Why?

Fallen

"Robin, you need to calm down."

They were in the Batmobile and Robin was about to put a dent in its side by grasping it too hard.

"Calm down... how can I calm down?! My team is treating me like a traitor, the man I hate most in the world escaped from prison and..."

Robin checked his communicator watch.

"In thirty minutes it will be... April first!"

Batman softened his grim face, which he usually only does for Dick and Alfred, but kept his eyes on the road.

"I know that. But if you let your emotions drive your will you cannot complete the mission."

Robin huffed and slumped farther into his seat although he ceased to torture the poor vehicle.

"And... when this is over we will set things right. We'll put him back in prison... and I will talk some sense into your team."

Robin smiled a little at the last part.

"And then you, Alfred, and I will visit the cemetery like every year. You can stay as long as you need and I will be there with you."

Robin nodded, his mood a little lifted but then Batman slammed on his brakes. The coordinate possibilities and tips from the police were right because there he was.

Tony Zucco.

But there was one thing nobody was expecting. He wasn't alone. However, the Dynamic Duo didn't know that, at least not yet.

They both leaped out for a fight... but never got one.

Zucco seemed to have disappeared but of course they weren't going to give up. They both split up to cover a different side of the street. But then... a flash of light from on one of the rooftops caught the Boy Wonder's attention. But just a second to late.

"Batman! A sniper-- gah!"

"Robin!!"

He didn't even have time to roll out of the way.

"Grr..."

Dick fell to knees his hands clenching his chest even as blood started to seep between his fingers. He tried to stay upright but the last of his strength failed him as he fell to his side.

"Dick..." whispered Batman as he fell to his knees by his son's side. He gently moved him into his arms and immediately put pressure on the wound.

It was deep, very deep and dangerously close to his heart.

"B-Bruce... it hurts..."

Batman moved some of the hair that had fallen upon his partner's face. He was alarmed to see a trickle of blood flow from his mouth, that was never a good thing.

"You'll be alright Dickie. Just hold on!"

Robin slowly moved his head to get a better look at his mentor.

"I-I'm s-sorry..." his whole body went limp and Batman hurriedly pulled out his League communicator.

"Watchtower, come in Watchtower!"

The reception buzzed for a moment until someone picked up.

"Hawkgirl here, what's the prob--"

"Dick's been shot! I need a room and J'onn at the Watchtower ASAP! Send me down a beam!"

He didn't wait for a reply as he hung up as he checked Dick's pulse.

Slow and faint but it's there.

The beam shot down just as Batman picked his fallen bird up. Looking back at the Batmobile, he made a mental note to send it home once they were inside.

But as he stepped toward the beam, the city clock rang midnight.

It was now April first. He looked down at his young protégé and frowned deeply.

How horribly ironic...
-----------------------------------------------------------

Mountain of Justice:

M'gann was considering whether or not to tell the rest of the team what she has learned about Robin as she pulled out a tray of brownies. But then the Cave announced the arrival of Batman.

The team gathered near the tubes, thinking he had a mission for them, when they were surprised to find Robin's signature was not announced.

And then they noticed the blood on him.

The team was silent as Batman entered the Cave and they all grew nervous at the immense bat-glare he sent their way but he said nothing and instead pushed past Wally and Kaldur and headed toward Robin's room.

He came out moments later with nothing but a small framed picture. The picture threw Wally's stomach into knots. It was a picture of Robin's parents...

As Batman headed back out he did not turn but merely said something that made everyone's blood run cold and made them forget their anger.

"You should all be happy now. Your 'traitor' will not be coming back."

With that he left the team alone in the cave. Their angry thoughts were now filled with sadness and guilt for their youngest teammate.

Ok let me make this clear, Robin is NOT dead.

At least not yet....

Nah JK. Have a good night!