Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

The Justice League sat around the circular table in the Watchtower's conference room, tension bubbling beneath the surface of their usual camaraderie. It wasn’t often Batman called for a meeting without a clear agenda, but there he was, sitting in his usual seat, arms crossed, and with what passed for amusement in his otherwise stoic expression.
Superman broke the silence first, leaning forward with that trademark mixture of curiosity and concern. "Batman, you’ve been staring at us like that for five minutes. What’s going on?”
Wonder Woman tilted her head slightly, one eyebrow arched. “It’s rare that you propose meetings without an emergency. Should we be concerned?”
Batman leaned back in his chair, steepling his fingers. “Not an emergency. A… challenge.”
The room collectively blinked.
“Challenge?” Flash echoed, the hint of a grin already creeping onto his face. “Please tell me this isn’t another one of your ‘tests.’ I still haven’t forgotten the maze of death traps last year.”
Batman’s lips quirked upward almost imperceptibly. “No death traps this time. Just a team-building exercise.”
“Team-building?” Green Lantern’s voice carried a healthy dose of skepticism. “Coming from you, that’s rich.”
“It’s not for me,” Batman said. “It’s for you.”
Superman frowned. “I don’t follow.”
“It’s simple.” Batman’s voice took on that measured, authoritative cadence that often preceded a monumental task. “You’ve faced world-ending threats, alien invasions, and gods. But you haven’t faced this.”
He reached into his utility belt and pulled out a small device, pressing a button. A holographic map of a city materialized in the air above the table, glowing faintly. The Gotham skyline was unmistakable, and the League collectively stiffened. Gotham was never simple.
“This,” Batman said, gesturing to the map, “is the battlefield. A city-wide game of capture the flag.”
Flash leaned forward, already excited. “Capture the flag? I’m in.”
“Wait,” Green Lantern interjected, holding up a hand. “There’s gotta be a catch. What’s the catch?”
Batman’s gaze was sharp, cutting through the rising chatter like a blade. “Your opponents.”
As if on cue, the conference room door hissed open, and five figures entered. Each clad in a mix of blacks, blues, reds, and purples. None of them spoke, but their confidence was palpable. Even through their masks, the smirks were almost tangible.
“Your opponents,” Batman repeated, “are them.”
“Wait a second,” Flash said, pointing at the group. “Are these- these are the same people who broke into the Watchtower last time, aren’t they?”
“They were found last time,” Green Lantern said, smirking. “How’s this supposed to be a challenge?”
The shortest of the figures, clad in red and green with a yellow cape, crossed his arms and stepped forward. “This time, we’re not sneaking around. We’re hunting you.”
Wonder Woman raised an eyebrow at Batman. “And these are your protégés?”
Batman nodded once. “They call themselves the Robins.”
Superman leaned back in his chair, studying the group. “And they think they can take on the Justice League?”
“They don’t think,” Batman said, his voice deadpan. “They know.”
The tallest figure in black and blue laughed, stepping forward to place a hand on the green-clad one’s shoulder. “What B means to say is: We’re just better than you.”
“Prove it,” Wonder Woman said, standing.
The room was silent for a beat before Batman’s gravelly voice cut through. “Rules are simple. Five League members versus the five Robins. Capture the flag across Gotham. You have powers; they have skill. No holding back.”
Flash grinned. “Oh, this is going to be fun.”
“Fun for us,” the girl in purple quipped. “Not so much for you.”
Batman stood, ending the debate before it could devolve into taunts. “The game starts tomorrow night. You’ll need it, Gotham is their home turf.”
As the Justice League exchanged looks of competitive determination, the Robins left the room as silently as they had entered, their laughter echoing faintly down the corridor.
“See you tomorrow, League,” the tallest called back. “Don’t embarrass yourselves.”

The rooftop of the Wayne Enterprises skyscraper offered a breathtaking view of Gotham City, the sprawling urban jungle where tonight’s battle would unfold. The five Justice League members, Superman, Wonder Woman, Flash, Green Lantern, and Aquaman stood together, listening intently as Alfred Pennyworth and Barbara Gordon outlined the rules.
Alfred, ever the picture of composure in his tailored suit, cleared his throat as he stepped forward. Barbara sat besides him in her wheelchair, dressed casually but carrying a tablet that seemed ready to coordinate the entire operation.
“Good evening, esteemed members of the Justice League,” Alfred began, his voice calm and authoritative. “Welcome to Gotham City’s inaugural game of capture the flag. I shall now explain the rules in detail so there will be no misunderstandings during the match.”
Barbara glanced up from her tablet and smirked. “Translation: Play fair, or the Robins will exploit every loophole and make you regret it.”
“Quite,” Alfred said, entirely unbothered. “Now, the rules. Each team has precisely twenty minutes to hide their flag somewhere within the city limits. Said location must be physically accessible to the opposing team. No hiding it in an impenetrable vault or, say, the upper atmosphere.”
Superman gave a small chuckle but nodded. “Got it.”
“Furthermore,” Barbara continued, “once the game begins, if you are subdued by an opponent, whether by being restrained, disarmed, or otherwise incapacitated, you are considered ‘tagged.’ You’ll need to stay in place for five minutes before you can resume play. No exceptions.”
“Time limit?” Wonder Woman asked.
“None,” Barbara replied, her smirk widening. “The game ends when one team successfully captures the other’s flag and returns it to their base.”
“Ah, the matter of the bases,” Alfred interjected smoothly. “Your base locations will be marked on a shared map for both teams. No shifting your base once the game has begun.”
Green Lantern frowned, arms crossed. “And just to be clear, we can use our powers?”
“Of course,” Barbara said. “This isn’t about limiting what you can do. It’s about showing you what they can do. Trust me, you’ll want every advantage you can get.”
Flash rubbed his hands together, excitement radiating off him. “Oh, this is going to be awesome. I’ve got at least a hundred places in mind for the flag already.”
Barbara raised an eyebrow. “Just make sure at least one of them isn’t impossible for non-speedsters to reach. That’s against the rules, remember?”
Aquaman, who had been quietly taking in the city’s skyline, finally spoke. “And their abilities? Are we allowed to know what we’re up against?”
Barbara chuckled, exchanging a glance with Alfred. “You already know they’re skilled. Beyond that…” She shrugged. “You’ll have to find out the hard way.”
“Wonderful,” Wonder Woman said, a small smile tugging at her lips. “I enjoy a challenge.”
“Good,” Alfred said, stepping back and folding his hands behind his back. “Because that’s precisely what they’ve prepared for you.”
Barbara tapped her tablet, and the rooftop was illuminated by a holographic countdown. “Your twenty minutes to hide the flag starts now. Good luck.”

The Robins' base was perched in a derelict clock tower, one of Gotham’s forgotten relics. Strategically located with a panoramic view of the surrounding city and a maze of alleys and rooftops below, it was the perfect blend of high ground and concealment. The flag, a simple piece of red fabric, was tucked in a corner behind an array of defensive measures that bordered on excessive.
Jason Todd leaned against the wall, arms crossed, surveying their work with a smirk. “So, we’re sure this isn’t overkill?”
Tim Drake, crouched by a console bristling with wires and screens, didn’t look up from his work. “It’s not overkill if it works.”
“Uh-huh,” Jason replied. “And all these security measures? The lasers? The pressure plates? The- what is that, a taser mine?”
Tim finally glanced up, looking entirely too pleased with himself. “No one said I couldn’t use my resources. I hacked into Gotham’s security cameras, synced our comms, and set up perimeter traps. If anyone even thinks about approaching this place, we’ll know.”
Jason snorted. “You’re a menace.”
“Tell me something I don’t know,” Tim said, turning back to his console.
On the other side of the room, Stephanie Brown twirled a grappling hook idly in one hand, the other resting on her hip. “So, let me get this straight: you two are playing defense, Dick and Damian are going on offense, and I’m just… what? The chaos factor?”
“Exactly,” Dick Grayson chimed in as he dropped in through one of the broken clock faces, Damian Wayne right behind him. “You’re the wildcard. Keep them guessing. If they think they’ve got you pinned down, do the unexpected.”
Steph grinned. “Oh, I can do unexpected.”
“Don’t let it go to your head, Brown,” Damian said, brushing past her to inspect the setup. “You’re a distraction at best.”
“Aw, thanks, Baby Bat,” Steph replied, ruffling his hair. Damian slapped her hand away with a scowl.
“Focus,” Dick said, cutting in before the two could escalate. “We’ve got a solid plan, but that won’t matter if we don’t execute it right. Tim, you’ve got eyes everywhere?”
“Everywhere,” Tim confirmed, tapping his headset. “I’ll feed you updates through the comms. Jason and I will hold the base. You two focus on getting their flag and bringing it back here.”
“And me?” Steph asked.
“Keep them busy,” Dick said with a grin. “Cause as much chaos as you can without getting tagged.”
Jason gave her a mock salute. “Basically, just do what you always do.”
“Glad to know my talents are appreciated,” Steph said, stretching her arms. “Alright, I’m ready.”
Dick turned to Damian, who was already checking his gear. “You good, Dami?”
“Tt. I was born ready.”
“Great. Let’s move,” Dick said, heading for the edge of the clock tower. He turned back to address the group one last time. “Remember: they’ve got powers, but we’ve got Gotham. This is our home turf. Use it.”
Jason nodded,loading a gun with rubber rounds. “If they make it past me, they’ve earned it.”
Tim smirked, fingers flying over his keyboard. “They won’t.”
As Dick and Damian disappeared into the shadows, and Stephanie darted off with a cackle, Jason and Tim settled into their roles. The defenses were set, the traps were armed, and the game was about to begin.

Deep beneath Gotham's streets, the Justice League set up their base in an abandoned subway station. The place was damp, dimly lit, and filled with rusting tracks and crumbling walls. Despite its grimy appearance, it had strategic value: a labyrinth of tunnels to confuse attackers and multiple escape routes.
Superman set their flag, a simple blue cloth, on a steel pillar at the center of the station. It was high enough to be visible but still accessible, just within the spirit of the rules.
“This should do,” Superman said, brushing his hands together as he stepped back. “Now, let’s figure out who’s doing what.”
“Defense,” Wonder Woman said immediately, her gaze scanning the surroundings. “With the advantage they’ll have on this terrain, we need a strong line. I’ll take the flag.”
“I’ll join you,” Green Lantern said, activating his ring to create a glowing green barrier around their base. “Between my constructs and your reflexes, they’ll have a hard time getting through.”
“Fine by me,” Flash said, leaning casually against a rusted beam. “I’ll go offense. Someone’s gotta keep the pressure on, and I’m the fastest option.”
Superman nodded. “That makes sense. I’ll be on offense, too. With my speed and strength, we can cover ground quickly and scout out their defenses.”
“That leaves me,” Aquaman said, his tone thoughtful. “I’ll play support, move between offense and defense as needed. If the Robins are as tricky as they seem, we’ll need someone adaptable.”
Wonder Woman crossed her arms, nodding in approval. “Good. But remember, their strength lies in their teamwork and their knowledge of this city. They’ll use the environment against us.”
“And they’ve already had time to set up,” Green Lantern added, frowning. “Who knows what kind of traps they’ve laid?”
Superman smiled faintly, adjusting his comm in his ear. “We’ll figure it out. They’re clever, but we’re not exactly amateurs.”
“Yeah,” Flash said with a grin. “Besides, how tough can they be? They’re just a bunch of kids.”
Aquaman raised an eyebrow. “Kids who got into the Watchtower undetected and apparently convinced Batman to do this. Underestimating them would be a mistake.”
“Agreed,” Wonder Woman said. “Stay sharp, and don’t split up too much. If they catch you alone, it’s over.”
“Understood,” Superman said, clapping his hands together. “Alright, Lantern, keep that barrier ready. Wonder Woman, set up any defenses you can. Flash, Aquaman, let’s get moving. We’ve got a flag to find.”

Chapter Text

The labyrinthine streets of Gotham blurred past as Flash sprinted ahead of his teammates, his speed leaving faint ripples of air in his wake. He grinned as he scanned the alleys and rooftops, confident in his ability to cover ground faster than anyone else in the game. If he found the Robins’ flag early, this would be over in no time.
“Too easy,” he muttered to himself, zipping around another corner and into an abandoned industrial yard.
That’s when it happened.
A shadow moved faster than even his enhanced senses could fully register. Before he could react, Flash felt a sharp sting in his right leg, then his left. His momentum faltered as the pain registered, and he tumbled to the ground, rolling to a stop near a stack of rusted crates.
He looked down in disbelief. Two small, wickedly sharp daggers jutted out from his legs, one in each thigh. The cuts weren’t deep enough to cause serious damage, but they were precise enough to immobilize him. Blood seeped into the bright red fabric of his suit.
“What the-” he gasped, his hands darting to the blades.
“You should have stayed with your team.”
The cold, clipped voice came from the shadows above. Damian Wayne stood atop a low ledge, bathed in the eerie light of a flickering streetlamp. The yellow cape draped over his shoulders made him look both regal and menacing, his green mask hiding none of the contempt in his glare.
“You-” Flash grimaced, yanking one of the daggers free. “What’s wrong with you, kid? This is a game!”
“Tt. And you’re an idiot,” Damian said, leaping down with effortless grace. He landed in front of Flash, his katana already drawn and gleaming. “Did you think I’d fight you on your terms? This is Gotham. We fight to win.”
Flash stared at the kid, incredulous. “You stabbed me! You actually stabbed me!”
Damian rolled his eyes. “It’s a flesh wound. Stop whining. You’ll heal before you’re even tagged back in.”
“Tagged back in?” Flash snapped, finally pulling out the second dagger. “You realize there’s supposed to be a five-minute penalty, not surgery, right?”
Damian smirked, stepping closer, the tip of his katana glinting as he leveled it at Flash. “Consider this your lesson in underestimating us. And if you’re this rattled now, just wait until you meet the others.”
Flash glared, but the throbbing in his legs forced him to stay seated. “This isn’t over, kid.”
“It is for the next five minutes,” Damian said, sheathing his katana and turning on his heel. “Don’t bother trying to follow me after that. You won’t keep up.”

Superman landed softly next to Flash, his boots crunching on the cracked pavement of the industrial yard. The Man of Steel’s cape billowed slightly in the breeze, and his usually calm expression was clouded with concern as he took in the sight of his teammate sitting on the ground, blood staining his red suit.
“Barry!” Superman knelt beside him, scanning the wounds with a critical eye. “What happened? Are you okay?”
Flash gritted his teeth, yanking off one of his gloves to press it against his leg. “I’m fine. Well, mostly. That little gremlin—one of the kids—stabbed me. Twice.”
Superman’s eyebrows shot up. “Stabbed you?!”
“Yeah,” Flash said, his voice tinged with disbelief. “Daggers. One in each leg. It wasn’t deep enough to do any real damage, but still! Who does that in a game?”
Superman frowned, his gaze darting to the shadows surrounding them. “Let me take a look.” He activated his X-ray vision, scanning Flash’s legs for any lingering injuries.
“No major muscle damage, and the bleeding’s already slowing down,” Superman said after a moment. “You’ll be okay, but you should stay put until your penalty’s over. Are you sure it was one of the kids?”
“Kid in a green and red getup with a katana,” Flash muttered, wincing as he adjusted his position. “He said something about teaching me not to underestimate them. He’s a pint-sized maniac, that’s what he is.”
Superman sighed, his concern deepening. “I should’ve expected something like this. Batman’s proteges aren’t going to hold back.”
“Yeah, no kidding,” Flash grumbled, glancing at his legs. “Thanks for checking on me, Big Blue, but you’d better get moving. They’re gonna try to pick us off one by one.”
Superman nodded, his expression resolute. “I’ll be careful. Stay on comms, and let me know if anything changes.”
“Don’t worry about me,” Flash said, managing a small grin. “Go find that flag. And if you see the kid, give him a lecture about sportsmanship or something.”
Superman chuckled softly, his cape whipping around him as he rose into the air. “I’ll do my best. Stay safe, Barry.”

Elsewhere, Aquaman moved through the streets of Gotham with measured purpose, his trident glinting under the faint light of streetlamps. He kept Superman’s silhouette in sight above, planning to follow his lead and provide support when needed. The Robins might have the home-field advantage, but he was no stranger to navigating hostile environments.
Then, from the shadows, a taunting voice rang out.
“Well, well, if it isn’t the king of the sea himself! How’s Gotham treating you, Your Majesty?”
Aquaman spun, his trident at the ready. A figure clad in purple and black perched on a fire escape above him, swinging her legs casually as if she had all the time in the world.
“Who are you?” Aquaman demanded, narrowing his eyes.
The girl grinned, flipping down to land lightly in front of him. “I’m Spoiler. Your new best friend. Or worst nightmare, depending on how much cardio you’ve done recently.”
Aquaman leveled his trident, his gaze sharp. “You should stand down. This is a game, not a battlefield.”
“Oh, trust me, I know,” Steph replied, her grin widening. “But you’re still on my turf, and I’m feeling generous. How about a little tour?”
Before he could respond, Steph tossed a small smoke bomb at his feet and disappeared into the haze. Aquaman stepped back, coughing slightly, but the sound of her laughter echoed around him.
“You’re gonna have to be faster than that, Fish Guy!”
Frustrated, Aquaman bolted in the direction of her voice, his footsteps echoing in the alley. He emerged onto a rooftop just in time to see Steph swinging to the next building with her grappling hook, waving at him as she went.
“Catch me if you can!”
Aquaman growled under his breath and gave chase, leaping to the adjacent rooftop. For the next several minutes, Steph led him on a dizzying pursuit through Gotham’s maze of alleys, fire escapes, and rooftops.
She ducked into alleys only to pop up in entirely different locations, left a trail of harmless but obnoxious traps, sticky foam bombs, squealing alarms, and bright flares, and never let him get close enough to engage.
“You know,” she called out at one point, perched precariously on the edge of a billboard, “for someone who fights sea monsters, you’re really bad at tag!”
Aquaman paused, his chest heaving as he realized she had led him in a complete circle. They were back where they started, the fire escape still creaking slightly from her earlier leap.
“You’re wasting time,” he said, his voice steady despite his mounting irritation. “Your team won’t win by distracting me.”
“Sure,” Steph said, smirking. “But every minute I keep you busy is a minute my teammates can get closer to your flag. Tick-tock, Your Highness.”
With a final laugh, she launched herself into the shadows again, leaving Aquaman muttering a string of Atlantean curses under his breath.
“Batman trained these kids to be insufferable,” he growled, before reluctantly turning back toward his original path.
The damage was done, though. The King of Atlantis had been thoroughly delayed, and Spoiler had disappeared without a trace, a triumphant grin undoubtedly still plastered on her face.

Meanwhile, Dick crouched silently on a rusted support beam high above the Justice League’s abandoned subway base. His shadow melted into the dim light filtering through cracks in the ceiling, making him almost invisible. Below, the Justice League’s flag hung prominently from a steel pillar in the center of the station, encased in Green Lantern’s glowing emerald barrier.
He tapped his earpiece, his voice barely above a whisper.
“Red Robin, come in. I’ve got eyes on their base.”
Tim’s voice crackled back over the comms, calm and precise. “What’s the layout?”
“Subway station, underground, pretty standard for Gotham,” Dick replied, his eyes scanning the area. “Their flag is right in the middle. Green Lantern’s got a barrier around it, pretty solid-looking. Wonder Woman’s on guard, and Lantern’s staying close too.”
Tim hummed thoughtfully. “Superman and Aquaman?”
“Not here,” Dick confirmed. “They’re out. Probably searching for ours. Flash is a no-show, too. Either he’s sticking to the shadows or he’s been… delayed.”
A soft laugh came through the comms, Jason’s unmistakable voice. “Let me guess: Baby Bat took him down? Bet he stabbed him.”
“Focus, Hood,” Tim interjected before Dick could respond. “Nightwing, do you think you can get past the defenses?”
Dick frowned, shifting slightly to get a better look. “It’s not going to be easy. Lantern’s barrier is going to be the biggest problem, and Wonder Woman’s not exactly someone you can sneak past without a plan. We need a distraction.”
“Already ahead of you,” Tim said, his voice tinged with amusement. “Spoiler’s been keeping Aquaman busy, and Damian’s on Superman’s trail. That leaves us room to maneuver. I can send her your way if you think she can cause enough chaos.”
“Steph’s always good for chaos,” Dick said with a grin. “Send her in. I’ll hang back and wait for her signal. Once the League’s distracted, I’ll move in and see if I can breach the barrier.”
“What about Lantern?” Jason cut in. “You’ve got a plan for that glowing green fortress of his?”
Dick smirked. “Working on it. Worst case, I’ll improvise. But I’ll need backup if things get messy.”
“Don’t worry,” Tim said. “You’re not on your own. Damian’s got Superman tied up, and I’ll cover from base if they try to double back.”
“Alright,” Dick said, his voice steady. “Send Steph in. Tell her to do what she does best.”
“Consider it done,” Tim replied. “And Wing? Be careful. They’re not as predictable as Gotham’s usual players.”
“Got it,” Dick said, his tone light. “But don’t worry about me. This is just another night in Gotham.”

Superman hovered above the Gotham rooftops, his cape rippling in the wind as he scanned the streets below. His enhanced vision pierced through the gloom, searching for any sign of movement.
“Come out, kid,” he called, his voice firm but not unkind. “This can end peacefully. No one else has to get hurt.”
A sharp whistle echoed through the alley below. Superman’s eyes narrowed as he turned toward the sound.
From the shadows, a figure stepped into the faint light, a small, lithe figure clad in green and black, a yellow cape fluttering behind him. His hood obscured most of his face, but Superman could see the defiance in his stance.
“You’re wasting your time,” Damian said, his voice cold and steady. “This city is ours. You’re just a tourist.”
Superman frowned, floating down to street level. “I take it you’re the one who… dealt with Barry?”
Damian tilted his head slightly, an almost mocking gesture. “I slowed him down. He was sloppy. Maybe you’ll do better.”
Superman stepped closer, his tone firm. “You know this is a game, right? Stabbing someone is going too far, even for a test.”
“Spare me the lecture, alien,” Damian snapped. “If Barry can’t handle a minor setback, he shouldn’t be here.”
Superman opened his mouth to respond, but Damian was already moving. He threw a flashbang grenade directly at Superman’s feet, the blinding light and deafening sound forcing the Man of Steel to step back.
When the light faded, Damian was gone.
Superman sighed, his patience wearing thin. “Alright, then.”
He took to the air again, following the faint sound of footsteps echoing through the narrow alleys below. As he rounded a corner, a plume of thick smoke erupted in front of him. Damian darted through the haze, his yellow cape barely visible before vanishing into another alley.
Superman pressed on, weaving through the smoke and dodging the occasional trap—pressure-activated nets, collapsing crates, even a cleverly rigged tripwire that sent a stack of trash cans tumbling into his path.
Finally, after several minutes of chasing the elusive Robin through Gotham’s winding streets, Superman managed to cut him off in a dead-end alley. Damian skidded to a stop, his eyes darting around for an escape route, but there was nowhere to go.
“You’re fast,” Superman said, landing lightly on the ground. “But not fast enough.”
Damian raised his fists, his expression defiant. “Come and get me, then.”
Superman sighed, shaking his head. “Kid, it’s over.”
With a quick burst of speed, Superman closed the gap and lightly tapped Damian on the shoulder. “You’re tagged. Five minutes.”
Damian scowled, his fists clenching at his sides. “Tt. Lucky shot.”
Superman crossed his arms, looking down at him with a mix of exasperation and concern. “Look, I get that you’re competitive, but what you did to Barry was dangerous. You can’t just stab someone, even in a controlled exercise like this.”
“He’s fine,” Damian retorted. “I knew exactly what I was doing.”
“That’s not the point,” Superman said, his voice firm. “You’re playing with people’s safety. This isn’t a war, it’s supposed to be a test of skill, not survival tactics.”
Damian glared at him but said nothing, his pride refusing to acknowledge the reprimand.
Superman softened slightly, crouching down to meet Damian’s eye level. “You’re talented. There’s no doubt about that. But you need to understand there’s a line between strategy and recklessness. Crossing it won’t prove your point, it’ll just hurt people.”
For a moment, Damian didn’t respond. Then, he muttered under his breath, “I’ll keep that in mind.”
Superman straightened, his gaze lingering on the young vigilante. “Good. Stay put until your penalty’s over. And try to remember, this is a game.”

Chapter Text

Barry stretched his legs, testing his speed as his five-minute penalty ended. The pain from Damian’s earlier assault had dulled to a mild ache, nothing he couldn’t handle. With a crack of his neck and a quick check of his surroundings, he was back in the game.
“Alright,” he muttered to himself, zipping down an alley. “Time to show these kids who they’re messing with.”
As he ran, his focus sharpened. He followed the faint signs of movement through the city, hoping to catch one of the Robins off guard. His enhanced vision caught a flicker of motion up ahead, a figure darting between buildings.
“Gotcha,” Barry said with a grin, increasing his speed.
But as he rounded the corner, he was greeted not by a vulnerable Robin, but by a strategically placed trap: a spring-loaded net shot out from the side of a dumpster. Barry skidded to a stop just in time, the net missing him by inches.
“Nice try,” he muttered, brushing past it.
“Nice reflexes!”
Barry froze. The voice came from directly behind him.
Before he could turn, a grappling hook latched onto his ankle and yanked him off balance. He stumbled, hitting the ground hard, and found himself staring up at none other than Spoiler.
She stood on a nearby fire escape, hands on her hips, looking entirely too pleased with herself.
“Second time’s the charm,” she quipped, giving him a mock salute.
Barry groaned, pushing himself up on his elbows. “You’ve got to be kidding me.”
“Oh, I’m very serious,” Steph said, swinging down to the ground. She tapped him lightly on the shoulder. “Tag. You’re it, again.”
Barry flopped back onto the pavement, staring at the sky. “This is humiliating.”
Steph crouched beside him, her grin impossibly wide. “You know, for the fastest man alive, you’re really easy to bait. You might wanna work on that.”
“Why are you all like this?” Barry muttered, covering his face with his hands.
“Like what?” Steph asked innocently.
“This,” Barry said, gesturing vaguely at her as he sat up. “Annoying. Unpredictable. Impossible to catch.”
“Aw, thanks,” Steph said, flashing him a cheeky grin. “We try.”

Dick crouched on the beam of an old, unused subway line, his eyes fixed on the Justice League's makeshift base. Next to him, Damian stood tense and ready, the faintest hint of a smirk playing on his lips.
“She’s alone now,” Dick whispered, his gaze locked on Wonder Woman standing near the League’s flag, her posture relaxed but vigilant. “Lantern must’ve gone to check something out.”
“Tt. She won’t be easy to handle,” Damian muttered, his hand resting on the hilt of his katana. “But I’ve faced worse.”
“Sure you have, kid,” Dick said with a teasing grin. “Let’s stick to the plan. We bait her out, keep her off balance, and use her own tools against her. Think you can handle that?”
“I was born for this,” Damian replied, his smirk widening.
Dick gave a subtle nod and leaped down into the subway station, landing silently on the edge of the platform. He stepped into the light just enough for Wonder Woman to notice him, then gestured mockingly for her to follow.
“Looking for me?” he called, his voice light and playful.
Wonder Woman turned, her expression calm but serious. “Nightwing. You’re bold to show yourself here.”
“Bold or overconfident? Guess you’ll have to find out.”
Without another word, Dick sprinted down the station, disappearing into the shadows of a maintenance tunnel. Wonder Woman hesitated for only a moment before giving chase, her sword drawn and her movements swift.
Unbeknownst to her, Damian was already in position.
As Wonder Woman entered the tunnel, Damian dropped from the ceiling, his katana flashing in the dim light as he struck at her weapon. She blocked effortlessly, her strength sending him skidding back, but his attack had been a diversion.
From the side, Dick appeared again, a pair of escrima sticks whirling as he aimed for her legs. Wonder Woman dodged, countering with a sweeping kick that forced Dick to roll out of the way.
“You’re good,” she admitted, her eyes narrowing. “But you’re outmatched.”
“Outmatched, maybe,” Dick said, grinning as he adjusted his stance. “But not outnumbered.”
The fight escalated quickly. Dick and Damian worked in tandem, their strikes coordinated and relentless. Damian used his smaller size to his advantage, darting in and out of Wonder Woman’s reach, while Dick distracted her with well-timed feints and acrobatics.
Still, Wonder Woman was no easy opponent. Her experience and strength kept them on the defensive, and her precision forced them to retreat multiple times.
“Is this your plan?” she asked, deflecting Damian’s katana and forcing Dick to backflip away from her lasso. “Two against one?”
“Something like that,” Dick replied, his grin unshaken.
Damian, meanwhile, circled her silently, his sharp eyes fixed on the golden lasso at her hip. He waited for the perfect moment, when she was focused on Dick.
That moment came when Dick launched a small smoke pellet at her feet, obscuring her vision for a split second.
Damian sprang into action, darting in and snatching the lasso from her belt with a speed and precision that left her momentarily stunned.
“Got it!” Damian declared triumphantly, holding the lasso aloft.
Wonder Woman’s eyes widened, and she reached for it, but Damian was already moving. He darted behind Dick, the lasso coiled in his hand like a trophy.
“Time to even the odds,” Dick said, stepping in front of Damian to block her path.
With the lasso in Damian’s possession, the fight tilted in their favor. Wonder Woman hesitated, clearly debating whether to pursue it or retreat.
That hesitation cost her.
Dick lunged forward, tagging her shoulder with a well-placed tap of his escrima stick. “Tag. You’re it.”
Wonder Woman froze, her eyes narrowing in both frustration and reluctant respect.
“Well played,” she admitted, stepping back and lowering her sword.

Hal Jordan, the Green Lantern, floated near the flag at the center of their makeshift base, his emerald construct gleaming with energy. The news came through the Justice League’s comms, Wonder Woman’s calm but irritated voice echoing in his earpiece.
“I’ve been tagged. The youngest and oldest, they’re working together. Watch your back, Hal.”
Hal groaned, rubbing his temple. “Great. Just great. Babysitting duty turns into a war zone. Got it, Diana. Rest up, I’ve got this.”
As he turned his attention back to his construct, a faint sound caught his attention, a whisper of movement just beyond the station’s dim lighting. Hal raised his ring, the construct expanding slightly as he scanned the shadows.
“Alright, kids,” he called out, his voice carrying a sharp edge. “I know you’re there. Let’s get this over with.”
From the darkness, Dick Grayson stepped into view, his escrima sticks twirling casually in his hands.
“Nice shield,” Dick said with a grin. “Bet it’s a pain to maintain, though.”
Hal’s eyes narrowed. “Not as much as dealing with you brats.”
Before Hal could react, Damian dropped down from the ceiling above, his katana slicing toward the construct’s base. The blade sparked against the glowing green energy, sending a ripple through the shield.
“Persistent little guy, aren’t you?” Hal muttered, redirecting his focus to reinforce the barrier.
“Persistent and effective,” Damian shot back, already launching another attack.
Hal countered with a sweep of his ring, sending a glowing green fist toward Damian. The boy dodged with practiced ease, flipping backward as Dick moved in to cover him.
The fight quickly became a flurry of motion, Hal summoning constructs, walls, fists, and even a snarling emerald wolf, while Dick and Damian worked together to keep him off balance. Dick used his acrobatics to dart in and out of Hal’s reach, while Damian relentlessly targeted the construct’s weak points, each strike chipping away at its integrity.
“Give it up, Lantern,” Dick said, landing a solid hit against one of Hal’s constructs with his escrima sticks. “You can’t hold us both off forever.”
Hal smirked, raising his ring. “Watch me.”
Then, a familiar gust of wind and a shadow passing overhead brought the fight to a sudden halt.
“Hal, status?” Superman’s voice rang out as he landed near the flag, his cape billowing behind him.
Hal straightened, relief flashing across his face. “About to lose the construct, but nothing I can’t handle now that you’re here.”
Dick cursed under his breath, realizing their window of opportunity had closed. “We’re out of time.”
“No!” Damian growled, launching another strike at the construct. “We can still-”
“We’re leaving,” Dick interrupted, grabbing Damian by the arm and pulling him back.
Damian struggled against his grip, his frustration boiling over. “Let me go! I can take him!”
“Not with Superman here,” Dick said firmly, dragging him toward the shadows. “We’ve done enough damage. We’ll regroup and hit them later.”
Damian glared but didn’t resist further, recognizing the logic even if he hated it. The two vanished into the darkness, leaving Hal and Superman standing guard over the now-reinforced construct.

Chapter Text

The clocktower was bathed in the dim glow of Gotham's eternal twilight, the quiet hum of Barbara’s sophisticated systems filling the air. The Robins gathered in a makeshift war room, surrounded by holographic displays of Gotham’s streets and feeds from Tim’s hacked security cameras.
Dick leaned over the table, catching his breath as he studied their current positions. “Well, that could’ve gone better.”
“Tt,” Damian scoffed, leaning against a wall with his arms crossed. “We would’ve succeeded if you hadn’t pulled me out.”
“You’re welcome, by the way,” Dick shot back, his voice sharp but not without affection. “You were about two seconds from getting tagged.”
Jason snorted, plopping down into a chair and spinning it lazily. “Yeah, Baby Bat, I’m with Wing on this one. Getting tagged by Superman? That’s not a headline we need.”
Steph was perched on the edge of a nearby desk, chewing on a protein bar. “Besides, you got his attention. That’s half the battle right there.”
Tim stood at the center of the room, calm and focused as he typed rapidly on a keyboard, monitoring the Justice League’s movements through a patchwork of hacked city cameras and trackers. “Okay, listen up,” he said, his voice cutting through the banter. “We’ve regrouped, which means it’s time to adjust the strategy. I’m staying here to coordinate and keep an eye on the League. The rest of you? All offense.”
Jason smirked, cracking his knuckles. “Finally. I was getting bored.”
“About time,” Damian muttered, already adjusting his gear.
Tim turned to Damian, holding out a small lead-lined box. “Before you head out, take this.”
Damian raised an eyebrow but opened the box without hesitation. Inside was a shard of kryptonite, glowing faintly green.
“Where did you even get this?” Damian asked, his tone more impressed than accusatory.
Tim shrugged. “Bruce always has contingencies. I borrowed it from his stash.”
Jason let out a low whistle. “Man, when Bruce finds out-”
“He won’t,” Tim interrupted, his tone firm. “Not unless we lose. And we’re not losing.”
Dick looked concerned. “You sure about this, Tim? Giving him kryptonite?”
“Clark’s their trump card,” Tim explained. “If Superman decides to go all out, we don’t stand a chance. This levels the playing field. But Damian-” He fixed the younger Robin with a serious look. “Only use it if you have to. No unnecessary risks.”
Damian smirked, slipping the kryptonite into a pouch on his belt. “I know what I’m doing.”
Tim didn’t look entirely convinced but nodded. “Alright. Stick to the plan, and keep your comms open. Steph, you’ll be running interference again. Jason and Dick, focus on dividing their forces. Damian, you know what to do.”

Barry zipped through Gotham’s streets, his enhanced speed leaving a faint blur in his wake. His legs were still sore from Steph’s earlier antics, but he was determined to make up for lost time. Spotting the towering silhouette of the clocktower, he skidded to a stop, craning his neck to look up at it.
“A bird’s-eye view,” he muttered to himself. “That’s what I need. Maybe I can figure out where they’re holed up.”
Without hesitation, he sped inside, racing up the winding staircases and scaling walls where necessary. He had barely made it halfway up when his instincts kicked in, a faint click followed by a high-pitched whine.
“Uh-oh.”
A volley of small darts shot from the walls, narrowly missing Barry as he twisted out of their path. He zipped forward, dodging a tripwire, only to nearly run headfirst into a falling net. Skidding to a halt, he managed to duck under it just in time.
“Seriously?” Barry muttered, leaping over another trap, a pressure plate that triggered a burst of sticky foam. “What kind of psychopath booby-traps a clocktower?”
As he rounded a corner, a shadow moved in the dim light. Before Barry could react, something solid slammed into his shin with the force of a sledgehammer.
“AH! What the heck?!” Barry yelped, stumbling and clutching his leg.
Tim Drake stepped out of the shadows, his collapsible bo staff in hand and a look of pure annoyance etched on his face. “You really thought this was a good idea?”
Barry tried to move, but Tim was already on him, twisting the staff and sweeping his legs out from under him. The Flash hit the ground with a thud, his speed useless in such close quarters.
“Tag,” Tim said flatly, tapping Barry’s shoulder with the staff.
Barry groaned, glaring up at the young vigilante. “You’re kidding me. Again?”
“Yeah,” Tim replied, his tone dripping with irritation. “And now I have to reset all those traps because of you.”
As Barry tried to sit up, Tim grabbed him by the ankle and started dragging him down the spiral staircase of the clocktower.
“Hey! Ow! Okay, I get it- you’re mad!” Barry protested, wincing as he bumped along the steps.
“You don’t even know,” Tim shot back. “Do you have any idea how long it took me to rig those traps? Hours. And now I have to redo everything because you couldn’t just stay out of the tower.”
“Look, I was just trying to get a better view of the city,” Barry said, wincing as they reached another step. “It’s not like I knew you’d turn this place into a deathtrap!”
Tim stopped at the base of the tower, finally letting go of Barry’s ankle. “That’s your problem. You underestimate us.”
Barry sat up, rubbing his shin and glaring. “Fine. Lesson learned. No more clocktowers. Happy?”
Tim gave him a flat look before turning and heading back up the stairs. “Stay put. You’re benched for five minutes. And don’t even think about trying to move, or I’ll make sure the next trap is way worse.”
Barry leaned back against the wall, groaning. “I hate Gotham.”

Arthur Curry, also known as Aquaman, stalked through the Gotham alleys with cautious determination. The city was far from his element, too dry, too noisy, too...unpredictable. He had just regrouped after his wild goose chase with Spoiler and was determined to make himself useful again.
He checked his comms. “Lantern, Superman, status?”
“Still holding the fort,” Hal’s voice crackled through. “But we’ve got company sniffing around. Stay sharp.”
Arthur grunted, continuing his patrol. As he rounded a corner, he came face to face with what could only be described as his worst-case scenario.
Nightwing, Red Hood, Spoiler, and Robin stood there, weapons drawn and grinning like they had just found their next target.
Arthur blinked, his trident lowering slightly. “Oh, great.”
Jason was the first to move, drawing his twin pistols and firing rubber bullets with calculated precision. Arthur deflected the shots with his trident, but the distraction gave Steph enough time to vault over him, throwing a handful of flashbangs behind her.
The deafening pop and blinding light momentarily disoriented Aquaman, but only for a second. He growled and swung his trident in a wide arc, forcing the Robins to back off momentarily.
“Nice try,” Arthur snarled, his eyes darting between them. “You’re going to have to do better than that.”
“Oh, don’t worry,” Dick said with a grin, spinning his escrima sticks. “We always do.”
From behind Arthur, Damian darted in, his katana slicing toward the trident. Arthur blocked the strike, but the distraction was enough for Jason to close the gap, slamming the butt of one pistol into Arthur’s ribs.
Arthur staggered, but before he could regain his footing, Steph slid in low, sweeping his legs out from under him. He hit the ground hard, his trident clattering away.
“That’s game,” Jason said, leaning over and tapping Arthur’s shoulder with the barrel of his pistol. “Tag.”
Arthur groaned, rubbing his temple as he propped himself up on an elbow. “Seriously?”
“Don’t feel bad,” Steph said, crouching next to him with a wide grin. “You didn’t stand a chance. Not against all of us.”
Arthur glared at her. “You’re enjoying this way too much.”
“You bet I am,” Steph replied, giving him a thumbs-up.
Dick offered Arthur a hand, helping him to his feet. “You’re out for five, and then you can try again. Or, you know, maybe take a break. You’ve had a rough day.”
Arthur waved him off, shaking his head in exasperation. “I’m starting to think Gotham has cursed you all.”
Jason smirked, twirling one of his pistols. “You say that like it’s a bad thing.”

Tim adjusted his headset, tuning into the Robins’ private comm channel as he monitored Gotham’s labyrinthine streets on his display. A faint grin tugged at his lips as he heard the others’ chatter.
“Alright, roll call,” Tim said. “Status updates?”
“Steph here,” came her cheerful voice. “Currently perched on a gargoyle overlooking the League’s base. No sign of trouble, yet.”
“This is Nightwing,” Dick chimed in. “I’m tailing Wonder Woman. She’s moving cautiously but definitely headed back toward their base. Probably to regroup.”
“Red Hood reporting,” Jason added, his tone casual. “I’m tracking Flash. The guy’s limping. I could probably tag him again, but where’s the fun in that?”
“Robin,” Damian’s voice cut through. “Positioned near the western approach to the League’s base. Ready to strike.”
Tim leaned back in his chair, his eyes scanning the multiple feeds on his monitors. “Alright, here’s the situation: Diana’s back in the game and headed to their base. Barry’s retreating too, and Hal’s holding the fort. Superman is...well, Superman. We need to decide, do we go for the flag, or do we just mess with them a little first?”
Steph’s laugh echoed through the comms. “Oh, come on. You’re seriously asking that? We mess with them. Obviously.”
Jason snorted. “I’m with Spoiler. A direct attack is boring. Let’s make ’em sweat a little.”
“Agreed,” Damian said, his tone sharp. “They’ll be easier to defeat if they’re off balance.”
Dick hummed thoughtfully. “Fine, but let’s not overdo it. Remember, the point is to win, not just to have fun.”
“Can’t we do both?” Steph quipped.
Tim chuckled, shaking his head. “Alright, fine. Here’s the plan. Steph, you’re on disruption duty. Lay down some traps near their base and make it hard for anyone trying to get back in. Jason, keep an eye on Barry but don’t tag him just yet, let him think he’s safe.”
“Got it,” Jason replied.
“Dick and Damian,” Tim continued, “you’ll run interference. Keep Diana occupied and draw Superman out of their base. We need their defenses thinned out if we’re going to have a shot at the flag.”
“And you?” Dick asked.
“I’m staying here to coordinate and keep an eye on their movements,” Tim replied. “And maybe set up a surprise or two.”
Steph’s voice turned teasing. “Ooh, is this going to be one of those legendary Tim Drake surprises?”
“Maybe,” Tim said with a smirk. “Now, everyone knows their roles. Let’s give the League something to remember.”

yes i referenced this scene from teen titans go for the scene with Barry.

Chapter Text

The Justice League’s comms crackled to life with an upbeat, chaotic tune, Yakety Sax.
“What the?” Hal Jordan, the Green Lantern, growled, slapping his earpiece. “Who hacked the comms?!”
“I can’t turn it off!” Diana’s voice cut through, sounding both irritated and mildly amused.
Barry groaned. “Oh, come on! Now it’s stuck in my head!”
Meanwhile, Steph’s voice chirped through the Robins’ private channel. “Okay, I may have replaced their comm encryption earlier. Who says I’m not useful?”
“Very subtle,” Tim replied dryly, his tone laced with approval.
Hal gritted his teeth and tried to focus on his glowing construct shield. But it was hard to concentrate with Yakety Sax blasting in his ears, and even harder with chaos breaking loose around him.
First came the glitter bombs. Tiny canisters rolled into the subway base from seemingly nowhere, exploding in dazzling showers of sparkling gold and silver.
“GLITTER?!” Hal shouted, flailing as the sparkly debris coated his uniform. “Are you kidding me?”
“Not bad,” Steph muttered, watching from her perch. “Not bad at all.”
Then came the marbles. Carefully placed at key entryways, they sent Barry skidding uncontrollably when he tried to make a quick entrance.
“WHO USES MARBLES?!” he yelled, flailing wildly before landing flat on his back.
The next wave was flashbangs, tripwires, and battarangs, each meticulously placed to keep the League constantly off balance. Diana managed to disarm one of the tripwires, only for a slime bomb to detonate above her head.
She wiped the green goo off her armor with a resigned sigh. “I hate this city.”
From the shadows, Jason grinned. “They’re doing great.”
The real chaos began when all five Robins focused their efforts on Green Lantern. Hal was forced to counter a barrage of battarangs, smoke pellets, and grappling hooks while his glowing construct shield slowly cracked under Damian’s relentless attacks.
“This is harassment!” Hal shouted, reinforcing his shield as another glitter bomb detonated nearby.
“Take it as a compliment,” Dick called out, landing a solid hit on the construct with his escrima sticks.
But just as the Robins seemed to gain the upper hand, Superman swooped in, landing between them and the shielded flag.
“Enough,” Clark said firmly, his gaze sweeping over the young vigilantes. “This ends here.”
“Agreed,” Damian muttered, his tone cold. He reached into his belt and pulled out the lead-lined box Tim had given him earlier.
Clark’s eyes narrowed as he noticed the faint green glow. “Wait, what is-?”
Damian didn’t give him time to finish. He lunged forward, the shard of kryptonite in hand, forcing Superman to stagger back, his strength fading.
“You don’t deserve my mercy,” Damian growled, tagging Superman on the shoulder. “That’s for earlier.”
Clark stumbled, his eyes wide with surprise and confusion. “Who are you kids?”
Damian smirked, retreating into the shadows as Dick pulled him back. “Wouldn’t you like to know?”
With Superman down and Hal struggling to maintain his defenses, the Robins made one final push for the flag.

Dick, Jason, Steph, and Damian burst out of the abandoned subway base, the Justice League’s flag securely in Jason’s hands. Their grins were triumphant as they bolted through Gotham’s shadowy streets, zigzagging to avoid any potential pursuers.
“I can’t believe we actually pulled it off,” Steph said, her voice crackling over the comms.
“Don’t jinx it,” Dick warned, scanning the rooftops for any sign of retaliation.
Damian was as stoic as ever, though there was a flicker of satisfaction in his eyes. “We’re not out of this yet. Stay sharp.”
Jason laughed, clutching the flag tighter. “Relax, Baby Bat. They’re probably still trying to scrape glitter out of their armor.”
But before Jason could revel in his victory, a shadow loomed over the group. The next thing they knew, Aquaman tackled him from the side, sending them both sprawling across the pavement.
Jason groaned, struggling to keep a grip on the flag as Aquaman pinned him down. “You’ve got to be kidding me.”
“You didn’t think it would be that easy, did you?” Arthur growled, wrenching the flag from Jason’s grasp.
Before Jason could counter, Wonder Woman appeared, her armor glinting under the dim city lights. Hal wasn’t far behind, his glowing green constructs forming a defensive wall around them.
“Looks like you underestimated us,” Diana said with a faint smirk.
Jason rolled to his feet, his hands going for his pistols. “Underestimated? Nah. Just didn’t expect you to be this stubborn.”
Damian lunged at Hal, his katana slicing through the air. But Hal was ready this time. A green cage materialized around the youngest Robin, snapping shut with a loud hum.
“Gotcha, kid,” Hal said, tapping the cage with a smug grin. “That’s a tag.”
Damian snarled, gripping the bars. “Release me, you glowing idiot!”
Steph darted toward Aquaman, trying to snatch the flag back, but Diana blocked her path with a perfectly timed swing of her sword.
“Not so fast,” Diana said, her tone firm but not unkind.
Dick moved in to help, his escrima sticks sparking as he clashed with Hal’s constructs. “Jason, grab the flag and run!”
Jason reached for the flag, but Aquaman wasn’t letting go easily. The two grappled on the ground, each trying to gain the upper hand.
From his perch at the clocktower, Tim’s voice crackled over the comms. “You guys need to regroup. This isn’t looking good.”
“Gee, thanks for the pep talk,” Jason grunted, dodging a punch from Arthur.

The retreat was a chaotic blur, punctuated by Steph's exasperated grumbling, Jason's cursing, and Dick’s reluctant command to fall back. With Damian tagged and stuck in Hal’s construct cage, and Jason unable to wrest the flag from Aquaman’s grip, the Robins had no choice but to abandon their prize, for now.
“This is humiliating,” Jason growled over the comms as he vaulted over a chain-link fence, keeping to the shadows. “We had it in our hands.”
“And then we didn’t,” Steph replied, her voice clipped. She landed beside him, wiping glitter from her gloves. “Let’s focus on not getting tagged next.”
Dick brought up the rear, his escrima sticks ready as he scanned their surroundings for any pursuers. “Keep moving. They’re regrouping, too, but we’ve got the advantage of knowing this city.”
Jason scoffed, adjusting his mask. “Yeah, tell that to the glowing green bubble Damian’s stuck in.”
“We’ll get him back,” Dick assured him, his tone firm. “But we can’t do it if we’re all tagged. Stick to the plan, regroup at the clocktower.”
A few tense minutes later, the remaining Robins slipped through a back entrance to the clocktower. Tim was already waiting for them, perched at his workstation with Diana’s lasso coiled neatly beside him. He didn’t even look up as they entered.
“Well,” Tim said, typing away, “judging by the fact you’re all back here empty-handed, I’m guessing Plan A didn’t work.”
“Gee, you think?” Jason snapped, slumping into a chair. “Aquaman tackled me. Aquaman.”
Steph flopped onto the couch, throwing an arm over her eyes. “And Hal got Damian. We are never going to hear the end of it.”
Dick sighed, leaning against the wall. “It’s not over yet. We’re not out of the game until every one of us is tagged.”
Tim finally turned to face them, his expression calm despite the chaos. “Good. Because I might have an idea for Plan B.”
Jason raised an eyebrow. “If it involves more glitter, I’m out.”
Tim smirked, holding up the lasso. “No glitter. Just leverage.”
Dick crossed his arms, his eyes narrowing thoughtfully. “Alright, Tim. What’s the plan?”

The Justice League regrouped in their abandoned subway base, battered but not beaten. Superman leaned against the wall, arms crossed, while Diana wiped the remaining slime off her armor with a frustrated sigh. Barry paced back and forth, his movements slightly stiff from multiple tags. Aquaman stood by the flag, trident resting against his shoulder, and Hal hovered nearby, his green cage containing a very angry Damian.
“You cheaters!” Damian snarled, slamming his fists against the glowing bars. “Caging a tagged player is unsportsmanlike, unethical, and beneath even you!”
Hal raised an eyebrow, clearly unimpressed. “Look, kid. The rules didn’t say we couldn’t do this. Maybe you should have read the fine print.”
Damian glared at him, his voice dripping with venom. “Cowards.”
Superman stepped forward, his tone firm but gentle. “Robin, it’s not cheating if it isn’t against the rules. You’re out for now, so let’s keep things civil.”
Damian turned his glare to Clark. “You’re enabling this farce, Kryptonian.”
Hal smirked. “Love the enthusiasm, though. Makes this way more entertaining.”
Barry stopped pacing, rubbing the back of his neck. “Uh, speaking of entertaining, I think I found their headquarters. You know, the clocktower? Big and obvious, and kinda screams, ‘This is where the Robins hang out.’”
Diana raised an eyebrow. “You’re sure?”
“Pretty sure,” Barry said. “I, uh, stumbled into it earlier. There were traps everywhere, and I got tagged, again. But if we hit them there, we might catch them off guard.”
Aquaman nodded. “It’s risky, but it could work. We can’t let them regroup for long.”
Superman considered this, then looked to Hal. “You’ll need to stay here and keep an eye on Robin. The rest of us will handle the attack.”
Hal groaned, giving Damian a pointed look. “Babysitting duty, huh? Lucky me.”
Damian smirked, his tone icy. “I’ll make it very memorable for you, Lantern.”
Diana rested her hands on her hips. “Let’s focus. Flash, lead the way. We’ll flank them once we’re there.”

The clocktower loomed ahead as the Justice League advanced with determination, their roles clearly outlined. Wonder Woman and Superman ascended from the outside, their flight swift and calculated, while Aquaman and Flash braved the stairwell, now rigged with every trap the Robins could muster.
Inside, the remaining Robins, Tim, Dick, and Steph, stood ready, their comms buzzing with last-minute updates.
“Jason’s in position,” Tim announced, his voice calm despite the tension. “He’s the wild card now. We just have to hold the line.”
Steph cracked her knuckles, grinning. “Leave the stairs to me. If they think they can get past all the traps, they’ve got another thing coming.”
Dick gave her a quick nod, then turned to Tim. “I’ll take Diana. She’s tough, but I’ve danced with her kind of power before. You sure you can handle Superman?”
Tim glanced at the tiny shard of kryptonite in his hand, his expression unreadable. “Not really, but I’ll keep him busy. That’s the job.”
Dick clapped him on the shoulder. “Just don’t get flattened, okay?”
As Steph sprinted toward the stairwell, Dick launched himself toward the top of the tower, meeting Wonder Woman head-on as she landed with precision.
“Nightwing,” Diana greeted, drawing her sword. “You’ve been a thorn in our side for too long.”
“I try,” Dick replied with a charming smile, twirling his escrima sticks. “But you know what they say about Gotham, it’s full of surprises.”
Meanwhile, Tim’s traps were springing into action as Flash and Aquaman charged up the narrow, winding staircase. Tripwires, marbles, and glitter bombs slowed their progress, but Barry’s speed allowed him to dodge most of the hazards, until Steph herself appeared, blocking their path.
“Nice of you to visit,” she said cheerfully, tossing a smoke pellet that filled the staircase with a choking cloud. “But I’m afraid we’re not taking guests right now.”
Barry coughed, trying to navigate through the haze. “Are you always this annoying?”
Steph winked. “Wouldn’t you like to know?”
At the top of the tower, Superman was already making his move toward the Robins’ flag, but Tim intercepted him, standing his ground with a defiant glare.
“Red Robin,” Clark said, landing lightly. “This is your chance to surrender. You can’t win against us.”
Tim smirked, his hand slipping into his utility belt. “Surrender’s not really our thing.”
He pulled out the tiny shard of kryptonite, holding it up like a talisman. Superman stopped mid-step, his eyes narrowing.
“That’s not going to work the way you think it will,” Clark warned.
“Probably not,” Tim admitted, tossing the shard between his fingers. “But it’s all about playing the hand you’re dealt.”
Superman moved forward cautiously, his strength only slightly hindered by the faint green glow. Tim darted backward, leading him deeper into the trap-laden tower. Smoke pellets, flashbangs, and collapsing shelves slowed Clark’s progress, but the Man of Steel pressed on, undeterred.
Tim ducked under a low-hanging beam, throwing a grappling hook to reach higher ground. “You know, for a guy with super-hearing, you don’t seem to get that we don’t play fair.”
“I’m starting to figure that out,” Superman replied, brushing aside another obstacle.

Chapter Text

Jason sped through Gotham’s shadowy streets on his roaring motorcycle, the city a blur around him. His target: the League’s base. His weapon of choice? A crowbar strapped to his back, an ironic nod to his past.
Tim’s voice crackled in his earpiece. “You’re almost there. I’ve got their comms jammed, Hal won’t be calling for backup anytime soon. Just don’t-”
“Don’t what? Hit him too hard?” Jason interrupted, a sly grin tugging at his lips.
“I was going to say, don’t make me regret trusting you with this, but sure, let’s go with that,” Tim replied dryly.
Jason chuckled, the sound low and dangerous. “Relax, Replacement. This’ll be clean. Well, mostly.”
As he approached the abandoned subway entrance, Jason cut the engine and coasted the last few yards, his movements silent and calculated. The glow of Hal’s constructs illuminated the darkened tunnel, casting eerie shadows across the walls.
Hal stood at the center of the room, looking bored as he glanced at his glowing green cage containing a very irate Damian.
“I swear, Lantern, when I’m free, I’ll make you regret every second of this indignity!” Damian snapped, his small fists pounding against the construct.
“Yeah, yeah,” Hal muttered, waving a hand dismissively. “You’ve been saying that for ten minutes. It’s losing its punch, kid.”
Jason smirked, slipping into the shadows. He moved like a predator stalking its prey, the crowbar sliding smoothly into his grip.
“Hey, Lantern,” Jason called out, stepping into the light. “You ever hear the phrase ‘what goes around comes around’?”
Hal spun around just in time to see Jason swinging the crowbar with calculated precision. The strike connected with Hal’s head, the glow of his ring faltering as he stumbled back.
“Wha-?!” Hal managed to choke out before Jason hit him again, this time square in the chest. The Green Lantern dropped like a sack of bricks, unconscious before he hit the ground.
Jason shook out his shoulders, stepping over Hal’s prone form. “And that’s how you do it.”
“Was that really necessary?” Damian asked from his cage, raising an unimpressed eyebrow.
Jason grinned, twirling the crowbar. “Oh, absolutely.”
With a quick swipe of his crowbar, Jason shattered the green construct, freeing Damian.
“Finally,” Damian muttered, stretching his arms. “If I had to endure another second in that thing, I would’ve-”
“Yeah, yeah, save the dramatics,” Jason interrupted, already grabbing the Justice League’s flag from where it rested against the wall. “We’ve got what we came for. Let’s get out of here before Superman or Wonder Woman shows up.”
Damian adjusted his cape, a rare smile tugging at his lips. “Fine. But next time, I get to incapacitate Lantern.”
Jason laughed, slinging the flag over his shoulder. “Deal. Let’s ride, Baby Bat.”
The two disappeared into the shadows, leaving behind a glitter-covered, unconscious Hal and an empty base. The Robins’ score just went up another notch.

Diana deflected another strike from Dick's escrima sticks, her movements fluid but increasingly frustrated. She had been holding her own against Nightwing, but something nagged at the back of her mind.
“Lantern,” she called through the Justice League comms, her tone sharp. “Report your status.”
Silence.
“Hal, respond!” she demanded again, her voice rising slightly.
Still nothing.
Dick smirked, spinning his escrima sticks with practiced ease. “Trouble on the home front, Princess?”
Diana narrowed her eyes but didn’t take the bait. Instead, she reached for her communicator. “Flash, I need you to check on Lantern. Something’s wrong.”
Barry, catching his breath at the bottom of the clocktower after narrowly dodging another one of Steph’s traps, nodded even though she couldn’t see him. “On it. Be back before you know it.”
The Scarlet Speedster took off, zipping through the city streets toward the subway base.
Meanwhile, Superman pressed his advantage inside the clocktower. With Tim forced to retreat after running out of traps, the Man of Steel finally closed in on the Robins’ flag. His presence alone was overwhelming, bulletproof, trap-resistant, and relentless.
Tim, panting and hiding behind a toppled bookcase, spoke into his comm. “Uh, heads up, guys. Big Blue is making his move.”
Steph’s voice came through, breathless but amused. “Yeah, no kidding. He just punched through one of my barricades. I’m heading your way.”
“Don’t,” Tim replied quickly. “Focus on holding the line. If we all go down, it’s over.”
Upstairs, Superman finally reached the pedestal where the flag was perched. He grabbed it with one hand, the bright Robin insignia fluttering as he held it aloft.
“Got it,” Superman said into his communicator, his voice steady. “Flag secured.”
Diana’s voice came back instantly. “Good work. Maintain position until we regroup-”
She cut off as Dick’s escrima stick whizzed past her head, grazing her shoulder.
“You’re not out of the woods yet,” Dick quipped, throwing another stick with precision.
Meanwhile, Barry arrived at the Justice League’s base, stopping short as he took in the scene: Hal unconscious on the floor, the green cage gone, and the flag conspicuously missing.
“Oh, come on!” Barry groaned, already pulling out his communicator (He took it out cause he got tired of listening to Yakety Sax.) “Uh, bad news. Lantern’s down, and the flag’s gone. The Robins hit us.”

Superman tightened his grip on the Robins’ flag, preparing to take off from the clocktower. Victory was so close he could taste it. All he needed to do was get the flag to the League’s base, and the game would be theirs.
That was when something, no, someone, slammed into his back with surprising force.
“Not so fast, Kryptonian!” Damian’s sharp voice growled as he clung to Superman’s shoulders, his grappling hook still attached to the tower. In his other hand, a chunk of kryptonite glowed ominously, sapping Clark’s strength enough to disrupt his flight.
Superman’s trajectory wavered as he spun out of control, the sky and Gotham’s skyline blurring together. “What-? Robin?!”
“Die like a man!” Damian snarled, though he was clearly just trying to throw Superman off balance.
As Clark struggled to regain control, Jason appeared below, firing his own grappling hook toward the clocktower. He zipped upward with precision, swiping the Robins’ flag right out of Superman’s hand as he passed, the league’s own flag strapped to his belt.
“Thanks for holding that for me!” Jason quipped with a cocky grin, the flags trailing behind him like trophies.
Superman, now thoroughly distracted by the kryptonite and Damian’s weight, accidentally knocked Damian’s domino mask off with an errant swipe of his hand. The small piece of kryptonite slipped from Damian’s grip, clattering to the ground below.
For a moment, everything seemed to freeze. Clark’s eyes locked onto Damian’s face, and recognition dawned instantly.
“...Damian?” Superman murmured, the pieces clicking into place. The sharp jawline, the intense eyes, and the unmistakable scowl, it was all there. If he was Damian Wayne, then that meant... the others...
Damian realized what had happened and immediately slapped his hands over his face. “Don’t look at me, alien! You’ve seen nothing!”
Superman faltered midair, clearly unsure what to do. He gently lowered himself and Damian back onto the clocktower, his strength returning now that the kryptonite was out of range.
Damian jumped away from him, scrambling to cover his face. “You’ve ruined everything!” he hissed, seething with embarrassment and fury.
Before Clark could even think of a response, Bruce’s calm yet sharp voice cut through the comms.
“Robin,” Bruce said, his tone commanding yet uncharacteristically gentle. “Stay where you are. I’m on my way.”
Bruce appeared seemingly out of nowhere, his cape billowing as he stepped onto the tower. He approached Damian with a spare mask in hand, speaking quietly into the comms. “Game over. All players stand down.”
The announcement echoed across the Justice League and Robin comms, Bruce’s authority leaving no room for argument.
As Bruce secured the replacement mask onto Damian’s face, he cast Superman a look that was part warning and part understanding.
“You know the rules, Clark,” Bruce said. “What happens in Gotham stays in Gotham.”
Clark nodded slowly, saying nothing, though his mind was racing. For now, he would keep this revelation to himself.
Meanwhile, Jason’s triumphant laughter echoed over the comms. “Looks like we win! Told you guys we were the better team!”

The group reconvened on the rooftop of Wayne Enterprises, the night’s adrenaline slowly giving way to exhaustion. Alfred, or rather, Agent A, as the Justice League knew him, moved among the players, ever the unflappable professional. He handed Hal an ice pack for his head and provided damp towels to clean off the glitter, slime, and other indignities inflicted by the Robins.
“Well,” Hal muttered, pressing the ice pack to his temple. “That was humiliating. Who knew five teenagers could take down the League?”
“Technically, it was four,” Barry pointed out, rubbing a sore shin. “One of them stayed behind to rig the clocktower with traps. Pretty sure my dignity is still stuck in one of them.”
Aquaman, wiping slime off his trident, groaned. “If I ever see another glitter bomb, it’ll be too soon.”
Wonder Woman crossed her arms, visibly annoyed but composed. “They were... resourceful. I’ll grant them that.”
As the Justice League discussed their losses, the Robins gathered in a huddle, their energy still buzzing. Jason, carrying the stolen League flag, grinned like a cat with a canary.
“And we got both flags,” he gloated, tossing the League’s flag onto the pile. “Admit it, we’re the best.”
Steph fist-bumped him. “We were always the best. Now they know it.”
Tim, still wiping green paint off his arm, smirked. “A clean sweep. Not bad for a night’s work.”
The only one who didn’t seem to be celebrating was Damian. He stood apart from the group, arms crossed, glaring at the Gotham skyline.
“Robin?” Dick asked, tilting his head. “What’s with the broody face? You should be happy, we crushed them!”
Damian’s glare darkened. “Superman knocked off my domino mask,” he spat through gritted teeth.
The Robins froze.
“What?” Jason said sharply, his grin vanishing. “What did he see?”
“Everything,” Damian replied, venom in his tone. “But it’s fine. Father handled it.”
Jason opened his mouth to push further, but a warning look from Dick stopped him.
“Alright,” Dick said gently. “If it’s handled, it’s handled.”
Meanwhile, Batman loomed near the Justice League, his cape enveloping him like a shadow. His focus was laser-sharp on Superman, who avoided his gaze, uncharacteristically sheepish.
“Superman,” Batman said, his voice low and menacing. “A word.”
The League exchanged uneasy glances, but Superman followed without protest. The two moved to the far side of the rooftop, out of earshot but very much in view of everyone.
Batman’s glare could have cut through steel. “Whatever you think you’ve figured out stays in that Kryptonian brain of yours. If this gets out-”
“I know,” Superman interrupted softly. “I won’t say anything, Bruce. You have my word.”
Batman leaned closer, his voice dropping to a growl. “Good. Because if you slip, I will make your life a living hell. Do you understand me?”
Clark nodded, meeting Bruce’s piercing gaze. “I understand.”
From their vantage point, the Batkids could only see their father and Superman speaking, but Damian’s tension wasn’t lost on them.
“Hey,” Steph whispered, nudging Tim. “Think Superman’s getting the ‘do not mess with my kids’ speech?”
Tim smirked. “Probably. Classic B move.”

Chapter Text

This is more of an inquiry about what ya'll would like to see next since if im being honest idk where to start. I have multiple premises i know i'll use at one point but i'd like to ask which one you would like to see first/maybe suggest a premise that has not been mentioned yet.

1:“Mission: Stay Out of Sight”
Premise: Batman sends the Robins on a stealth mission to gather intel or stop a crime, and they are tasked with staying incognito at all costs. Of course, this doesn't go as planned. They end up getting caught by various League members during the mission, and hilarity ensues as they try to avoid being recognized while still getting the job done.

2: "The Robins' League"
Premise: The Robins get their hands on a “Justice League Membership Application” (a prank from the Flash, who’s tired of them pulling stunts). The catch? They each have to “audition” by completing a challenge set by different JL members. They all sabotage each other’s challenges to make sure they look the best.

3:"The Robin Conspiracy"
Premise (still work in progress, but i dont think more needs to be said) : This one could be more of a mind game where the Robins manipulate the League into thinking they’re under attack by a mysterious villain.

Please leave all inquiries, suggestions, and questions in the comments, as well as which one you'd like to see!

I'll prop start working on the next robin games next week (as of posting this), where i have more time since im busy af rn.

Edit: its decided! I'll be posting 1, “Mission: Stay Out of Sight” and once its finished i'll post 3, "The Robin Conspiracy" and once that one's finished i'll post 2, "The Robins' League".

Chapter Text

People Mission: Stay Out Of Sight has been posted!!!

The robin games: Mission: stay out of sight - Chapter 1 - Fictionfanatic_Wren - DCU [Archive of Our Own]