Chapter Text
Kaldur'ahm - Aqualad
Unknown Location
Unknown Time
Kaldur awoke first, his mind clouded in a thick, disorienting fog, as if an unseen weight pressed heavily on his thoughts. After a moment, he blinked open his eyes, slowly adjusting to his surroundings. He was enveloped in darkness—a blanket of shadows that shielded him from the harsh brightness of daylight. Yet, the stifling heat around him felt like an invisible hand squeezing the breath from his lungs, a persistent reminder of the vulnerabilities facing both him and M'gann.
Next to him lay M'gann, her skin slick with perspiration. Each droplet captured the faintest glimmers of light that filtered through the narrow confines of their prison. Her delicate green hands were tightly bound with rough, jagged ropes, cutting cruelly into her skin. A collar, unforgiving and ominous, clasped tightly around her throat, filling Kaldur with a surge of determination to protect her.
As despair surged within him, he looked down at his restraints, feeling a wave of dread wash over him—he was ensnared as well, the coarse fibres biting into his wrists. The cold collar around his neck felt constricting, a stark reminder of their captors' control.
With urgency, he reached inward, attempting to summon his powers, only to be met with a chilling emptiness that coursed through his veins. *This collar must suppress our abilities,* he thought, frustration bubbling up, but he quickly reminded himself to focus his energy.
Resolute not to succumb to panic, he took a deep, calming breath. He began to assess their situation—the stark reality of their confinement: a glass enclosure with three transparent walls that cruelly displayed their predicament, along with a solid, grey metal wall looming ominously nearby. Through the slick glass, he saw a dimly lit walkway stretching into shadows beyond their container, leading to two adjacent cages echoing with the quiet sounds of despair.
The heavy silence enveloped him, amplifying the unease in the air. Yet, even in the gloom, he recognised the outlines of his teammates, each captured within their glass prisons.
Conner and Wally were positioned to his right, their bodies still and vulnerable, while Robin and Artemis lay to his left, seemingly trapped in a state of suspended animation. Only Conner and Wally shared the same oppressive collars; though their expressions were obscured, the strain on their faces was evident.
Kaldur’s thoughts began to race, weighing each possibility that might lead to their escape. *These collars must be engineered specifically for metas,* he considered, the realisation crystallising in his mind and fueling his resolve.
Taking another deep breath, he fought against the tide of anxiety as he hoped for someone—anyone—to awaken, so he could confirm they were still safe. As their designated leader, he felt the immense responsibility of protecting his friends resting on his shoulders. With a renewed sense of determination, he steeled himself against the thought of failure, reminding himself that he would do everything in his power to free them.
Dick Grayson - Robin
Unknown Location
Unknown Time
Dick emerged from the depths of unconsciousness with a sense of purpose, the heavy fog of sleep lifting as if the world were clearing for a confrontation. A dim, flickering light streamed through the cracks in the boarded-up windows, casting an eerie glow that animated the shadows in the room, transforming them into distorted figures that seemed to come alive. He blinked several times, shaking off the remnants of sleep, and assessed his unfamiliar surroundings.
The walls, adorned with peeling wallpaper, showcased faded floral patterns that told tales of years gone by and neglect. A thick layer of dust coated the furniture—a forlorn armchair sagging under the weight of time, the rickety table beside it seeming ready to collapse under its history.
The musty air carried a chill that wrapped around him like a damp cloak, mingling with a strong sense of abandonment that urged him to piece together the fragments of his memory and understand how he had found himself in this desolate place.
In front of him, Kaldur and M'gann were encased in a sleek, transparent containment unit, the glass shining ominously in the dim light. The determination in their eyes radiated strength, locked in a silent communication that conveyed unwavering support and resolve in the face of danger.
To his left, Wally and Conner shared a similar fate, ensnared in another glass prison, their bodies coiled with tension—muscles poised, ready to spring into action like predators prepared to unleash their power. The atmosphere thrummed with charged energy, thick with urgency and determination.
Beside him, Artemis rested against the cold wall, her head tilted awkwardly, lost in a deep slumber. Her serene expression contrasted sharply with the turmoil around them, emphasising her vulnerability amid chaos.
Taking a moment to gather his thoughts, Dick shifted slightly, grimacing at the feeling of rough restraints that bit into his skin. The ropes wound tightly around his wrists and torso served as a stark reminder of his current situation, but they ignited a fierce resolve within him.
“Damn it,” he muttered under his breath, frustration bubbling beneath the surface. This wasn’t the end; he could feel it in his bones. Drawing in a deep, steadying breath, he focused, resisting the panic that threatened to claw its way to the surface. Suddenly, a shout pierced the heavy silence, cutting through the tension like a blade.
“Robin!” a voice called out, urgent and filled with concern, reverberating around the confined space. Dick turned to see Kaldur awake, also restrained, a collar latched tight around his neck—an unsettling mark of their captivity. “Aqualad, status report,” Dick commanded, his voice steady and confident, underscoring the trust he placed in Kaldur’s leadership.
“I don’t know about you,” Kaldur replied, his voice strained yet resolute, “but the temperature in this container is alarmingly high. It feels like a furnace in here, and I don’t expect M'gann to regain consciousness any time soon.”
From where Dick stood, he could see Kaldur’s forehead glistening with sweat, reflecting the dim light like a beacon of their struggle. His breaths were rapid, a testament to the oppressive heat that surrounded them, intensifying the urgency of their situation.
“Do you have any idea how we ended up here?” Dick inquired, his tone firm as he scanned their surroundings. The dimly lit, cramped space felt suffocating, as if the walls were closing in around them. Shadows flickered along the rough surfaces, amplifying the tension that lingered in the air.
Kaldur, burdened by the oppressive heat, let out a weary sigh and shrugged, recognising the futility of the moment. The stifling atmosphere hindered clear thinking for both him and M'gann, dulling their senses in the relentless warmth. Sweat trickled down Dick’s brow, mingling with the coiled tension that surged through him.
He cursed softly, irritation igniting within him. With a resolute huff, he leaned back against the cold, unyielding wall, searching for clarity amid the confusion, determined to carve a path out of their tangled circumstances and reclaim their freedom.
The two of them sat in a silence that felt almost oppressive, but the younger hero remained focused, counting the seconds with unwavering precision—23 minutes and 16 seconds—until the stillness was finally broken. Artemis was the one to shatter the quiet, groaning as she stirred awake, her voice filled with determination despite the pain.
She blinked and took in her surroundings with sharp clarity. Her senses honed in, ready to confront whatever awaited them. In that moment, she felt a surge of resolve, prepared to tackle the next obstacle head-on.
“What happened?” she asked, her voice firm despite the uncertainty flashing in her eyes. She paused for a moment to gather her thoughts and instinctively tried to rub her temples, only to realise her wrists were securely bound. Dismissing the initial jolt of panic, she focused on the present and managed to speak again, her voice steady. “Where are we?”
Seated closest to her in the dimly lit, confined space, Dick replied without hesitation, his tone unwavering. “We don’t know yet. Both Kaldur and I just woke up here, and neither of us remembers what led us to this situation.” His demeanour was composed, exuding a quiet strength amidst the confusion.
Artemis took a quick survey of their surroundings, her heart racing but her resolve intact. “This place feels wrong,” she stated, her voice strong. The shadows clung to the damp walls like secrets waiting to be uncovered, and a sense of determination surged within her. “We need to figure this out and get out of here.”
"We can sort that out once we're all awake," Kaldur stated firmly, exuding confidence as he took charge of the situation. The dimly lit room may have cast long shadows, but his words cut through the uncertainty like a beacon of clarity. "Right now, we need to assess whether Conners and Wally's container is causing them pain or if they’ve simply weakened."
Dick nodded in agreement, his expression focused as he processed Kaldur’s plan. The atmosphere, thick with tension, was not lost on him, but he was resolute. The youngest member, bound tightly by harsh ropes, shifted uncomfortably, the restraints digging into his skin. Though the feeling of being trapped was aggravating, he refused to let it show.
“Robin, what’s wrong? Are you okay?” the other heroes inquired, their voices unified in concern as they turned their attention to him. They were keen observers, and their genuine concern brought a sense of camaraderie that fortified his spirit.
With a determined smile, Dick shook off the discomfort and responded confidently, “I’m fine. Just these ropes could use a little work,” he added with a light chuckle, pushing aside the discomfort. It was a small joke, but it helped ease the tension in the room. He would not let a few ropes dictate his mood or his ability to lead; he was ready to face whatever came next.
Chapter Text
Dick Grayson - Robin
Unknown Location
Unknown Time
It wasn’t until the two-hour mark that Dick began to perceive the unmistakable return of awareness among his teammates—slowly, but with growing certainty. M'gann blinked in the harsh, fluorescent glare that flooded the room, her eyelids heavy as she battled the thick, suffocating fog of exhaustion that cloaked her senses. Leaning heavily against Kaldur, she sought the comfort of his solid presence, which held her fast against the turbulent storm of fatigue that threatened to drag her under.
Kaldur, embodying the strength of a true leader, radiated a quiet resilience that seemed to infuse the very air around him. Beads of perspiration glistened on his brow, trickling down his temples and shimmering under the unforgiving artificial lights—each drop a testament to his enduring spirit. His voice, though strained and slightly rasping, emerged steady and reassuring, cutting through the oppressive atmosphere like a beacon of hope piercing through dark clouds.
Dick took a moment to survey their precarious situation, determination etching lines of resolve on his face. 'Kaldur is still speaking; that’s promising,' he thought, steeling himself for the challenges ahead. 'M'gann may not be fully awake yet, but her consciousness is a solid win for us.'
Nearby, Wally, who typically buzzed like a live wire, now struggled under the weight of fatigue, his buoyant energy fading into a shadow of its former self. The vibrant spark that usually animated him had dwindled to an almost flickering glow, his eyes, once bright with mischief, now clouded and heavy-lidded, betraying his sense of weariness.
Dick quickly assessed the situation, recognizing the toll that their recent confrontation had taken. Wally had pushed himself beyond his limits, valiantly depleting every ounce of energy to support his friends during their fierce skirmish, neglecting even the most basic necessity of rest. Now, although technically awake, he felt anchored to a body that refused to respond, his attempts to move resembling an arduous uphill battle against an invisible force.
Further away, Conner sat with his brow furrowed in a painful expression, massaging his temples vigorously in a desperate attempt to alleviate the relentless headache that pounded inside his skull like an unyielding drum. The unmistakable, suffocating presence of Kryptonite permeated the air around them, an oppressive force that heightened their discomfort and hazed their senses.
'This room must be saturated with it,' Dick thought, his keen eyes scanning the dim, concrete space, always alert for any lurking dangers. He and Artemis stood as the only ones exhibiting optimal condition, their minds sharp and bodies primed for immediate action, ready to tackle whatever lay ahead.
A surge of resolve coursed through Dick’s veins; they were far from defeated. United, they would confront the challenges that awaited them, their synergy a powerful testament to their unwavering determination to prevail. Kaldur’s voice sliced through the stifling air, grounding Dick back in the moment and reinforcing their shared reality.
“How is everyone holding up?” Kaldur inquired, his tone steady yet tinged with concern, a lifeline thrown into the tempest. “Mhm…” Wally groaned, his voice thick with fatigue. He nodded weakly, but it was a mere flicker of a gesture, laden with distress, revealing the toll their struggle had taken on him.
“Could be better,” Conner replied defiantly, frustration bubbling beneath the surface of his voice. “It feels like Wally’s and my containers are laced with Kryptonite. This headache is a nightmare.” He grimaced, shifting against the unyielding ropes that constricted his limbs and the harsh collar that chafed his neck, both constant reminders of their grim captivity.
Nearby, M'gann sat in a tense silence, her eyes tightly closed, her brow glistening with perspiration as the oppressive heat sapped her strength, draining her like a flower deprived of sunlight.
“Robin and I are just fine,” Artemis declared, her tone firm but tinged with subtle concern as she glanced towards Kaldur. “But Kaldur, you don’t look so well yourself.”
Her gaze softened as she observed the strain on his face, noting the way he struggled to support M'gann's weight, sweat trickling down his brow in rivulets, each drop a testament to his fortitude. Despite the sweltering air enveloping them like a heavy blanket, Kaldur stood resolute, each laboured breath a challenge he was determined to meet.
“I’m perfectly fine for now, Artemis,” Kaldur asserted, his voice steady and imbued with a sense of confidence that belied the fatigue etched across his features. “But we need to devise a plan to escape this wretched place—and we need to move quickly.” The urgency in his voice instilled a renewed sense of purpose among the others, the kindling spark of hope igniting their resolve.
Dick locked eyes with Kaldur, determination igniting within him like a flame. “I completely agree. We need a concrete plan to break free from these restraints and this prison,” he asserted emphatically, confidence radiating from him like a bright shield repelling darkness.
Fueled by adrenaline, he began to wrestle against his bindings anew, each struggle a desperate dance against the confines that held him. The weight of their predicament bore down heavily on him, yet with every pull and twist, his determination crystallised into an unyielding drive to reclaim their freedom.
Suddenly, the heavy door swung open with a creak that echoed ominously, revealing two ominous figures who strode into the room like storm clouds threatening to unleash chaos. The first man was tall and dark-haired, exuding a menacing, sadistic presence that caused Dick's instincts to roar with alarm. He brandished a handgun casually tucked into his waistband, gripping a nightstick disguised as a cane with an unsettling, calculated confidence.
The second man stood beside him, similarly built but stocky, moving with a brutish power that sent an involuntary shiver down Dick’s spine. He too carried a gun, but no other weapon or tool was apparent, heightening the tension that hung thickly in the air.
“Who the hell are you?!” Conner barked, gritting his teeth against the burning pain that clawed at his senses, struggling to maintain a facade of bravado before the menacing intruders. The first man let out a chilling laugh, saturated with malice, as he revelled in their visible distress and futile attempts to escape their bindings.
“Who are you?” Dick demanded, his voice unwavering and infused with strong resolve, each word cutting through the atmosphere with lethal clarity as he faced their captors. “Look, it’s the Young Justice, and they’re struggling!” the first man taunted with a mocking lilt, a cruel smile curling his lips as the second man nodded in approval.
“Okay, why are you hurting our friends?” Artemis interjected boldly, her curiosity peeking through the tense atmosphere enveloping them. Dick’s instincts screamed at him that this interaction could devolve into chaos at any moment; they needed to play their cards right, but he was acutely aware of the danger of tipping their hand, especially given that M'gann could not assist with her telepathy.
“Wait!” Dick yelled, desperation lacing his voice, unwilling to allow the men to respond to Artemis’s question. T, he men turned toward him, curiosity flickering in their eyes at Robin's sudden interruption. Conner, Kaldur, and Artemis exchanged puzzled glances, while Wally’s eyes widened in surprise, but M'gann remained unmoving, her face inscrutable.
“Now, wait a damn minute! Don’t answer her. Don’t listen to her!” Dick demanded, urgency coursing through him as dozens of possibilities raced through his mind like a chaotic whirlwind. “You want us for something, right? What is it, information? Liability?” His words spilt out in a frenzied rush, each syllable a desperate attempt to unearth their captors’ true motivations and navigate the precarious situation with caution and cunning.
The men smile, and begin to applauded Dick, as if had does a perfect performance. Everyone else just looked, confused, confused by Dicks outburst and the men's laugh. "He is the boy wonder, isn't he?" The first man asked the second, who just nodded along. The first man acted like a child who had gotten his favourite Christmas present. The laughter soon died as the second man spoke for the first time. "You are our property, there will be no escaping, no fights, and no weapons." The teenagers looked flabbergasted by the man's words.
"Im sorry?" Artemis asked, confused about why they say that they own them.