Chapter Text
Chapter 3: Assimilate
Dreary
Dark
Dull
Disconnected
Despair
Robin couldn't take it anymore.
What was this life he was living?
What was left to do to amend for his mistakes?
Why was he here?
Most importantly, what would his friends and Batman think of him for failing the mission and worst of all running away from everything without a trace?
"Disgrace"
He knows that. That he should be ashamed of himself. That he shouldn't have been so selfish. It was so painful. How does one get through this?
Little by little. A mirror of himself showing signs of cracks that only deepened and connect with others. Intertwining and forming fragments. Soon, all that's left to do is for it to shatter.
His mental state was deteriorating. He was lying on the cold barren ground without any signs of movement. He opened his eyes ever so slightly and recalled how he ended up here. Alone just like he wanted and deserved.
The clearest image that formed in his head was that he was running without taking in a puff of air. He got out of Mount Justice. He knew from his training that he needed supplies but that couldn't stop Batman from finding him. He needed to erase to himself from existence. Robin made a quick trip to the Bat Cave ever so quietly. He grabbed money, gadgets like a map and a communication device. To order takeout food, in case it was ever needed to keep a low profile or even if he's in danger. He can take care of himself is what he believed.
This was when it occurred to him that he needed more things to cloak himself. Megan was the first issue as for her telepathy communication. Wolf to detect scent. The most vital one is Batman, he might have placed a tracking device on him. Looks need to be covered up too as they could use surveillance to track him. Voice could be detected through recognition. He formed the most intricate plan he possibly could.
He tinkered and grabbed some pieces to form a bracelet. He designed it to create waves that disrupt telepathy or hopefully nullify his thoughts from being verbalize. He brought cologne and he decided to cover himself up with dirt or substances he can salvage to throw off his scent. He set an EMP wave device at the highest frequency possible without it being damaging to him. He took a fabric face mask, a hoodie and sunglasses to cover his face much as possible. He practiced talking in accents or tones in his voice to practice undercover work or to disguise his identity whenever he was threatened. He wore the bracelet and his cover up before setting out with a backpack having all his necessities. He left behind his grappling hook and headed for the bus station. Grappling hooks will draw too much attention towards himself. He waited for the bus and looked at the routes that he needed to take. The buses that he needed to transfer to get to his destination. He waited and boarded the bus and took one last glance at the city. He climbed inside the bus and sat at one of the last few rows. He sighed and watched the passing view. Lots of people, cars and buildings. Time to let it all go.
Robin remembered it as clear as day. It had led him to this place. He groaned and curled up to himself.
He felt hot. His head was cloudy. Body heavy. Weak.
He was not doing so well and it's only getting worse.
______________________________________________
Megan sat in her bedroom with her legs against her chest. Her normal routine would be to watch some 'Hello Megan!' but she couldn't even focus on it. It was so weird that Robin wasn't around. She wondered and she regret taking him for granted. The whole team might be to blame for taking him for granted as well and that made her a little better. She didn't even bother to put up her façade instead she just let her natural colors show. The green skin that she never felt comfortable in but she couldn't care less. She is not important at the moment. Robin is. She doesn't even know his real name. How much has she been ignoring him?
She made a last attempt as her eyes glowed green. She opened her mind links and she spread her search to a larger geographical area. It was loud and noisy with lots of murmuring of the crowds or other individuals. None of the voices sounded like Robin and she couldn't feel his mental presence anywhere. She sighed and ceased her power. Knowing her power would not make any significant progress. Megan prayed with all her heart that nothing has happened to him. She slowly placed her legs over the side of the bed before standing up and making her way towards the meeting area.
Megan recognized a particular blonde standing over the huge computer and was busy typing away. Her eyebrows were furrowed with intense concentration. The screen displayed dots across a map. She assumed the dots are the places that she checked into already. Megan approached Black Canary until she stood next to her.
"Is there anything I can do to help?" Megan inquired.
Black Canary whipped her head towards the direction of Megan's voice.
"I should be fine, just trying to be thorough with my search."
"You know… Why didn't we ask the League to help us? That would expand the search parties and areas that we can look into right?"
Black Canary sighed recalling the words that Bruce said.
"The League has the 'the Light' to worry about. They are close to finding out their plans. Batman also wants to make sure that he has checked every nook and cranny for Robin."
"What's wrong with Robin?" a robotic voice called.
Both ladies turned around and their eyes met with the Robotic man who dawned a blue cape.
The blonde moved away from the computer and moved closer to Red Tornado. She knew how much Red Tornado genuinely cared for the team like his own kids. She figured that she will let him join in the search but under a condition.
"Red Tornado, we need your help to find Robin, he ran away when I was doing therapy with him. But we can't let 'the League' know because of Batman's word. I trust his decision as this is 'his son' we are talking about."
Red Tornado started to collect air at his feet to prepare setting out on his search. He was desperate to make sure he was safe as well.
"I understand. Please keep me updated. I'm afraid for Robin." he said briefly as he went to the zeta tubes.
"1-6, Red Tornado"
"I think it's good we are getting help." Megan said while taking tentative steps towards Black Canary.
"I agree as well" Connor called out as he made his way over as well.
"The rest of the team are still searching and I came back with no luck as well."
Wolf made his way to Superboy's side and Connor in return gingerly pet his head.
"Wolf has trouble sniffing him out as well and I've been making rounds with Sphere as well… You don't think that… Robin is…"
"NO! Don't say that! We will find him!" Miss Megan cried out with her fists clenched.
"We have to…" Megan said as she sniffled which led to Connor hugging her for comfort.
"We will keep trying until we find him, we won't give up." Black Canary stated sternly.
Black Canary knew deep down knew if they don't find him soon. She was afraid it might lead to dire consequences.
______________________________________________
Kid Flash made his rounds the city again but this time he was in Star City. His home which he grew up in. He was a streak of yellow and red and sent papers or light objects flying as he passed by. In the process of finding Robin. He was scrambling around in his thoughts to think of any place he could have missed. There was the BatCave. Check. The Mount Justice. Check. Gotham City. Check. Outskirts?
Kid Flash eyes widened at the thought of the word 'outskirts'.
"Robin... you went to the other place that used to be your home but... oh no…"
Kid Flash skidded into a stop and made his ways into the outskirts where there were little towns. He made sharp turns until he found a warehouse that was empty. Robin took the circus. As crazy as that sounds. He knew the Boy Wonder was smart enough to figure out how but he couldn't have gone far. He went out of the town areas. Into an expanse land of dry land with only a couple of rocks structures or rocks of different sizes that stuck out of the ground. Until he saw a big red and white striped tent in the distance. He glanced around the place quickly. Not caring about the details as he wanted to see Robin. There were barrels, props and backdrop scattered about. That's when he saw a line of trailers with one of the lights on.
"ROBIN!"
He barged in through the door to witness a horrifying sight. Robin was lying on his side. He was sweaty and breathing rapidly through his mouth. He quickly kneeled next to him and turned him over. Using his hand to support his back. He was hot. Too hot. It had to be a really bad fever. Kid gently slapped his face. Robin eyes opened slightly. His pupils unfocused.
"Rob! ROB! Talk to me!" Kid Flash cried out.
"K...F?" he said with a hoarse voice.
Kid Flash sighed and placed his hands under his legs. He lifted him up bridal style.
"Shhh… Don't talk. I'm going to get you to the hospital." Wally's voice was shaky.
His world was spinning but he mustered enough strength to say what he needed to say.
"Don't…do that…B-Batman…Team-m… Will f-find…me…Can't…"
Wally was lost for words. He looked like he was dying but all he wanted was to be hidden away? He panicked and was lost on what course of action he should take next. One thing is for sure was that Robin needed help. A lot of help.