Bluejay: The Protégé of Black Canary

The Invasion (Dick's POV)

Author's note: I added a little bit extra scenes and tension that might not have been in the original chapter. I'll edit it eventually, but for now here's an insight about the first time Dick thought Jackie had died, that eventually leads to him developing feelings for her. Anyways, enjoy!

The end of the world was different than Dick Grayson expected. And although he'd spent countless hours vigorously training for worse case scenarios or playing zombie apocalypse video games, nothing could have prepared him for this.

Bruce's stern voice rang in his head.

Remain level headed. Stay calm. And no matter what, you have to make sure the mission succeeds. No sacrifice is too big for the greater good.

The inner monologue continued to rage at him, demanding he keep his wits sharp. But he could hardly think with the gloved hand clasped in his own. Robin risked a glance at the girl running next to him.

Bluejay's face was streaked with grime and blood, her chest heaving from sprinting. She looked beaten and exhausted, but her brown eyes shone with raw determination. Jackie. His teammate. His friend.

"Hurry!" Kid Flash urged them from up ahead.

They needed to get to the Zeta Tubes. And nearly being squashed under the crumbling Hall of Justice didn't make him any less desperate. The pair sprinted towards the end of the room, their boots crunching through glass and splintered furniture. The surviving soldiers in American combat uniforms provided what little cover they could offer, guns pointed towards the entrance.

The building shook again, like an earthquake trying to break open the ground. But if only it was that. Robin deduced they only had moments before the alien ships would rain down upon them. And with the time it took for only an individual person to teleport... some of these men wouldn't make it.

Robin just had to make sure Bluejay did, no matter what. Even if he didn't make it himself.

They finally reached shelter, Kid Flash quickly ushering them behind a hunk of debris. Casting a look over his shoulder, Robin saw Miss Martian vanish into the Zeta Tube with Superboy behind her. Good. The building violently shook again.

"Are you guys alright?" Kid Flash asked, gripping their shoulders.

His red hair was coated in dust, and his suit's armor was dented. But even though they were in imminent danger, Wally's expression was bright. Bright with hope and resolute. Because he believed the girl he loved was still alive.

"We're fine." Bluejay nodded.

"Good. Once we get to the Cave, we'll use the satellites to search for Artemis's radio signal." Kid said, his mind racing.

But Robin could not bring himself to voice his doubts. That perhaps the lingering traces of Zeta radiation really hadn't meant the aliens had teleported their victims. But Robin had no idea for sure, so he refrained to spare his friend's spirits.

"You kids are next!" The general barked.

Blood tricked from underneath his helmet and into his scruff, staining crimson. And even though he wouldn't likely walk away from this moment free, the general did not show any fear. Aqualad, with tight eyes, nodded at his order and signaled his teammates to line up.

Robin turned around towards the remaining dozen or so soldiers, a dull ache hammering at his chest. They were willing to sacrifice themselves in hopes that The Team would be able to save the world. Robin hated leaving them behind... but Bruce's voice came back to him.

The mission must succeed.

So the three of them fell into formation for the Zeta Tube, but not without Robin making sure Bluejay and Kid Flash went first. He'd already witnessed Artemis's death. He wasn't going to let it happen to his other best friends. Bluejay noticed and tried to step around him.