A Torturous Affair

by DC Lady

Rating:  M and possible MA later.

Synopsis:  Ra’s al Guhl wants something the Justice League has and is willing to sacrifice the Dark Knight in order to possess it.

Disclaimer: All of the characters in this story are owned by DC.

Author's Note:  Both animated and comic continuities are used in this story.  Spoilers for "Starcrossed" are also included.   Please forgive all occurrences of character assassination.

He replayed the evening in his mind, finding it difficult to control the emotions that tonight's conversation with her was intended to alleviate.  The emotional control he'd carefully maintained over the years had slipped on more than one occasion in her presence. Despite his obvious longing, he decided that Batman could no longer afford the distraction and earlier this evening, he’d told her so.

Gotham’s misty nights had always soothed the raging emotions that stirred within him.  But, tonight there was no reprieve to be found and as the roof’s gravelly surface crunched beneath his boots he silently cursed her reaction and the feelings that stirred within him as a result.

Surprisingly, she did not get angry as he'd thought she would…as he had hoped she would. If she had gotten angry it would have made it easier to walk away and force his feelings into the recesses of his mind once again. Instead, she gracefully accepted his words, even smiling when he’d lamely told her that he wanted to remain friends

Patrol. Gotham. The mission. This was what he wanted - no, it was what he needed. So, why couldn’t he stop thinking of her?

Frustrated with the lack of activity in the city - activity he’d counted on to provide an outlet to vent his frustration – he contacted Oracle and informed her of his plans to head home.

He raised the grapple towards its target; however, he paused as the glimpse of a shadow caught his attention. Keeping a steady hand he turned slightly, calling upon his highly trained senses to determine the potential danger. His training paid off a moment later as the breeze stirred a familiar scent – Channel No. 5 mixed with an exotic hint of dried orchids and lavender. Dropping the grapple gun to his side he spoke.

“What do you want, Talia?” 

“Do I have to have a reason to see you, beloved?” The daughter of the Demon’s Head stepped out from the shadows. She casually sashayed closer to the Dark Knight, stopping when he signaled that she’d approached close enough.

Seeing Talia brought back a rush of memories.  Memories of love and betrayal. His already foul mood worsened.

“I’ll ask once more, what do you want?”

“I’ve come to issue a warning. My father is aware of certain Thanagarian technology that is in the possession of the Justice League. He will stop at nothing to possess it.”

Batman’s features betrayed nothing.  “And you tell me this because…”

“Don’t toy with me, beloved. I am trying to protect you. I will always protect you against my father.”

“It makes no difference. He will not get what he seeks. I will make certain of it.” Batman turned and lifted his grapple gun at its target.

Talia rushed to his side and grabbed his arm.  “Beloved, you do not understand. He believes this technology will allow him to accomplish all he has striven for these many years. He is a man possessed. I fear for your safety.”

“As well you should, my daughter.”  Ra’s al Guhl stated as he stepped out from his own shadow on the roof. 

It wasn’t often that the Batman was taken by surprise. Then again, Talia had a way of distracting him that only Diana surpassed. Still, Batman had to give him credit - Ra’s al Guhl had obviously had developed – and employed - a few stealth skills of his own.

The older man cupped Talia’s chin in his hand in a fatherly gesture, however his features betrayed no emotional attachment to his progeny. He settled his gaze once more on his opponent.

“She must love you more than I ever gave her credit, Detective, to risk my wrath for this treasonous offense.”

“What do you want?” Batman growled, slipping into a defensive stance as Ra’s had never been one for small talk.

“Exactly what my daughter has told you. Thanagarian technology. More specifically, I want the schematics for the defensive shield.”

Batman remained impassive. “Everything was destroyed from the Watchtower impact. Nothing was salvageable.”

“Ah but, I know the truth. Did your insider not provide access to their computers and download the information before the weapon was destroyed? Don’t take me for a fool, Detective.”

Batman smirked.  “Your sources are wrong.  But, even if they were correct, surely you realize I would never willingly hand it over to you?”

“I thought as much.” Ra’s grinned, then touched a button on the lapel of his jacket; obviously a signal to his followers.  “In fact I would have been disappointed if you had.”

A helicopter suddenly roared overhead. Batman was impressed as he swiveled to observe its approach. The rotor blades employed an airfoil design that rendered the sound of its approach as ambient noise to a casual observer. Only when the machine was directly overhead did the noise turned deafening. The pilot expertly settled the craft on the helipad, all the while training the machine guns and rocket pods directly towards him.

Batman smirked at Ra’s as if to chide the man for thinking that the display was sufficient to intimidate him, and then regretted the smirk when two identical machines appeared on either side of him. 

"All of this for me? I'm flattered." He muttered, surreptitiously trying to open his comm. link to the Watchtower.

"Don't waste your time.” Ra’s sneered. “We carry our own dampening fields.  Your communicator is useless.”

Batman’s senses alerted him to the sudden change in air pressure, but his reflexes weren’t fast enough to stop the dart that penetrated the exposed skin of his face. The effect of its contents was immediate. Batman sank to his knees, his eyes locked on Talia - an unspoken question etched on his face - another betrayal?

"Father, please.” Talia pleaded. “What will you do to him?"

“Daughter, if you value his well being, you will do as you are told,” Ra’s warned.

She stared back at him, deliberating how far he was willing to go to stop her. ‘Far enough’ she thought, then backed away.

J’onn slipped into his seat in the Watchtower’s conference room. “When was he last seen?” he asked.

“Seven days ago,” the younger man replied, already sitting.

Superman paced the room as they questioned the young hero. “You think he encountered a problem on patrol?”

“He must have. He told Oracle he was calling it an early night. But he never made it home.”

“Do you know of any cases he may have been working on?” the Green Lantern questioned.

“Minor stuff that I already checked out.  All dead ends,” he answered.  “I checked with Arkham on possible escapes, but nothing. Everyone is exactly where they should be.  He just disappeared. I need your help.”

“You did the right thing by coming here, Nightwing.” Superman placed a reassuring hand on the shoulder of Batman's son. Then, turning to his teammate he continued. “J’onn, you and I will go to Gotham City and conduct a telepathic scan. Maybe that will give us a clue to his whereabouts."

The sound that reverberated throughout the cold, darkened room was deafening. The pulsing of the endless rhythm numbed his senses - plummeting him into a world of surreal illusions. The room was nothing more than a torturous dungeon with the telling signs of recent use; the previous occupants’ bloody remnants hung by manacles a few feet to his left. As he surveyed the remains, he blew out a breath. The room was kept barely above freezing making the moisture in his exhalation visible in the cool damp air.

The heavy metal door creaked open and light flooded the entryway, illuminating one of the numerous guards whose job description was to make his life a living hell. The guard picked up a bucket he had put down in order to open the massive door with both hands, then dumped its contents onto him. When the cold liquid hit his naked body, his systems responded by going into shock, drawing the valuable blood supply away from his limbs into his trunk to avoid hypothermia. He knew how to deal with the discomfort - mind over matter - but each day the anticipation of this routine became torture within itself.

He stood exposed with his arms and legs shackled to the cold stone wall, shivering uncontrollably. But, he made no sound. He would not give them that satisfaction.

“Good morning, Detective.” Ra's Al Ghul entered the room behind the guard. Two steps later he stood in front of Batman.

Silence.

“Still not talking, I see. I expected as much. But, all of this is necessary, I do assure you.” Ra's gloated. “You will realize this soon enough.” He spun on his heels and walked out of the room.

How did Ra’s know about the technology? I wouldn’t be surprised if Ra’s was originally ‘in bed’ with the Thanagarians when their armada first arrived.   That would explain the toys that he has accumulated - those helicopters are not readily available to just anyone. 

I have yet to figure out an escape route.  I’ve escaped these bonds twice now and was quickly apprehended by his goons.  Whatever surveillance he’s employed its invisible to the naked eye.  I am now bound on all four extremities with concentric bands of anodized titanium. It’s non-conductive to the electrical charges but the bands are released by a remote that triggers the magnetic locks. It’s an ingenious design, especially with the mercury balances pressure switches that trigger an electrical current if I shift in the bands more than an inch. There has got to be a means of escape, but I have yet to determine how. 

I must find a way to stop him.  I have only one tool at my disposal- my mind.  But, first, I must concentrate and command my body’s responses against the cold before hypothermia sets in.  

He began a series of breathing exercises first developed by a Yogi in Kashmir, forcing his tired mind to overcome the autonomic signals sent out by his hypothalamus.  The exercise was a mental exercise in neuro-cybernetics; forcing the body to believe it is doing something other than what it perceives as reality.

I have to envision a time when I was safe and warm.

"Hey Bruce, come on in. The water feels great," twelve-year-old Dick Grayson encouraged his guardian. Wayne Manor's Olympic-sized pool proved a welcome respite from the heat of Gotham City's humid summer day.

"Mmhmm," Bruce managed as he dozed in the afternoon sun.

"Aw, come on. You're no fun. You just gonna lie there all day?"

Giving no answer, Bruce knew it was a matter of time before Dick would develop a plan to get him out of his chaise lounge. His senses remained alert as he baked in the sun, listening as drops of water hit the ground, warning him of a possible attack. As a shadow crossed his face, he felt the child’s breath as he leaned in closer, obviously checking to see if his guardian was indeed asleep. Taking the opportunity Dick just handed him, Bruce grabbed his surprised ward and tossed him over his shoulder.

Dick giggled uncontrollably trying helplessly to wiggle free from the Batman’s vise-like grip. Walking to the pool's edge, Bruce tickled Dick's sides as punishment for interrupting his nap, finally throwing the young boy into the pool.

The older man watched and stood ready for possible retaliation from his jokester partner. Then, to his horror, Dick settled at the bottom of the pool, unmoving except for the natural flow of his limbs, keeping rhythm with the pool’s soft waves. He dove into the water, grabbed the boy by his waist and swam back up to the surface.

"Dick...Dick, are you all right?" he asked holding Dick's head out of the water. Dick slowly opened his eyes then spat water into Bruce's face, giggling uncontrollably once again.

"Gotcha, Bruce! Oh man! You shoulda seen your face," Dick laughed then got a good look at the face that now looked at him.

"Uh oh!" Dick exclaimed as he swam at a record pace to the other end of the pool with Bruce close behind.

Reaching his wayward ward, Bruce grabbed the boy and lifted him in the air, throwing him again into the water. An epic water fight ensued.

Bruce slumped against his shackles, gaining temporary relief against the near-freezing conditions as his body re-heated itself. The shivering that controlled him slowed considerably. The summer memory gave both his physical and spiritual being the stamina needed to survive this round of torture.

Gotham’s cruel winter wind had no effect on the two Justice League superheroes as they canvassed the city in search of their missing teammate. J’onn telepathically scanned the city for any trace of Batman’s consciousness while Superman used his x-ray vision, leaving no stone unturned.

The Watchtower’s communications transmitter suddenly beeped an alert. Activating the device hidden behind his ear, Superman answered the call. “Superman.”

“Why didn’t you tell me?” an angry Wonder Woman asked.

“We just found out ourselves a short time ago.”

“When a core member of the Justice League is missing, I'd think that it would be important enough to contact me, regardless of when you found out,” she stated, her anger rising. “What are your coordinates? I will transport to your location now.”

“J’onn just concluded a scan of the city. Meet us at the Batcave. Superman out.” He ended the transmission.

J’onn grinned.  “She sounded upset.”

“Yes, she did,” Superman returned. He didn’t like bearing the brunt of the Amazon’s chastisement.

“We should have informed her. After all, she and Bruce are good friends,” he said, emphasizing the word friends.

Superman looked the Martian in the eye then returned. “They are just friends, J’onn. They decided not to pursue a romantic relationship.” Diana had informed Clark of her conversation with Bruce.  Her hurt and disappointment was obvious to the Man of Steel.

J’onn nodded.  “That may be so, but their feelings for each other are deep. She is worried and frankly, so am I.”

“I’m worried too." Superman muttered, bowing his head in exasperation.

"There is nothing more to be learned here," J'onn gently told his teammate.

Superman reluctantly nodded his agreement, knowing they lacked the evidence to solve this mystery. “Let’s get back to the cave. We need to plan our next move.”

Bruce awoke to the creaking of the metal door, then the sudden flood of light.  The man arrived dressed for the occasion; a plastic overcoat to protect his clothes against the splatter of blood, rubber gloves and boots for protection against electrocution.

He was expecting his arrival.  Had mentally prepared himself.  He was ready.

My torturer has arrived.  I catch his gaze and glare directly into his soul in defiance.  It is blacker than my own.  A grin spreads across my lips on its own volition; daring my tormentor to give me his best shot.  It is an unspoken competition between us to see if I can be broken.  I will not give up.

I realize they are filming me. The goal: to blackmail the League into submission.  I must use this situation to my advantage.  If I know Dick, he will view all messages from Ra's personally to look for possible clues.  Electric shock is unpleasant to say the least, but I cannot retreat into my fantasy world this time.  I must remain alert and send a message I know that Dick will decipher.  I must make my wishes known in order to lessen the guilt they will carry when the inevitable occurs. 

He stands directly in front of me. The crackling of the electrical currents echo throughout the room.  Lifting the device he touches my throat.  My head hits the wall behind me and I gasp for air.  I see stars, but recover quickly.

I face him again.  He waits a full minute; taunting me.  He lowers the device to my chest.  He touches me and the currents rattle through my body once again.  I use the pain to send the message to my son. 

One full minute.  The baton touches my belly.  My body spasms uncontrollably.  My inability to control basic bodily functions causes me to urinate, just missing my tormentor’s shoes.

The device is lowered again.  The message has been sent, so I concentrate all of my efforts on blocking the pain that is coming from the next shock.

He touches my genitals.  I stifle a scream that is forcing its way up my throat along with the bile that I vomit, leaving a sticky trail down my chest.  I slump, fighting the darkness threatening my consciousness.  I hear Ra's give the League his ultimatum.  I smirk, taking pleasure in the fact that my message has been sent before I give in to the blackness surrounding me.
 

Alfred opened the secret passage leading into Batman’s domain and she stepped through, waiting for her beloved’s Major Domo to announce her presence.  Gazing out at the cave’s enormous expanse, she noticed him as he paced the floor in anticipation, then watched as he met the approaching Justice League heroes.  She knew they would come to the aid of Batman – she counted on it.

The butler began his descent and she followed, listening to the heroes who were gathered.

“Did you find anything?” Nightwing asked the two superheroes as they entered the cave.

“Nothing.  If he is in Gotham City, he is being held in a telepathic dampener where I cannot reach him,” the Martian admitted.

“That is a possibility.  It has happened before - when the Injustice Gang held him captive,” Wonder Woman stated upon her transport to the cave.  Talia stiffened at the Amazon’s presence, pondering an intuitive reaction that stirred within her.  Her gaze followed Wonder Woman as she joined the group of men.  “What else do we have?” Wonder Woman questioned.

Talia’s attention was again drawn to Nightwing who voiced his agitation.

“Nothing.  We have absolutely nothing.”

“There has to be something that we missed.   He can’t have just disappeared.” Superman expressed his own agitation.

Alfred cleared his throat, interrupting the heroes’ speculations about Bruce's disappearance.  Turning toward the sound they watched as Alfred descended the staircase with Talia behind him, her feminine form not yet identifiable to those present.  “Excuse me gentlemen…and lady,” he added when he noticed Wonder Woman.  “We have a visitor.”  Alfred moved aside and Talia stepped forward.

“My father has him.” Talia descended the remaining steps stopping in front of Nightwing.

His eyes narrowed in anger.  “Talia, you’ve got some nerve.  Where is he?” Nightwing demanded.

“I do not know.  But, I’ve come to offer my assistance.”

Wonder Woman moved to face Talia.  “Who is this woman?” she asked, her gaze never leaving Talia’s.

“Miss Diana, this is Talia Head  - Al Ghul, actually, daughter of Ra’s Al Ghul, Master Bruce’s nemesis,” Alfred introduced.

“Why would you want to help? You are his enemy?” Wonder Woman asked, confused.

“I never was, and never shall be, my beloved’s enemy.  This is the work of my father,” Talia explained to the group present.

Talia’s suspicions were confirmed when Wonder Woman’s eyes narrowed in jealousy and contempt.

“Beloved?”  Wonder Woman questioned.

“Talia is an ex-flame of Bruce’s,” Nightwing informed her and then turned to Talia.  “And I certainly would put you in the classification of enemy.  You betrayed him.”

“Do you really want to rehash old arguments or do you want to find Bruce?”  She handed a computer disk to Nightwing.

“What’s this?”

“My father sent it to me.  He wanted me to hand deliver it to the Justice League.”

“So you are working for your father.” Superman folded his arms in judgment.

“Hello, Superman.  So good to see you again,” Talia greeted with a trace of sarcasm evident in her voice. “I am merely delivering the disk.  I intend to help you.  If my father believes that I am working for him, it may make it easier to rescue Bruce.”

Dick inserted the disk into the massive Cray computer.  The Demon’s Head filled the screen.

“Greetings Justice League.  By now you are aware that your colleague is missing.  His future health and continued wellbeing rests entirely in your hands," Ra's began.

"The Earth is dying.  Wars encompass our world with weapons of mass destruction readily available.  While governments wage war the land is being destroyed.  Vegetative life is no longer able to take root in radioactive soil.  I’ve made it my life’s mission to protect the earth and I am asking for your help.” Ra’s proclaimed.

When he continued with his demands his voice displayed genuine admiration.  “These are desperate times which therefore, call for desperate measures.  I hold the Detective in the highest esteem.  He is a man like no other.  Yet, the demands of my mission must not be forsaken for just one life.  The world is at stake, making his sacrifice a noble one.”

A collective gasp echoed through the cave as the camera revealed Bruce, stripped naked and chained to the wall.  He squinted, trying to adjust to the sudden flood of light.  He was angry and glared at his captors, unwilling to submit to their torturous demands.  Ra’s grinned, relishing in the victory of the Batman’s capture.

As the camera scanned the room, a modern-day torture chamber was revealed. "I needn't tell you what will be done if you do not comply with my demands."

A guard walked into the room carrying a bucket.  Throwing ice water onto the Dark Knight, the cave’s occupants watched as Batman began to shiver.

"You are to turn over the Thanagarian defensive shield technology you absconded with during the invasion.  If you do not, you will watch your friend die a rather gruesome death.”  Ra’s paused allowing his message to be clearly understood. 

 “When the information is received, my army will begin constructing the shield.  The Detective will remain my prisoner until the shield is completed and we are safely within its confines.  Talia will give you the computer address that you are to use to upload the data. Each day that passes without this technology in my possession will be torturous  for your colleague.”  The massive screen went black upon the completion of Ra's al Ghul’s message to the League. 

“What is this technology that he wants?” Nightwing asked Superman.

"The defensive shield that was built to supposedly protect Earth against the Gordanian invasion.  We discovered that the Thanagarians were going use it to activate the hyper space bypass weapon that would destroy Earth."  He rubbed his chin, deep in thought.

Talia watched Nightwing with intense fascination.  ‘He is truly his father’s son,’ she mused, recognizing the same expressions she’d seen on Bruce’s face on countless occasions.  Although their bond was not born of blood, it was certainly formed of affection, as was evident by his actions.

"I thought it was destroyed when Bruce crashed the Watchtower into it?" Nightwing moved closer.

Superman met Dick’s glare.  "It was.  But Hawkgirl gave us the computerized records when she realized the Thanagarians’ mission.  We had planned to rebuild the shield to help protect Earth against future invasions.”  He paused. 

J’onn stepped forward.  “I am not familiar with Ra’s al Ghul.  What would he do with a defensive shield?” he questioned.

“Ra’s mission is to rid the world of its pollutants and rebuild it with him as ruler.  His own Utopia,” Nightwing began then turned to Talia.  “Can you shed some light on what Ra’s plans for the shield?” he asked.

“Before the Thanagarians were defeated by the Justice League, my father made them an offer - a Lazarus pit for technology.   He has become a powerful man with the help of the Thanagarians.  He intends on making the Amazon Rain Forest his kingdom, using Thanagarian weapons to conquer the region, then using the shield as protection against the Justice League.” Talia explained.

“He could then expand the shield to cover other territory that he plans on conquering.  I don’t think he’ll be satisfied with just a small corner of the world,” Nightwing theorized and Talia nodded in agreement.

“He’s a madman,” Wonder Woman interjected.

Talia faced her competition.  “My father's vision is not an evil one.  Is it so wrong to want to make the world a better place?” she defended.

“Why you little bitch—” Wonder Woman lunged at Talia, but Superman imposed himself between them before the Amazon could unleash her wrath.

“Don’t…we need her, Diana.  We have no choice.”

Wonder Woman reluctantly relented, but would not keep her angry glare from Talia.

“Where is he, Talia?” Nightwing questioned.

“I do not know.”

Superman moved toward her. “You must have some idea.”

“He could be any number of places.”

“Write them down.  We’ll check them all,” Nightwing snapped.

Wonder Woman touched her golden lasso.  “How will we know if she is telling us the truth?”

“I will know.” J’onn stepped in front of Talia before Wonder Woman would be able to interrogate her with the lasso.  His eyes glowed red as he established a telepathic link.

Talia instinctively backed away from the Martian’s prying mind.  The tickling of his psyche probed her deepest memories and read her thoughts.  She initially tried to shield her mind to him, but his will was stronger than her own.  She relented freely, hoping that her compliance would prove her devotion to Bruce.

She relived each moment she had spent with Bruce – remembering every touch.  But Ra’s was also present, his shadow casting a tumultuous burden she could not control.  He had made her choose: do as he commanded or her beloved would suffer.  She made her choice.

“She is telling the truth.  Her affection for Bruce is pure,” J’onn began, then sighed.  “However, her father does have a strong hold on her and she is not to be trusted.”

The sound of leather hitting flesh reverberated throughout the room with Bruce’s grunts the only evidence of the pain each strike caused.  Fantasy had become a tool for survival.  He used his memories as comfort and his fantasy world of hopes and dreams of a life that could never be as his method to block the pain.

Ra's knows me well.  He knows my weaknesses.  He knows when and where to strike.  I must compensate for those weaknesses if I am to survive. 

Again I will take my mind to another place and time.  A time when I had my family - a time when I was happy.

“Mom, Dad watch!” young Bruce called as he rode his bicycle without training wheels for the very first time.

“Oh, Brucie.  That’s wonderful.  You are getting to be such a big boy,” his mother exclaimed, proud of her son’s accomplishment.

“Atta boy, Bruce,” his father beamed jogging alongside of him, protecting his son.
 

Dick sat in the study of Wayne Manor.  The image of Bruce in chains haunted him, and he had to leave the others in order to compose his thoughts

“They’re torturing him, Alfred.”

Alfred’s eyes widened in shock at this revelation.  “What does the Demon’s Head want?”

“Thanagarian shield technology.  Hawkgirl gave it to Bruce during the invasion,” Dick explained.  “Talia believes that Ra’s will torture Bruce until he gets it.”

Dick watched as Alfred straightened in nervous expectation.  “What was his state when you viewed the disk?”  Despite his apparent efforts, Alfred’s voice trembled.

Dick grinned.  “He was glaring.”

Alfred nodded.  “He has a strong spirit,” he said with pride.

“Don't I know it.  But everyone has a breaking point.  We need to find Bruce before Ra's discovers his.”  Dick  stood and walked to the grandfather clock.  Placing the hands of the clock in the appropriate positions he unlocked the entryway to the cave.

With his back to Alfred, he took a breath before continuing.  “I'm scared, Alfred.  What if we don't find him in time?” He looked hesitantly to the man he considered his grandfather.

“You will find him, young sir.  Or he will find you.  Don't give up on him just yet.”

Nodding, Dick began his descent down the stairs. 

Entering the cave, Nightwing watched as the three members of Justice League gathered around the computer.

Upon seeing the faces of the heroes gathered in the cave, he frowned.  “What’s up?”

Superman took Nightwing aside.  “Talia gave us the computer address.  There was another video message from Ra's waiting.”

“Put it on screen,” Nightwing demanded.

Superman put his hand on Nightwing’s shoulder, stopping him from viewing the message.  “Dick, don’t.  We’ve viewed it.  There is nothing to learn from the video.”

“No offense, Clark, but I was trained by the world’s greatest detective.  I think that I can determine for myself if there is evidence to be gathered from the tape,” he snapped back.

Still not releasing his grip on Dick, Superman continued.  “Dick, it’s graphic.  You don’t need to put yourself through this,” he warned, then took a breath and continued softly. “We viewed it.  Believe me when I say there is nothing you can learn from the message.”

Pushing Superman aside, Nightwing strode to the computer terminal.  He then typed the command that would display the message from Ra's Al Ghul.

Dick shivered when he saw the man’s gaunt, skeletal appearance magnified by a ghostly white pallor.  It was easy to surmise his job description based on the plastic coat and rubber boots alone.  The man’s facial crevices rose in a disturbing, and pathologically sadistic, pattern as he surveyed the table – a table filled with various surgical tools and devices.

He watched as Bruce’s tormentor picked up something that resembled a baton.  The man lovingly appraised the instrument then held it to the camera, taunting its viewers.   Dick knew what the tool was – an electrical baton.  But, this was no ordinary prod – it had a base large enough to hold massive electrical output.

Switched on, the device crackled with intensity.  Dick watched as Bruce held his tormentor’s gaze, a challenging grin spreading across his face.  The man appeared unaffected, continuing with the job he was hired to do. 

Lifting the device with his gloved hands, he began at the top, touching it at the hollow of Bruce's throat.  The currents screamed and sparked at the contact while Bruce’s head banged against the wall in back of him.  He grimaced in pain, but said nothing. 

A full minute passed.  To recharge the device or build apprehension for the next shock, Dick didn't know.  Bruce's torturer again raised the baton and touched the middle of his chest.  His grunts echoed in Dick’s head.

Again, a full minute passed.  The baton moved to Bruce’s abdomen.  The small group gathered at the monitor watched Bruce’s body as it convulsed in agony.  Dick noticed as Wonder Woman turned away at the spectacle while Superman stood stoically behind him for support.  J’onn was to his left, his eyes locked on Talia, who showed very little emotion.  She had become accustomed to her father’s methods, even if they were inflicted on her ‘beloved’.

Electrical burns were beginning to form on his already battered body, turning a dark, sickly color before their eyes.   Bruce gasped and fought for control, using a meditation technique Dick recognized immediately.  One full minute.  The baton was lowered further still.  Dick averted his eyes for a moment then forced himself to watch for any clues Bruce might have given during this ordeal.  The electrical surge was heard followed by a muffled scream. Dick turned away as the vomit from Bruce’s mouth trickled down his chest.

The Demon’s voice interrupted the sickening event.  “How long do you think he will be able to withstand my methods?  I expect to hear from you soon.”

The screen went blank.

Dick buried his head in his hands, shaking as his stomach threatened to give up its contents.  He felt the reassuring hands of Superman on his shoulder which he quickly shoved away.  He stumbled to the trophy case which housed an earlier version of the Bat suit, spurring vivid memories of a time when he flew the nights with Batman. 

The silence in the cave was thick.  The bats even seemed to know when to keep quiet.  “Do not negotiate,” Nightwing broke the silence with his hoarse declaration.

“What?” Superman asked, confused.

“Bruce has a contingency plan for every occasion.  He made me memorize a code he developed a few years ago.  It works something like Morse code, but it’s unrecognizable to those who don’t know what to look for.  His grunts were a message to me.”

“Are you certain?” J’onn asked.

Dick wiped his wet eyes with the back of his hand.  “Positive.”

"Wait a minute.  What exactly did he say?" Superman wanted to know.

"He said ‘do not negotiate’, nothing more,” he said softly.

“If you do not help my father, he will kill Bruce,” Talia cried out.

"You are not actually suggesting that we do nothing?" Wonder Woman questioned. "We haven't even started looking for him."

“Maybe we can talk to Ra’s…,” Superman began but was immediately interrupted.

“NO! Absolutely not!  We will not negotiate.”

“I never said we’d negotiate.  But, we might just buy Bruce some time,” Superman argued.

“We cannot just give up on him,” Wonder Woman pleaded.

“We are treading on dangerous ground.   Do we really want to sit at the same table with a known enemy?  It would set a dangerous precedent,” J’onn argued.

“We can’t just sit and watch him die,” Superman shouted.

“Dammit he’s my father.” Nightwing’s voice broke.  “But, there’s something bigger at stake here.  Bruce understood that when he sent me that message.”

Superman’s shoulders slumped. “Then he’ll die.”

“We’ll find him,” Nightwing returned, not intending to give up.

“We don’t have much time,” Superman returned.

Nightwing paced the room in thought.  He would not give up that easily.  “Talia, can you contact Ra’s? I mean by phone, not on the computer?” Nightwing asked.

“There is a number where a message can be left to speak with him.  He will then contact me,” she explained.

“Good,” Nightwing exclaimed excitedly then turned to J’onn.  “J’onn, if a direct phone link is established with Ra’s, can you read his thoughts?”

“Yes,” J’onn answered, comprehending Nightwing’s plan.

Superman slapped Nightwing on the back proudly.  “Bruce would be proud, Dick.  Great job!”

My tormentor has proven his talent in his work.  My body is a bloody mess and despite my best techniques, the pain is almost unbearable.  Worse than the pain, fatigue is starting to set in. I have steeled myself against it, but my resolve is starting to weaken. Until I can determine a method of escape, to ensure my survival and my sanity, I have no choice but to give myself over to fantasy. I would never entertain such dreams otherwise - they are simply too dangerous. They erode my control and allow for the possibility of something taking the place of my mission.  But I am desperate. The dreams are the only tool to be used in the interim - I need every advantage possible.

He watched as she gazed at the various objects that were displayed with great care - the only semblance of affection he allowed Batman to show.  Jason's battle-worn Robin uniform - a good soldier.  The original Robin's uniform worn by his son - his adopted son in whom he felt great pride, but seldom demonstrated.  Barbara's Batgirl costume - another good soldier still fighting the good fight, but now in other ways as the Oracle. 

She turned and smiled as he followed her every move. Slipping off his cowl he walked toward her with purposeful strides.  When he stopped, her back was pressed against the glass case wall. 

“What are you looking at?” she asked with a smirk.

“Diana, you are so beautiful,” he whispered, then moved closer, pressing her more firmly against the sleek glass.

He was so close and he imagined the feel of her breath on his lips as they met in a gentle kiss.  He imagined her smell which had always overwhelmed his senses whenever she was present.  She never wore perfume – she didn’t need

to. He needed to feel her, touch her - no longer wanting to deny what he’d desired for so long.   He suddenly felt her mouth on his, deep and passionate, as she embraced him.  His arms snaked around her waist, pulling her closer. 

“I want you,” he whispered huskily in her ear, then unfastened the top of her uniform.

He trailed kisses down her neck and stopped as he pulled the bodice free from her body.  He gazed at her beauty, then pulled her in his embrace, probing her mouth with his own.

His hands explored her body as his tongue explored her mouth, with a passion too long denied.  But in the distance there was a faint voice, demanding to be heard.  He squeezed his eyes shut to the intrusion and kissed her again – hard and desperate.  The voice, however, was insistent in its demands and now echoed through the cave.

Stumbling backward, he clutched his head at the pain each syllable caused.

No, not again.  Must hold on…

"Detective, it’s time to come back now.  Detective...”

Ice cold water hit his tattered body and the electrical currents screamed as they made contact with his skin - his grunts becoming louder as the intensity of the charge was increased.

"So glad to see that you have decided to rejoin us,” Ra’s taunted.  ”We can't have you leaving us again."

He held a syringe in front of Bruce.  "This is my unique concoction. It blocks the neurotransmitters of your brain.  You will no longer be able to fall back on even the most basic of thought patterns.  Joy, despair, anxiety and fear – those emotions that you’ve spent a lifetime commanding, will be out of your reach.  It also has a hallucinogen – for added fun,” Ra’s sneered.  “Your fantasy world will no longer give you the relief you seek nor will you be able to control it. It’s a pity, really, but I guarantee it will give the League the performance of a lifetime.”

“They will not give into your demands, Ra’s.  No matter what you do to me,” Bruce growled weakly.

“We shall soon see, Detective.”

Ra's turned to his hired torturer.  "Give him the drug."

 Talia patiently waited for her contact to pick up the line.  “What do you require?” the voice answered.

“I must speak with my father.”

“Your father will contact you when you are needed.  He is not to be disturbed,” came the gruff reply.

“Tell him that if he wishes to obtain the Thanagarian shield technology, he will contact me immediately.” She disconnected the line.

Oracle had tapped into Talia’s cell phone through a satellite relay system.   If J’onn were unable to establish a telepathic link with Ra’s , as a back-up plan she hoped to trace the call with her computers.  

The assembled group waited, hoping that Ra’s reply would be swift.  Within minutes the musical chime of Talia’s phone echoed in the cave. 

“Hello, father,” Talia answered calmly.

“Talia, this better be worth my time,” Ra’s warned. 

“Oh, it is, my father.  I have infiltrated the Justice League.  Like many of the world’s governments, they are at odds with each other on how to handle the situation you have thrust upon them.  I fear a decision will not be made expeditiously.   Therefore, for the sake of my beloved, I have decided to take matters into my own hands.”

“Can you obtain the technology?”

“Yes, although it will not be an easy task.  I require time.  And I require that no further harm come to my beloved.

“Dear Talia, you know very well that the Detective is my bargaining chip – with the Justice League and now with you,” Ra’s told his daughter.   “The deal that I extended to the League applies to you as well.”

“Very well.  You will be hearing from me soon,” Talia relented and disconnected the line.

“J’onn?” Nightwing anxiously waited as the Martian’s eyes returned to their normal shade.

“He is in the desert – a city beneath the sand.”  He hesitated.  “I’m sorry.  His mind is well controlled and the connection almost impossible to follow.  That is all I saw.”

“My father has a compound in the Sahara.  He had established a fortress underground if it ever became necessary to go into hiding.”

"Oracle, can you verify?”  Superman questioned.

"Negative, Superman.  Whatever technology he’s using on his end sent me on a wild goose chase,” Oracle answered with disbelief evident in her voice.  “Man, I’d sure like to get my hands on whatever he was using to block my trace.  We could use it.”

"You may get your chance, Oracle.  I intend to see to it that Ra's operation is shut down for good.  I won’t let him terrorize my family again,” Dick promised.

Bruce felt the effects of the drug almost immediately.  The slaps across his face gave him momentary clarity.  "It’s not yet time to sleep, Mr. Wayne.  We have a performance scheduled.  Your friends are waiting to see you."  He walked to the camera and turned it on.

"Go to hell," Bruce slurred.

"You are a tough one, I'll admit that much.  However, every man has a breaking point.  And I think I'm about to discover yours."

The drugs took away Bruce's ability to block out the pain.  Screaming in agony at the relentless electrical currents streaming through his body, he gratefully succumbed to darkness.

The doctor smiled at his small victory, finally taking away the Batman’s resolve.

Bruce awoke and managed to lift a wobbly head.  He squinted, trying to focus on his surroundings, when he noticed his visitor.

“Dick?”

Dick yawned.  “Yeah, it’s me.”

He squeezed his eyes shut, trying to clear the cobwebs.  “What are you doing here?”

Dick began eating popcorn from a bag he was holding.  “Oh, I’m here for the show,” he managed between bites.

"Show?" he asked, confused.

"Yeah!  You see, that walking horror show will be back in a few minutes to continue with his 'interrogation'," Dick stated, using the quote sign with his hands for emphasis.  "Those drugs they gave you will make you lose all inhibitions.  I really wanted to be here for that."

"Why?"

"Because maybe I'll finally see how you really feel about things -- like me.  God knows you'll never let anyone see that side of you clean and sober."

“Do you hate me that much?”

Dick shook his head.  “You don’t get it, do you?  You never did.”

“Then explain it to me.”

“I idolized you.  I actually thought that after you adopted me, things would be different.  But you went back into your same old routine, not letting anyone get close enough to make a difference.”  Dick stopped and walked closer to Bruce, lifting his chin to meet his eyes.  “When I was a kid, you gave me hope.  You acted like you gave a damn.  What happened, Bruce?”

“You grew up.  You left me.  I knew you would, it was just a matter of time.”  He couldn’t stop his thoughts from escaping his lips.

“That’s sick, Bruce.  Really, sick.  My growing up didn’t mean that I didn’t still need you or want you.  Dammit, you’re my dad!  I’ve known you longer than I did my natural father!”  His anger rose. “Didn’t you think that that would have an effect on me?”

“But I’m not your father.  As much as I want to be, I’m not.  I’m not worthy of the title.”

“Why not?  What is it that makes you unworthy?”

He began to shake with emotion. “What father would give his son the kind of life I gave you?” His voice cracked.

“You saved my life in more ways than one.  If it hadn’t been for you, I would have wound up on the streets.  I’d be a fool not to realize that.  Being Robin gave me hope.  Dammit, you gave me hope!”

Bruce only shook his head despondently, not yet able to accept the truth.

"Dad, I need you.  Don't let them win.  Come back to me," the image of Dick spoke as he faded from view, disappearing completely.

Talia was seated behind the Amazon pilot and leaned over to voice her concern.  “Are you certain that this invisible plane will go undetected by my father’s sensors?” She was uneasy about flying in something she could not see.

“Positive,” Wonder Woman returned with evident ire in her voice. “It is composed of magic.  I’m not aware of any technology, Thanagarian or otherwise, that is able to detect magic, unless there’s something you aren’t telling us?”

Talia ignored the comment. Turning to the rear compartment, she saw that Superman, Nightwing and J’onn had gathered to discuss the situation.  Given the frosty climate in the cockpit, she decided that the atmosphere might prove warmer with them. “Any ideas on how to defeat those meta sensors?” Superman asked, glancing up as she walked back.  He hoped to transport the Metas aboard the plane, directly into the hidden compound in search of Batman.  The Meta sensors were just one of many security measures they would have to face.

“Talia and I will have to go in alone.  The Justice League’s dampening shields should provide the cover needed to get into the compound,” Nightwing explained.  “We just can’t find a way around those meta sensors.”

J’onn nodded his agreement.  “From the information Talia was able to give us on Ra’s technological storehouse, I’m certain that the Watchtower’s transporters will also be useless.  The invisible plane can be used as a conduit for short-range transportation.  We can transport to Nightwing’s location at the first sign of trouble or when we find Bruce,” he explained.

“I don’t like the idea of sending you out there alone,” Superman told Nightwing.  “Bruce would never forgive me if anything happened to you.”

“If Ra’s knows we’re here, he’ll kill Bruce before we’re able to find him,” Nightwing replied grimly.  “Besides, Bruce knows that I have a mind of my own and that I wouldn’t sit idly by while he’s being tortured to death.”

“I guess I don’t like not being able to go in there and tear the place apart,” Superman admitted.

Nightwing stood and placed a hand on Superman’s shoulder, this time offering him support.  “You’ll get your chance soon enough – once we find Bruce and he’s safe.”

Superman gave Dick a sad grin.  “I know.  I just wish the odds were more in our favor.”

Nightwing nodded his agreement then turned to Talia who now stood next to them.  “Did you give Diana the coordinates?”

“Yes,” she answered, double-checking the weapons Nightwing had provided.

"Good.  So, here's the plan."

Every technique he used failed.  His thoughts were erratic and impossible to stabilize.  He opened his eyes slowly and surveyed his surroundings. 

“Hello, young man.  About time you awoke.”

“Alfred?” he slurred.

“And just who else were you expecting?”

“This isn’t real.” He shook his head.  “Go away.”

“But I am very real.  As real as the psychosis that has conjured me here.”

“What are you talking about?”

“I am the manifestation of your fears.  In this instance, your fear of my disapproval for the choices you’ve made in your life.”

“So, you do disapprove?”

“I wished more for your life.  That is no secret.”  Alfred dusted the metal chair with his handkerchief, then sat down.  “Do you have a plan?”

“A plan?”

“Yes, a plan.  To escape this dungeon.”  He grimaced as he regarded Bruce’s prison.

“I’m not sure I can escape,” he admitted wearily.

“I knew this day would come.”  Alfred shook his head in disappointment. 

“What day?”

“The day I would have to bury my son.”  Alfred turned and wiped a tear that had fallen carelessly down his cheek.  “You are my son, you know.  I couldn’t love my own flesh and blood as much as I have loved you.  And yet, I couldn’t help you.  Couldn’t convince you to lead a normal life.  Couldn’t teach you how to be happy.

“You gave me everything, Alfred.  You’re the reason I’m even alive today.”

Alfred stood.  “Not for long, I’m afraid.  I had such hopes and dreams for your life.  Certainly not this.”

“Don’t say that.  I’ve done everything I knew how to make things right after they died.”

“My dear boy.  You cannot take on the world.  You haven’t made a real difference.  Your parents are weeping in their graves at the waste your life has become.”

Bruce gasped.  “No.  No!  I won’t believe that.” 

“But it’s the truth.”

“Noooooo,” he sobbed.  “You’re not real.”  He shut his eyes tight, trying to focus his thoughts.  “Not real.”

“Who’s not real, Brucie?” the feminine voice asked.

He was startled by the familiar intonation and opened his eyes in bewilderment.  “Mom?”

“Oh Brucie.  What has happened to you?”  Martha Wayne stood in front of her son in tears.  “My Brucie,” she tried to soothe.

“Mom…,” he choked.  “I…I’ve missed you so much.”

“I know, baby.  But I’m here now.”

“Don’t leave me.  Please, don’t leave again.”

“Honey, I never left you.  I’ve been nearby, watching over you.”

“I’m so sorry, Mom.”

“Sorry?  Whatever for, dear?”

“For not saving you.  For not protecting you and Dad.  I just didn’t know what to do,” he wailed.

“Shh…Brucie, there was nothing you could have done.  It wasn’t your fault.”

“I beg to differ.  He could have distracted that punk long enough for me to tackle the gun from his hand.  But, no.  He froze.”  A voice from the shadows spoke. 

Bruce shook his head violently.  “No sir.  I tried.  I tried really hard to help.  I just didn’t know what I was supposed to do.”

“It’s your fault that we died, Bruce.”  The voice emerged from the shadows.  “It’s your fault your mother and I lay bleeding in a filthy alley.”

Bruce’s eyes widened at the sight of his father.  “Dad, please!  I tried.  I’m still trying.  I made you a promise.  Didn’t you hear me?  Have you seen what I’ve done since?” Bruce pleaded.

“Yes I heard.  So you didn’t want anyone else to go through what you went through.  Sounds all very righteous.  But, just look where’s it’s gotten you – alone in a dungeon, dying.” Dr. Wayne stood in front of his son, shaking his head.  “Such a waste.”

Bruce shut his eyes tight again.  “NOOOOO!” he shouted, sobbing, while the camera’s red light flickered, recording his response to the hallucinations.  “You’re not real!”  He collapsed.

They exited the invisible plane without incident. While the dampening fields hid their presence from the various sensors scattered in the desert, once free of the plane’s atmospheric protection, the heat immediately assaulted them.  Nightwing looked back at where they’d just disembarked and eyed the empty expanse.  An odd feeling of comfort crept through him, knowing that three members of the Justice League were hidden within the plane just a few feet away – unseen by the human eye and undetectable by anything known to man.

He turned to Talia who nodded in the direction they were to take.  He returned the nod then followed her lead up a large sand dune.  The desert sun’s glare was blinding, prompting him to adjust the lenses of his mask to shield its intensity.  He’d cut his teeth on Gotham’s humid, scorching summers, but nothing compared to the heat that currently attacked his senses.  Kevlar provided him the protection he needed as Bludhaven’s protector, but it was also damned hot.

The journey to the top of the dune wasn’t easy.  The loose sand made it difficult to obtain sure footing and the heat sapped his energy with every step.  He watched with envy as Talia barely struggled against the harsh elements. Given her ease with the terrain, he wondered how much time she’d actually spent with Ra’s at this desert compound. 

Talia stopped when she reached the top of the sand mountain.  Nightwing positioned himself next to her and then looked down to see a long forgotten ancient city, the decay of age now marking its walls. 

“He’s in there?  It doesn’t look like it would stand up to one man let alone the army of men that you claim are with Ra’s.”

“He is not within these old remnants but beneath them,” she said, making her way into the rock city below.  Nightwing wiped his brow with the back of his hand and then followed.

They stepped within the massive stone arches of the city’s entrance - the shade of its cover providing much needed relief against the sun’s vibrant glare.  Talia sat silently, her back against the stone wall.

“What are you doing?  Let’s get down there!” Nightwing barked.

“We must wait.”

“Wait?” he asked, his patience wearing thin.  “Wait for what?”

“There is a change of guard in my father’s security room in exactly one hour.  At that time,  I will use my access code to create an opening to the compound.  It should go undetected if we time it perfectly.”

“Should?  You mean you don’t know?” Nightwing asked nervously.

“It is a chance that we have to take.  Once inside, we have to move quickly.  Within  fifteen minutes my access code will show upon the computer.

He sat beside her.  “So, I guess we wait.”

“There’s another message,” Wonder Woman solemnly told the group.  The plane’s computer was monitoring for any messages that Ra’s might send.

Superman and J’onn joined her in the cockpit.  They exchanged hesitant glances.  “Put it on screen,” Superman said softly. 

The superheroes braced themselves for the inevitable, but they could not look away.  Dick had showed them what to look for, expecting that  Bruce would send another message.

They listened to Ra’s as he told Bruce about the hallucinogens,  then watched as his hired thug gave Bruce the injection.  The drugs effects were evident in his demeanor almost immediately. 

“You are a tough one, I’ll admit that much,” the man was telling him.  “However, every man has a breaking point, and I think I’m about to discover yours.”   A barrage of electrical shocks followed, but the drugs flowing through his system had stripped away his resolve.  Bruce’s screams were seared in their minds as the torturer merely smiled at his accomplishment. 

Wonder Woman cried silently.  “I can’t…do this,” she said and walked a few feet away, her back to the console.  After a moment, Bruce spoke.

“Dick?” 

They heard him ask and knew that he was hallucinating.

“What are you doing here?”

“Show?”

“Why?”

They were hearing the one-sided conversation that Bruce was having with his mind’s vision of his son.

“Do you hate me that much?”

Superman winced.  He knew of the sometimes contentious relationship between Bruce and Dick.   He felt like a voyeur, intruding on the private feelings of a man who would never share them otherwise.  Bruce was his teammate and friend, but had very seldom confided something so personal.

“Then explain it to me.”

“You grew up.  You left me.  I knew you would, it was just a matter of time.”

“But I’m not your father.  As much as I want to be, I’m not.  I’m not worthy of the title.”

“What father would give his son the kind of life I gave you?”

A sob escaped Wonder Woman’s lips when Bruce’s voice cracked with emotion.

 “So,” Dick began when Talia’s silence began to unnerve him.  “Since we seem to have some time to spare, mind if we talk?”  Being alone with Talia provided him the opportunity to delve deeply into her motivations as well as to find out about her relationship with Bruce.  Not that it was any of his business, but when had  that ever stopped him? 

Talia shrugged.  “What do you want to talk about?”

 “Well, let’s see,” he began, fingering his chin in mock contemplation.  His gaze turned serious.  “How about the reasons you betrayed him, to start?”

Talia sighed.  “You would never understand.”

“Try me,” he said.

Talia looked at him indignantly, but kept her voice even.  “My father has killed men for speaking to me in such a manner.”

“And my father loved you. You broke his heart,” he returned, not willing to back down.

She looked away but said nothing, lips trembling with emotion. 

“I just don’t get it,” he continued.  “I think that you loved him once…maybe still love him.”

“I do still love him,” she whispered.

“Then why?”

“My father offered him a place at his side.  To rule with him.  Bruce rejected his offer.”

“So you chose to stay with your father?”

“I had no choice.”

“There always a choice.  How can you follow a man that would torture someone you claim to love?”

“I do not agree with my father’s methods, but his vision is a noble one,” she returned, her voice rising in anger.  She visibly calmed herself, taking a deep breath before continuing.  “My father told me that if I were to leave with Bruce, he would kill us both,” she admitted.

Dick’s was surprised. He tried feebly to reinforce his argument, but admired the nobility of Talia’s choice. His preconceived notions of her were now warring within him.  “Bruce could have protected you both,” he finally sputtered.

“Just like he protected himself against Ra’s on Gotham’s rooftops?”

Dick bowed his head in resignation.  “I’m sorry.  If it’s any consolation…I understand why you did what you did.” 

“Bruce does not understand.”

“I’ve known Bruce a long time.  He probably figures that the choice should have been his to make.”

She nodded her agreement and then continued hesitantly.  “What of Wonder Woman?  There is a bond between them.”

“Yeah, kinda.  I was hoping…. it’s a difficult thing for him….To give his heart, I mean.”

Talia nodded.  “I imagine that I have made it even more difficult,” she said quietly.

Dick started to reply when she raised a hand to stop him.  “We best prepare to enter the compound,” she said, changing the subject.  “It will be well guarded.”

The recording ended.  Wonder Woman wept freely, but her anger and resolve were etched firmly on her face.  “Hera help Ra’s when I find him,” she muttered. 

Superman and J’onn sat in the plane’s cockpit, too stunned by the images to respond.  Bruce’s pleas, to what they knew to be hallucinations of his family, were something they would never forget - especially coming from a man who had long ago learned to channel his emotions into vengeance.

Superman stood and placed a hand on Diana’s shoulder.  They both knew that they were counted among Bruce’s friends – the few who shared his secret.  But, they also realized that there were some secrets that he shared with no one.  Knowing that this proud, silent man had his secret feelings exposed for all to see was too much to bear.

“We’ll find him, Diana.  I promise…we’ll bring him home.”

Nightwing and Talia entered the compound undetected, stealthily making their way through the seemingly endless maze of corridors that made up this vast facility.  To Nightwing, each corridor looked the same, making him wonder if they were going in circles.

“You have any idea where Bruce is?” he whispered under his breath.

“There is an interrogation room my father uses to extract valuable information from his captives.”

“Is that just a pretty way of saying that Bruce is in Ra’s torture chamber?”

Talia remained silent.

“How much farther?” He was impatient.  Time was running out.

They reached the end of the corridor which branched out into another hallway.  With her back pressed against the wall, she twisted slightly in order to peer around the corner, knowing that this particular area would be well guarded. 

She quickly straightened.  “There is one guard.  He is stationed in front of the interrogation room.”

“Any ideas on getting past him?”

“Just one.”  Talia took a calming breath and then strolled down the corridor toward the guard.  Head held high, she was every inch the Master’s daughter.  The guard was surprised by her appearance, but was trained to obey his Master with no questions asked.  That obedience evidently extended to Talia as well. 

“Let me in,” she demanded.

“Mistress Talia, I did not know you were here,” the guard replied as he hurriedly unlocked the door for her.

A quiet thud and the guard collapsed to the ground.  “Nice thinking,” Nightwing admitted as he hoisted the unconscious guard over his shoulder.

They opened the door cautiously, not wanting any surprises to greet them from the inside. Talia entered first, hoping to replay her performance for any other unsuspecting henchmen. 

The room was dark, but no other guards were visible.  Nightwing followed, dumping the unconscious guard unceremoniously onto the floor.  He straightened then gasped when light flooded the room.  He rushed to Bruce’s side while Talia was frozen in place – her hand still on the light switch. 

“Bruce.  Bruce, please be all right.”

There was a soft groan in response.

“Bruce, its Dick.  We’re gonna get you out of here.”  He looked around the room for something to unchain his father.  “Talia, help me free him.”

Talia gathered her wits and swiftly moved to a control panel on the wall.  She lifted her hand to make contact with the panel when Nightwing stopped her.

“Wait.  Someone’s coming,” he informed her.  They slipped to the side wall, hidden in the shadows when the door opened. 

Bruce’s tormentor entered the room and stood before him.  He gave his prisoner’s face a couple of slaps.  Nightwing lurched forward but was stopped by Talia.  ”Detective?  Wake up, Detective.  Pleasant dreams?” The man laughed sadistically as Bruce opened his eyes.

The feral look in Bruce’s eyes was unnerving.  Since he’d known Bruce, he’d never before seen him display that kind of fear.

Bruce’s torturer took out a syringe.  “Are you ready for another dose, Detective?  I am quite certain you will enjoy it.” 

Nightwing’s stomach lurched at the sound of the man’s voice – the sick enjoyment in making his father suffer.

“No!” he shouted and jumped across the room, knocking the man down.  A swift kick to his head made certain that he wouldn’t be getting back up any time soon.

“Sssorrry.  Sso sssorry,” Bruce was mumbling incoherently.

Nightwing took his face in his hands.  “Bruce.  Bruce, look at me.  It’s Dick.  We’re gonna get you out of here.”

“Nooot real.”

“It’s okay.  We’ll be home soon.” Nightwing nodded to Talia who released the restraints from the control panel.

Bruce crumpled onto Nightwing. The younger man staggered under his weight, then gently lowered his father to the floor, propping him in Talia’s arms.  He touched his face.  “I promise you, Ra’s will be stopped.” 

“And just how will you manage to stop me?”

Nightwing spun around to see Ra’s al Ghul standing inside the doorway and quickly positioned himself away from Bruce and Talia.  “By destroying your little storehouse of technology for starters.  Then I’m gonna take you down.”

Ra’s laughed.  “You certainly think highly of your skills.  Do you honestly believe that you alone can destroy me?”  His face hardened.  “Surely the Detective has taught you to never underestimate your opponent.”

In the blink of an eye, Ra’s drew a katana sword and raised it to strike a deadly blow.  But, Nightwing was well trained and had his escrima sticks at the ready, blocking the lethal blow just inches above his head.

With his sword blocked, Ra’s had no choice but to step back.  He grinned, “Very good.  You have learned well.  But, you are still no match against me.  I will defeat you.”  He turned to Talia and sneered bitterly.  “And my daughter with you.”

Talia silently watched the confrontation between Nightwing and her father then looked down at her beloved.  Holding his bloody body in her arms, she made her decision.

She maneuvered her hand beneath Bruce and reached for the tiny device

hidden in her belt.  She and Dick both carried transponders which

automatically activated the transporter at their command; however, with 

the various dampeners surrounding the compound, only short-range 

transportation could be managed.  

She watched as Dick deliberately circled away from Bruce, drawing Ra’s attention.  He held onto his escrima sticks, making it impossible to trigger his transponder without provoking an attack and having Bruce injured or killed in the process.  He was also out of the transporter’s range if she were to activate her transponder.  

She made her decision.  She pressed the button and within seconds, the mechanical hum of the system could be heard, drowned out by Ra’s rage-filled command for his guards to shoot.  But, they were not fast enough.  She and Bruce were safe within the transporters beam and would be aboard the invisible plane in a matter of seconds.

The invisible plane received the transporter alert of a pending arrival.  The Justice League gathered as the materialization was completed and found Talia holding Bruce on the floor.

J’onn was the first to reach them and swiftly picked up Bruce, laying him flat.  Wonder Woman was at his side, covering his naked body with a thin sheet that was kept with the plane’s emergency medical supplies.

Superman moved to Talia.  “Where’s Dick?”

She stood silent, her gaze never leaving her beloved as J’onn assessed his injuries.

Superman grabbed her arm and turned her to face him.  “I said, where’s Dick?”

“Nightwing was not within reach of the transporter’s beam.  He remains in the compound,” she recounted, returning her gaze to Bruce.

“Why wasn’t he within reach?  Were you separated?”

Talia remained silent, continuing her watch over Bruce.

Again, Superman turned her to face him.  “What happened to Dick?” he shouted.

She shrugged from his grasp.  “He is probably dead by now.” Her tone was even, betraying no emotion.  “My father discovered our presence.”

“You left him behind?” he asked, shocked.  “Didn’t you?”

“Yes.  There was no other choice.”

“There’s always a choice,” Wonder Woman fumed, rising from Bruce’s side. “You just keep making the wrong ones.”

“I’m going after him,” Superman declared as he readied the transport.

Wonder Woman stood ready to accompany the Man of Steel.

“You cannot.  As I said, he is probably dead already.  Ra’s would not have let him live.  His rage was too great,” Talia explained.  “We’ve wasted enough time discussing the matter. We should be getting Bruce the medical attention he needs.”

“Bruce would never leave his son behind, and neither will I,” Superman promised.

“You are a fool,” Talia spat.  “I did what was necessary to save him.”

“You could have summoned us,” Wonder Woman countered.

Talia turned to Wonder Woman.  “My way was quicker.  Surely you must understand.”

“Not when it may have cost the life of an innocent.  Not when ‘he’ would have wanted his son’s life placed above his own.”

Superman and Wonder Woman materialized in the chamber that had just minutes before held Bruce.  They shivered.  Not because of the near freezing temperatures that made the room an artic prison, but because of the familiar images from the video feeds sent by Ra’s

Superman stiffened in anger trying to glare through the walls in search of Dick.  His attempt proved futile as he realized that the walls had to be lined with lead, making his x-ray vision useless. 

His eyes glared red as he began his search, tearing down walls that stood in his way.  He would tear the place apart until Dick was found.  He glanced at Wonder Woman whose anger was as flared as his own, making her own mark on Ra’s domain.

Superman’s comm. link chirped with an alert of an incoming message.

He stopped and activated the link.  “What is it, J’onn?”

“There is an unidentified object emerging from the facility.  It looks to be some sort of aircraft.”

“It could be a decoy,” Wonder Woman suggested.

“Shall I check it out?” J’onn offered.

“No.  Stay with Bruce.  I’ll take care of it.”

Superman raised his fist with determined grit and flew straight up through the layers of rock that hid the compound from view, reaching the clear sky in minutes.  Wonder Woman continued forcing her way through the structure, leaving no space to hide.

J’onn returned to the care of his patient.  Talia sat next to her ‘beloved’ holding his hand and speaking to him in soft, reassuring tones.  But, Bruce didn’t register her presence.  He stared at nothing, eyes widened in fear.

In the small space of the plane’s rear, J’onn’s eyes cast a soft glow against the opaque walls.  He would never intrude in the mind of a teammate under normal circumstances, especially Batman’s.  But these weren’t normal circumstances.

Bruce’s hardened features slowly softened as J’onn reached deeply into his mind, relaxing the nerve center that channeled memories and that the drugs worked to stimulate.  Within minutes, Bruce was asleep.

Talia looked at J’onn with gratitude.  “Whatever you did it worked.  He seems more peaceful.”

“It is temporary, I’m afraid.  The drugs are still strong in his system.”

“He needs medical attention – a hospital.  We cannot wait any longer,” she pleaded.

J’onn looked into her eyes and spoke with calm authority.  “What he needs is his son. The physical damage can be healed. It’s the psychological trauma that concerns me. His mind has been torn asunder – the drugs forced him to confront the demons he’s sublimated for years. Bruce needs to regain control of his mind and his emotions, or I’m afraid the scars will become permanent.”

“And Nightwing can help do that?”

“In his current state, Bruce could not handle another loss like Jason Todd. An uninjured Nightwing could provide Bruce with the assurance he needs.”

“You’re a shape-shifter,” Talia pointed out. “Could you not pretend to be Nightwing for even a few moments?”

“There is a special bond that exists between Dick Grayson and Bruce Wayne.  A bond that I am unable to manufacture. We have to hope Nightwing can hold out long enough for help to arrive.”

Superman spotted the aircraft immediately, heading north.  He caught up with it easily enough, and ripped the engine from its mount, throwing it to the desert sand below.  Holding it steady with one hand, he landed atop Ra’s compound.

Once safely on the ground, Superman ripped the door from its hinges, finding a lone figure, clad in black, katana at the ready.  He smirked at the display and with lightning speed, disarmed the commando.

Realizing that the aircraft was a ploy to detract him from finding Dick, Superman’s face hardened in rage.  He burrowed a new hole leading into the compound with renewed determination.

She encountered the first barrage of Ra’s army and fought them easily, driving them back.  However, her advance had only led her to another group of soldiers. By the way they flung themselves freely into harm’s way, she realized they were more than willing to die for their Master.

Although she knew she could defeat these mere mortal men just as she had the last group, she quickly realized their intention – they were buying Ra’s time to escape.

“Need any help?” She turned to find Superman.

“They weren’t in the aircraft, were they?”

“No, it was a decoy.”

“I thought as much.  This is the second group of Ra’s men that I’ve encountered,” she explained.  “I believe they are trying to slow us down.”

“Ra’s must be near,” Superman determined.  “Let’s go.”  The two superheroes flew above Ra’s army of men, not willing to waste precious time in their search.

They landed to find another group, waiting to do battle.  Their weapons were more sophisticated than their counterparts, an obvious indication of the importance of their position, and their close proximity to Ra’s.

The lasers that were used were something she’d never before encountered.  And although she deflected the beams with her bracelets, the rapidity of the discharges were too great, even for her.  She turned to her left to beckon Superman for a quick departure when she found him crumpled on the ground.  Finding cover behind debris from the fallen walls of the compound, she lifted a large section of lead laden wall to use as a shield. 

She flew to him and lifted him onto her shoulder, throwing her shield onto the army of goons.  She then flew in the opposite direction.

When she found a safe haven, she gently laid Superman on the floor.  “Superman.  Can you hear me?” she urged gently.  “Clark, are you alright?”

The color was slowly returning to his features.  “The lasers must be laced with kryptonite,” he managed weakly, trying to stand.

“How long will it take to regain your strength?” Wonder Woman questioned, lending a steadying hand to her teammate.

“Too long down here.  I need to get to the surface.”  Wonder Woman understood.  The rays of Earth’s sun would strengthen him.  They were his source of power.

Punching yet another hole in the compound, Wonder Woman carried her friend to the surface.

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