Susie
08-24-2001, 01:21 AM
I found the story to be getting too long so decided to start the new thread.
DOE- Thank you for the wonderful words. I'm speechless really---for you to say I have talent is like getting praise from a star. Thank you so much!
Well, here's the next post. I know, if I keep posting so regulary I might hurt myself...kidding. Sorry about the lack of posts...blame it on RL.
Here ya go!
By the time Bruce made it back to the Batcave, Barbara was also back and out of her outfit. She had resumed her seat by Tim's bed and looked completely haggard. The Dark Knight saw Dick sitting at the Batcomputer looking up information for, perhaps, one of his cases. Leslie and Alfred were no where to be seen and Bruce wagered that they had gone upstairs to get something to eat. Batman slowly moved into the changing room and disrobed his outfit to wear street clothes. Once dressed in normal attire he moved over towards Barbara and Tim.
The young woman looked up and shook her head. "I couldn't find anything left of Harley Quinn. Either someone got to her first or she's out there somewhere."
"She won't cause any trouble." Bruce stated and left it at that. "Is there any change with Timothy?"
Barbara ran her hand over the young boy's hair. "Not yet. Leslie said that it should be any time now that he regains consciousness."
"You should call your father and let him know where you've been."
"I already have. I told him I went on a surprise vacation with Dick for a late birthday present. He just told me to have a nice time."
"Oh." Was Bruce's only answer.
"Um...do you know if..." Barbara paused for a moment looking down at Tim. "Do you have any hair dye?"
The older man looked at the young boy's hair and noticed why Barbara wanted hair dye. Tim's coloring still had the dark green tint to it. Once that tint was removed he would look like the young boy they knew. Luckily, Bruce always kept hair dye around for those times he had to go undercover and told Barbara as much.
"It's upstairs in my bathroom."
Barbara nodded and headed up to Wayne Manor to get the dye. Bruce stood by Tim for another minute or so before heading to Dick at the computer. He moved towards the younger man and looked at what he was researching. Covering the screen were various articles from different Gotham papers. On each title, in big, bold letters was some variation of 'THE JOKER'S DEAD'. In each article, there was a quick explanation of where the Joker was found, how he was found, and who found him.
Although none of the authors knew who had killed the Joker, not one mentioned any investigation into his killer. No one cared WHO killed the Joker, all that mattered was he was dead and never again who the city have to live in fear of him.
Bruce shook his head, if only they knew what the Joker's death had cost THEM. Never again would Robin fly the nights because of the Joker- he would never protect anyone from harm of another.
As if reading his mind, Dick spoke up. "You aren't going to let him be Robin again, are you?"
The older man sighed. "Would you?"
The question hung in the air for a silent moment before Dick closed the Joker articles and faced Bruce. "I don't know what I would do? I mean...I guess I would wait and see what his feelings are. Maybe...just maybe he'll feel he HAS to fight because of this. This experience could also make him want to quit and never return. I think, though, you owe it to him to let him decide. He's already been through enough and to make him be forced to give up the mask could be too much."
Bruce heard Dick's words and even understood his argument, but knew that he could never LET Tim be Robin again. This whole horrible event showed Batman just how much danger he put everyone into when they put on the mask. He could never endanger another young partner again because it wasn't HIS life to endanger.
He knew that Dick had been right all those years ago- everyone only THOUGHT they had a choice as to whether or not they put on the mask, but Bruce knew better. He knew that he pushed those one-time children, so hard that, if they did chose to leave, they would know he was disappointed. And, no matter how hard he pushed them, Bruce knew they NEVER wanted to disappoint him or the Batman. So, in the end, they put their lives on the line because they wanted to prove to him they WERE something and WERE worthy of his devotion and time.
Thus, they were forced to remain Robin, Batgirl, Nightwing, or whatever costume they put on, because of HIM.
He could never make another child feel that way- he had to stop the idea of partners, Robin, sidekicks, now before he injured or, perhaps, killed someone that got caught up in HIS fight.
Bruce wasn't aware that Dick had moved away from the computer and was helping Barbara with Tim's hair. He continued to stare off into space thinking over all the past mistakes and harm he had caused to people he considered his family. He had gotten them all caught up in HIS fight against crime. They were all a part of HIS revenge on the death of his mother and father- it had nothing to do with Barbara, Dick or Tim, but everything to do with Bruce.
The older man closed his eyes, while Barbara and Dick sat with Tim.
At three in the morning, the young boy woke up again, later than what Leslie thought, but no one cared. All that mattered was that he WOKE up. However, as before, all Tim did was mumble and trash about. Everyone then realize how long and hard of a journey this would be for young Robin.
~<>~
2 MONTHS LATER
~<>~
The next two months for Barbara passed in a kaleidoscope of events. Not one truly making itself distinct in her mind. Later, she would reflect and wonder how on earth two months of someone's life could just seem to disappear into a haze, but that was exactly what had happen.
She knew that Bruce began to go out as Batman again. Batgirl was still in hiatus and Barbara hadn't bother to REALLY think about her night job.
Dick had also begun to go out as Nightwing in Gotham, but he hadn't gone back to Bludhaven. She distantly remembered him telling her one night that Wally West, The Flash, watching it for him.
Leslie, who had a clinic to run, stopped by every night after her work and spent long hours with Tim. She would perform tests on him and update the Batfamily with any new prognoses.
Alfred, as always, was a presence in Wayne Manor. He was the glue that held the rest of the family together. Without him, Barbara knew no one would ever get a decent meal and be on the verge of falling over from lack of sleep.
As for herself, Barbara spent nearly all her time at Wayne manor and in the Batcave watching over Tim. The young boy spent most of his time unconscious, but when he did return to the land of the living, he acted as he had all those weeks ago when he first woke up. Each time, Tim would laugh hysterically, perhaps mumble some incoherent words, until Leslie, or whoever was present, gave him a sedative.
Barbara's hope was slowly beginning to fade and she feared Tim would never break past this strange hold the Joker still had on him- she feared the young boy would spend the rest of his life as he was now.
And that was what the past two months had been a collection of. Not one specific event standing out in her mind. She told her father that she wanted to cease her work at the GCPD to work for a Mr. Bruce Wayne at Wayne Corps. He had been hesitant at first, but agreed when she told him how much she would be making. Of course it was a fictional job, but allowed Barbara time with Tim and that was all she cared about.
Today, was no different than all those other days, and nights, spent at Wayne Manor. Bruce was busy at Wayne Corps filling in as the leader of the multi-billion dollar company. Dick was upstairs resting after a long night as Nightwing. Because of the death of the Joker the other criminals seemed out for revenge on behalf of the maniac clown- the streets of Gotham were constantly flooded with fugitives.
Alfred was busy dusting around the Cave, no doubt softly humming a melody to himself. Barbara made her way up the large stairs inside Wayne Manor. After it was found that Tim would not be waking up for some time, it was decided to move him to a more comfortable 'home'. Alfred took hold of one of the many spare bedrooms and dressed it as a nice hospital room. All the important equipment that the Batcave had was ushered up the stairs and placed in this room.
For two months, Tim had lived in the large room whist visitors came and gone.
Barbara entered the room and moved over to the large window. She pulled open the curtains and allowed the soft light to illuminate the room.
"Hello Tim. It's really a beautiful day outside- the sun's up and there's a nice breeze." The young woman moved around to the young boy's bed. She took a seat in a large chair and grabbed a magazine that sat at her feet. For over thirty minutes she read a magazine, reading certain parts out loud to Tim, while reading others to herself. Finally, she finished and placed the magazine back on the ground.
She looked over at the young boy and sighed. "Oh, Tim, can't you please wake up for us. We all miss you and worry for you." Barbara watched as the young boy moaned and then rolled a bit in his sleep. She held her breath hoping that he would wake up and, yet, fearing that he would. Finally, the boy's movements stopped and he seemed to calm down- the young woman sighed again. "What is going on in that mind of yours? What are you thinking little brother?"
The rhetorical question was left up in the air as Barbara put her head in the palm of her hand and rested it on the arm of the chair. Within minutes she was asleep.
~<>~
Tim found himself standing in a dark room- the blackness almost seemed alive as it crawled over him. "Hello? Is anyone here?"
A soft laugher answered the boy's question.
"Hello?" His voice began to crack with fear and anticipation. The outline of a person appeared out of nowhere in the dark room. He watched as the figure moved closer to him. He remained rooted in his spot afraid to move further into the darkness.
"Timothy?" The one name allowed the young boy to recognize the voice.
"Barb?"
The figure seemed to illuminate itself from the inside and Tim could see that, it was indeed, Barbara Gordon. She moved closer to him and he could even smell the sweet scent of her perfume.
"How does it feel, Tim?" The young boy cocked an eyebrow at the young woman in a way of a question. She answered the unasked. "How does it feel to be a murderer?"
The young boy stepped back from the redhead. "What? But...I...I didn't...murder...I didn't mean..."
"You're a murderer- plan and simple."
"No, please, Barb. You have to believe that..."
"Murderer!"
"No...please understand..."
The young boy felt tears begin to stream down his face.
"You're no better than him. In fact, you're just like him."
Tim shook his head viciously. "No, I'm not...please..."
The young woman moved her face closer to the young boy's. "You're just like the Joker. A murderer!"
He woke up screaming and panting. Tears running down his face in hiccuping sobs. He slowly pulled his knees to his chest and wrapped his small arms around his legs. He gently began to rock himself as he tried to calm the sobs that coursed through him.
His door was suddenly thrown opened by Dick who charged into the small room. He didn't stop running till he was at the young boy's bedside. Behind him, Tim saw Barbara enter the room. Once his eyes fell on her he felt calm pass over him.
~It was all a dream. A terrible dream~
However, he watched as the young woman began to smile and then mouth silent words. He squinted his eyes to try and deceiver the words.
Under his breath he spoke the words she was saying as he understood them. "You're...just...like...him...murderer..."
The young boy, comprehending the words, began to shake again. "No...no...nonono! I'm not like him. I didn't mean to do it. It was an accident." But even as he said it, he found himself not believing those words. It wasn't an accident, he had meant to shot the Joker. ~Oh God- I am a murderer~
Barbara moved next to Dick and reached out for the young boy. Her hand made contact Tim's shoulder and he jumped back into the bed's backboard. He turned his pleading, tear-filled eyes towards the redhead and Dick.
"Please believe me. I didn't mean to kill him. I don't want to be a murderer. He just...he...tor-tortured me...please..."
Barbara looked into Tim's eyes and began to smile evilly.
"Murderer...murderer...murderer..."
She continued to chant even while the young boy shook his head again. Soon, Tim heard Dick join in the chanting:
"Murderer...murderer...murderer..."
"NOOOOOO!"
With a jolt, the young boy found himself back in the blackness- surrounded by silence. He felt his knees grow weak and soon collapsed on the ground. Sobs racked his body violently as a soft laughter filled the darkness.
~<>~
You know the nice thing...from here on the posts will be new!
DOE- Thank you for the wonderful words. I'm speechless really---for you to say I have talent is like getting praise from a star. Thank you so much!
Well, here's the next post. I know, if I keep posting so regulary I might hurt myself...kidding. Sorry about the lack of posts...blame it on RL.
Here ya go!
By the time Bruce made it back to the Batcave, Barbara was also back and out of her outfit. She had resumed her seat by Tim's bed and looked completely haggard. The Dark Knight saw Dick sitting at the Batcomputer looking up information for, perhaps, one of his cases. Leslie and Alfred were no where to be seen and Bruce wagered that they had gone upstairs to get something to eat. Batman slowly moved into the changing room and disrobed his outfit to wear street clothes. Once dressed in normal attire he moved over towards Barbara and Tim.
The young woman looked up and shook her head. "I couldn't find anything left of Harley Quinn. Either someone got to her first or she's out there somewhere."
"She won't cause any trouble." Bruce stated and left it at that. "Is there any change with Timothy?"
Barbara ran her hand over the young boy's hair. "Not yet. Leslie said that it should be any time now that he regains consciousness."
"You should call your father and let him know where you've been."
"I already have. I told him I went on a surprise vacation with Dick for a late birthday present. He just told me to have a nice time."
"Oh." Was Bruce's only answer.
"Um...do you know if..." Barbara paused for a moment looking down at Tim. "Do you have any hair dye?"
The older man looked at the young boy's hair and noticed why Barbara wanted hair dye. Tim's coloring still had the dark green tint to it. Once that tint was removed he would look like the young boy they knew. Luckily, Bruce always kept hair dye around for those times he had to go undercover and told Barbara as much.
"It's upstairs in my bathroom."
Barbara nodded and headed up to Wayne Manor to get the dye. Bruce stood by Tim for another minute or so before heading to Dick at the computer. He moved towards the younger man and looked at what he was researching. Covering the screen were various articles from different Gotham papers. On each title, in big, bold letters was some variation of 'THE JOKER'S DEAD'. In each article, there was a quick explanation of where the Joker was found, how he was found, and who found him.
Although none of the authors knew who had killed the Joker, not one mentioned any investigation into his killer. No one cared WHO killed the Joker, all that mattered was he was dead and never again who the city have to live in fear of him.
Bruce shook his head, if only they knew what the Joker's death had cost THEM. Never again would Robin fly the nights because of the Joker- he would never protect anyone from harm of another.
As if reading his mind, Dick spoke up. "You aren't going to let him be Robin again, are you?"
The older man sighed. "Would you?"
The question hung in the air for a silent moment before Dick closed the Joker articles and faced Bruce. "I don't know what I would do? I mean...I guess I would wait and see what his feelings are. Maybe...just maybe he'll feel he HAS to fight because of this. This experience could also make him want to quit and never return. I think, though, you owe it to him to let him decide. He's already been through enough and to make him be forced to give up the mask could be too much."
Bruce heard Dick's words and even understood his argument, but knew that he could never LET Tim be Robin again. This whole horrible event showed Batman just how much danger he put everyone into when they put on the mask. He could never endanger another young partner again because it wasn't HIS life to endanger.
He knew that Dick had been right all those years ago- everyone only THOUGHT they had a choice as to whether or not they put on the mask, but Bruce knew better. He knew that he pushed those one-time children, so hard that, if they did chose to leave, they would know he was disappointed. And, no matter how hard he pushed them, Bruce knew they NEVER wanted to disappoint him or the Batman. So, in the end, they put their lives on the line because they wanted to prove to him they WERE something and WERE worthy of his devotion and time.
Thus, they were forced to remain Robin, Batgirl, Nightwing, or whatever costume they put on, because of HIM.
He could never make another child feel that way- he had to stop the idea of partners, Robin, sidekicks, now before he injured or, perhaps, killed someone that got caught up in HIS fight.
Bruce wasn't aware that Dick had moved away from the computer and was helping Barbara with Tim's hair. He continued to stare off into space thinking over all the past mistakes and harm he had caused to people he considered his family. He had gotten them all caught up in HIS fight against crime. They were all a part of HIS revenge on the death of his mother and father- it had nothing to do with Barbara, Dick or Tim, but everything to do with Bruce.
The older man closed his eyes, while Barbara and Dick sat with Tim.
At three in the morning, the young boy woke up again, later than what Leslie thought, but no one cared. All that mattered was that he WOKE up. However, as before, all Tim did was mumble and trash about. Everyone then realize how long and hard of a journey this would be for young Robin.
~<>~
2 MONTHS LATER
~<>~
The next two months for Barbara passed in a kaleidoscope of events. Not one truly making itself distinct in her mind. Later, she would reflect and wonder how on earth two months of someone's life could just seem to disappear into a haze, but that was exactly what had happen.
She knew that Bruce began to go out as Batman again. Batgirl was still in hiatus and Barbara hadn't bother to REALLY think about her night job.
Dick had also begun to go out as Nightwing in Gotham, but he hadn't gone back to Bludhaven. She distantly remembered him telling her one night that Wally West, The Flash, watching it for him.
Leslie, who had a clinic to run, stopped by every night after her work and spent long hours with Tim. She would perform tests on him and update the Batfamily with any new prognoses.
Alfred, as always, was a presence in Wayne Manor. He was the glue that held the rest of the family together. Without him, Barbara knew no one would ever get a decent meal and be on the verge of falling over from lack of sleep.
As for herself, Barbara spent nearly all her time at Wayne manor and in the Batcave watching over Tim. The young boy spent most of his time unconscious, but when he did return to the land of the living, he acted as he had all those weeks ago when he first woke up. Each time, Tim would laugh hysterically, perhaps mumble some incoherent words, until Leslie, or whoever was present, gave him a sedative.
Barbara's hope was slowly beginning to fade and she feared Tim would never break past this strange hold the Joker still had on him- she feared the young boy would spend the rest of his life as he was now.
And that was what the past two months had been a collection of. Not one specific event standing out in her mind. She told her father that she wanted to cease her work at the GCPD to work for a Mr. Bruce Wayne at Wayne Corps. He had been hesitant at first, but agreed when she told him how much she would be making. Of course it was a fictional job, but allowed Barbara time with Tim and that was all she cared about.
Today, was no different than all those other days, and nights, spent at Wayne Manor. Bruce was busy at Wayne Corps filling in as the leader of the multi-billion dollar company. Dick was upstairs resting after a long night as Nightwing. Because of the death of the Joker the other criminals seemed out for revenge on behalf of the maniac clown- the streets of Gotham were constantly flooded with fugitives.
Alfred was busy dusting around the Cave, no doubt softly humming a melody to himself. Barbara made her way up the large stairs inside Wayne Manor. After it was found that Tim would not be waking up for some time, it was decided to move him to a more comfortable 'home'. Alfred took hold of one of the many spare bedrooms and dressed it as a nice hospital room. All the important equipment that the Batcave had was ushered up the stairs and placed in this room.
For two months, Tim had lived in the large room whist visitors came and gone.
Barbara entered the room and moved over to the large window. She pulled open the curtains and allowed the soft light to illuminate the room.
"Hello Tim. It's really a beautiful day outside- the sun's up and there's a nice breeze." The young woman moved around to the young boy's bed. She took a seat in a large chair and grabbed a magazine that sat at her feet. For over thirty minutes she read a magazine, reading certain parts out loud to Tim, while reading others to herself. Finally, she finished and placed the magazine back on the ground.
She looked over at the young boy and sighed. "Oh, Tim, can't you please wake up for us. We all miss you and worry for you." Barbara watched as the young boy moaned and then rolled a bit in his sleep. She held her breath hoping that he would wake up and, yet, fearing that he would. Finally, the boy's movements stopped and he seemed to calm down- the young woman sighed again. "What is going on in that mind of yours? What are you thinking little brother?"
The rhetorical question was left up in the air as Barbara put her head in the palm of her hand and rested it on the arm of the chair. Within minutes she was asleep.
~<>~
Tim found himself standing in a dark room- the blackness almost seemed alive as it crawled over him. "Hello? Is anyone here?"
A soft laugher answered the boy's question.
"Hello?" His voice began to crack with fear and anticipation. The outline of a person appeared out of nowhere in the dark room. He watched as the figure moved closer to him. He remained rooted in his spot afraid to move further into the darkness.
"Timothy?" The one name allowed the young boy to recognize the voice.
"Barb?"
The figure seemed to illuminate itself from the inside and Tim could see that, it was indeed, Barbara Gordon. She moved closer to him and he could even smell the sweet scent of her perfume.
"How does it feel, Tim?" The young boy cocked an eyebrow at the young woman in a way of a question. She answered the unasked. "How does it feel to be a murderer?"
The young boy stepped back from the redhead. "What? But...I...I didn't...murder...I didn't mean..."
"You're a murderer- plan and simple."
"No, please, Barb. You have to believe that..."
"Murderer!"
"No...please understand..."
The young boy felt tears begin to stream down his face.
"You're no better than him. In fact, you're just like him."
Tim shook his head viciously. "No, I'm not...please..."
The young woman moved her face closer to the young boy's. "You're just like the Joker. A murderer!"
He woke up screaming and panting. Tears running down his face in hiccuping sobs. He slowly pulled his knees to his chest and wrapped his small arms around his legs. He gently began to rock himself as he tried to calm the sobs that coursed through him.
His door was suddenly thrown opened by Dick who charged into the small room. He didn't stop running till he was at the young boy's bedside. Behind him, Tim saw Barbara enter the room. Once his eyes fell on her he felt calm pass over him.
~It was all a dream. A terrible dream~
However, he watched as the young woman began to smile and then mouth silent words. He squinted his eyes to try and deceiver the words.
Under his breath he spoke the words she was saying as he understood them. "You're...just...like...him...murderer..."
The young boy, comprehending the words, began to shake again. "No...no...nonono! I'm not like him. I didn't mean to do it. It was an accident." But even as he said it, he found himself not believing those words. It wasn't an accident, he had meant to shot the Joker. ~Oh God- I am a murderer~
Barbara moved next to Dick and reached out for the young boy. Her hand made contact Tim's shoulder and he jumped back into the bed's backboard. He turned his pleading, tear-filled eyes towards the redhead and Dick.
"Please believe me. I didn't mean to kill him. I don't want to be a murderer. He just...he...tor-tortured me...please..."
Barbara looked into Tim's eyes and began to smile evilly.
"Murderer...murderer...murderer..."
She continued to chant even while the young boy shook his head again. Soon, Tim heard Dick join in the chanting:
"Murderer...murderer...murderer..."
"NOOOOOO!"
With a jolt, the young boy found himself back in the blackness- surrounded by silence. He felt his knees grow weak and soon collapsed on the ground. Sobs racked his body violently as a soft laughter filled the darkness.
~<>~
You know the nice thing...from here on the posts will be new!