite now too mad to think about the implications of it as his eyes glowed red again. However, unlike last time, when he attempted to fire his heat-vision, the gas ignited and an explosion shook the room.
When the smoke cleared, Parasite stook in the center of the flames, sneering at them as he freed himself from the last of the foam. "So clever. Tricking me into igniting flammable gas. But you forgot," he panted, "I have a double dose of invulnerability…Fire can't…touch me."
"Unless you make a meal out of my powers," M'gann called, "And get my weaknesses as a side dish."
The implication of her words seemed to dawn quickly on their opponent as his eyes went impossibly wide. Looking at the flames with newfound fear. "No…No!" Reaching out with a hand, Mike yelped as he was telekinetically yanked in Parasite's direction. No doubt in a last-ditch effort to potentially use his powers as a way to counteract the new debacle he was facing.
Had Mike been anticipating the attempt, he probably would've tried to kick the asshole unconscious already. However, given that he thought the fight had essentially been over, he was wholly unprepared for the attack.
A large hand wrapped around his throat, holding him about the ground. And he grimaced as he could feel his energy being leached from him. But, it didn't last long before Parasite froze, quickly dropping him before he doubled over coughing loudly as he fell to his hands and knees.
At first, it was because they thought their plan was working. However, that was soon proven wrong by the sight of their opponent vomiting up thick, black ooze. Desperately gasping for air between each convulsion of his stomach.
"What…" Parasite rasped, his whole body shaking, "what the fuck are you?"
Mere seconds later, he passed out, crumpling to the ground and lying in the mysterious goo. The sound of his unfortunate landing echoing loudly over the whir of the powering down collider.
Distantly, Mike could feel the eyes of the others on him. Wondering what the hell just happened and looking to him for an explanation.
The thing was, he didn't have one. He had no idea what had just happened. There was no telling what it could be. Whether the results of his powers in general or some side effect of the experiments he'd gone through for his whole life.
Either way, they were going to have questions. Questions he didn't know how to answer without revealing everything. And he didn't want to do that. But given Roy's recent campaign against everyone even remotely suspicious no doubt he would want to full explanation.
"We'll take it from here," Faraday's voice rang out, drawing the teen from his thoughts as the Interpol agents arrived, inhibitor collar and fire extinguishers already in hand. "Thanks for the tip by the way. Helps to have the inhibitor collar prepped in advance."
"Glad to be of service," Robin grinned, darting up to his side.
Across the room, Roy amazingly let Artemis help him up. "Wow, he deigns to touch the hand of a suspected traitor."
"Mind open," he said. "I guess I never really saw you four in the thick of it before. Superboy's a hothead, but I know I'm not one to talk."
"No kidding."
Mike felt Roy give him a mildly annoyed glare, but thankfully it didn't carry the suspicious weight it had before, "You each could've betrayed us here. But you didn't. I'm sorry I doubted any of you. There is no mole."
-.-
Gotham, December 14, 17:22EDT
Mike sighed, watching his breath fog in the cold winter air. While he was glad the whole mole fiasco was over, he was more relieved to have made it back in time to go see his old mother's troop perform. As bittersweet as it had been, he could tell how happy Dick was to be at the circus again. Hopefully being able to go to the recital would have a similar effect for him. He needed it after the past couple days.
The tension on the Team had thankfully begun to die down now that Red had chilled out. He actually wasn't that bad of a guy when holding a real conversation with him instead of fighting as they used to.
Still, it was there.
And no doubt it would be for a while until they put recent events behind them.
At least they'd been more willing to accept his rather feeble answers as to why the Parasite immediately began vomiting upon consuming his powers. Because even after thinking through it over and over again, he still had no idea as to why that happened.
Presently, his only leading theory was that it did in fact have something to do with the experiments he'd been subjected to. The gunk Parasite coughed up looked suspiciously like the agony stuff mentioned in his father's journal.
Though he wouldn't know for certain until Batman finished his tests.
Checking his watch, Mike sighed in relief as he saw he still had a bit before he was expected to meet Henry at the theater. Hopefully that would be enough to get some of his Christmas shopping out of the way.
It was funny, normally he hated the holidays. But now he was actually looking forwards to shopping for them of all things.
Maybe it was because he actually had people to spend them with this year.
Not that he'd ever admit something so stupidly sentimental out loud.
Pulling out his phone, he began looking through the rudimentary list he'd made. He had ideas about what to get everyone, the problem was that he just couldn't narrow it down. And while he could afford to get them all of it, he did want to leave the others with some options too.
He was getting Dick a Chica plush, just to mess with him. His real gift would be a pair of new spy drones he'd been working on in the shop for a little bit. They had been a pain in the ass to make. But hopefully they'd make their stakeouts easier. He also just finished a painting of him and his family on the trapeze he managed to get from Alfred. It had originally been intended as a gift for Dick Grayson, but now thay he knew they were one and the same, well…dude was just getting extra gifts now.
Artemis was another gift he made himself too. He reworked some metal coiling to create an elastic cord she could put on her bow. Maybe that would keep it from being cut so often. He had actually considered making a new bow entirely, but he figured that could be a gift for another year. At least after seeing how well she took to him offering to make modifications to her gear.
Zatanna was a little harder. He was tempted to get her something magic-related. But for one he didn't want to get her something she already had. And he also wanted to avoid offending her. So, he hoped she wouldn't mind a painting he made of her and her dad.
Which meant all he needed to shop for was Conner, Wally, M'gann, Kaldur, and Roy.
M'gann was easy. Anything involving cooking was almost guaranteed to brighten her day. So he'd already been looking at a few nice baking sets of her.
Kaldur was a little harder. Mostly because the Atlantean was pretty private. So he was probably just going to get him a gag gift at this point. Probably a few books about ocean life to mess with him.
Conner and Wally were getting the same thing, a fully equipped toolbox and kit. Conner because he'd seen the other boy curiously watching him do maintenance on the bikes and it seemed like something he was interested in. As for Wally, it was just to get him to stop taking his stuff.
Roy on the other hand…he didn't know Roy well enough to know what he wanted. And previously he hadn't liked the guy enough to consider anything more than a knockoff candy bar. Hopefully he wouldn't be too upset if he got him a gift card instead.
It would probably be best if he got the books and gift cards today. Those would be small enough to carry around until he could drop them off at the car when Effrem dropped Henry off. Plus, they would be the quickest to get too.
Fortunately, it didn't take him too long to find a bookstore with what he needed. Going inside, he moved through a few sections of books. Grabbing a few ocean encyclopedias along with one color by number book and a single children's fish book just for funsies. Once he did that, he got Roy's gift card, opting to put at least a hundred on it. Hopefully that would be enough to cover the cost of everyone else's gifts too and make it equalish.
Finishing his purchase, Mike smiled to the cashier and wished them a good day. Striding back outside into the cool winter air, checking his watch again. He might have enough time to go get a mint hot chocolate.
However, before he could step in the direction of the café. He couldn't help but notice something lying in the middle of a nearby alleyway. Pausing in stride, he looked to see something yellow and red lying in the middle of the dirty backway. A teddy bear.
Why would a teddy bear—and a brand new one by the looks of it—be lying in the middle of an alleyway?
Suddenly feeling apprehensive and against all better judgement, Mike strode into the shadows. Stepping out of sight as he approached the fallen object.
As he suspected, the golden bear was indeed brand new. So new it's tags het yet to be taken off by its owner. However, what made his blood run cold was the sight of blood smearing the fur, making it clump together.
It was still wet. Meaning whoever had bled onto it had been there recently.
"Hello?!" he called out. "Is anyone there?!"
He almost missed it, but his sensitive hearing did in fact pick up the soft, frightened whimpers of a young child. And, without thinking, he ran towards the sound, fearing the worst.
To his relief, when he found the kid, he appeared to be mostly unharmed. The boy had his head buried in his knees. Arms wrapped around them tightly as his small frame shivered in the cold. The blood looked like it was coming from a cut on his arm.
"Hey," he whispered, setting his stuff down and kneeling down. Hands raised to show he wasn't a threat. "You ok?"
The kid didn't look up, but obviously shook his head. "N-no," he hiccupped. "I was supposed to be with my big brother. B-but we got separated. Daddy said to stay put while he went to look for him, but I got scared and now I'm lost."
What kind of dumbass would leave one kid alone while the other was lost? In Gotham especially? That was asking for something bad to happen. Poor guy was damn lucky something worse didn't happen to him before Mike found him.
"That's alright," he reassured. "Now, I know you don't have any reason to trust me. I'm a stranger after all. But, I promise, I'm going to help you. We'll find your Dad, kiddo. Ok?"
"Ok."
"Can you tell me your name?"
"G-Gregory."
"Hi Gregory," he smiled, "I'm Mike."
Slowly, the boy looked up. And the teen found himself staring at a face that looked exactly like his little brother's just before he died. "My big brother's name is Mikey too."
"Of course it is," a new, frighteningly familiar voice spoke, instantly turning the blood in Mike's veins to ice.
Whipping around, he froze as he realized his exit was blocked by the form of William Afton standing behind him, grinning smugly. However, before he could move to do…anything, Mike grimaced as he felt something stab his leg.
Looking down, he watched as the boy stepped away, leaving an emptied syringe in his thigh. "What?" he whispered in confusion, trying to figure out what exactly just happened. His thoughts beginning to fumble over themselves as the world seemed to grow hazy around him.
"After all, what kind of family reunion would this be if it wasn't?"