Hey guys...this is a story I started writing a weeeeeeeee while back. It's kinda based not too far into the Young Justice timeline...Arrowette is still a fully functioning member...a few details are off but then I started writing this without knowing the ins and out of YJ...

I would seriously love some feedback though...completely honest feedback, if it sucks...say so!!! And if your unhappy with the way a character is portrayed let me know, all criticisms are welcome...just don't get too offended if I nail gun your butt to the wall as a response! :D

Also a mini warning...there is a weeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee bit of violence in this story, no bad lanuage that i am aware of, I was really GOOD!!! :D But vioence there is...sorry but its part of my nature, so if you are of a vulnerable diposition...get over it and don't read!!!

ALTERING FATE

PROLOUGE
She sped through the disfigured streets of the city, jumping the scrap metal that clogged the majority of the floor, many of which was caught alight from the unrelenting vandalism that had befallen the city.

A city that use to bare the name...Gotham.

The squawks of hysterical laughter shattered the air along with the distinct buzz of the hover-cycles as they followed suit.

Her breath came in brief, ragged gasps as her diaphragm stretched back and forth with the consumption of air and her heart ached in her chest, and on occasion surging traces of vomit into her throat, which she swallowed swiftly.

Her dyed green hair streamed out behind her in a knotted mass, and the standard purple suit she wore was tattered and mud stained. The sweat that ran down her face filtered off the white face paint that consumed her face, although the self-drawn smile remained sturdy.

Clasped in her hand was a battered ray gun, with the inadequate power it had left it was capable of little more than stunning her opponent for 10 seconds, and she only had enough power left for a few, well placed shots.

She had it! The final component that would make the entire mission a success, it had been exceptionally toilsome to obtain.

She had successfully infiltrated the enemy’s strong hold after numerous attempts, hence the fact she wore the compulsory uniform of those with in it.

It had taken months, but she’d found her...
Her mother.

Her mother had been chained to the decimated walls of the strong hold’s underground, her wrists ripped raw from her unrelenting attempts to escape and her nails were brittle and cracked.

Upon first entering the room she had received no indication of life, she only detected her mother’s presence in the dim light that cascaded through a narrow slit in the wall.
She’d walked gradually forward, her feet shuffling on the floor, the trivial noise caused the sleeping figure of her mother to raise her head and immediately she was greeted with a flurry of hostile words. “Get lost you demented psychopath!” Her mother had howled, thrashing about with her feet.

“Stop!” She had begged in a weak whisper.

“Who are you?”

She had run forward into the light, “Mum,” she squeaked her voice breaking with the uprising emotion.

“Robin?” The prisoner had exclaimed turning her face to the light to divulge intense blood shot eyes and bruised face.

Robin had surged forth and clasped her mother tight, tears of pure joy scattered silently down her cheeks.

“Robin! What are you doing here?” Her mother asked in a distorted voice, clouded with her own tears.

“I need to know the date mum!” Robin stated, her voice snapping back into a business type manner.

“Why...why?” She’d replied shaking her head furiously.

“We’ve done it mum, the machine, it’s all set. We’re going to stop him.” Robin concluded, her voice bubbling with excitement. “I’m going to save him mum, then none of this would ever have happened, you’ll be out of here.” She watched as her mother’s face light up with hope for the first time in years, it transformed the 36-year old woman’s face.

“Red-Bird, you’ve...you’ve completed the Red-Bird?” Her voice trimmed with pleasure, her heart fluttered for an instant. "October 5th 15 years ago, at 11:45 at the...arg!” Her speech was cut short as a fountain of blood gushed out her mother’s ajar mouth, drowning the warped noise that escaped her lips; the cause was the bullet that had torn into her trachea causing an upward surge of blood that gurgled in her throat. She slumped to the floor.

Robin sat upon the dirt-covered floor, staring into her mother’s pastille face with frozen horror. She felt a warm sensation trickle down her forehead, with out acknowledging it she placed the palm of her hand to her head and withdrew it, her hand was encased in the copper-red blood that had sprayed out of her mother’s throat and mouth.

It was the sick, demented laughter of a mad man that shook her from her trance, she slowly twirled her head to stare straight into his eyes, pools of liquid black, hollow and insanely frenzied.

“Hahahahahahahahahahahaha!” He screeched, his head thrown back to the ceiling as he cackled. The veins on his throat stood out with the strain of his continuous laughter.

Robin raised from her crouched state, turned to face him head on, but found she couldn’t power herself to move, she had just witnessed the horrific execution of her mother whom she had not seen in over three years, and all she felt was numb.

“Hahahahahahahahah, poor little Stephanie Brown, once she was up and now she’s down. Soon to be six feet down! Hahahahahaha!”

Robin merely stared at him, dormant as the grave, barely breathing.

He stared at her in discontent. “Oh come, come, I’ve just run a bullet through your poor mother’s throat and you don’t mutter a word, where’s the fun in that?” He said in a whining voice, slumping his shoulders in disappointment and pouting his lower lip. “Oh well,” he declared throwing his hands into the air, in which the right he held his handgun, “I’ll just have to kill you too, just like your parent’s”

Fire. Red-hot fury burst through her veins. Coursing through her system, igniting her rage. In an instant she had the ray gun at eye level and aimed it directly at his face. She fired and a electrifying blue beam soared out of the barrel illuminating the immediate area, it struck him flat in the forehead, the force sent him careering into the far wall with a loud thud.

She stood transfixed to the spot, unwavering, and then to her complete and utter amazement he stirred. Quickly, she looked at the gun and was dumbfounded to discover that she had it set on stun, a very low stun. Immediately she twisted the knob to kill and aimed it at the disorientated figure.

“Die!” She whispered...

The sound of running feet smacking the concrete compound outside the door snapped her back to reality. She looked about frantically and saw that the door was the only means of escape and that was soon to be barred. She looked down at the gun; it had only enough energy for one high powered blast.

She had to decide, was she to end the titan here and now and save the world from any further torment, or was she to escape and attempt to stop the terror at its source.

It took her but an instant to decide.

Bricks hurtled through the night sky, consumed in a dazzling blue light and roaring boom, throughout the blazing fire the silhouette of a girl emerged at a sprint.

Now she ran through the blemished streets, her arms pumping back and forth as she willed her body on, all the while their laughter followed, cold and dense. She chanced a quick glance backwards, causing her foot to catch on a piece of disregarded debris, making her fall foreword. Instantly she placed her hands upon the floor and flipped herself forward, righting herself on her feet once more, and once again she ran.

She rotated sharply into an alleyway, obstructed with a jumbled stream of wreckage; she trampled over it quickly and ran with haste towards the solid wall at the end of the alley. Reaching out she smacked her hand onto one of the various centre bricks; suddenly the entire complex began to oscillate as the wall collapsed in on itself to reveal a shallow opening, which Robin dived through.

Instantly people asking what was wrong met her.

“Evacuate!” She howled till her voice was hoarse. She pushed through the multitude of men, women and children who scrambled for the exits to the underground hole, to the small horde of seven men and women who had stayed behind.

“Is it?” She began.

“All set and ready to go...!” The earth quivered from the thunderous blast that shattered the ceiling.

“Their in!”

“October 5th, 15 years ago” Robin screamed at the eldest of the group, a man of 46 years with greying hair that hung in greasy drapes, framing his blue eyes.

“Right!” He replied turning to the machine, his fingers tapped artistically over the keyboard as he entered the data.

“Hahahahahahahahah!” Once again the dementedly sick laughter echoed throughout the air as a set of 5 J-kin entered the complex on hover cycles. Each was dressed in the classic purple suit and their hair was a scandalous green.

“NO!”

They let loose a cascade of bullets and wove them into the sea of bodies. Robin flipped backwards behind an upset metal hull of a car, whose battery had been converted to power the Red-Bird.

The soul shredding screams that tore the atmosphere was deafening as she watched them fall one by one.

A hand grasping a rugged rucksack landed next to her, dislodged from its owner’s arm.

She covered her mouth with her hands as she swallowed a scream. Slowly and with disgust she reached out and disconnected the hand from the sack and drew it to her.

Hastily she ripped it open and saw the array of weapons it held within.

Several types of batarangs, wall penetrating and normal jump lines, food, water and...

Her father’s Bo staff.

She clutched the pack securely to her chest and focused her mind.

I must get to the Red Bird; it’s all set I just need to activate it.
And so she did.

The firing of bullets ceased as quickly as it had begun.

“Hahahahahahahah, well that was a laugh.” One of them said.

“Yeah!” She said as she exploded from her hiding place, “and here’s the next!” She cried while letting off a round of energy blasts, she successfully hit all but one, this one she knocked out with a vicious kick to the jaw, which set him sprawling.

Ten seconds, she launched herself at the Red-Bird.
Nine...she hit the ON button.
Eight...it fired up.
Seven...she reached underneath the machine.
Six...her hand connected with a small bundle.
Five...she withdrew the package.
Four...the stun had worn off enough for one J-kin to pull the trigger...

Her back arched in from the impact and her head was thrown back in pure agony, she rocked forward and collided with the Red-Bird. Her blood coursed freely from her body and seeped into the controls.

Her mind was too fragmented to notice the computer screen’s alteration, all she felt was a sudden sucking sensation as the sickly green porthole assembled, drawing her and three of the five J-kin into it’s frame.

CHAPTER 1 - KEWL! A WEIRD GREEN SUCKY THING!

They stood on the rooftops of the city, an array of six of the world’s finest young hero’s, each uniquely different, but together they stood unified and were known as Young Justice.

A group of elite, superior, sophisticated...
“Morons!” Spat Arrowette as she watched Superboy half fall off the building, his eyes popping out of his head as they followed the curved backside of an attractive Brunette.

“What?” Kon-el exclaimed innocently, shrugging his shoulders then rapping his muscular arms about Arrowette’s sleek form. “Don’t worry sweets, there’s plenty of me to go around.”

She tapped his ribs lightly with the tip of one of her arrows, “back off, flyboy unless you want to be skewered!”

“Whoa!” He said backing off with his hands raised.

“Tell me again why we’re here!” Said an impatient Impulse as he sped hastily about the rooftop in an attempt to remain entertained.

Robin sighed loudly as he removed the inferred binoculars from his eyes. “We’re scanning the area for the new hooligan group that’s settled in Gotham,” he replied his voice distinctively annoyed.

“But how is standing here gonna help?” Impulse whined.

“What else do you suggest!” Declared Wonder Girl venomously. Bart’s’ continuous vibrating was giving her a major headache, plus at the time she was directing snarls towards Cissie for receiving an “involuntary” hug from Superboy.

“That we go back to the base, call for a couple of pizzas and chill...”

The sudden appearance of a twisted, luminous green porthole at the base of the building stirred Young Justice from their state of argumentative depression, into excitement that can only be described as…

“Kewl! A weird, green sucky thing.” Yelped Impulse and instantly he was at the portholes mouth investigating.

“Impulse back away!” Directed Robin anxiously.

Too late...

A mini eruption sent the young speedster flying towards the nearest wall; a quick save from Kon stopped him from being splattered.

“Imp! Imp you okay?” Said Superboy as he shook the unconscious frame of Bart Allen.

Secret swept gracefully down the buildings side as Robin, Wondergirl and Arrowette made their own way down.

“Impulse!” Cried Arrowette in fear.

“Looks like we’ve got bigger troubles.” Said Wondergirl as the porthole spat out the three J-kin and the half-dead figure of Robin.

The five remaining conscious members of Young Justice stared dauntingly at the new arrivals.

“O…Kay,” said Superboy as he stared at the J-kin. “Correct me if I’m wrong, and as we all know I’m never wrong therefore no corrections will be needed…”

“Spit it out!” Exclaimed an infuriated Cissie, who had been swift enough to withdraw one of her trick arrows from the container slung over her back and had it aimed at the strangers.

“Fine!” Superboy continued in a dismayed tone, “isn’t Gotham supposed to have only 1 Clown psycho? What’s with the dress up wanna bee’s?”

“No idea.” Said Robin stepping forward and taking charge, his eye’s fell on the bleeding girl. “But I take it their hostile, I suggest we take them down!”

“Yes, oh fearless and wondrous leader.” Said Kon, a smirk across his face, he dropped Impulse to the ground. “What about Sleeping Beauty?”

“Secret could you…?”

“Stick with?” She asked innocently.

“Yeah,” replied Robin.

“Sure.” She said as she glided off to stand guard over Bart.

The sinister cackling distributed from the three J-kin brought Young Justice back to the problem at hand.

“Let’s go!”

Arrowette at once released her arrow, sending it soaring to the nearest of the three, it bust in mid air, to divulge a thin wire that circled about the J-kin, entrapping him securely as he fell off his cycle.

Wondergirl charged the largest of the three and delivered a barbaric punch that sent his head into a 180 turn.

Robin spiralled sharply in the air and landed gingerly on the front of the remaining standing J-kin’s hover bike.

“Who are you?” Robin demanded, in return he received a chop to the back of the leg, sending him to his knees.
“Fine!” He declared lashing out with the flat of his foot and catching the guy square in the stomach.
“Kon, grab the girl!” Ordered Robin as he finished off the J-kin with a final punch that splintered the guy’s nose.
Robin somersaulted off the bike and landed gracefully in-between Arrowette and Wondergirl as if the whole act had been choreographed beforehand.

“Nicely done.” Said Cissie, smiling lusciously at Robin, who blushed.

The two conscious J-kin clambered to their feet and grabbed their team-mate and retreated back to the porthole.

“Stop them!”

But the porthole’s mouth shut firmly with the three J-kin in its grasp.

“Damn it!”

“Hey!” Clamoured Superboy as he flew back to the group with the girl in his arms. “She’s hurt and I mean bad, we gotta get her sorted!” He looked down at his tight spandex costume as blood gushed onto it. “Oh man! I just cleaned this suit!”

“Her! What about me!” Came the meek voice of Impulse who became visible in the crowd, with less zest that was usual of his character.

“Sorry Imp,” replied Superboy, “you conked out, wasn’t our fault that you missed all the action.”

“Don’t rub it in!”

“Hmm,” mumbled Robin, “Bullet wound to the back, not too serious, she’s suffering from blood loss more than anything else.”

“Nah! You don’t say!” Kon-el muttered looking at his soiled costume.

“I wonder why those guys were after her?” Robin said grasping his chin between his thumb and forefinger.

“Maybe she had the wrong make of suit.” Replied Impulse groggily.

“We can sort her out back at H.Q., we’ll question her when she comes round.” Stated Robin.

“Right,” they chorused together.

Not precisely the night they had been anticipating, but being a band of teenaged super heroes, what can you expect...?

* * * * * * * *

Robin woke from her slumber cautiously 2 and a half days later, her mind un-fogged little by little, and she blinked her eyes to focus her mind. Pain, was the first sensation that became clear to her, precise and sharp in the top left corner of her back, it was then she conceived that she lay on her stomach.
Placing her hands firmly on the hard, medical table she raised to a kneeling position.

She glanced down at herself, she still wore the purple trousers, but the jacket had been removed, the whole of her upper body was wound in crisp, white bandages, over the top of which she had on a massive hospital gown.

Upon inspecting her hand she was aghast to see a needle fastened to her right hand, which was connected to a bag of translucent liquid.
She ripped it out in alarm.

<No! What is this stuff? What if it’s a truth drug! The J-kin will find out about the Red-Bird!>

It was then that she began to fully take in the general area about her, it was exceptionally refined and well organised, equipped with high tech medical and technological gear.
It was spacious and airy, with high voltage lights, but many windows that used up the natural light of the sun.

<Not at all like the lairs of the J-kin.> She thought. <Where the hell am I!>

Her first thought was to arm herself; she scanned the area for her pack but to no avail.
Her eyes came to settle on a series of bottles, she grasped one in each hand and smashed off the ends on one of the numerous work surfaces, leaving a crude yet sharp end.

“What the!” Came a muffled voice outside the door. Suddenly a boy with a mop of brown hair and big feet dressed in a skin-tight red and white costume stood in the centre of the room.

Robin stared at him in astonishment. She hadn’t even seen him enter.

“Oh!” He said, smiling coyly at her, his eyes took in the jagged glass she held in each hand. “OH!” He continued his smile still plastered to his face.

Two girls burst into the room, one with long blond hair secured tightly in a ponytail; she wore a bright red costume and had a bow and arrow in her hands. The other it appeared was formed of a mist or gas of some sort, either way she was definitely not solid.

“Stay, the hell back!” Robin demanded, waving the bottles back and forth, wincing slightly from her wound.

“I don’t think so.” Said the boy, charging at her.

She side-stepped gracefully causing Impulse to connect with the wall.

His back opened to her; Robin spun tightly and aimed a shot at the small of his back.

Suddenly she was hoisted into the air and thrown several feet to the far wall, she hit it hard, and she felt the muscles in her back tear as the wound re-opened.

“How many times am I gonna have to save your butt!” Stated a taller boy, with a gigantic “S” fastened to his chest and a curl of black hair on his forehead.

“I coulda taken her.” Replied the other.

“What ever.”

“Sorry to break up this lovers tiff,” interrupted Arrowette.

“Then don’t!” Replied Kon.

“I just thought you’d like to know that she’s getting away!”

“So!” Shrugged Superboy. “Where’s she gonna go?”

“Well if she has half a brain she’ll open the door, run out, then make an effective escape, and not only that but she’ll be able to reveal to whoever wants to know the location of this base!” Screamed Arrowette.

<Whoa!> Thought Bart, <she gets any angrier there’ll be smoke coming out of her ears.> The thought sent him into a giggling fit.

“She has a point,” stated Secret quietly.

“Fine!” Said Kon-el throwing up his hands, “I’ll go get her!”
He flew out the door accompanied by the rest of the team to find the girl in the middle of an all out war with Wondergirl, who was obviously winning.

The girl delivered a roundhouse elbow to Cassie’s cheek and a kick to her mid section. Wondergirl shook it off, grabbed the girl by the hair and threw her aside.

Superboy caught the failing girl and secured her hands behind her back. “Stay put sweets unless you wanna get pulverised.”

An immoral kick to the genitalia gave Kon her answer, he dropped her in pain and she rolled on impact with the floor and sped towards the nearest door.

“Oh for pity sake!” Exclaimed Arrowette as she lunged forward and clutched the girl’s foot.

Robin stumbled forward, her feet flying out from under her…
…Right into the arms of Robin, Boy Wonder, who emerged from behind the door.

“What the?” He exclaimed in surprise to find a green-haired girl fall into his arms.

“Get her!” Cried Impulse as the whole of Young Justice seized the unknown girl.

She offered no resistance; her eyes stood rigidly on the boy infront of her.

He stood tall and proud, his shoulders back and his head held high. His muscular yet sleek form showed through the tightly fitting red, body suit and green tights. His yellow and black cape hung freely at his shoulders, billowing in the draft that came through the open windows. He wore a green mask, but his eyes remained decisive.

She crumpled to the ground.

“Leave her!” Robin ordered, seeing that the girl was no longer struggling. Her arms were released and they flung to her mouth as if stopping a scream, all the while she knelt before him.

Young Justice stood in a circle about her, watching her closely to ensure she didn’t get the chance to try and pull off another fiasco.

“What happened?” Enquired Robin.

“She made a brake for it!” Said Impulse as if it were obvious.

Robin shook his head in both dismay and amusement.

He knelt down infront of the girl and looked straight at her. She stared at him in a state of complete shock and the beginnings of tears formed in the corners of her eyes.

“Hi!” He began, feeling strangely awkward. “We’re Young Justice. Look we’re not going to hurt you…”

“Speak for yourself!” Muttered Cassie.

“…We just want to talk. What’s your name?”

Removing her hands steadily from her face, Robin willed herself to speak. Her voice shrill and disfigured she spoke. “Dad!”

CHAPTER 2 - A TOKEN OF THE JOKER'S ESTEEM

“Dad!” Shouted Impulse laughing hysterically, clutching his sides as if in pain. “Her name’s dad! What were her parent’s thinking?”

“Can it Imp!” Said Superboy, pushing out his chest in an attempt to look impressive and totally not in pain, even though his crown jewels were throbbing.

“Both of you can it!” Yelled Cissie, who stood with her arms fastened across her chest, a look of pride on her face for successfully stopping Robin.

Impulse and Superboy stuck out their tongues at her in sync, causing her to toss her long hair in annoyance.

Robin rolled his eyes and gained a pitiful glance from Secret.
“Okay...Dad,” continued Robin, “why were those men after you...?
He stopped as she shook her head at him.
A puzzled expression on his face he said, “no... They weren’t after you?”
Again she shook her head.

“Well who were they after?” Said Wondergirl impatiently.

Robin remained speechless.

“Well this is going nowhere fast!” Concluded Cassie, her patience had thoroughly run out.

“Dad!” Robin yelled at the top of her lungs in an attempt to gain Young Justice’s attention, all eyes switched back to the girl who still sat on the floor. “My name isn’t Dad.”

“Okay, what’s ya name then,” said Impulse, somewhat disappointed that he could no longer laugh at the idiotic name.

She coughed lightly to clear the roughness from her voice. “Robin.”

“Yes he’s Robin, we all ready get that you’re down with Robin.” Said Kon angrily; why Robin hadn’t been met with the hostile groin kicking gesture he didn’t know.

“No, my name is Robin,” she said her voice flustered with frustration.

“Another one!” Exclaimed Kon, “as if the world wasn’t cursed enough with one!”

“You’re just jealous that you’d could never match up to Robin!” Arrowette determined, automatically jumping to Robin’s defence.

“I think it’s the other way round!” Huffed Wondergirl standing up for Superboy.
And once again arguments were conducted with both Arrowette and Wondergirl ending up even more red-faced then before. The Boy Wonder jumped into the deep end trying to calm down the raging hormones.

“Hi,” came the meek voice of Secret who had dispersed herself infront of Robin.

“Hi,” Robin replied a little on edge.

“I’m Secret, you’ve already met the rest,” she said indicating to the horde of
disillusioned teens threatening to take each other down. “You seem to know Robin, he’s the kinda leader.” She said smiling sweetly.

“Yeah,” Robin said, “I mean no...I’ve never met him till now but I know of him.”

“Yeah, he’s quite a big name, bigger than the rest of us...uh...don’t tell Superboy I said that...he’ll go nuts!”

Robin laughed wholly, her face contorted with laughter, which grasped the attention of the rest who dropped their arguments.

“So your name’s Robin, well Rob how’d it feel to share your name with a girl,” asked Superboy in an attempt to aggravate the capped crusader.

Robin ignored him, “Can you stand?” he asked her.

She nodded; rising slowly to her feet, wavering slightly, Robin steadied her and sat her down in a chair.

“Look, we brought you here after you came out of that...” he stopped as if to choose the right words.

“Kewl, weird, green sucky thing.” Offered Impulse.

“Er...Porthole,” finished Robin, “those three men escaped back through it, then it disappeared, what exactly was it and where did it come from?”

She continued to stare at Robin, taking in all that he was, it was then that she acknowledge that something was wrong, very wrong. He looked...
“No!” She yelped, jumping to her feet, he eyes fastened to Robin.

“What!” Yelled Bart, suddenly a vision of a mutant in Robin’s costume formed in his head.

“You’re...you’re not right!”

“Well we all know that!” Said Kon as if it were obvious.

“No! You’re too young, you’re suppose to be older!” She stated, her eyes widening in fear. “The Red-Bird, it must have gotten damaged and the data changed!”

“Red-Bird?” Asked Secret, “isn’t that you’re car?” She looked inquisitively at Robin.

He nodded and turned back to the girl, “have you been looking for me?”

“Yes,” she said her voice whispery; “I came back for you!”

“Back from where?” He said his own tone was hushed.

“The future!”

Arrowette screwed up in laughter...then stopped shortly when she realised that she was the only one doing so. “Well I thought it was funny!”

“Hello!” Said Impulse, zooming in front of Arrowette and tapping her sharply on the top of her head, causing her to pull away, “Time travel is possible, what’d you call me?”

“A brain deficient jerk!”

He shrugged his shoulders and zoomed back to where Robin sat.

“Hi, I’m Impulse, I’m from the 31st century, what about you?”

“21st” she replied.

“But you said...”

“I will be born in about...” she looked at Robin and roughly guessed his age as being around her own, 15 years. “5 years from now.”

“WOW! Big time trip!” Came the sarcastic tone of Cassie.

<I don’t think she like’s me that much> thought Robin.

“Okay, you’re from the future!” Said Robin taking control of the situation once again. “You said you we’re looking for me, why, what’s going to happen?”

She looked at them all, the group of six that stood about her, some with keen interest, others with quick dismissal.

“DEATH!” She spoke, her voice dropped in pitch and took on a foreboding note, her eyes dulled.

“Death?” Secret was the first to speak, “whose death?”

“All of yours”

That got their attention, Kon-el laughed coyly claiming that he was invincible, the rest looked slightly shaken.

“Start from the beginning,” demanded Robin.

And so the fate of all to come was told...

* * * * * * * *

“Five years from this date the criminal known as the Joker escaped from Arkham Asylum for the criminally insane. A city-wide manhunt was set to re-capture him, but as I understand those never did work very well. During his escape he had killed several guards plus many civilians, none of which satisfied him, he wanted but one man...”

“Batman!” Finished the Boy Wonder.

“Yes, the legendary Batman. None other than Batman had successfully held him in Arkham’s walls for three years at this stage after his capture roughly two years from now. Security had been especially upgraded for him, continuous guarding, electrified glass, reinforced steel on top of what already existed within it’s vicinity. They were determined to keep him in, and it worked for a while...no one knows how he escaped but like most of the deranged psychos of Gotham he had only revenge on the brain. He got it too...through you!” She ended, pointing a shaky finger at Robin, swallowing a large lump that had formed in her throat.

“Me?” He asked, his voice as steady as ever.

“He’d seen what killing Batman’s closest did to him. He’d already done so to one Robin.”

“WHAT!” Came the horrified voice of Cissie.

Superboy gave the Boy Wonder a sideways glance, “when did you die and when were you planning on telling us?”

“I didn’t die, it was my predecessor!” Explained Robin, feeling uptight talking about the unjustly demise of Jason Todd.

“But you’re gonna die, she said so!” Impulse butted in.

“I am not dead and I am not going to!” Robin resolved sharply.

“Not true,” she continued,

“See!” Kon-el said cockily, “wait! One Robin’s died, you’re gonna die, is anyone else noticing a pattern?” For that he received a pointed elbow in his ribs causing him to squeal.

“The Joker decided to take that path once more. Knowing that you were alone on a scout mission he performed an elaborate sham in which he sacrificed one of his minions as a victim who he ordered to be severely beaten. His dying screams were what drew you to the place, I am told that you easily defeated the majority of your opponents but the Joker in his short time outside Arkham’s walls had considered all possibilities. He was fully armed with the latest in armaments, a newly developed electronic gun that shot a high voltage blast. You were hit from every angle. The electricity soared through you to the ground, you suffered only a short blast at first, enough to immobilise you.” She stopped as a flurry of tears flowed from her eyes and her chest heaved as she tried to control the sobs that threatened to overwhelm her, her whole body shook with the effort. “The Joker...he took one of the guns and he...he...” She covered her mouth with her hands. Secret stepped forward to place a comforting hand on her shoulder, Robin shook her off. “No!” She said, clenching her fists and grinding her teeth determined to keep herself in check. She raised her head and stared Robin directly in the eyes. “He fired at you and watched as you fried alive, they approximate that it took you roughly 7 minutes to completely die. He left your charred remains by the Bat-signal, a token of the Joker’s esteem.” Her remaining breath gushed out and she allowed the grief she felt to be carried with it, she crumpled into her seat, not caring what those who looked on thought.

Robin, Boy Wonder stood rigidly as her words sunk firmly into the depths of his brain, and as they did his stomach lurched, without knowing it he reached out and leaned heavily on Superboy.

“Rob! You okay buddy?” He asked in worry, the look on Robin’s face made him exceptionally uneasy.

“Robin?” Whispered Cissie as she placed a long, bony hand on his back, he turned to look into her fearful eyes, he straightened up and smiled confidently. “I’m fine.” He assured her. He turned back to the girl, and found that her tears disturbed him, who was she to cry, he had no idea who she was. He looked at those around him, at the girls’ panicked faces; even Kon and Bart looked frightened. “You said that I’m not the only one, who dies,” he took another deep breath and closed in eyes, dreading the answer to the question he was about to ask, “what happened to the rest?”

Robin slowly raised her head, “things only got worse after your death, the Joker had successfully finished off two Robins, Batman lost it, he went after the Joker alone, his rage fuelling him. He was determined to stop the Joker once and for all, he went after anyone and everyone who he thought might know the Joker’s whereabouts, finally he traced him to an abandoned warehouse on the Far West side of the city. Batman stormed in and went nuts. His fury made him stronger but irrational...he got clumsy...”

“No!...Not the Bats!” Superboy blurted in disbelief.

“My God!” Secret whispered turning away slightly.

“HOW!” Impulse injected, a series of vividly brutal deaths appeared one after another in his head and for once he cursed his over active imagination.

“Gunshot wound to the back base of the neck. The Joker left him to die from blood loss on the floor of that warehouse, empty, forgotten, alone...some say he was lucky...”

“LUCKY!” Robin screamed in ferocity, shaking the already traumatised group.

Impulse zipped behind Superboy in alarm, Kon who would have originally made some quip at Bart ’s cowardice let it slip. Somehow he didn’t think that even the greatest wisecrack in the world would be able to split the tension that filled the room.

Robin shot to her feet, her eyes ablaze and her brow furrowed. “At least he didn’t have to witness what was to come, not like the rest of us, I’ve had to grow up in what was left behind, a world that even the Devil has forsaken!”

She shoved her face into that of the alternative Robin causing him to step back. “After the death of the Legendary Batman, the Joker took control of Gotham City,” Suddenly she burst into laughter, “what am I saying it’s not even called that anymore! The Joker recruited every big cheese in the place, every criminal he could get his hands on, Two-face, the Riddler, Lady Shiva...even those that had performed nothing more than petty crimes were taken in by him, rather being on his side than in his way. It took him little more than a year to take full control of Gotham, or J-town as it was renamed.”

“What about Batgirl, Nightwing? Didn’t they stop him?” Robin asked frantically, not willing to believe that no resistance was put up against the Joker’s domination.

“Of course they tried, but without their mentor they stood little chance against this new unified body. They got help from outside sources as well but the Joker was smart, he was ready for anything. He had overtaken all the big corporations, gained access to some of the most brilliant minds around. His array of weapons steadily improved. Soon he was spreading out of Gotham and taking control of the majority of the surrounding area. Both the JLA and Young Justice rose against him but found that they could make little progress, capture of so many was almost impossible and killing was out of the question. Eventually crime overthrew every form of authority in America. The President had even resulted in bombing Gotham in an attempt to irradiate the activity at its source. This didn’t work, with the help of some of the Joker’s “unwilling” recruits they were able to hack directly into the military’s armament centre and divert the blast right back at the White House. All out war started in America and the Joker was the victor! It took him one year to take control of Gotham, five to overthrow America, within nine years of Batman’s demise the Joker and his army of over several billion recruits had the world trembling in their grasp. The world suffered heavy casualties, those that have survived live in underground bases; it is in such bases that I have lived the majority of my life!
The JLA were the first to be defeated, many died attempting to divert atomic blasts that the Joker had released on the world, after their defeat he entertained himself by toying with the lives of such groups as Teen Titans and Young Justice.” She pulled up short, all her anger flowed out of her and she was left quacking in the centre of the room.

She turned to Wondergirl and continued in a weary tone, “a price was set on your head, a place as one of the Joker’s private henchmen to whoever could bring you in alive. You held out longer then many expected, but eventually you were caught, the Joker dealt with you personally, the details on you are very hazy.”

Next she turned to Arrowette, ignoring the sickened face of Cassie, “you were the first to go, easy prey for many, you were skewered with one of your own arrows, a fitting end, or so thought the Joker.”

Impulse, no grin fixed to his face as was usual, he looked peculiarly solemn as Robin turned her gaze to him. “You and the rest of the speedsters were immobilised with one of the newly formed stun guns, then trapped in containers that weren’t penetrable, in such confined spaces you slowly withered away.”

“Secret, your molecules were split up into different containers and flushed into space in various directions so that you could never regroup,” Secret smiled shallowly in an attempt to ease the pain, but her eyes portrayed her sorrow clearly.

She swivelled her head to stare at Kon-el; he stood looking at her, awaiting her words, waiting to acknowledge his fate. “Everyone died within the first few years of the Joker’s reign, you lasted much longer, at the downfall of the JLA you established hideouts for the few remaining citizens of Gotham, providing safe holds, it was due to you that me and my mother lasted as long as we did. It was in an attempt to save a band of civilians who were to be executed for the Joker’s “after dinner entertainment” that you were killed. Cryptonite was used to weaken you, then you were place into one of the numerous containers used to kill the speedsters, imprisoned with enough cryptonite to kill a dozen Supermen placed in with you.” She paused briefly, “ever since, the world has lived in turmoil, to stay alive you stay underground, living on what little food you can gain. If you can kill even one of them in revenge you are considered to have lived a good life, that is all there is to life!” She receded once again to her seat, curling her legs beneath her and crumbling in on herself.

Silence reigned in the lair of Young Justice, as each of the six members stood in the mist of their own thoughts, each contemplating their lives and their deaths.

“The Red-Bird is a time machine, it has taken six years to complete, all that was needed was the date of Robin’s death so that it could be prevented and the Joker apprehended. That is what the porthole was, it was a time rip, I was suppose to go back fifteen years, to when you were twenty, looks like I went back a bit too far.”

“And those guys?”

“Minions of the Joker, J-kin they’re called. I had gotten into the Joker’s H.Q. to find my mother, she had been captured three years before hand.” As the topic turned to her mother fresh tears welded up in her eyes, all her life she had mourned for a lost world and frequently she thought that she could cry no more, she was wrong. “I tried to get her out. She was the only one who knew the exact date of your death, she revealed it to me just before the Joker shot her in the throat...I...I managed to get away...I reached the Red-Bird and activated it, during activation I was shot...” she tentatively touched her back. “The rest is hazy,” she finished.

“Why would your mother have know the date of my...my death?” Robin asked, his voice shaky and his eyes tense, his breath was short and ragged from stress.

“You and my mother were very close, it was about the time of your death that I was conceived...”

Robin’s eyes widened, as did everyone else’s but Impulse’s who stood with a look of confusion plastered to his face.

“She named me Robin after my father, after you!”

CHAPTER 3 - THOSE LACKING BRAINS OR WHO ARE MENTALLY UNSTABLE AND AUTOMATIC KILLING MACHINES DON'T MIX!!!

Impulse couldn’t understand the expressions of shock on his fellow team-mates faces, especially Robin, he looked even more shook up then before. His mind quickly replayed over what had been said; suddenly a thought struck him. He zipped back and forth between the two Robins studying their faces, “you know you two on half look alike!” He determined his voice brimming with pride at his discovery.

“DUH! She’s his kid!” Wondergirl yelled, her astonishment increased at Impulse’s cluelessness.

“WHAT!!! You mean she’s his...and he’s her...then he must have...EWWWWW!!!” Cried Impulse in repulsion, “gross, gross, gross, gross, GROSS!!!” He tossed his head back and forth his tongue flopped out of his mouth as he motioned being sick. “GROSS!”

“You’re the one who’s gross!” Said Arrowette as she stared distastefully at Bart.

“Gotta admit Rob, I didn’t think you had it in you!” Came Kon slapping a solid hand on Robin’s back, the Boy Wonder’s face was flushed red with embarrassment.

“Had it in him, he’s had it in someone...” Wondergirl slapped a strong hand over Impulse’s mouth, resolute to stop the flow of words.

“Well it makes sense.” Said Secret as if she’d known all along.

“You died before I was born, my mother use to tell me all about you and Young Justice, I lived on the stories she told me, they were all I had.” Robin spoke.

“What now?” Superboy asked, “I mean do we just make sure that old Rob here don’t snuff it than everything’s gonna be fine right?”

“NO! The Joker has to be taken down, it all has to stop here!” Robin once again rose from her seat. “I came back to ensure that he never gets a chance to reign supreme.” She paused and took in a deep breath, “I’m gonna stop him!”

Superboy looked her up and down, “yeah right! You’re gonna do what the Bats and the all-powerful leader couldn’t? Give me a break!”

“What’s that suppose to mean?” She retaliated in spite.

“That you couldn’t even take down a dope like Imp!”

“Yeah that you couldn’t even take down a dope like...HEY!” Shouted Impulse as
he actually allowed his brain to work.

“I took him down well easy a minute ago!”

“He slammed himself into a wall! You didn’t do nothin’, all you’ve done is made him lose a couple more brain cells than he’d would normally lose in the course of a day!” Said Kon, motioning at Impulse’s head.

“Yeah well he’s probably so brain-dead from having to listen to your endless droning, I mean that’s enough to make anyone a bit thick in the head!”

“He’s been a schizophrenic freak since the day he was born, mainly because his hair takes up all the space on his head, there’s no room left for a brain!” Superboy finished.

“HEY!” Impulse butted in, a hurt expression on his face; “the Impulse is actually here, how about laying off the insults?”

“Sorry Imp, I just trying to get the youngster to shut it!”

“How about you shut it! I’ve been through more than you can possibly imagine! I’m gonna take down the Joker even if it means I do so alone!”

“It means this!” He said flying straight at her and pushing her with medium force. He was use to sweeping girls off their feet but she went positively sky high! She hit the ground hard; squealing in pain and a trickle of blood seeped onto the floor.

“What the hell are you on!” Hollered Robin, grasping Kon-el by the scruff of his top.

Superboy shook him off easily, “just showing her that she is in no condition to go up against the Joker, even if she were at full strength and could find the mental clown she wouldn’t be able to take him down!” He yelled back, slightly taken back by the severity of Robin’s response.

Robin, cape swaying out behind him, rushed to her side; he heaved her into his arms. She whimpered pitifully, curving her back in pain. Robust, red-copper blood stained his green gloves, dulling them to a wretched brown.

“You didn’t have to go all out!” Robin said through clenched teeth.

“If that were all out I’d be called Whimpoboy not Superboy!” Kon-el reacted in defence.

Robin walked through the small group back into the other room, he replaced her on the medical table and withdrew a collection of bandages from a near-by draw, and began to unwind the bandages that concealed the upper half of her torso. He examined her wound in silence, the majority of the stitches had come undone, and it took him under ten minutes to re-stitch and re-bandage her.

He heard the collage of voices from the other room, once again in verbal combat, he ignored them.

She turned her head and looked intently at him. Her eyes shone of crystallised blue, penetrating and sleek, fractured by time but he knew them well. They were his own.

“GIVE IT BACK YOU BIG FOOTED DERANGED PIP SQUEAK!!!” Rage Superboy as Impulse vibrated through the door that separated the two rooms, Kon didn’t bother opening the door either, it was sent careering off it’s hinges, splintering into fragments.

Impulse sped about the room, a high pitched laugh escaping his lips as he waved a thin, black object above his head.

“I AM SO GOING TO SMASH YOUR BIG TOOTHED FACE IN!” Superboy screamed his muscles flexing in anger, he lashed out and grabbed a fistful of coarse, brown hair that remained firmly attached to the head of Bart Allen.

“OWWWW!!!”

“Drop him!” Shouted Robin above Superboy’s vicious threats and Impulse’s excessive moans.

Instantly Impulse was dropped from ten feet up to the hard floor beneath, at least his butt cushioned his fall.

“OWWWW!!!” He piped up again, still clutched firmly in his hand he held a...

“COMB! This was about a comb!” Robin spluttered in disarray.

“Not just any comb, it was a present!”

“He carries it around with him, what a woman!” Impulse said laughing at Kon’s increasing anger.

“How else do you expect me to keep in such a handsome state for all the luscious ladies of the world?” Superboy debated.

“Some of us don’t need to re-do are hair.”

“You never do yours, a comb would break in that rat’s nest anyway!” Superboy said ruffling Impulses hair so that individual clumps stood on end making him have devil horns.

“I’ll show you a broken comb!” Said Impulse, grasping the comb in both hands and began to bend it threateningly.

Kon dropped to the floor, “you wouldn’t!”

Impulse smiled, “is that a dare?”

SNAP!

The brittle shards of the comb sailed towards the ground and Impulse was already half way around the world by the time they connected with the floor.

“ARRRR!!!” Was the inaudible noise that came out of Superboy’s mouth as he sent half of the wall of the Young Justice H.Q. into the far distance.

“NOT AGAIN!” Cried Robin. Jeez the number of times the Young Justice base had been subjected to the wrath of Superboy was mounting fast and the bill was becoming way too pricey.
“You don’t even have a salary that I can dock the damages out of!” Robin commented his head in his hands.

“Oh don’t worry I’ll use my Tactical Telekinesis and fix it.” Instantly the wall flew back to its original position.

“Bzzzzzzz...ROBIN!” Crackled the communicator attached to Robin’s utility belt.

He snatched it from his hip and raised it to his lips. “Robin here.”

“Robin, it’s Spoiler. I’ve spotted that new gangster group you’ve been after. They’re over on the East Side round near Kryocktech Industries, there’s a group of nine and they look like they mean business, I could do with some back up, over!”

Robin snapped his thoughts back to the original mission of the day, after all that had happened since, it seemed rather trivial, but they had been after these guys for weeks and there was no way he was going to let this opportunity slip by.

“We’re on it, for the mean time stay out of sight until we arrive!”

“Sure thing! Bye!” Spoiler’s voice died out.

Switching to an alternative frequency, “Impulse, we need...”

“Yeah?” Impulse stood next to Robin looking eager.

“I don’t think I’m ever gonna get use to that!” Robin sighed. “East Side, near Kryocktech Industries, we’ve found...”

“On it!” Impulse was gone in a flash of red and white.

Kon threw a glance a Robin and held up three fingers, “three, two, one.”

Bart re-appeared a dopey look on his face. “Err, what have you found?”

“Gangster group...”

“Gotcha!” The air whistled noisily as he raced from the room once more.

This time it was Robin who did the grand countdown, “three, two, one.”
As predicted Impulse was once again in the room.

“Impulse stay!” Superboy instructed as if her were a dog.

Ignoring Superboy’s masterly instructions Impulse zoomed to Robin, “oh, which group, there’s kind of more than one?”

“The new hooligan group and WAIT!!!” Robin yelled grabbing Impulse’s arm before he hustled away again. “Take Arrowette and Secret with you...”

Immediately Impulse stood with a girl in each arm.

“Please tell me next time I’m going to be hitching a lift!” Arrowette stormed.

“Spoiler’s waiting for you at the complex.” Robin stated.

“Don’t you mean she’s waiting for her man in tights?” Kon said clutching his hands to his heart and sighing loudly, his eyes fluttering as he pretended to be in love.

Robin shrugged his shoulders then smiled slyly as he said, “hey not all of us can get a girl, don’t worry Kid, I’m sure that one of these days you’ll find someone who loves you as much as you do!”

Superboy glared evilly at him, “oh please grant me a minute while I gather the shattered pieces of my pride!”

“Well that won’t take long,” Impulse quipped.

“There’s roughly nine there, me and the Kid will meet you there.” Robin concluded.

“Right!” Impulse said, “I can go now right?”

“Yeah,”

“Kewl, see ya!” And Impulse, Arrowette and Secret were gone in a blaze of light and hysterical shrieks.

“Can I come?” Robin asked from her perch on the medical table.

“I don’t think so youngster, I think it’s past your bedtime!” Kon-el said his voice thick with sarcasm, he turned to Robin, “and you’re not a very good parent!”

“Shut it Kid!” Robin ordered.

“Jeez, I get told to shut it from both Robins, what’s up with that?”

“You’re not coming,” Robin stated flatly.

“What! But what if they know something about the Joker?” Robin questioned.

“We’ll be sure to tell you,” promised the Boy wonder.

“I’m coming!” Robin determined jumping off the table.

“Hey, don’t back chat your father and your Uncle Superboy!” Kon-el said, wagging his index finger at her tauntingly.

“CASSIE!” Called Robin.

“Yeah?” She asked as she walked casually into the room.

“That new group’s been spotted, the rest are already there, and we need someone to watch the girl.”

“You have gotta be kidding me?” Wondergirl looked into his serious face and sighed in frustration, “this was sooo not in the job description!” Wondergirl glared evilly at her, why the hell do I get stuck with her, she’s Robin’s kid for peat’s sake!

“Thanks you’re the best.”

“Now make sure she’s in bed by 11, and that she goes to potty first, we don’t want any nasty accidents! And remember girls no spanking!” Superboy received nothing but obnoxious looks in return.

Robin summoned the Super Cycle, which was soon suspended outside one of the open windows, honking impatiently.

“See ya,” waved Superboy and the two dropped out of the window into the padded front seats of the Super Cycle.

Both girls leaned out the window to watch them, the Super Cycle’s engine roared at full volume, drowning out all other sounds.

Without warning, Robin pushed Cassie with all her might, sending her failing out of the window.

“AHH!” Screeched Wondergirl in shock, she had rapidly righted herself in mid air only to have Robin land heavily on her using her as a spring board. She flipped through the air, body stretched and arms out infront, she grasped the rear bumper of the Super Cycle and just managed to heave herself inside when it drove of at impeccable speed, her back protesting the entire time.

“That kid deserves the spanking of a lifetime!” Declared Wondergirl, as the Super Cycle became nothing more than a dot on the horizon.

She reached for her communicator, “err, Robin...you’re not going to believe this but...”

* * * * * * * *

“WHAT!!!” Robin’s face turned a vivid white.
“Rob? Rob? Oh my god don’t go Casper on me!” Superboy said waving his gloved hands infront of Robin’s face.

Slowly Robin looked over his shoulder...
...And there in the back seat, exactly as Cassie had said, sat his daughter, her green hair streaming out behind her, and her hospital gown ruffling in the wind.

“What?” Asked Superboy as he looked behind him, his eyes widened as he saw Robin, he turned back to his partner, “we are so going to have to fire that babysitter!”

“What the hell are you doing here?” Blurted Robin.

“Huh! With that attitude anyone would think that you don’t want to spend any time with your daughter!” She back-chatted.

“This would never of happened if I had been left in charge, I’d have kept her in one place with my Tactile Telekin...”

“Shut it Kid,” He turned to his daughter, “and remind me to ground you when you’re older!” Robin huffed as he turned back to the front.

“Well are we gonna take her back?” Kon-el enquired.

“Bzzzzz...Robin where the hell are you! Big trouble, need back up!” Spoiler’s voice cut out as quickly as it had appeared.

“No time!” Robin answered, “Cycle full power.”

“Aye Captain, but she can’ta give any more!” Came the elaborately bad Scottish accent of Superboy.

Even the Super Cycle honked in protest.

Within seconds they arrived to find Spoiler and the three members of Young Justice in combat with a collection of beefy men armed with more than their muscles.
A particularly bloated guy let loose a stream of bullets at Secret; they passed through her easily and rebounded at dangerous angles in all directions. She dispersed down his throat, he dropped his gun and grasped at his neck as his eyes bulged and he went purple in the face, he crumpled to his knees, then flopped to the ground unconscious.
The grey form of Secret emerged out of his nostrils a look of revulsion on her face.

“Remind me never to do that again!” She said with a shiver.

Impulse was darting about the place delivering combinations of punches while dogging and vibrating through swarms of bullets. “Missed me! Ooh you missed me again, ahh so close, come on you’re not even trying!” Impulse taunted as three of the nine desperately fired at him. “This is so boring!” He complained, suddenly his face lit up, he ran at the three and in succession he pulled down their trousers, on the last he came face to face with a...

“THONG!!! This guy’s wearing a thong!” Impulse’s face almost split in two with his smile.

Even the guy’s comrades laughed.

He dropped his gun as he attempted to cover himself and yank his pants up at the same time.

Impulse was there in an instant; he swooped the semi-automatic machine gun into his hands.

“Ah kewl, I always wanted to try one of these.”

“OH MY GOD IMPULSE HAS A GUN!!!” Arrowette shrieked at the top of her lungs.

Robin turned to Superboy, his eyes wide, “this is serious!” Both turned to dived out of the Super Cycle to the fight below, “Kid?”

“Yeah?” Asked Superboy.

“Keep her there with your...”

“With my Tactile Telekinesis!” Superboy stated proudly.

“Yeah,” Robin sighed.

“No pro, Rob,” He grabbed Robin who still sat in the rear seat of the Super
Cycle, “Now stay!” Instantly she was pinned to her seat unable to move.

“Hey!” She complained.

“I bet every parent wishes they could do that!” Said Superboy to Robin with a laugh.

Each landed several meters away from Impulse while the rest of the gang and Young Justice continued fighting.

Holding out his hands in a cautious manner Robin spoke, “Impulse, put down the gun!”

“Why?”

“Imp, for the love of God put down that weapon, you’re gonna hurt someone!”
Superboy joined in, each desperately convincing the unaware Impulse to relinquish the gun.

“Come orf it guys, nothing’s gonna happen, I think an intelligent superhero like myself can handle it...”

His forefinger connected with the trigger and the gun spat out a round of 60 bullet in the space of a couple of second, the recoil jolted Bart ’s arm causing all around him to duck as bullets whizzed by their ears.
The gun buckled as it ran out of bullets, leaving Impulse, in the centre of a stream of villains and heroes combined face down on the floor, with a sheepish grin on his face. “Okay...I think I’m gonna put this down!”

Kon-el yanked it out of his hands, “what have we told you about messing with things that you don’t know how to work? Trust me, those lacking brains and automatic killing machines don’t mix, capiche?!!!”

“Stress can cause baldness ya know, Unless you’re up for a new look I suggest you calm down!” Impulse replied casually, instantly an image of Kon with little more that a few clumps of hair popped into his head. “Well, you wouldn’t need a comb then!”

“I am so going to...”

“Smash my face in, rip my hair out and make me eat it? Well at least it will be better than having to suffer another lecture on your crappo Tactical Telekinesis!” Impulse joked.

“Guys how about a little help!” Cried Spoiler as she and Robin double-teamed one member of the opposing group sending him into Never Never land. Secret and Arrowette too was holding their own but there was still five to take down.

“Honestly, you lot would be no where without me and my Tactile...”

“Whatever!” Impulse muttered as he charged full pace back into the thick of things. Kon was right behind him.

Fists flying, knees knocking, the fight raged. Spoiler and Robin sticking as a team using a combination of highflying moves and smoke bombs with the occasional batarang to take out two of the six. Arrowette released rope binding and drugged arrows, successfully doping one and bringing down the last with a little help from an over enthusiastic Impulse. Superboy, bullets recoiling off his square chest pummelled two more allowing Secret to finish one off with her toxic fumes when he received for the second time that day a kneeing to the groin.

“I swear I’m gonna have nuts the size of coconuts by the end of the day!”
“Well it’ll be a nice change from walnut sized ones,” Impulse quipped, laughing insanely at his own brilliance.

None of Young Justice noticed the now free to move Robin jump from the Super
Cycle, she landed infront of one of the barely conscious team and grasping his discarded gun from the floor dug it into his neck threateningly. “Right you’ve got to the count of three to tell me anything and everything you know on the Joker or your brains are going to be exploding out the back of your head and there’ll be a new form of graffiti in town!” Robin whispered maliciously into his ear. “One...”

“I don’t know nothing on the Joker, I don’t work for him...” The guy whispered frenetically, gasping slightly as the gun was dug further into his neck.

“Two...” Robin continued.

“I swear I don’t know nothing, I swear,” blubbered the guy, fat tears rolling down his podgy face.

“Not what I wanted to hear! Three...oops, time’s up!”

“NOOOOOO!!!” He screamed as her finger applied pressure to the trigger.

The guy’s frenzied screams caused Young Justice to stir, their eyes widened as they saw Robin, gun in hand, her finger pressing down on the trigger, slowly their brains recognised what was to happen!

Not Bart Allen! His life once consumed by video games had little concept of before and after thought. His brain hadn’t truly acknowledged the seriousness of what he saw but he was moving anyway. His body lightning quick, powered forward, he lashed out with his foot, sending the gun veering of to the side.

BANG!!!

The bullet ripped into the side flesh of the guy’s neck, skimming him slightly.

Blood promptly gushed out of the tear in his throat, littering the dirt-clogged floor below.

“What!” She yelled looking angrily into the face of Impulse who had nothing but an expression of intense relief plastered to his face.

“What have you done!” Robin, Boy Wonder exclaimed as her knelt by the
bleeding man, swiftly he withdrew his miniature first aid kit from his sleeve pocket and began to bandage the guy’s throat.
“Spoiler call 911, we bandage him than stick till they get here, then we bail!” Robin instructed. His hands worked expertly and he was finished in seconds.

“The ambulance is on its way!” Spoiler said.

Robin, tired, fed up and furious turned to his daughter. “WHAT ON EARTH WERE YOU DOING?!!!”

“Seeing what they knew!” She yelled back, she’d always hated being yelled at, and she’d never dreamed of her dad being the one doing it.

“Oh, so you thought you’d supply the guy with a new air hole is that it?” Robin hollered. “That isn’t the way we interrogate people here, we ask them questions, not decide to rearrange sections of their anatomy!”

“Even though the majority of us wish we could,” interrupted Superboy.

“For the last time SHUT IT KON!” Robin spat.

“Aye, aye.” Kon-el muttered quietly.

Robin, her head hung in shame so that no one could see how upset she was, <he’s not supposed to be like this!> She thought in hateful disbelief. <He’s supposed to understand! I did this for him...I came back for him...>She shook her head in anger.

“What the hell were you thinking?” Robin continued to rant and rave at her.

“I THOUGHT THAT YOU WERE WORTH IT!” She roared, releasing a kaleidoscope of fury.

He fell it to stunned silence, as did the rest of the group.

“Maybe, I thought you were worth it!” She continued, staring into his half-masked face. “I guess I was wrong, I should have killed the Joker while I had the chance instead of coming back for you, at least that would have done some good!” She looked at those that stood about her, she pushed her way through them and stopped when she reached Spoiler. “You know you were wrong!”

“What?” Spoiler’s confusion was clear.

“You said he was worth the pain, that he would understand, you were wrong, we both were! Goodbye Mum!”

And with that she ran into the all-consuming night, once again speeding though the confusion filled streets of Gotham City, frightened and alone.

CHAPTER 4 - ROBIN AND ROBIN, FATHER, DAUGHTER TIME

“Right, I’m not the only one who heard her call Spoiler Mum am I?” Asked Impulse, shaking his head as if to clear out his ears.

“No, why did she call me that, what the hell is going on?!” Asked a bemused Spoiler, her eyes studied Robin’s face, it was solemn and anger stricken, whoever that girl was she’d really gotten to him. Good reason to, she’d nearly blown that guy’s noggin off. Great another psycho to add to the never-ending list! She thought half-heartedly.

“Zpppp!” Impulse flashed back and forth between Robin and Spoiler, “so she’s her Mum,” he said stopping at Spoiler, “and he’s her Dad,” he raced to Robin. “Then he...then she...then they... EWWWWW!!!” Cried Impulse, once again thrown into a state of repulsion, “gross, gross, gross, gross, GROSS!” He tossed his head back and forth furiously especially when he came up with mental pictures. “GROSS!”

“I wonder if Impulse has even come into contact with a brain?” Said Cissie weakly; the night’s events were wearing everyone down.

“The ambulance will be here any minute, we better split!” Robin determined as he turned to the awaiting Super Cycle.

“Where are you going Rob?” Superboy asked following suite.

“Back to the base, where else?” Robin replied nonchalantly.

“What about Robin?” Kon pressed.

“What do you mean?” Spoiler asked.

“What about her?” Robin continued in his callous tone.

“We gotta find her, she’s out alone and she doesn’t know the city, what if something happens?”

“Am I gonna get an answer any time today?” Spoiler asked, tapping her foot impatiently, she hated being ignored, especially by her “boyfriend”.

“Spoiler will you drop it!” Robin demanded harshly.

“No!” She had never been one to except male superiority, and she sure as hell wasn’t about to start. “That girl called me Mum, she’s either completely and utterly warped in the mind and therefore needs to be taken off the streets, or something well unusual has happened and somehow it involves me and I want answers!”

“Just to set the record straight it’s option two!” Poked in Impulse as if this were a game show.

Robin turned to face Superboy head on, “she’s gotta get that this isn’t the way things work! If she wants things to get better you don’t go about lodging bullets into every bad guy about!”

Kon-el shook his head, his ringlets of jet-black hair swaying with the motion. “You’re wrong Rob, this is exactly how it is, this is the way of the streets! Someone gets in your way or doesn’t cough up you take them down, that’s the world she’s grown up in, what do you expect her to do?”

“So she’s a little out of the times and that makes it all hunky dory? I don’t think so, from what I’ve seen she’s as bad as the criminals we’re trying to stop!...”

Robin’s face jerked sharply back and radiant light cascaded his vision as Superboy’s clenched fist embedded into his jaw. He ascended into the air, his body arched back causing him to spiral tightly and he landed hard on his hands and knees.

His mouth filled with copper-tasting blood, diluting in his saliva, he spat a mouthful of the mixture onto the floor. He rocked back onto his knees cradling his quickly swelling jaw in his hands, glaring in both shock and vindictive vengeance at
superboy, who stood in silence infront of the rest of an astounded Young Justice.

Superboy redrew his right fist that was still suspended out infront of him; he placed his curled hands by his sides as he stared squarely at Robin.

“How can you say that!” He spat his voice a mutation of suppressed fury.

Robin remained on his knees, his own anger brewing silently.

“You have no bloody idea! She’s grown up in a cesspool of a home, risked life and limb to find what little resemblance of hope survives, and you know what that comes in? You!” He said it in amazement. “As idiotic as it sounds you’re her version of hope, a father! Hey I know what it’s like, for God sake my own parents are test tubes!”

Silence reigned as Impulse’s customary snigger failed to arrive.

“I know what it’s like, the closest thing I have to parents are the Kent’s, and you have no idea what it’s like not to be able to call them my parents! Perhaps she’s right and you’re not worth it!”

Robin replied with silence, his own head drooped in shame as his daughter’s had but moments before, he knew that he’d been right to be angry at Robin, but he was more angry at himself than her.

“She’s got the weight of a forgotten world on her shoulders and hers alone, the least you can do is cut her a little slack!”

Robin lifted himself slowly off the ground, the ear-piercing of wailing sirens filtered through the air, sounding it’s fast-approaching presence, he walked to Kon-el, their faces level...
...Slowly he smiled a painful gesture with his new and not necessarily improved jaw, “thanks Kon.”

“No problem!” He said lightly poking Robin’s red jaw causing the Boy Wonder to wince. “Be happy to do it again! Now go find her.”

Robin nodded and fled into the shadows of the night, blending discreetly and became concealed instantly.

Superboy turned back to the rest of the group to be greeted with looks of admiration and incredulity.

“What?” He asked, somewhat disturbed by the lack of insults on Arrowette’s behalf.

“You actually thought before you spoke!” Cissie declare.

Okay is that a compliment or an insult? Kon thought, he shrugged and smiled happily.

“Hey, I just pulled one over on the Boy Wonder, I showed maturity and intelligence even without my Tactile Telekinesis, hey maybe I should be leader, it isn’t so hard! All you’ve gotta do is...”

“Hey you tuned into your main organ once, doesn’t mean it’ll happen again!” Spoke Arrowette switching back to her usual insultive attitude.

“I thought his main organ was...”

“You say another world Speed Dope and I’ll knock you into the next world!” Spoiler threatened.

“Maybe we should leave,” said Secret as the ambulance arrived and the paramedics raced out armed with stretchers and portable first aid kits.

“Yeah!” Said Superboy taking the lead. “Let’s go!”

* * * * * * * *

He found her where few were brave enough to tread. In the filth swarming sewers that fester under the upper city. She sat, curled up in a ball among the feasting rats; un-disturbed by their flea consumed frames. She sat in her misfit of clothes, rocking back and forth silently; she stirred slightly when he entered. He’d figured quickly where he would find her.

“Robin?” He said, stepping forward cautiously.

“What do you want?” She replied her voice calm and void.

“I came to apologise.” He explained.

She raised her head and focussed on his now inflamed jaw. “Looks like you took a bit of persuading!” She commented, her voice had the slightest tinge of anger in it, but for the rest it remained cold.

“Yeah,” he whispered, touching his jaw timidly. “I guess I needed someone to tune me back into reality.” He looked around, as if trying to gain inspiration from the waste smear walls that surrounded him. “What am I supposed to do?” He said finally in aspiration, his turmoil was clear.

“I don’t know!” She replied hysterically, throwing her hands into the air. “Stay alive and the world’s saved!” She determined.

“I’m not worried about my death!” He retorted.

“Well you should be!” She spluttered.

He sighed, his eyes felt heavy and his body exhausted, he’d give anything to be at home watching late night Tv with his...

“Dad!” He whispered. He shook his head...I don’t know how to be...

“I was twelve.” She stated flatly.

“What?”

“I was twelve when I killed him, my first J-kin, it wasn’t so hard.” She
muttered. “I’ve killed my fair share since too, that’s the way it is in my world, kill or be killed...” her voice trailed off.

“But it doesn’t have to be!” Robin stated passionately. “That doesn’t have to be you’re world, this could be...and I...”

“Could be my father? No...I’m not your daughter, I your daughter from a different time and place, someone you don’t know. A stranger!” She stopped as if to compose herself. “I never wanted...”

“What?” He encouraged stepping forward.

“I never wanted you to be disappointed in me!” She cried, her shoulders heaved.

He shook his head, “I’m not disappointed, it’s me I’m disappointed in! I’ve been a first class jerk today, been yelling at everyone, even Stephanie.” He suddenly looked at her embarrassingly. “Erm, is Spoiler really your mum?”

“Yeah,” she said, she smiled slightly at his embarrassment.

“Hey, I mean, I like Steph a lot, it’s just...I never thought...well, you know...” His voice trailed off.

“I don’t think she did either,” Robin said shaking her head; her smile was a little steadier now. “I came kinda out of the blue.”

He sat down beside her; “do you know my name?” He asked.

“Yes,” she stopped as if to consider it, “my mum said your name was Tim Drake, but that she never truly knew whom Tim Drake was, all she knew was Robin. That’s why I have her surname, Drake was a stranger to her, and she didn’t want me to have a stranger’s name.”

He slowly extended a hand to her, smiling faintly, “hi, I’m Timothy Drake”.

She stare down uncertainly at his hand, then she extended her own, “hi, I’m Robin Brown.”

“Look, I know that I’m not exactly what you were expecting, but...maybe...we could be...”

“Friends...I’d like that,” she said staring at him with watery eyes, “I didn’t mean it!” She suddenly blurted.

“What?” He asked.

“I didn’t mean what I said before, you are worth it!” She squeezed his hand affectionately.

He squeezed back. “Come on, I don’t know about you but, I’d rather spend my night above ground!” He rose to his feet and yanked her to hers.

“Where are we going?” She asked.

“Back to the base, I’ve still got one or two apologises to make.” He rolled his eyes, “Superboy’s gonna lap this up and I don’t wanna think what Steph’s gonna do to me,” he said with a shiver.

They arrived shortly back at the Young Justice base and were greeted by their friends warmly; Impulse with his compulsory bad jokes and Superboy still rolling in pride at his victory over Robin which increased when he received an apology for Robin’s bad manners.

Spoiler was a little more difficult to please; she made Robin practically grovel for her forgiveness. On occasion she cast a glance towards Robin, her daughter, and underneath her royal blue mask, she smiled coyly, confused but some what amused.

All gathered together, droopy eyed, messy haired, tired, weary and...

“I’m so bored!” (Except for the excessively hyperactive members of the team).

“Bored! How can you been board with the day we’ve had?” Arrowette exclaimed.

“It’s me that’s been bored!” Wondergirl scowled, still mad that she’d missed the action, and for letting Robin get away for which she had received little sympathy, the jokes from Kon had been the worst to take, such as, “you give us flying types a bad name!”

“I’ve been unconscious through half the fights!” Impulse argued.

“Hey whose fault was that?” Interrupted Kon with an ear-splitting grin.

“Come on guys, we need to figure out what to do next!” Said Secret, her ghostly form looking slightly paler than usual.

“Secret’s right!” Determined Robin walking towards the round table about which were situated six seats, instantly her offered his seat to Spoiler who excepted gratefully, as the rest of the team took their customary positions.

Robin gained obscene glares from Cassie when Superboy in a gentleman like manner offered his seat to her when he noticed she was left standing. As she sat with a thankful smile he whispered, “are you okay?” His tone and look were one of concern, which only made the throbbing vein sticking out of Wondergirl’s head larger.

“Yeah,” she whispered back, desperately trying to avoid Cassie’s unwavering stare, she diverted her eyes to her father’s ever-increasing jaw. She stared questioningly at Kon; “did you deck my dad?” She kept her voice low but couldn’t suppress her amusement at the look of pride on his face.

“Yeah, it was a cinch with my Tactile...”

“Telekinesis?” She said finishing his sentence.

“Oh...” he said his voice brimming with pride, “you’ve heard of it.”

“Yeah well, you do kinda go on about it!” She stated as if it were plain.

“WHAT!!!” He cried recoiling back; the room fell into hushed silence. “I do not go
on about my Tactile Telekinesis! Do I?” He said scanning the faces of Young Justice looking for back up. All avoided his gaze or offered weak denials.

“Don’t go on about it! You talk of nothing else! Tactile this and Telekinesis that...and you call me brain deficient!” All except Impulse, whose bluntness was firmly embedded in his character.

Superboy, silent in both surprise and disappointment floated but an inch above the floor. “Well I’m so sorry for gracing you with my capabilities, it isn’t my fault that it happens to be what I do! I mean Impulse has the speed! What would it be like if he never mentioned it?”

“Hey, I just do the job! I don’t give everyone a ten-minute lecture on myself before I pummel the stuffing out of them! So many have had to suffer no wonder half the population are criminally INSANE!!!”

He turned to Wondergirl, “you don’t think I go on do you?” He asked, seeking any sort of help he could.

Cassie’s face lit up at his reference to her, “no! I mean with such powers you have a right to boast!” She claimed, buttering up Superboy as much as was humanly possible to ensure she kept his attention.

She did too, “OH! So I boast now as well!” Kon-el raged.

“No, no!” Wondergirl said, shaking her hands furiously as if to wipe away the words.

“No! I think I’m beginning to get the picture quite well!”

“Guys we’ve got more important thinks to discuss than Superboy’s ego!” Arrowette shouted.

“Stay out of this you dumb Blond!” Kon shouted back.

“WHAT DID YOU SAY!!!” Cissie delved headfirst into an all out slanging match with Superboy, cheered on by Spoiler and dissed by Wondergirl who, as ever, stuck by Superboy. Impulse sped about the complex gaining all out footage as both Secret and Robin attempted to regain order.

All the while Robin remained seated, <this is the renowned Young Justice?> She thought as she took in the six members and Spoiler before her. <No wonder the world is doomed, with this lot as heroes it’s amazing that the world didn’t get dominated sooner.>

Eventually the group parted with little more than a few dignities being bashed and Impulse gaining several death-threats.
They once again settled about the table and re-began to evaluate the night’s events.

<They’re not what I expected!> Robin determined.

Her father walked sturdily about the table, commanding the proceedings, he stood upright and shoulders back and he spoke fluently, his language both technical and complicated, which every now and then had to be translated for Impulse.

Wondergirl had made her dislike of her clear from the beginning. Although she expressed endless respect and curtsy towards the Boy Wonder. She herself was claimed to be a distinct fighter and loyal to the ways of justice, having gathered her toned down version of Wonderwoman’s powers from the God Zeus (the big cheese) and was declared to be the second person graced with the title Wondergirl, after Donna Troy. Also she was ecstatic about Superboy, hence the vicious glares. Dressed in tacky shorts and T-shirt and a black wig she was quite a sight.

Secret had been nothing short of hospitable; her gentle nature was a complete contrast to her toxic fumes that she could expel! Having been saved by the Young Justice boys from the DEO she’d stuck with and was undoubtedly loyal, mostly so to Robin, who she admired completely and was even know to have a decisive soft spot for him.

She notice too that her father gained another form of admiration from Arrowette, whose slender eyes very rarely left his form, she had it almost as bad as Wondergirl did for Superboy! Arrowette herself was a champion archer, highly skilled. But take her arrows away and she was pretty much useless, unless you count obnoxious sarcasm and insults as a deadly weapon, knowing her they probably are!

Impulse was definitely the clown of the bunch, a born jokester, he certainly rivalled with Arrowete for head of all insults, and (at least his are funny!) Born in the 31st century he accelerated in growth so much that by the time he was two he appeared genetically 14, the next 19 years of his life he spent in suspended animation, his life a multitude of video games. With no concept of death and reality he has little but instinct, therefore making him a little impulsive...impulsive...Impulse...you get the idea. He seemed like a laugh and he too was very sweet natured. Robin liked him immediately.

Superboy was a little bit of a mix, he too was a natural jokest, but his sense of responsibility and morality clearly showed in his desire to help people. The wild, fanatic female fans and major publicity was just a bonus, an exceptionally sweet bonus...Hell, he loves it! Half the female population unaccountably desired him, perhaps more and he loved each and every one of them back, as long as they were supermodel fit! Initially a clone of Superman, he was an inexact replica, partially due to the fact that he’s a boy and Superman is a man, and Superboy will never physically become a man. His powers are also deficient compared to the original, they come in the form of...you know what...which allows him self propulsion, enhanced physical strength, ability to move objects he’s come into contact with and form shields, (not bad huh?) He too had been nothing but kind to her and it appeared even taken matters into his own hands to ensure her safety, she liked him too.

Robin continued on his course about the table congratulating everyone on a “job well done”, never noticing Superboy gliding along behind him, copying his every gesture with exaggeration, his eyes crossed and his tongue hanging out. He was successful in gaining a snigger from Impulse and minute smiles from both Secret and Robin.

It was only when the Boy Wonder noticed that Kon wasn’t in eye-range that he spun around, Kon’s vision was so blurred by his crossed eyes it wasn’t until he bumped directly into Robin that he withdrew his tongue.

“You got something to say Kon?” Robin asked spitefully.

“No, nothing.” Superboy replied sheepily, gliding over to the table and sitting in the centre, he ignored a look from Arrowette, he found he was getting very talented at that.

“No offence Robin,” came the meek voice of Secret, “but it’s late and it’s been a long day, we’ve taken down the new group and everyone’s tired, perhaps we can pick things up tomorrow?” She suggested, yawning to prove her point.

Robin felt his own weariness wash over him, “yeah, I think you’re right, okay we meet tomorrow?”

“Sure,” everyone piped up as they began to disperse.

“What about Robin?” Kon asked looking at the girl who still remained seated.

Spoiler turned to Robin, “she need’s a place to crash,” she had been fully briefed on the night’s events and had taken the news very well, she had suffered various comments from both of the boys and had spoken briefly to her. She still had numerous things she wished to discuss, but the night’s turmoil had everyone down and out.

“Don’t worry, I’ve got a place she can stay.” He replied.

“Fine,” Spoiler turned to her daughter, “see you tomorrow, then we can talk.” Robin nodded her agreement.

“Where you gonna take her?” Kon-el asked.

“I can’t say.” He replied strictly.

Superboy smiled knowingly, “oh, to the Bats, hey that’s cool, I’m down with the secrecy thing, even though we’re partners and all...”

“See ya tomorrow,” Robin interrupted, he was unwilling to get into any unnecessary arguments.

“Fine,” Kon turned and left, followed by Wondergirl and Spoiler, Secret and Impulse had already left.

Robin called for the Supercycle, then turned to his daughter, “where are we going?” She asked.

“To meet a friend.” He replied, she rose from her seat and followed him out of the window into the Supercycle.

“You’re about to meet the Legendary Batman!”

CHAPTER 5 - MASKS

It didn’t take long for the two to reach the outskirts of Gotham City. The vast, verdant shrubbery blurred as they sped by in the Supercycle.
The sky shone vividly, alit with a whole host of stars, no obstruction from streetlight’s rays. The air was crisp yet bitterly cold, unlike the bustling heat of the dense city that roasted the occupants within.
Shallow fractions of the landscape were illuminated in two cylinders of artificial light protruding from the Supercycle, although it seemed unnecessary. The ease of the cycle expressed a certainty in its stride.

Within seconds the faint outline of an elaborate building came into view along with a dim light within, through the substantial mist that circulated the immediate area. It was towards its vicinity that they headed.

“Alfred?...Alfred? Do you read me?” Robin spoke into the communicator of the Supercycle.

“Yes, Master Robin, I hear you.” Came a static reply.
Robin nodded, “tell the Bats that I’m coming in and that I’ve got company.” Instructed Robin.

“Master Robin, I really must protest! You know the rules on allowing civilians into the premises!” Alfred argued his voice thick with his trim British accent although it was tainted with distaste.

“Don’t sweat it, look it’s a little complicated, I’ll explain when we get there. Tell Batman...”

“No need Robin, I’m fully aware of the situation although how the proceedings came to occur I’m sure you’ll have the pleasure of briefing me. I’m sure you have your reasons for bring another presence with you, all will be prepared for your arrival, approximately 30 seconds.”

Robin shook his head in amazement; “you got it, see you then, over and out!” Transmission was cut and he turned to face his daughter. “We’re coming into land,” he declared to her as they zoomed towards the house that was situated high on the cliff tops, it was to one of these cliffs that the were level with, and from the look of her father’s face he had no intention of pulling up.

“Oh my God, are you NUTS?” She screeched as the cliff rushed to meet them. The air resistance was phenomenal at this speed. It felt as if the very flesh was being peeled from her skull.
“WERE GONNA CRASH!!!”

Instantly parts of the cliff split open, divulging a black, narrow; hollow tunnel, which they sped down with, but centimetres to spare either side.

It was an exhilarating ride, tension seized her muscles and excess adrenaline excelled her heart rate as she clutched at her father’s cape, as if it would ease the strain. He on the other hand appeared completely at ease; his fingers steady on the dashboard of the Supercycle, on occasion flickering over various controls.

They ejected quickly into a hollow, underground alcove of a grand proportion. Large, looming walls, slick, jagged and consumed in endless black enclosed the complex. They glistened with due in the rays of the fluorescent lights that dominated the hide out, oppressing the natural darkness of the place.

They curved tightly to the left and landed delicately on a designated landing pad below. Only when she was positive that the cycle was settled did she relinquish her grip on her father’s cloak, her knuckles softened to a pale pink, no longer a taunt white from the pressure.

She raised her head and surveyed the area. It was littered with an array of transparent cubicles, which encased a variety of objects. To one side was a selection of uniforms, they seemed to be suspended in mid air, but on closer inspection, it could be seen that they were supported by thin, barely-visible wires.

Not far off was a collection of what appeared to be trophies, but not in the original sense. There were guns, parts of scenery, for instance a 20ft; gold tainted coin with the impression of President Lincoln embedded on it.

But the central feature of the location was the sophisticatedly constructed, state-of-the-art, high-tech computer system equipped with a 7ft by 7ft screen and unlimited control panel sited around it. Situated centrally infront of it’s ascending structure was a single, padded, black leather seat in which sat a shadow inflicted form.

He detected their presence spontaneously, one more easily that the other, although they made no attempt to conceal their movements.

He rose stealthily and with purpose from his seated position, his frame veiled in the ever-thriving shadows, unblemished even in the many lights.

He was some 6 feet of pure athletic muscle, tautly structured and butch. He had sleek flexible fluency yet he lacked her father’s lean physique, but his brute strength was an exceptional substitute that worked well
with his easy movements, giving him a clear advantage over most men. He was downed in a sturdy, black cape, leaded at the base but still allowed effortless movement. His body armour was thin yet bullet-proof and curved about the muscles of his torso, the emblem of the shadowed bat was plastered to his chest, signifying who and what he was. Another signal was the cowl that he wore which covered all but the lower half of his face, leaving his square jaw.
He wore the mantel of the Bat as if it was him. With it he bore the name Batman.

“Robin...” his voice was deep and rich, a mysterious brooding to it, perhaps induced of the mask. “I hear that you and the rest of Young Justice have succeeded in your mission to take down the new hooligan group, congratulations.”

“How did you?...Never mind.” Stopped the Boy Wonder, he never knew how but the Bats knew all.

“I also heard that one of the members was unfortunate enough to receive a skim bullet wound to the neck. I am doubting that it had anything to do with Young Justice’s involvement.” He finished off.

“No...” interrupted Robin, shaking her head, “it was due to my infliction. If Young Justice hadn’t interfered he would now be deceased.” She concluded.

“I see,” Batman stated, “and you would be who?”

“My name is Robin Brown, daughter of Stephanie Brown and Tim Drake.” She spoke proudly.

“Really...” Batman said his voice displaying no alteration.

“Yes...” and for the second time that night she reeled off the tale of Earth’s damnation.


* * * * * * * *

Silence rained as Robin words died, he expressed none of the shock or disbelief shown by those she had previously told.

He sat, completely still, his eyes never leaving her form as she paced back and forth, the words flowing fluently, he father on occasion slipping in a word or two.

Afterwards he rose slowly from his chair and walked over to her, “excuse me,” he said apologetically as her ripped several hairs from her head, she yelped quietly in shock but made no complaint.

He turned back to his computer and placed the hairs on a glass slide and positioned them under a microscope linked to his computer. He typed in a few commands and simultaneously a variety of bios appeared each for a fraction of a second as the computer filtered through them.

Eventually two faces appeared on the screen above a collection of data, the two names stood out decisively in bold, italic type: - TIM DRAKE. STEPHANIE BROWN.

He turned back to face the two Robins’ whose eyes were scanning the screen.

“Her story would appear to be accurate.” Batman stated. “That was a DNA analysis, she has genes from two subjects. Tim Drake and Stephanie Brown. Follow me...” he said turning swiftly and heading up a spiralling, stone staircase, the two Robins in hot pursuit.

“Batman? What’s going on?” Tim asked as a patch in the wall opened up.

“I’m revealing the truth.” He replied simply.

All three emerged into an elegantly lavished hallway, decorated in sophisticatedly warm, red wallpaper encased in golden swirls and lit dimly with circular lights. Draped on the majority of the wall’s surfaces were large portraits of men and woman in sophisticate dress, each portrayed a sense of debonair. The hall led to numerous doors, many of which were opened to reveal exceptionally detailed interiors, practical yet stylish furnishings made the bases of each room.

At the end of the large hall was an exceptionally large portrait, somewhat set aside from the rest, set in a decoratively carved wooden frame. The portrait was of a man, woman and a young boy, all stood in a proud posture yet all in complete harmony with one another...a family. Underneath was a golden plaque on which was engraved three names...Thomas, Martha and Bruce Wayne.

Her face lit up with recognition at the surname, Wayne.
She spun about and came face to face with the Batman. He stood rigid staring at her, then he reach for his cowl and lifting it from the bottom he tore it off and revealed the face of a man in his late twenties, with sharp features and square jaw yet his eyes softened, relinquished from the mask. “My name is Bruce Wayne.” He declared his voice too had softened taking on a more human note.

She stared looking at him, “thank you,” she said her eyes alight with happiness relieving her partially from her exhaustion. “Thank you...” she laughed softly, “I’ve always hated masks, even though both my parents wore them.” He voice darkened. “Masks conceal the truth, and sometimes blur the true nature of the individual behind. It’s good to see that you can part with it, and that it is you that makes the Batman, and not the other way around. Unlike the Joker!” She paused as she shivered. “His face is permanent. The demented clown, prince of crime is who the man is now, the rest was lost in that vat of acid.” She whispered through clenched teeth.

Robin lifted his hands to his own mask, and for the first time felt ashamed of it. He’d always seen it more as a form of protection, but now he saw that it did separate him from humanity as a whole, putting him aside. He peeled it from his eyes, and held it by his side and stared at his daughter fully, not as Robin but as Tim Drake.

“I know that you need a place to spend the next few nights or for however long it takes for this to be sorted, I’ll be glad to provide my home as yours for this time.” Bruce said his hand outstretched to his home.

“I’d like that.” She replied.

“Would the young lady like a bath?” Came the kind voice of a gentleman, Alfred slowly came into view out of the shadows.

“I’m sure she would, Robin?” Bruce enquired.

“Yes!” She replied enthusiastically.

“I’m afraid we have little for you to change into, except...if Master Bruce does not object one of his shirts.” Alfred stated somewhat in an embarrassed tone.

“I have no objection if Robin has none.”

“No, no,” she said.

“Good, the bath will be ready in a matter of moments, if the young lady would like to follow me.” Alfred said, as he turned his back and began to walk the way, from which he had come, Robin nodded and followed quickly. She was led up a 3 metre wide; oak railed staircase lined with thick red carpet, very soft under foot. They walked along another highly decorative corridor and stopped outside the third door on the right. The distinct sound of water running could be heard from inside and steam rose from under the closed door.

“You should find all that you require within, towels, soap, shampoo. I’ll leave the shirt outside the door. Will you be requiring anything else?” He finished.

“Um...no, thank you very much.” She said graciously.

Alfred smiled with delight. “Such exceedingly good manners, you were brought up exceptionally well by Miss Brown I see.”

“Yeah,” Robin nodded her agreement, thanked him again than opened the door.

Inside she turned off the taps and stripped quickly, she carefully unravelled the mound of bandages that encased her torso and checked her wound. It was tightly closed, so she eased herself cautiously into the tub.

She spent the equivalent of an hour or two in there, scrubbing off the multitude of grime and dirt that had gathered on her skin over the months. In her time washes were rare and baths were non-existent, she used a full bar of soap on herself and pretty much a whole bottle of shampoo too as she tried to get the green dye out of her hair.

When she got out of the bath she was disgusted to note the green tinged water on which floated all the scum.

After checking her wound once more, and discovering that it wasn’t split or bleeding she wrapped herself firmly in towels and opened the door. On the floor, exactly as Alfred had said was a crisp, white shirt and also a pair of boxers on which was attached a little note.

“Thought you might need an under garment, I’m afraid these are all that is available, I hope they’ll be sufficient. – Alfred.”

She smiled sweetly, grabbed the clothing and shut the door. She gently dried herself off and began the tedious task of rebinding herself, it took a good ten minutes but she ended successfully. She then slipped on the boxers, which at first was extremely uncomfortable which then brought up numerous questions on male tolerance and she concluded that only a man could have designed such idiotic garments. She then put on the shirt which came to just above her knees, she rolled the sleeves up to her elbows and looked sufficiently better that she had done before which is amazing considering what she was wearing.

On the side by the sink she found a brush and proceeded in combing through the mattered mass that was her hair. She had little tolerance for it and by the end half of her hair was probably in the brush itself.

She emerged 2 hours later from the room and made her way back down the stairs.
She found them in the main living room, a blazing fire in the corner and several leather sofas situated about it, on which sat Robin, Alfred and Batman stood.
She knocked lightly on the door before entering and was encouraged to take a seat by Bruce; she sat next to her father.

She listened intently to the words spoken by the three. “The Joker hasn’t been seen or heard of for 11 months now. It would appear that either he has retired or has been put out of commission, neither of which I am willing to believe. I have already contacted Nightwing and Oracle and both are putting their resources into locating him, both have various leads but so far nothing has come up. We’ll keep looking.”

“Good, to be honest I hadn’t really noticed his lack of activity, I mean their are so many psychos about one just replaces the other, it’s hard to keep track.” Tim admitted, he too had changed into civilian dress.

“Well the Joker is my only concern, he is still active, I know for a fact, he needs to be located and taken down.” Robin said.

“Indeed.” Alfred said. “Well I think little more can be accomplished tonight, I have prepared a light cuisine for you all, if you’d like to follow me.”

At that Robin’s stomach growled ferociously in agreement.
Bruce merely smiled.

They sat about a long table, the surface was covered with food, and she began to drawl at the very sight of it.
She ate with speed, digesting mouthfuls of meat and potatoes quickly, as if there was a time limit to its availability.

Eventually they returned once again to living room, and once again re-evaluated the night’s events and Robin racked her tired brain for any idea of the history she had already lived, any idea of the Joker’s whereabouts.

“Master Bruce?” Alfred entered the room, “a telephone call for you, I said it was late but...well it’s Master Dick, he said it was important.”

“Fine.” Bruce replied and he headed out of the room with Alfred at his heels.
All that he gained was a confirmation of no information and he replaced the receiver in disappointment, he walked back into the room...
...And found the two Robins curled up on the sofa, asleep. Robin had her head resting on his shoulder gaining some extra warmth, whereas his head lay resting on hers, his flush cheeks cooling with the moisture from her dampened hair. The two were huddled together; their exhaustion had finally compelled them to sleep.

“It’s been quite a night for them.” Said Alfred, smiling at the two.

“Yes, it’s best we call Tim’s father and say he’ll be staying the night,” Bruce said and Alfred obliged.

The two were left to sleep the night away.

* * * * * * * *


The two woke almost simultaneously, stirring as light trickled through the parted curtains. They still lay on the sofa, her head on his chest, his arm draped around her shoulder, they looked almost like brother and sister.

Robin woke quickly and rose from the sofa and stretched gingerly, wriggling her toes and fingers and feeling her back protest slightly to the movement.

Tim watched her from the couch and looked her over. The transformation was astounding!

She stood tall and lean roughly Stephanie’s height and figure, the shirt hung loosely from her frame making her appear very small and fragile in it. Her hair now no longer greasy and mattered hung down to her hips, a cascade of dark brown hair, a combination of his own deep set black and Stephanie’s vivid blond. It spiralled about her and hung in wavy drapes, it looked exceptionally healthy for the conditions it had been in.
He stared into her face and recognised Stephanie’s smooth features, which were slightly ruffled since she had several scrapes and bruises on her face and a deep-set scar running along her right cheek Her legs and arms also seemed to be the canvas for various scars, scraps and bruises. Her eyes though were identical to his, but behind their blue exterior they seemed to hold an endless sadness.

<I hope I don’t look like that!> Tim thought.
But through it all he was amazed to note that she was very beautiful, I hadn’t noticed! He thought in shock, it was so obvious and he hadn’t noticed.

She noticed his eyes were fixed on her and she quickly looked herself over, ”what!” she asked in concern.

“Nothing,” he said quickly.

She once again took a seat next to him, yawning loudly as she once again curled up on the sofa. “I wish I could sleep all day.” She muttered her eyes closed.

“You can if you want.” Tim replied with a shrug.

“No, no!” She said shaking awake quickly, “we must track down the joker immediately!” Robin declared, all ideas of a lie in flew out of her head.

Tim shook his head, “we have the best people in the world on it, Oracle, Nightwing and the Bats, if they can’t find him no one can, we just have to wait for their info.” Tim said, slightly frustrated. He in his own right was a brilliant detective but he was no match for the Bats and Oracle, if they couldn’t locate the Joker’s whereabouts then there’s no way he could.

Robin looked annoyed and frustrated, “What are we supposed to do then?”

“Well it’s a Saturday so none of us have to worry about school, so I guess we could assemble the group and discuss our options.” Tim suggested.

“Great!” Robin said jumping off the sofa, “let’s go!”

Tim looked her over once again, “I’ll ask Spoiler to bring some clothes with her,” he said with a smile.

Within minutes Tim had contacted the five members of Young Justice and Spoiler and had arranged for a meeting, he returned fully dressed in his gear and the Super Cycle was waiting impatiently in the cave.

The two climbed aboard and were soon at the Young Justice Base and situated about the centre table.

Robin was once again in Superboy’s seat and Wondergirl’s glares were more vindictive than ever.
All were dressed in their customary uniforms and looked refreshed and ready for action.

Except there was no action to be had.

“There’s no leads?” Secret asked somewhat surprised at the lack of information dug up by Oracle and Batman.

“Yeah, but give it time, it hasn’t even been twenty-four hours yet,” Tim said.

“So why’d you gather us here if there’s nout to do!?” Superboy asked in a miffed tone, he could be happily lying on the Hawaiian beaches soaking up the sun and the endlessly flattering comments of his loyal fans of the female variety.

“We need to devise strategies for when we do locate him, he’s a slippery character and has always been able to slip through the Bat’s fingers. I mean if he’s been able to cover his tracks this well so that neither Batman, Nightwing nor Oracle can trace him then he’s getting even better at this game. Bats isn’t willing to believe he’s dead and out of commission but he’s never been known to spend such a long time out of crime. He’s brewing something and it’s something big!” Tim finished.

“Agreed,” Robin said, every hair on the back of her neck was on end, and her fingers were itching to take down the Joker.

“Well what do you suggest Birdboy? I mean what’s the Joker got on his side? He’s a freako clown, no powers, not exactly a major in the I.Q. department, I mean what’s the big deal, we just go in, kick him in the jewels, which I have learnt is exceptionally effective,” he said glancing at Robin who blushed furiously with embarrassment.

“Sorry about that,” she muttered.

“No, he’s tricky, indeed he lacks both physical strength and academic intellect but he makes up for it in advanced armaments, loyal minions and he does not play by the rules. He is completely psychotic, known for taking numerous hostages and to bargain with and killing mercilessly for both personal gain and entertainment. Never underestimate him, if he’s cornered that’s when he’s the most dangerous, he’ll kill all and any in his way, no matter what age. And don’t think he’ll cut us slack because we’re kids, he kill us in a heartbeat!” Tim concluded.

“So what do we do?” Arrowette asked.

“When he’s been located we scout out the area fully. Determine how many exits there are and how many goons he has on standby, also we can check out his armaments supplies, it may take a day or two, when we’ve fully checked out the area we can head in but with extreme caution.” He said directing the end words to both Impulse and Superboy.

“Hey no sweat!” Said Kon, trying to dislodge Tim’s beady stare.

“So what know?” Asked Impulse who had been lounging in his chair, legs flopped over one of the arms.

“Well, so far there has been no major disturbances of any nature or at least nothing that the police can’t handle, I suggest we have the day off,” Tim said with a shrug.

All remained quiet.

“Erm...Rob...erm...you feeling okay buddy?” Superboy said, un-gloving one hand and placing on Robin’s head to take his temperature.

The Boy Wonder shook him off in annoyance, “of course I’m okay!”

“It’s just...” Superboy continued, re-gloving his hand. “You said take the day off! TAKE...THE...DAY...OFF! As in ditch the costumes, go home, chill out, don’t save the world and man-kind, just relax!” Superboy finished in complete astonishment.

“Yeah,” he said.

“KEWL!” Was the audible whoop from Impulse.

Suddenly the intercom cracked on, “zzzck...Spoiler here...zzzzzckkk.”

Tim pushed a button and one of the doors opened to reveal the royal blue masked face of Spoiler. She stood clasped in a spandex tight all in one purple body suit and draped in a matching purple cape that also bore a hood that was hung limply over her head. She donned a pair of knee-high, flat-footed boots and her hands were gloved in black. Clasped about her left thigh she wore a belt containing a variety of smoke bombs and more were contained in her utility belt. Also she wore a strap over her left shoulder that wrapped about her torso and buckled on her chest.

Superboy’s eyes were instantly scanning over her frame, he had to admit it, she was hot, as in HOT! He’d never seen her face but from the look of Robin’s features now that she wasn’t green haired and filthy she was exceptionally beautiful and he was seriously doubting that she got her looks from the Boy Wonder. Well if she ever goes off Rob I’ll be happy to fill the void.

Spoiler carried in her hand a carry-a-bag full of various clothes.
She turned to Robin, “hey, I’ve got some clothes for you, I doubt you wanna stay in that shirt and boxers all day.” She said lightly.

Robin smiled in appreciation, she grasped the bag that Spoiler handed her and looked inside. There was a pair of faded blue jeans, a tight fitting purple top and a pale blue shirt. She stared down at them her mouth hung open.

Spoiler looked from her to the bag, “don’t you like them?” Spoiler asked somewhat disappointed.

Robin shock her head, “they’re...they’re beautiful!” She gasped looking up at Spoiler.

Spoiler looked pleased under her mask.

Robin got up and left the room to change and soon reappeared looking even better than before.

“Woah!” Superboy said floating over to her, “do you ever look great!”

Robin smiled graciously in response. Superboy stuck out his arm to her. “May I?” He asked. She nodded her head and linked arms with him as he escorted her to his chair.

She sat down and all eyes were on her.

“So...”she said trying to break the silence, “what are we going to do then?”

“I’m going to scout the net and FBI and Interpool files for info on the Joker.” Tim concluded.

“Well I’m gonna lounge,” Kon-el said. “What about you girls?”

“Well there’s only one thing to do on a Saturday off.” Arrowette said eyeing Cassie.

“SHOPPING!!!” They chorused together.

“I guess I’ll hang here and help out Robin.” Secret said gloomily.

“Not a chance!” Said Wondergirl. “You’re coming too!”

“So’s Robin!” Arrowette determined.

“But I can’t!” Secret moaned.

“Yes you can if we all go in uniform!” Cassie said happily.

Secret’s face lit up, “really?”

“Yeah, wait we’re going to need someone to carry all the bags.” Arrowette said.

“And someone to pay the bill.” Wondergirl chipped in.

“Oh boys!” Secret, Cissie and Cassie yelled.

“Oh no! Oh no!” Superboy said waving his hands.

“Ah come on!” Wondergirl said clasping his arm.

“And you Robin, Impulse!” Arrowette chimed grabbing each boy with a spindly
arm.

“NOOOOOOOO!” Impulse cried desperately trying to make a break for it.

“Impulse we’ll buy you ice cream.” Secret said sweetly.

He stopped struggling, “ice cream? Did I hear you say ice cream? I’m in!”

Robin stood up, “I’ve never been shopping,” she said, “It’ll be great to go shopping with the whole of Young Justice and Spoiler.” She said a pleading note in her voice.

No one could argue with that, Impulse could have but he was to enthralled by the idea of ice cream.

“Where we gonna go to shop?” Secret asked excitedly, curving her translucent frame about the others.

“There’s only one place to go!” Kon said flying around Secret’s head, her eyes watching him. “Metropolis!”

“Kewl!!!” Impulse blurted spiralling about the room so fast that he swept Secret up in his acceleration.

“BART!” Secret shrieked when they finally reached a stop.

“Oops! Sorry!” He said sheepily, his cheeks flushing a bright pink.

“Cool…but…erm…I’m kinda out of cash.” Cissie said grimly.

“Me too! Max grounded me which didn’t work so he stopped my allowance for a
month! A MONTH!!! Do you have any idea how long a month is?!” Impulse said in disbelief.

“Has anyone got any cash?” Cassie asked.

“Well…I’ll have to ask but…” and out of the Urban Legend’s yellow utility belt he
withdrew a small rectangular card.

“Oh my God!” Cassie gasped her eyes wide.

“It’s a platinum visa card! Where did you get one of those?” Superboy fumed,
grimaced by his own serious lack of cash.

“It’s linked to Batman’s account, I always keep it on me.” Robin said shrugging.

“You mean to say that all this time you’ve been loaded! Where’s the flowers? Where’s the candy? Honestly, you call yourself a boyfriend!” Spoiler tossed her head in annoyance.

“It’s for emergencies!” Robin explained a little testily. “But I may be able to swing the Bat’s for a little le-way.”

“Great!” Arrowette said gleefully linking arms with Robin, “trust you to think of something.” She smiled sweetly at the infuriated Spoiler.

“Yeah,” Robin said as he carefully detached himself from Arrowette’s grasp. He pulled out his celphone and swiftly punched in a phone number with his right index finger and placed the phone to his ear.

It rang once.

“Robin.” Came the familiar growl on the other end of the phone.

“Er…Batman…erm…”

“Are you in any immediate danger?” He asked obviously wanting to cut to the chase.

“Er well…that depends on the outcome of this conversation.” Robin said glancing about at the hopeful gazes of the girl’s who would just as easily be hounding for his blood is he couldn’t get some dough fast. “Since there’s nothing much happening with the Joker I’ve given the team the day off. And…well…the girl’s…we’re going shopping.” Tim suddenly blurted feeling the heat rise into his cheeks while he waited for Batman’s response.

“I see,” Batman replied, a slight hint of surprise in his usual solemn tone.

“Yeah…but…well…we’re kinda skint and I was hoping…”

“Yes?”

The Urban Legend and fearless leader of Young Justice trailed off, his eyes darted about the room in panic as he sort help from the rest of the team.

“Can I speak to him?” Robin asked. She had risen from her seat and had her hand outstretched towards the phone.

“Er…sure,” Tim said handing over the phone.

“Hello Batman,” Robin said cheerfully down the phone.

“Hello Robin,” he replied, his voice softened slightly making her feel more relaxed. “I’ve just been speaking to your father.

Robin laughed lightly, somehow, having Batman refer to the Boy Wonder as her father made it all the more weird.

“Yeah…he’s taking me shopping!” She couldn’t help it, bubbling excitement overthrew her voice.

“I see, I hope you enjoy the experience.” Batman replied.

“Yeah…erm…but we don’t have any money and my fath…Robin has this plastic thing…a visser…visner…”

“A platinum Visa Credit card?”

“Yeah that’s it…what it has to do with money I’m not sure ‘cos I always thought money was paper not plastic…but anyway…could we use it?” She held her breath, hoping that his answer would be a positive one.

“Yes you can use it,” and she was amazed to hear a faint chuckle in his voice. “But tell Tim he’s limited to ten thousand and tell him to buy some milk, Alfred says we’re currently out of milk.”

“Sure thing and thank you very much.” Robin replied churpily.

“You’re welcome. Good bye Robin.”

“Bye!” She handed the pocket phone back to her father. “He said you could use it but that there’s a condition and you’re limited.”

“What’s the condition?” Tim groaned.

“You have to buy some milk.”

Tim’s eyes flew wide. “You’re kidding?”

“No he said that you’re all out of milk and that if you buy some then you can use
the thingy.”

“What’s the limit?” Wondergirl asked half not wanting to know, an image of a dollar each came into her mind.

“Ten thousand.” Robin replied.

Silence reigned throughout the Young Justice base. Even the hyperactive form of Impulse was stilled.

“Did…did you say that Batman…THE BATMAN…has given us a limit of TEN
THOUSAND DOLLARS?” Spoiler spluttered.

“Yeah…why is it not a lot?” Robin asked casting her gaze over the group in worry.

“My God are you NUTS?! Sweet Ferbreezers, we’re loaded!” Superboy whooped. “Wait a go Bats!”

“I can’t believe he said yes.” Robin said as he looked down at his celphone. “He said yes! Ha ha!” He laughed fully and placed his phone and the all important Platinum Visa in his utility belt.

“O…K…A…Y…watch out Metropolis! Cause the Y J is on its way!” Kon yelled whilst punching the air.

“With an added boost of girl power!” Spoiler added, linking arms with her daughter.

All eight of them squeezed into the Supercycle, too immersed in the day’s prospects to complain about the lack of space, they soared across the morning sky and headed for the awaiting city of Metropolis.

CHAPTER 6 - SHOPPING TRIP...WITH A TWIST...

The frames of several thousand Metropolis residents filled the wide, yet cramped streets, going about the business of the day. Amongst the shimmering sky scrapers stood the impressive structure of the daily Planet which was home to some of the most capable reporters the world had to offer, Lois Lane and Clarke Kent a.k.a Superman. Kon-El’s face lit with a smile as it’s towering form filled his sight.

The Supercycle flew gracefully through the sky occasionally accompanied by a flurry of birds or a couple of wisps of cloud.

The eight teen heroes’ excitement grew as the cycle dived toward the concrete streets below, the cycle landed in one of the numerous car parks situated with the Metropolis area. They received various gasps of amazement on landing along with some sharp honking and vile words from a guy who’d had his eye on their parking space. He soon shut up when the eight piled out of the cycle. With Superboy’s muscles flexing and Robin’s evil glare, not to mention Arrowette’s armaments and the general atmosphere generated by the group, he made a swift retreat, taking his car along with him much to the delight of the cycle who honked with pleasure.

After calming down the cycle and ensuring that he’d behave himself the eight set off to the awaiting shops armed only with their desire to shop and Batman’s credit card.

“So where do you wanna go first?” Tim asked and soon regretted it when his ears were bombarded with a flurry of requests.

“ICE CREAM! ICE CREAM! ICE CREAM! ICE CREAM! ICE CREAM! ICE CREAM!” Was the continuous chant from Impulse as he circled the group.

“Let’s check out the skate boards and stuff, I’m sure last time I came threw here there was one with my hunk of a face on it, T-shirts too! Superboy continued ranting on about all the available merchandise with him on it.

Wondergirl made a mental note to get her hands on an S. B T-shirt, it would be perfect for a nightie. Her cheeks flushed a little at the thought.

“Clothes shopping definitely!” Arrowette said as if it were obviously.

“I don’t care,” Secret said happily, “let’s just go!”

“Okay, people want to do different thing so I suggest we split up.” Tim instructed.

“Dibs on Kon!” Wondergirl yelled a little too loudly and was left blushing even a deeper shade of red than previously.

“How’s that going to work, you’re the one with the money?” Arrowette asked.

“Robin sighed heavily whilst rolling his eyes to the sky, “Wait a go Ciss, I was hoping Kon wouldn’t realise, you do know that we’re going to be loaded with Superboy merchandise now!”

Cissie looked slightly grievance at Robin’s annoyance at her and Spoiler couldn’t help a little smile.

“Hey you’re just jealous that you ain’t got no merchandise of you’re own!”

“OH MY GOD!!!” Came a shriek shrill n