"If I see another white suit it'll be too soon. Do you think it would be possible to ban them from Gotham?" Red Robin struck an agent with his staff and maneuvered around the body without losing stride.
Robin expertly took out the cameras and ran at the two men guarding the door to the lab. "Tt. It seems we finally agree on something. I'll make sure that all of the suits in the house are burnt."
"If we could get the others involved, we could run a campaign with different suits. If done correctly then white would become a fashion faux pas for the next decade."
"We could all show up at the next gala to speed up the process. We would just have to be good for once."
"Would the others be able to do that?"
"You have the working comm. Ask."
Is all of that really necessary?!
Considering there was a high chance of Danny getting PTSD from seeing anyone in a white suit? Yes. Yes, it was. However, Damian couldn't say that out loud and chose to ignore the ghost for the time being. He better had his senses retracted. The hallway was cleared quickly and efficiently. Robin knelt by the doors and checked over the lock. Ectoplasm was being fueled to it by an external source. He could see the lines through the walls thanks to the mask. RR fiddled with the keypad and let out a frustrated sigh. "This tech is just like their firewalls. It's like it's alive. I don't have the time to hack into it like I did their database."
Robin clicked his tongue. Then the only way to get in was to remove the source of power. The young vigilante stood up and followed the line of ectoplasm down the hall. It kept going and then it sharply dived down to the floor below. "Hmm... looks like I'll have to find a way down."
Actually, that isn't necessary. For one, if you turned off the generator to the whole building then a red alert would probably go out.
"I'm assuming you tried before?"
Maybe.
"Then what are you suggesting we do?"
"Uhh... gremlin? What are you doing...?" Tim asked but was promptly waved off as Robin continued to stare intently at the blank wall.
Just cut that line of power in the wall. They won't notice anything's wrong for a while if you are careful.
Well, that was easy. "Red Robin, do you have a laser cutter with you?" The youngest asked, turning to his adopted brother who had given up trying to hack into the door.
"Um... yes?" The older boy started digging through his utility belt when Robin held his hand out and made a 'gimme' motion. "Okay, Robin. You are being weird. Why do you need this?" Once found, he handed the tool to his younger brother.
Starting it up immediately, Robin began cutting a small square into the wall. "I can feel a vibration coming from this spot... If it's what I think it is..." Damian lied with ease as he popped the section of wall out to get a look at the hollow inside. A long pipe that glowed a radioactive green lit up the other side like a beacon.
All you need to do is cut that pipe. Just be careful not to get it on you. You may be slightly liminal but that doesn't mean it's good if you come into direct contact. If you want, I could freeze it once you have severed the connection and I could absorb the ectoplasm that's left behind still powering the lock.
"That is unnecessary. If this is pure ectoplasm it may be too much for you right now." Robin muttered under his breath while he reached into the hole with the cutter.
Red Robin arched an eyebrow at his little brother. "What was that? I didn't hear you."
"Nothing! Don't worry about it. This is just being annoying..." Robin growled while messing with the pipe.
"You never told me what 'this' is? I might be able to help?"
Don't worry! This isn't pure ectoplasm! It was given a job so it's not as strong. Besides, if I use my ice, it'll just refill the reserves that I used in the first place.
"Fine, fine! Just do it!" the boy hissed as his older brother leaned in closer to see what he was doing only to be bodily shoved to the side by Damian's shoulder.
Aye, aye, Robin!
Together, they made quick work of the pipe. Robin sliced it and Danny froze both sides, cutting the connection. Then the side of the pipe that connected to the keypad dimmed as the ghost absorbed the ectoplasm through the insulated pipe. Not even a drop escaped. Robin pulled his hands out and replaced the section of the wall as he stood up. "I think I was able to cut power to the lock. See if you can open it now."
Tim nodded and dashed back to the door. His fingers flew across the keyboard on his arm. With a little readjusting, the door opened revealing a ghastly sight before them. A woman was held by restraints on a stainless steel table with three men in lab coats holding various medical implements. The woman wasn't screaming anymore. She wasn't even moving. Cold seeped into Damian's hip from Danny's core as the young vigilante snarled at the adults before him. The two brothers didn't speak. They attacked.
Wielding his bo staff, Red Robin used the extra length to knock out the legs of two scientists who were right next to each other. Damian ran forward and vaulted over the table, sending the third flying with a powerful kick to the chest. The scientists screamed at the sudden assault. Robin didn't give them any mercy. He was cold and slightly brutal with his strikes, ensuring that each fist that connected broke something. But despite the anger boiling through his veins, the fight was over too soon. The boy stood among the broken bodies of the scientists while his brother looked on with concern. "... They got what they deserved, Drake."
"Not saying they didn't," RR replied while holding his hands up. He took a quick look around the room and zeroed in on the computer. "How about you take care of the patient while I steal all the data off their servers? With this being recorded, they'll never see the light of day again. Besides, you are better at first aid than me."
Damian took the distraction for what it was and nodded. The two split off to take care of their designated tasks. "Close your senses." The boy whispered but he knew it was pointless but said it anyway. The wounds on the woman were awful and the cold that was seeping from Danny's core was getting worse.
A little late for that.
"Close them. It's not going to get any better." Robin checked her pulse and breathing, frowning at how faint both of them were.
She's not a ghost yet... but with everything that has happened she could turn into one easily.
"I thought you said that you would need a lot of ectoplasm to form?"
Look around! You have the ability to see it now! If she dies then she will absorb everything in the walls and in this room and then all bets are off. She'll probably attack you both without warning and I don't know if I will be able to help you.
"Then I'll make sure that doesn't happen. Now close your senses. You've seen enough." Robin grabbed the medical supplies from around the room and set to work. The two vigilantes worked in tense silence with only the sounds of typing and the occasional snip of scissors being heard.
Just as Damian finished wrapping the abdomen after taping it shut, (They weren't perfect like Alfred's but at least the wounds weren't open to the air anymore and it would make transport easier) Red Robin finished typing, and pulled out the USB stick from the computer. "I've taken everything and left no trace. All of their records will be gone in just a couple of minutes-"
Red flashed throughout the entire room as an alarm blared. Robin removed the restraints from the civilian with a curse. "What's going on? Surely, we had more time?"
"I don't know... it looks like the alarm tripped from one of the upper levels..." Tim replied as he delved back into the computer only to stop with a sigh. "And judging by the cursing on the comms it was Nightwing."
"Tt. He isn't normally that inept."
"Oh, it wasn't him specifically. He and Batman were in the process of freeing the civilians on the upper floors and one of the civilians accidentally tripped a hidden alarm. This place is riddled with them." He ran back over and looked over the woman on the table. "Think she is stable enough to move?"
"As stable as she'll ever be."
The sound of feet thundered down the hallway. Robin pulled out his sword, turning to face the door. Agents poured into the lab, arms at the ready. Damian really hoped that Danny had listened to him but judging by the cold getting stronger, he did not. Red Robin hopped over the table after laying the woman on the floor on the other side so that she was out of range. About fifteen agents blocked their path and more trailed behind in the hallway. A few hesitated when they saw Robin at the ready and the boy couldn't help but smirk. They remembered him from the last time.
Good.
"How is it that there are so many of these guys? You would think that they had learned their lesson already." Red Robin grumbled to no one in particular. "They aren't hard but there are always so many of them!"
"Think of it as a training exercise. After all, you can't have good practice without a bunch of punching bags." Robin didn't wait for the agents to make the first move. He needed this to be done and over with quickly before something possibly set Danny off.
Tim sighed as he watched his little brother go off on the government agents with gusto. He caught a couple of the weapons that were accidentally sent his way. "Remember, lil bat. No killing!"
"Tt. I know!" Robin kicked back and was forced to back off as reinforcements arrived. "Are you going to help or what-"
The back wall of the lab explodes with a massive cloud of smoke. Dark shadows crept in from the outside as Red Hood stepped in with guns directed at the group of agents blocking the hall. "So this is where the party is at. Why didn't you guys invite me?"
"Because we were told you were busy. Actually, where have you been? We haven't heard from you in a while." Red Robin spun his bo staff in an intimidating manner as a few of the agents backed up at the newest arrival.
"Nowhere? I've been constantly chased by these guys if that's what you mean. Looks like they need to be taught another lesson." Red Hood fired and hit one of the agents in the knee. "Hey, demon brat, you wanna do the thing we did-"
"You attempt to throw me again into a pile of useless government agents, I am stabbing you in the other shoulder."
Hood laughed and fired at another agent. "Aw, you aren't any fun."
"I'm sorry, what?" Tim smacked his staff on an agent's hands to disarm him and then struck him again while he was stunned.
"It's none of your business, Red Robin."
"Yeah, Replacement, don't worry about it. We have bigger things to deal with."
The three vigilantes set to work taking out the large group of agents with precision. Robin managed to get out into the hallway and was cut off from the others still in the lab in the process. He brandished his sword and smirked at the agent coming at him. "Ah yes... I remember you. I used you as a meat shield last time."
"It won't happen again, ghost scum!" Agent K fired at Damian to make the boy jump back and then charged.
Robin smirked maliciously. "What makes you sure about thaaAAT!" Ice spread out viciously from his leg to the floor causing the boy to slip. With grace almost as good as Grayson's, Damian managed to twist his body to turn the fall into a flip. Using the momentum to push himself even further away from the oncoming agent. "Danny, what's wrong?"
Agent K...
Fear was coursing through Damian from the core as the ice continued to spread in a defensive manner. "What about him? Danny, can you hear me?"
Don't come near me...
"Danny-"
Stay away...
"He isn't going to touch you-"
I'M NOT GOING BACK!
Spikes of ice shot up from the ground right at Agent K. Stopping the man in his tracks. The ice clung to his shoes and slowly crept up his legs. "I knew it! You were just hiding yourself as a human! I WILL catch you!"
Robin snarled but reluctantly backed off. He ran down the hall a bit so that he was out of sight and pressed his hand to the frozen pocket. "It's okay. Danny. That agent is not going to get you. If anything, he is going to be the one who is going to be begging me to stop. It's all right! You are safe." He tried to send reassurance to the ghost but it barely pierced the onslaught of fear. When that didn't work, he clicked his tongue and crouched in the hallway, pulling the pendant out and popping it open so that he had direct contact.
The moment his fingers brushed the core, the boy almost crumpled from the sheer about of anxiety and fear. It was all-encompassing. Overwhelming. Damian fought against it with a grunt, somehow managing to remain on his feet. "Danny. It's okay. You are safe. They can't hurt you."
Not safe. Never will be safe. They'll just come back. They always come back. It's only a matter of time. I'm worthless. I can't do anything. I can't PROTECT anything. You'll die too. Just like the others. Not safe. Not safe. No. I won't go back. I can't-
"ENOUGH!" Damian hissed as he fought against Danny's overwhelming emotions and pushed them aside. The ghost went silent as the boy sent his own emotions across. Protection, reassurance, determination, and confidence. "Danny, I promise you on my afterlife that nothing will happen to you. If you would give me the chance I will prove it to you."
...how are you going to prove it?
Damian removed his fingers when he felt like Danny wasn't going to spiral again. He placed the necklace around his neck and stuffed it under his suit. "Trust me. I'll show you." With determination, the boy stalked back down the hall to where Agent K was trapped in ghostly ice. When the agent noticed him he kept his stride, ignoring the jeering comments and threats. Focusing on quelling the trepidation and fear that Danny began to exude. The boy stared down at the man, who was taller than him, with a murderous gaze.
"You should have run while you had the chance. It's only a matter of time before the others finish with the other two and they come back to catch you. I can't wait to see you on the examination tabl-" Agent K was silenced by Robin backhanding him across the face. Ice spread from his gloved hands and across the man's lips, sealing them shut.
"Quiet. You only get to speak when you've earned that right back." The boy hissed dangerously that even if the Agent's mouth hadn't been frozen shut he would have bit his tongue with how fast it would have snapped shut. Damian hit the pressure points in the man's arms so that they fell uselessly against his sides and then grabbed him by the cheap black tie to drag him away from his allies... and the other vigilantes.
Agent K was shoved into the nearest room with the door closing behind Robin without even making a sound. It was another lab. Though one that wasn't used as much judging by the lack of tools and medical equipment within. The boy brandished his sword at the man. "On your knees." The agent growled but refused which only prompted Damian to raise an eyebrow at him. "I will not ask nicely again. On. Your Knees." When he still refused, Damian threw two small knives right into the man's knees. Forcing him to fall to the ground with a muffled cry since his arms were currently useless.
What... what are you doing?!
Surprise shot across the connection that Damian ignored as he pointed his sword right at Agent K's jugular. "This man has forfeited his life. He has harmed others due to nothing more than twisted xenophobic ideals without feeling a single ounce of remorse. He hurt you without remorse. I can kill this man right now. It wouldn't be hard. This lab appears to have all the basic chemicals to make a normal untraceable poison. It would be easy to make it look like a lab accident caused by sheer stupidity and lack of safety standards. After all, all of the scientists here are inept so it would only be a matter of time. And since he is wearing a specter deflector, if he tried to become a ghost to exact revenge, he wouldn't be able to form. Instead, his brief attempt at an afterlife would be nothing but pure agony as he was continuously electrocuted until he finally gave up. Thus Agent K would cease to exist in any way that truly matters. He would never be able to harm you or anyone else again."
Damian could tell that Danny was struggling to comprehend what was happening judging by the array of emotions that were flittering across.But... wouldn't Batman know? Don't all of you have a no-kill code? Plus, aren't you just a kid?!
"A child who has a higher body count than most seasoned assassins by the age of five. Adding one more to that count would not be that big of a deal." Damian used the tip of his sword to remove the Agent's sunglasses so that he could see his eyes. "Besides, as I said, it would not be hard to make it look like an accident. Unless one of the others decides to investigate thoroughly, I will not be found out."
...You're completely serious about this.
"Of course. I would not arbitrarily take someone's life just because I can."
The ghost went silent and Robin remained resolute with his sword directed at the man's neck. Agent K's eyes bulged with fear as he realized just how much his life was in danger from the one-sided conversation. How... how does this prove anything?
"You were worried that these cockroaches would come back. I am telling you that it would not be hard to remove the problem permanently if it came down to it. They will never be able to harm you again if they were no longer around."
That... -Danny began but stopped. The swirling fear and trepidation had backed off and were replaced with apprehension.- I couldn't... I couldn't ask you to do that...
"You never have to ask me. I am just telling you that this is how far I am willing to go. If I kill someone it does not mean that you told me to or put me up to it. It was my decision to make, this would not be on you in any way." Damian spoke resolutely as a thin line of blood trailed from the tip of his blade when the man subconsciously moved.
I still... you can't just kill him... I... the poor ghost seemed stuck in wanting to defend the GIW agent but at the same time not. However, it worked. The apprehension was leaving as well and Danny was calm again. Just... could you knock him out for now? I'll be fine with that.
With a swift kick, Agent K was out. "If that is what you wish. Just know that if they do somehow touch you, I will not be able to ensure their lives remain intact." Robin retrieved his knives and started to make his way out of the room. To the boy's surprise, Danny laughed.
You know what? With everything that is happening? That's fair.
"Now, could you please stop overexerting yourself and retract all of this ice? I think you have used up whatever you absorbed from the lock and I don't want you running thin."
Yes, sir. Robin, sir.
Damian backtracked down the hallway to the spot where the ice blocked the path. It was already creating a giant puddle in the middle of the floor. The sounds of fighting weren't as prominent meaning one side had won. Before he got to the end of the hall with the lab, both, Red Robin and Hood dashed around the corner. Only to skid to a halt when they saw that he was all right. Tim stood back as Hood approached and gave his younger brother a good look over. "Just what the hell happened back there? Where did you go?" Hood growled and Damian rolled his eyes.
"Tt. I simply go swept to the other end of the hall and, since you seemed to have the situation in hand, I decided to try my hand at interrogation... it wasn't helpful." Robin swatted his older brother's hands away as Tim narrowed his eyes.
Though he didn't get a chance to address his concerns as Batman chirped in the bird's ear. "B has all of the civilians evacuated. We just need to keep this place on lockdown until the rest of the Justice League get here."
"So just a few minutes. Then we should make sure the rats don't get away. Let's go." Hood led the way away from the lab with the other two vigilantes following close behind.
Red Robin kept sneaking glances at Damian who chose to ignore them for the mission at hand. The Red light of the alarm continued to blare as they went about methodically sweeping the building. The ice that had been slowly growing the moment they had entered the lab had ceased and Danny had gone silent in contemplation. The ghost finally spoke again once Robin stood off to the side as the JL did their thing in arresting the agents.
Hey... Damian?
"Hm?" the boy acknowledged Danny without letting it show in his posture or his face. Too many eyes around.
As scary as that was... thanks. Even though, I don't want you to kill for me... the thought that you would is creepily sweet.
Robin scowled a bit at the sweet part and huffed. "It was not sweet. I was just reminding you that there are other options out there." The ghost sounded tired and to be honest, Damian couldn't blame him. Danny had just gone through the Mr. Freeze equivalent of a panic attack and had used a lot of energy in the process. So much for that pure ectoplasm Constantine had given him.
Still... thanks. the ghost boy laughed tiredly. I think... I'm going to pass out.
"Then rest. You are in good hands."
If Danny had a body, Damian swore he would have seen the ghost smile from the feeling alone. Yes... yes, I am.