A/N

What's this? Two story updates in one day? 

Enjoy the update!

~Ringleader_Robin

(Kit)

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Jack laid there horrified as he watched Batman walk closer to his family. He needed to move, but his muscles refused to move out of fear. He was a deer in headlights. When Batman picked up Joker by the color, his face paled. He had to move, he needed to move! 'Stay Down' Batman's voice echoed in his head in warning. But if he stayed down, Batman would hurt them...hurt the people he was devoted to, the people he swore his life to. Jack slowly got to his knees, ignoring the alarms going off in his head to stay still like the bat demanded him to. Even if he were to suffer, as long as his family escaped unharmed..it would be worth it. He got to his feet silently, holding a throwing knife in his hands. He will prevail, he had to, and before he knew it, he was running straight towards the Dark Knight.

Batman was just about to punch Joker's lights out, but there was a sharp pain in his side, causing him to drop the clown who had scurried off the second he hit the ground. He glared, now facing the scared child who held a bloody knife in his hands. "I told you to stay down." he growled, he should have known that a boy raised by Joker would not have listened to his orders, the kid knew exactly what he was getting into.

Jack let out a weak laugh, trying to hide the obvious fear he was feeling. "Like..I would listen to a bat..." He watched as Joker and Harley ran...without even looking back....But at least they were safe for the time being, none of them got hurt. "I told you that I would do anything for them..I meant it." He held up the knife with more confidence. "Even if that means my death!" He lunged again towards the bat , wielding his blade. He already got the first blow, something that he could use to his advantage. However, if this was a match of stamina..Jack did not think he would last long against the Bat. He needed to end it quickly or it will be game over.

Batman blocked the second blow, quickly grabbing the child's arm and twisting it behind their back, causing them to drop it to the floor. "You will not win this, stop this foolishness now."

Jack let out a gasp in pain, but covered it up with a laugh. "Y-You forget...I was raised by the best fool in the city!" Jack grabbed his shoulder with a grin. "I think it is time for an intermission don't you Think Bats?" Jack pressed harshly against his shoulder, dislocating it with a sickening pop. He had used the surprise of the hero to twist his body, flippin it so that his arm was no longer pinned to his back, but instead in front of him, using the new momentum to kick the Dark Knight in the stomach before making a mad dash for the shadows.

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Jack panted heavily, leaning against the cold brick wall of an alleyway to catch his breath. He cradled his arm trying to keep in from hanging limp at his side. HIs arm was not important though, he needed to find Joker and make sure he is alright. It was getting light out and he needed to get home before the sun comes up. He started walking to the abandoned makeup factory that Joker and Harley had been using as base, but when he arrived, they were nowhere to be seen. That made him panic. He started looking around the area, getting desperate. Batman could not have possibly gotten to them while he ran, could he have? There was no sign of a fight in the building, so did they flee? He took off his mask and got into his civilian cloths, planning to look for them in the city. THey would not have abandoned him, he proved himself useful didn't he? He began to worry more, heading out in search of Joker. He knew he would not find him out in the open, but he had no other choice but to look. He was not going to lose hope. He started roaming the streets, looking for any sign of his family, ignoring the strange looks he was getting when he was walking in sketchy parts of Gotham.

"Hey kid!" A voice called causing Jack to look up.A blonde girl with tan skin stood in front of him, crossing her arms. "What are you doing in this part of town? Shouldn't you be in school?"

Jack blinked in confusion. School? Why would he be in a place like that? He tilted his head, perhaps he should ask? "Why would I be there?" Was Joker there? He took a moment to process that he was in his in civilian gear. "Oh right.. Nevermind,I'm busy."

"Hey! I'm talking to you!" She chased after him. "It is dangerous in this part of town."

"I can handle myself fine." Jack mumbled. "Besides, we look about the same age and you seem fine, why should I worry?"

The girls paused. "Well that's different..I live near here and--" She quickly shut up when she noticed the boy was cradling his arm. " What happened? " She frowned and went to grab his arms, the boy swiftly moving away to her surprise.

"It's just dislocated, It is nothing." He frowned but paused when he saw that the girl got closer.

"If that's the case, hold still." She sighed and grabbed the boy's shoulder. "Let me help." She quickly popped it back into place.

Dick winced but then laughed to try and ease the pain while moving his arm around. "Uh thanks." Why was this girl being so nice to him? It was so...foreign to him. "You're strange."

"Speak for yourself ." The girl smirked slightly. "A kid walking around a sketchy part of Gotham alone and not screaming in pain when I relocated your shoulder. If anyone is strange, it's you."

Jack blinked a bit. She had a point, he did probably stand out, he has not been in civilian mode in so long, he does not know how to act. Jack gave a small shrug. "Guess we are both strange." He held out his hand with a smile. "They call me Jack."

The girl took his hand and laughed. "What kid shakes hands with someone in greeting?"

"Well apparently you, bondie." Jack laughed as well.

"Call me Artemis."