Chapter 5
"Code Blue in PICU. Room sixteen." A Nurse shouts. A number of medical staff come in and start trying to bring the fourteen year old back to life. A couple of nurses keep Bruce back.
"No! Dick!" Bruce shouts, trying to reach for him. But it feels like the harder he tries, the further he's forced back. He fights against the nurses who suddenly have owl masks. "Don't go! Not you too! Please!"
"He belongs to us now." Several deep voices echo, the world dissolving into darkness, several owls appear.
"Bruce!" He hears Dick scream.
"Hey." Clark is trying to shake Bruce awake. Bruce's eyes snap open and he sits upright immediately. "Are you ok? Your heart rate was increasing rapidly."
"Y-Yea…" Bruce says, clearing his throat. "Yes, I'm fine." Bruce adjusts himself. He looks at the kids who have all fallen asleep against each other. Artemis had come to join the rest of the team and currently she and Zatanna are lying against each other, with M'gann resting against Artemis on the other side. Conner is curled up on a bench nearby, and Kaldur is resting his head across the arm supports of the chair. All within the PICU waiting room.
"Do you want me to run and get coffee?" Clark offers.
"Maybe…" Bruce states. He gets to his feet, needing to stretch his legs for a bit. "I need to take a walk." He starts to walk away. Clark stands up and follows him.
"I'll come with you." He offers. Bruce sighs, it's not like he could really stop the Kryptonian. He'd still follow, just at a distance where he thinks Bruce can't tell, but Bruce can always tell. They're near the PICU just as an alert comes up.
"Code Blue Child! Room sixteen!" A nurse shouts calls on the intercom. Bruce's heart skips and he looks over, eyes wide.
"No…" Bruce races to the room to peek inside. Sure enough, the paper under the room number reads Richard Grayson. "No!" Bruce shouts. Clark grabs him, stopping him from going in there to allow the nurses and doctors to do their job. "Let go of me!" He demands, struggling against him, but Clark has too tight of a hold on him.
"You need to stay back, let them work." Clark orders.
"Let me go! Please! Dick!" Bruce shouts, not listening. Barry comes out of Wally's room to see what the commotion is about, seeing Clark holding Bruce back from a room. He runs over to help subdue Bruce, though it's obvious the Dark Knight isn't at his best because he isn't fighting like he usually does. He's fighting like a man desperate to reach his child.
Wally wakes to the commotion, listening. He hears Bruce shout for Dick and his heart sinks, he starts crying. His mother hugs him tight, also hearing the commotion and knows what he's crying about. Clark just holds Bruce tight, not using his full strength since that would crush him, but enough that Bruce can't break free. He realizes he can't break free, so he cries. The dark knight is crying in the middle of the PICU.
"No… Not him too… Please…" Bruce mumbles. Clark closes his eyes, continuing to hold his best friend tight while he breaks down. Clark listens sharply, waiting. Then, he hears it, Dick's heartbeat, which steadily grows.
"Bruce… Hey…" Clark says as he lets him go. "I hear his heart beating. He's alive. They brought him back." Barry sighs with relief. Bruce just looks at him, stepping away and peeking inside the room. Nurses are starting to leave while a couple others are finishing off what needs to be done when someone codes like that. One nurse notices Bruce and Clark standing there, gesturing for them to come inside.
"I take it you're Mr. Grayson's family?" The nurse asks. Bruce nods.
"Yes… I am his adoptive father." Bruce explains, though his voice is quiet. "I haven't been allowed to see him."
"He's in critical condition, that's why. But… I don't see the harm in it right now." The nurse says.
"Has he woken up?" Bruce asks.
"No… He's not quite in a coma though, that much we can be glad for." The nurse explains while she works on placing the oxygen mask back on his face. Another Nurse is writing on a clipboard. Bruce takes Dick's hand, his non injured one. "He's very stubborn though, he doesn't want to give up." Bruce gives Dick's hand a gentle squeeze. Barry goes back to Wally's room. He sees the boy sobbing and hugging his mother. Barry places a hand on his shoulder, making him look up. Barry smiles reassuringly.
"They saved him, he's ok." Barry says. Wally nods a little, sniffling.
"But for how long…?" Wally questions. Barry looks down, unsure what to say.
The next morning, not much has changed. Roy can leave his bed, but only if he's in a wheelchair, which he needs help wheeling around, so Oliver is more than happy to help whenever he wants to go somewhere, which he's mostly been with the team. More specifically, he's been checking in on Dick and Wally. Currently, he's with Wally, Oliver and Dinah are getting something to eat. Wally's family has gone to a hotel to rest.
"I'm scared for him…" Wally says, looking at Roy. "He's my best friend… I'd die for him… I'd kill for him…"
"I believe it. You and him have always had a particular bond. Thick as thieves the moment you met, right?" Roy says, smiling a bit. "Made me kind of envious. Before, Robin and I were the only sidekicks, we bonded over that fact. Then you and Kaldur came along."
"Sorry." Wally states, "Not sorry." He adds, smirking. Roy exhales out of his nose with a small laugh.
"You weren't too bad, but I was sort of protective over Robin. He was just a goofy kid constantly getting himself into trouble." Roy states. He shakes his head a bit. "I'm sorry for how I behaved back in July, I was just mad that despite everything I've been through, I still wasn't able to be part of the Justice League."
"I get it, after you left, we had wondered why we didn't leave with you…" Wally admits. "But then we decided to prove ourselves by investigating Cadmus… It almost killed us, but I wouldn't change anything…"
"Given what I've seen of the team, I wouldn't want to either." Roy admits. "Part of me wonders if I had stayed, how I could have helped, but I was stubborn. Felt I had something to prove, to everybody. Now… I don't know how well I'll be able to stand on my own two legs."
"Could always take your wheel chair with you everywhere… I've seen videos of cripples using bows…" Wally suggests, smiling playfully.
"Right." Roy says. A couple of nurses come in.
"Mr. West, we are moving you to a different room now that you're stable." One nurse says.
"Wait… I want to stay near Dick." Wally says.
"We need the room. I'm sorry." The nurse states. She unlocks the wheels. Roy is rolled out of the way by another nurse. All he can do is watch. It makes him angry to see Wally upset.
"No, please…!" Wally begs, trying to get out of bed, but the other nurse has him lay back down. He starts coughing from the panic. "I have to stay…! There's bad people a-after him…!" He coughs heavier, holding his chest due to the pain. "I have to protect him…!"
"No one's coming for him here. We have security everywhere." The nurse reasons.
"That won't stop them…" Wally argues. "You'll only succeed in killing them..."
"That's the risk they take, they chose this job. You're our patient, we can't let you get hurt." The nurse argues back. It's not far where they have to go, but it's the fact he's no longer near Dick that freaks him out. He won't know immediately if anything happens. "You'll be able to visit him eventually."
"Team, can you hear me?" Wally asks telepathically.
"Of course, Wally. What do you need?" M'gann answers.
"They're taking me out of the PICU, please keep an eye on Rob for me, ok…?" Wally asks.
"Don't even need to ask." Kaldur states. A couple more nurses come in and help lift Wally off the bed and onto the new one, making sure he's adjusted and comfortable. Wally plops his head back on the new pillows in frustration.
"Nurse! Excuse me! Hello?!" Roy calls, unable to roll himself out since he has only one viable arm, his other arm having a significant bruise from IVs failed to be inserted, leaving it rather tender and hard to roll a wheelchair. But no one comes to help him. Roy growls in frustration, rolling his head back. "I hate hospitals…" He stands up, wincing a bit as he puts pressure on his leg. He grabs the wheelchair, wheeling it out and over to room sixteen, where Dick is resting. Once there, Roy sits back down. He takes Dick's hand, trying to recall their first meeting.
-Flashback-
"Speedy, I would like to introduce you to Batman and Robin." Green Arrow says, bringing Speedy, Roy Harper, forward. He looks up at the intimidating towering figure that is Batman, then looks at the small boy at his side. It's a little funny to him that they're so contrasting, but seeing someone so young… As it is, Roy is fifteen and that's pretty young to be a crime fighter. "Batman is one of the founders of the Justice League."
"I know that." Speedy states.
"Of course you do." Green Arrow says. Speedy looks back down at Robin, only to find he's gone.
"Where'd the kid go?" Speedy asks.
"Don't worry, he does that." Green Arrow states. "Now, Batman, what's our next move?"
"Well, in my investigation-" The two walk off to the Bat Computer. Robin comes up from behind, poking Speedy in the back.
"Tag, you're it!" Robin says. Speedy turns, looking back at the kid who does a very showy flip to get away from his reach.
"This is a mission briefing, can't you take this seriously?" Speedy asks, a bit perturbed. Robin does a handstand, looking at Speedy.
"We're going to take the left flank and cover Batman and Green Arrow while they infiltrate and take down the target. Piece of cake!" Robin states, now in a one-armed handstand. "Come on, I'm bored!"
"This is very serious stuff, kid!" Speedy argues. Robin pushes himself up into the air and back to his feet. "How old are you?"
"I'm ten. How old are you?" Robin asks, smiling playfully. "Cuz you act like you're a grumpy old man." Speedy crosses his arms.
"I'm fifteen, you brat!" He shouts
"I know you are, but what am I?" Robin teases, sticking his tongue out. Speedy facepalms.
"This is ridiculous…" Speedy states quietly.
"I dunno, I think it's pretty diculous." Robin says, running over to Batman as the Dark Knight turns from the computer. And of course, the boy has to be so flashy and show-off that he does cartwheels after the marsupial-themed man. Speedy shakes his head and follows, walking beside Green Arrow.
"This kid… How does Batman get anything done…?" Speedy asks quietly.
"I used to wonder that too, but they have a profound bond. You'll see." Green Arrow states.
"Hmm…" He hums, not quite believing it. They get to the Batmobile and climb in, Robin of course getting the front seat next to Batman. "Why's the kid get shotgun?"
"Cuz I'm better than you." Robin teases, looking out the window and sticks his tongue out.
"You little-" Speedy wants to punch the kid so bad.
"Speedy, easy. Just get in the back." Green Arrow orders. Speedy begrudgedly agrees and sits back there with Green Arrow. Batman drives out of the Batcave. It takes time, but they reach their destination and climb out. The entire time, Speedy had been looking out the window in agitation. They all get out and get into position.
"You follow my lead and attack only when I say, got it? Stay back or you'll get hurt." Speedy states. Green Arrow takes out the security cameras thanks to his trick arrows jamming the frequency. Despite Speedy's orders, Robin jumps out of the brush and attacks, fighting skillfully in acrobatics and with a bo staff. Speedy watches as the boy takes out ten guys all on his own. Speedy realizes he's being snuck up on and aims an arrow, but Robin takes them out immediately. Speedy jumps out of the brush and helps cover Robin's back.
"You got some catching up to do, I'm at twelve." Robin states playfully.
"This isn't a game!" Speedy snaps. He's distracted, one of the henchmen uses that to attack, but Robin stabs his staff into the ground, going up and round around Speedy and hitting the henchman down.
"Not if your head's not in it!" Robin snaps. More henchmen come out and attack, they're bombarded by so many, it's hard for the boys to keep up and they're wearing out. Robin looks around at the number and throws a smoke pellet down. It blinds everybody, but Robin seems to fight just fine. One henchman manages to grab Speedy, but he hits his head back into them, elbows their side and then smacks them with his bow.
"We should fall back, Robin!" Speedy shouts. But he gets no response. "Robin?!" He curses, fearing the boy's been captured and possibly killed, but he hears a laugh. Amidst the smoke, it's a bit creepy… Suddenly, Robin jumps out of the smoke and grabs Speedy, getting him to the ground as there's a small explosion that sends the goons flying. He laughs a bit more and gets back up, offering a hand to Speedy. Speedy pushes himself back up and looks around, some goons are getting back up, others who were closer to the blast are not. "You blew them up?!"
"A small charge, they're not dead, just mildly hurt, and probably some are knocked out." Robin explains. "And they'll probably have a nasty headache." He hears one of the goons coming up behind them and he skillfully turns and kicks back. Speedy turns his head, just as a goon is taking up their gun and taking aim at them. Speedy is quick, taking out an arrow and jamming the gun just as the goon tries to fire it, it explodes in their hand, making Robin laugh. "That's what I'm talking about!" Robin shouts excitedly in triumph, going for a high five with Speedy. Speedy smiles and returns the high five.
"You're not so bad, kid." Speedy states.
"Of course not, I'm the greatest." Robin says playfully, putting his hands on his hips triumphantly. Speedy raises an eyebrow, but then ruffles Robin's hair, causing Robin to laugh. "You're great too though, don't forget that." He looks up at him, smiling widely.
-End Flashback-
Roy sighs, giving Dick's hand a gentle squeeze.
"Everyone's waiting for you to come back, Boy Wonder… You better come back to us." Roy says quietly. Bruce enters the room with a paper bag.
"Hello, Roy. How are you feeling?" Bruce asks.
"I hate hospitals…" Roy answers, he pulls his hand away from Dick's and looks up at the Dark Knight in disguise. "I was visiting with Wally when a couple of nurses came in to take him to a new room, and they just left me there. I can't wheel myself around thanks to this bruise on my arm. So, I stood up and wheeled the chair in here."
"They shouldn't have neglected you like that, I'll have a talk with them." Bruce states.
"I don't need you fighting my battles…" Roy states.
"If you insist." Bruce states, taking stuff out of the paper bag and setting it on the table, a stuffed elephant, a bag of candy, and a couple of books. He balls up the bag and tosses it in the garbage.
"Still likes elephants, huh?" Roy comments.
"He'll probably always like elephants." Bruce comments back, smiling a little. He looks at the young boy, he looks so peaceful, so small… and vulnerable… Bruce places the back of his hand on Dick's head, much like the other night in the Medical lab at the Cave.
"So, you really are Batman, huh?" Roy asks, recognizing the comforting motion. Bruce nods. "Why…? Why make him do this? Be Robin?"
"If I hadn't, I don't know what sort of path he would have followed. Perhaps one similar to mine. I couldn't let another child be filled with so much anger and hate like I was, not if there was something I could do about it." Bruce explains. "He needed to bring the man who murdered his family to justice. Something I didn't get to have until it was too late for me, but it wasn't too late for him." Bruce takes a seat. "Let me ask you this, why do you fight? What drives you, Roy?" Roy looks at him, contemplating the answer. He opens his mouth to speak, but then retracts, closing his mouth, sighing, looking down. "There're no wrong answers. No judgement here, not between friends." Roy sighs out his nose.
"My mother taught me how to use a bow… And when I use it, I feel closer to her, like her hand is guiding me from the other side, just like she would when I was a child. I fight because losing my parents was the hardest thing I could go through, and the battlefield was my way of coping with the loss, otherwise, I'd have given up, and my parents wouldn't have wanted that." Roy explains. "If I had something to fight for, then I could keep going. As much as Ollie annoys me, he helped give me that fight."
"As good a reason as any. I hope you find peace someday, Roy. I know it's not easy." Bruce says. Roy smiles a bit.
"Thank you, Bruce." Roy states and looks back down at Dick. "I'm sorry I couldn't keep him safe. I tried… Back at the circus, we were taken down so easily and we almost lost him."
"I don't blame you or the Team. I don't know who this Court of Owls is, but they won't win." Bruce states. Roy looks away, isn't so sure about that. How can they stop them when they're this powerful…?