A/N Okay, first off... I am extremely sorry that it took me two years to finish "Red Letter Day;" however, life got in the way of my writing time. Plus 2013 was not a great year for me and this year hasn't been much better.
Additionally, I was extremely upset with the way that they decided to end Young Justice; this also made a huge dent in finishing this particular story. I know, I know, likely excuse, but sadly it's the truth.
All right, now back to the basics. I may or may not post "In Darkness Let Me Dwell" for a little while, as it always depends on how the days go. I would like to thank everyone for hanging in there with me, as I know that I have neglected my readers by not updating for so long.
Therefore, I hope that this update will make up for such a long wait!
I own nothing! Young Justice belongs to DC Comic's and Cartoon Network.
Also I will be using an original DC character (Dr. Midnight) So, if you want to know more about his character here's a link. en. wiki/Doctor Mid-Nite
Rated T for: The usual crap.
Red Letter Day Final Chapter...
(Watch Tower 2:34 A.M.)
The team sat outside of the League's medical bay. They'd been sitting there for what felt like an eternity, as they waited for the news on Robin's condition.
The Joker had been taken into custody, and Martian Manhunter had been able to erase all traces of Batman's identity from his memory by inducing a Martian mind trick.
Kid Flash had gotten off lucky and they had been able to remove the bullet from his hip without any difficulty.
Batman had been refusing to seek any treatment for his wounds until he knew that Dick was stable; but Canary had been able to persuade him into getting his wounds stitched up before he had passed out from the blood loss.
Megan had begun to fall asleep with her head lying on Conner's shoulder, while Artemis stood leaning against the wall tapping her foot nervously.
Artemis looked towards Batman who was standing across from them, she could tell that he was just as worried as they were; he just did a better job at hiding it.
Slowly Artemis pulled up her phone and checked the time.
They had been standing out there for over three hours, waiting and watching, with no indication of whether or not Robin would pull through his ordeal with the Joker.
The archer then felt a poke on her leg, and she quickly looked down and came eye to eye with Wally.
"He's going to be okay." Wally assured her as he adjusted himself in his wheelchair. "He's been through worse than this, he'll pull through."
"I know..." Artemis whispered with a sigh as she turned her attention back towards the door.
Then suddenly Dr. Midnight emerged from the Medical bay and walked past the team, pausing as he approached Batman.
"We need to talk in private," Dr. Midnight informed him.
"Is he okay?" Batman asked, unable to hide the concern that etched his voice.
"I'll explain everything in detail, but we need to talk in private." Dr. Midnight reiterated as he turned and began to make his way down the hall.
Artemis quickly walked up to Dr. Midnight and grasped his arm.
"Is he okay?" She questioned with fear and anxiety in her tone.
"I'll let you know in a moment," He told her as he continued down the hall.
Batman quickly walked past Artemis and followed after Dr. Midnight into the Leagues private conference room.
Once they entered the conference room Dr. Midnight slowly turned to face Bruce.
"Is he going to be okay?" Bruce asked unable to keep his calm composer any longer.
Dr. Midnight remained silent for moment, as he tried to put his thoughts in order.
"He's sustained multiple injuries, some severe some minor.
"He has three broken ribs and the remaining six are bruised. His wrist has been reset. Additionally, there will be some scaring from some of the lacerations and stab wounds. He also has severe concussion, which has caused some swelling on the brain. However, we have that under control, as it is nothing that won't heal over time. Sadly though, those are the least of his problems."
Dr. Midnight paused letting his words sink in before he continued. "He was shot in both knees, luckily the first bullet became lodged in the bone above his left knee; however, the other one became lodged in his right knee cap. We were able to remove the bullet, but there's nothing we could do about the damage that his bone structure sustained."
"What do you mean?" Bruce questioned, hoping that it wasn't as bad as he thought it was.
"Bruce, the bullet shattered his knee, there's nothing I can do to repair that. However, there are a few orthopedic specialists that I can recommend, as they have had some success in refitting patients such as Robin with ortho-technology." He informed him.
Bruce gave a slight nod, as he started to feel the anger welling inside of him at the doctor's overview of Robin's prognosis.
"I am ambiguous on what his mental state will be like, but I do imagine that it's not going to be good." The doctor explained as he watched Bruce shift uncomfortably. "However, a full psychological evaluation is in order. This is not a suggestion Bruce, but a necessary part of Robin's recovery."
Bruce looked at the door and the Doctor knew that he wasn't taking the news as well as he was pretending to.
"I can talk to Canary about counseling sessions if that's alright with you." He broached, trying desperately to think of a solution that may put him at ease about this situation.
"I'll take care of it." Batman stated, as he let out a deep sigh. "Can I see him?"
"Yes, of course." Dr. Midnight replied simply.
"Someone needs to talk to the Team, as they're going to want to know what's going on." Batman stated, as he dilatorily made his way towards the door.
"I'll inform them of Robin's condition." Midnight answered.
Bruce gave another quick nod and continued to the door, but before he could exit the room he felt a hand rest on his shoulder.
"He'll need you now more than ever Bruce." Dr. Midnight reminded him, as his voice filled with contrite and compassion.
Bruce gave a quick nod and hurriedly made his way out the door heading directly for the medical bay.
However, as soon as the dark knight rounded the corner the team corned him.
"How is he?" Conner questioned with a redoubtable look on his face.
"He's going to be fine." Batman answered instantly.
Wally looked to Batman with a confounded expression. He knew that there was more to it then that, but he didn't push the question.
"We saw what happened to him Batman and Robin's is anything but fine." Artemis snapped, as she took a step forward. "No one's telling us anything, not even Dr. Midnight's so called nurse buddies! What's really going on?"
Before any more heated words could be exchanged, Dr. Midnight walked up besides the dark knight stating, "I'll fill the whole team in on what is occurring."
With that said Batman quickly made his way past the confounded team members and into the medical bay.
Upon entering the room Bruce's eyes instantly fell onto Dick's battered body, as it laid placidly on one of many medical beds.
He could feel the anger and the cynicism tearing him apart, as he instantaneously made his way up to Robin's bedside.
An IV had been inserted into Dick's left arm, as this vary tube was providing him with life sustaining fluids and pain medications. Batman also noted that a nose canal had been inserted into Dick's nose, offering his battered body needed oxygen replenishment.
The once bright and social teen now looked like a battered and broken child.
He slowly reached his hand down and brushed the sweaty strands of hair from Dick's face.
There were dark circles beneath his eyes and bruising across his face and neck.
The sight of it all made him feel an appalling detachment from the whole situation.
"I'm so sorry Dick..." Bruce whispered, as he ran his hand through Robin's messy hair.
Suddenly Robin's eyes flew open and a pained gasp escaped his mouth.
Dick quickly tried to push himself up into a sitting position, but was instantly reminded of his injuries.
An agonized cry filled the room as pain surged through him.
Bruce quickly reached up and gently pushed him back down onto the bed.
"It's alright," Bruce cooed as he reached up and removed his cowl. "Your safe."
Bruce looked into Dick's eyes and instantly he could see the terror and emotional trauma that his young charge had suffered.
"You're going to be okay Dick, now get some rest. I'll be here when you wake up, I promise." Bruce stated compassion filling his voice.
Dick looked to Batman with tear filled eyes.
"I... it's all my..." Dick stuttered, as warm tears trailed down his pale cheeks.
"It's not your fault. Don't blame yourself for something you couldn't control." Bruce said finishing his sentence.
"It w... was all my fault." Dick stated, as he took in a deep breath and tried to fight off the overwhelming emotions that had taken away from the pain of his injuries.
"Dick, I don't blame you for this! I don't blame you for any of this!" Bruce declared, as he wiped away the tears that tracked down the young teen's pale face.
Dick closed his eyes tightly and took in another long yet shaking breath.
"Get some rest, your need it." Bruce stated as he ran his hand through Dick's hair. "I'll be here when you wake up alright?"
Dick gave a slight nod of the head, as he slowly closed his eyes and allowed himself to slowly fall into unconsciousness.
"I love you." Bruce whispered, as he pulled Dick's hand up into his.
"I love you too Dad." Dick mumbled in a mere whisper, as he fell into a deep sleep.
Bruce looked down and allowed the flow of warm tears to wash down his face.
After all of the hell that they'd been through, he still thought highly of Bruce.
However, Bruce knew that there was going to be a long road of recovery ahead of them…
(Arkham asylum one week later)
Joker sat in the darker part of his cell, as he laughed maliciously to himself.
"Martian mind tricks?" Joker stated, as he chuckled again. "No, no, no! They should know by now that they don't work on me!"
Joker laughed again as he leaned forward into the light.
"Who would have ever known that the man behind the mask was..." Joker said in a sadistic tone. "Bruce Wayne."
Then the only thing to be heard throughout Arkham's empty halls was the sound of the Jokers evil laughter filling the deadly silence.
The end... Or is it?
Shootouts: To all of my readers and reviewers.
A/N Wow, I cannot believe that I'm finally ending "Red Letter Day!" However, this isn't the end for our little bird and the Joker. I will be posting "In Darkness Let Me Dwell" as soon as I find the time! I hope that you guy's enjoyed the final conclusion as much as I enjoyed writing it. And if it weren't for you guy's I would have never finished this!
Thanks again, you guy's are amazing!
-The Winters Child-