The Medic; Chapter 12
Title: The Medic
Author: Asase
Rating:PG 13(just to be safe)
Genre:Action, frendship, fluff
Characters: OC, Kid Flash, Batman, Aqualad, Artemis
Summary: The torture of Wally West.
Word Count: 2,362
Disclaimer: I do not own any characters or organizations from the Young Justice cartoon, comics, or expanded DC universe.
The Medic: Chapter Twelve
Central City
February 14, 9:05 CDT
He was starving, exhausted, sore and alone. Cramps racked his body, and his head felt like it would split. This is what Kid Flash feared it would feel like if he died on ‘the job’. However, he wasn’t going to die. These were not the moments before his death. This was purgatory.
The machine’s vibrations made him ill. He supposed that it was because of the opposite frequency. He was forced to vibrate himself in order to keep his body in equilibrium. The constant movement caused him to burn his energy at a faster rate. Just when he was sure it was the end, Grodd entered with five obscenely large bowls of spaghetti with marinara sauce and meatballs.
It was a trap. It had to be a trap! The food must be poisoned or something! When Kid Flash expressed as such, his words slurred, Grodd laughed. The ape began to feed Wally as he listed his reasons.
He hated the Flash and by extension his sidekick. If he were going to kill him why not let him starve? Why not watch him suffer?
He truly was testing the machine and a dead test subject was no good.
Keeping up with the vibrations would eventually cause Kid Flash’s body to fail anyway.
No, he didn’t want to rule the world. At least not right now; there was too much competition for it for his tastes.
He wanted another opinion on his cooking.
Yes, that’s right. Grodd was an amateur chef. The marinara sauce was perfectly tangy. The meatballs were juicy and expertly seasoned. Of course anything would taste good to a starving young man but that wasn’t the end of it. Grodd came back two hours later with bowls of the creamiest, dreamiest macaroni and cheese. Even later with a five layer chocolate cake with butter cream icing. An emperor sized beef pot pie. Baskets of fried chicken. Ten strawberry cheesecakes. Stacks of pecan waffles. All of it was delicious. All of it was homemade. Yes this was purgatory; every time he hit the brink Grodd would come back with more food, and of course Wally’s captivity would continue until this day.
Kid Flash had searched high and low, checking all of Grodd’s usual haunts. He had even zeta-ed over to Gorilla City, but no one had seen the talking, telepathic gorilla. It wasn’t until he thought to check the sewers that he found any leads.
The lovebirds had the opposite problem. Miss Martian and Superboy searched the seediest places they could think of in order to locate Giganta, but it wasn’t until they head rumors of a poltergeist trashing dress stores that they thought to look local. As if it would be something as unscientific as a ghost, Wally thought. When he found Grodd’s hide out, and was caught by the cameras, he figured that he would just capture Grodd and be done with it. Of course he had plans. He’s the Wallman.
The door to the room opened. Grodd entered but this time he came with a guest.
“So this is him?”The brunette’s voice was smooth with a light accent. She wore a purple long sleeved leotard, the costume was open at the front to show her stomach and a considerable amount of cleavage. She walked up to Kid Flash and gently lifted his chin. “He’s tortured.”
Evil, KF thought. The only thing that could ruin a smoking hot woman in a skintight suit with strategic cut outs!
“Don’t worry, Sapphire. It’s just almost time for his feeding,” Grodd assured her.
“Good. It would be a shame to loose a cute one,” she patted Kid Flash on the cheek.
Cute? Okay maybe she’s only kinda evil, the speedster thought.
“Have you finished the device?” Star Sapphire asked.
“The device? Is that what they are calling it?” Grodd groaned.
“Yes, absolutely riveting, I know.”
“It was done. A day ago.”
“Wonderful. I can finish my delivery girl duties,” she said dryly, “By the way, what do you have planned for Giganta?”
“Just a quiet dinner, nothing too extravagant. I should be able to arrange some privacy at Belle Rêve. Actually I’d like to ask your opinion on something,” Grodd exited the room. He returned with a large jewelry case and offered it to Star Sapphire.
She took the case from his hands opening it gingerly. Inside was a golden necklace dotted with topaz stones. “The stones match her eyes.” Sapphire smiled, “I’m sure she’ll love it,” she passed the case back to Grodd.
“Yes. Yes,” he said, satisfied with himself.
“Well, I will be on my way.”
“The device is on the table. Be careful, it is highly volatile,” he opened the door for Sapphire.
“Always the gentleman,” she kissed Grodd on the cheek before she exited the room. Grodd followed behind her closing the door.
Yes, purgatory, KF thought darkly. Because on this day, Valentines Day, the ape was getting more action than he was. Grodd would return with more food. In fact Wally was certain that he could already smell cinnamon.
It’s not that good food wasn’t appreciated. Nor that it wasn’t a part of his plans for tonight. Corn dogs, tons of them, while a certain blonde berated him for his eating habits; she would pass him the mustard anyway, because she knew that he only liked mustard on his corndogs. Grilled corn while watching her dominate the arcade games. Turkey legs before and after the roller coaster. Cotton candy while watching fire works. Her lips on the Ferris wheel.
***
Gotham
February 14, 7:00 EDT
It was strange feeling nervous before a performance. Rita was usually nothing but nerves until they stepped on stage. This time Rita was a total wreck, and for perhaps the first time Cira was nervous before a performance. She didn’t like it, and when she expressed as much King laughed, told her that she wasn’t supposed to, and to hush because it was making things worse for him. Mio waded in with her usual calm. It was Mio that took the lead on stage and luckily once they began to play her calm spread to the rest of the group. They began with something traditional, simple, pretty and worked up to more modern pieces. Cira snuck glances into the crowd to gauge the reactions. Only a few were displeased, even among the older set, and as the night wore on even they changed their tune.
It was after the first set of songs that Luthor confidently ascended onto the stage. He seized a microphone and began to speak.
“Now I know that this is Wayne’s night but I have a little something to say. First I believe another round of applause is in order for the wonderful performance,” the crowd clapped. Luthor waited until the applause subsided to continue. “I am certainly man enough to admit when I was wrong. I should know better than to question Bruce Wayne’s instincts.”
The crowd laughed. Wayne raised his glass.
“The proceeds of tonight’s ball go to the charity of the host’s choice. The money raised this year will help orphans across the nation. Or, we could just follow Brucie’s personal example and adopt a kid or two.”
More laughter rose from the crowd.
“It is a very important night. One dedicated to our future. That is why tonight I am announcing my candidacy for the Presidency of the United States.”
There was thunderous applause. Luthor calmed the crowd and continued his speech.
Cira’s band sat behind Luthor near the stage’s curtains. Cira could feel Rita shiver. She was happy that she wasn’t the only one getting negative vibes.
“How could this be happening?” Rita asked in a whisper.
Mio shrugged and gave the hand signal for Yen.
“Who cares how much money he has,” Rita hissed, “This is just kinda abrupt. Is he even old enough to run?”
“He just turned 35 last year,” King answered.
“But he’s not married?” Rita asked still confused.
“You don’t have to be married. It’s just good for public relations come campaign time,” Cira answered.
“So is everyone really happy about this?” Rita peered into the crowd.
“It’s hard to tell for such a big crowd,” Cira replied, “Some are giving the signs of fear or anger.” Wayne is actually pissed, Cira thought. Wayne was clapping and smiling like the rest but his entire body was tense. Dick wasn’t able to contain his displeasure; he stood sullenly next to his mentor. Cira made a mental note to ask what their exact relationship with Luthor was later.
“We need to work with this,” Cale whispered from the other side of the curtain, “The drums are set up right?”
“Yeah. I just need my sticks.” King answered.
“Mio keep your violin,” Cale ordered.
“Gotta keep some class up here,” Rita muttered.
“I hate new Guitars,” Cira lamented.
“It does match the dress and it was a gift.” Mio reminded her.
“It sucks Cira,” Rita placed her hand on Cira’s shoulder, “I’m not too happy about breaking in a new Bass mid performance either, but if Cale thinks it’s necessary.”
“It is” Cale stated confidently. “Now, here’s what I want you to play…”
***
Clark and Ollie were going to kill him. He should have changed into Batman, they’d say, tackled Luthor before he could finish or other such nonsense. Bruce scanned the crowd. The change of music was very welcome. Young and old made their way to the dance floor. He caught sight of Lois Lane; she looked contemplative.
Normally she would be the first in line to ask questions. The fact that this announcement made even her hesitate made him nervous, and he already knew that Lex was up to no good. Her partner wasn’t with her; Bruce didn’t want to risk letting Clark near Luthor tonight. So he commanded the Kryptonian to stay in Metropolis. If he were here there would have definitely been an ‘accident’: a gust of wind without a window or burnt out stage lights despite new bulbs. Bruce stifled his apprehension and casually approached the reporter.
“A Metropolis resident is about to be president. Surely you should be celebrating.”
“You shouldn’t take such things for granted Mr. Wayne,” she turned to him, violet eyes hard.
“Is there a particular reason why he shouldn’t be president?”
“I should be asking you that question,” she raised an eyebrow, and continued when he didn’t respond. “You’re not that big of a fool Wayne. Do me a favor and drop the act; it only works on Smallville anyway.”
“Well, since you mentioned him. Where is your handsome partner?” he looked around mischievously, “And do you think that he’d mind if I asked you to dance?” he offered her his hand.
Lane grinned. “I’m telling him you called him handsome,” she took his hand.
“Don’t. I’m having too much fun with him thinking I hate him.” Bruce winked and led Lane to the dance floor.
***
“That’s bad right?” Artemis asked her partner. He grew even quieter. They waited on the roof, peaking through a skylight. “This sucks, we have nothing to do until the Injustice League comes. If they come.”
“They will come,” he assured her,” I am sure of it.”
“If you’re sure. To bad were stuck up here, now the music is good. It was so serious before.”
Aqualad’s eyebrows knit together, “I quite enjoyed the music before.”
“You would,” she shoved him playfully, “But you need to live a little. Is there nothing about this music that you like?”
“I do not remember stating that I did not like this music.” Aqualad paused, “The singer has a pleasant voice but the instrumental music better suits the atmosphere.”
“The other songs were boring and so is the atmosphere.” Artemis frowned, “I’m gonna go scout a bit.”
“No, stay. Enjoy the music,” he stood, “I will scout.”
“Leg cramps long shanks?” she gave her partner a sly smile.
He chuckled softly before heading off.
***
“That was unexpected.” Luthor approached the group as they descended the stage. Luthor’s band took their places and began to play.
“Apparently it is a night for the unexpected.” Wayne joined them.
“Yes. I should have insisted that my group play first,” Luthor chuckled, “But what’s done is done. Now there are three lovely ladies that I haven’t danced with this evening.”
“If that’s the case then I’ll have the first pick.” Wayne hooked arms with Cira.
“You are well on your way to proving the tabloids right. You haven’t let your little singer out of your sight.”
“She’s my singer; I can do what I want with her.” Wayne led Cira to the dance floor.
“Tabloids?” Cira asked leaning in to whisper the question.
“Don’t pay it too much attention. I can’t sneeze in a woman’s direction without someone speculating about it,” Wayne said dryly.
“I guess not… But why are we dancing? Won’t that only make it worse?”
“I have some business to discuss. Just a warning, you are going to get to see us work tonight.”
“Who’s crashing the party?”
“Injustice League.”
Cira sighed.
“We have this one under control. Robin and a few members of his team are on crowd control. So be good and pretend to be a helpless civilian.”
She slouched, “Wonderful. Anything else?”
“What do you think about Mr. Luthor’s announcement?”
Cira made a face.
Wayne smirked, “Well said.”
“Are you going to ever explain why you don’t trust him?”
“Later. Honestly I was wondering what your first impression would be. I want you to watch Luthor.”
“Sure,” she glanced at Luthor; he was currently dancing with Mio.
“Your friend will be fine. Luthor knows how to behave in public.”
“She’s not who I’m worried about. Cale’s about to pop.”
“Your manager?”
“What if your girlfriend was dancing with a single billionaire that just announced his candidacy on Valentines Day?”
“Point taken,” the next song began to play, “Another round?”
A man cleared his throat. Cira and Wayne looked down to see Mr. Cobblepot. “May I cut in?”
“Of course,” Cira answered, she smiled and took the little man’s arm.
Chapter Eleven
Chapter Thirteen
Author: Asase
Rating:PG 13(just to be safe)
Genre:Action, frendship, fluff
Characters: OC, Kid Flash, Batman, Aqualad, Artemis
Summary: The torture of Wally West.
Word Count: 2,362
Disclaimer: I do not own any characters or organizations from the Young Justice cartoon, comics, or expanded DC universe.
The Medic: Chapter Twelve
Central City
February 14, 9:05 CDT
He was starving, exhausted, sore and alone. Cramps racked his body, and his head felt like it would split. This is what Kid Flash feared it would feel like if he died on ‘the job’. However, he wasn’t going to die. These were not the moments before his death. This was purgatory.
The machine’s vibrations made him ill. He supposed that it was because of the opposite frequency. He was forced to vibrate himself in order to keep his body in equilibrium. The constant movement caused him to burn his energy at a faster rate. Just when he was sure it was the end, Grodd entered with five obscenely large bowls of spaghetti with marinara sauce and meatballs.
It was a trap. It had to be a trap! The food must be poisoned or something! When Kid Flash expressed as such, his words slurred, Grodd laughed. The ape began to feed Wally as he listed his reasons.
He hated the Flash and by extension his sidekick. If he were going to kill him why not let him starve? Why not watch him suffer?
He truly was testing the machine and a dead test subject was no good.
Keeping up with the vibrations would eventually cause Kid Flash’s body to fail anyway.
No, he didn’t want to rule the world. At least not right now; there was too much competition for it for his tastes.
He wanted another opinion on his cooking.
Yes, that’s right. Grodd was an amateur chef. The marinara sauce was perfectly tangy. The meatballs were juicy and expertly seasoned. Of course anything would taste good to a starving young man but that wasn’t the end of it. Grodd came back two hours later with bowls of the creamiest, dreamiest macaroni and cheese. Even later with a five layer chocolate cake with butter cream icing. An emperor sized beef pot pie. Baskets of fried chicken. Ten strawberry cheesecakes. Stacks of pecan waffles. All of it was delicious. All of it was homemade. Yes this was purgatory; every time he hit the brink Grodd would come back with more food, and of course Wally’s captivity would continue until this day.
Kid Flash had searched high and low, checking all of Grodd’s usual haunts. He had even zeta-ed over to Gorilla City, but no one had seen the talking, telepathic gorilla. It wasn’t until he thought to check the sewers that he found any leads.
The lovebirds had the opposite problem. Miss Martian and Superboy searched the seediest places they could think of in order to locate Giganta, but it wasn’t until they head rumors of a poltergeist trashing dress stores that they thought to look local. As if it would be something as unscientific as a ghost, Wally thought. When he found Grodd’s hide out, and was caught by the cameras, he figured that he would just capture Grodd and be done with it. Of course he had plans. He’s the Wallman.
The door to the room opened. Grodd entered but this time he came with a guest.
“So this is him?”The brunette’s voice was smooth with a light accent. She wore a purple long sleeved leotard, the costume was open at the front to show her stomach and a considerable amount of cleavage. She walked up to Kid Flash and gently lifted his chin. “He’s tortured.”
Evil, KF thought. The only thing that could ruin a smoking hot woman in a skintight suit with strategic cut outs!
“Don’t worry, Sapphire. It’s just almost time for his feeding,” Grodd assured her.
“Good. It would be a shame to loose a cute one,” she patted Kid Flash on the cheek.
Cute? Okay maybe she’s only kinda evil, the speedster thought.
“Have you finished the device?” Star Sapphire asked.
“The device? Is that what they are calling it?” Grodd groaned.
“Yes, absolutely riveting, I know.”
“It was done. A day ago.”
“Wonderful. I can finish my delivery girl duties,” she said dryly, “By the way, what do you have planned for Giganta?”
“Just a quiet dinner, nothing too extravagant. I should be able to arrange some privacy at Belle Rêve. Actually I’d like to ask your opinion on something,” Grodd exited the room. He returned with a large jewelry case and offered it to Star Sapphire.
She took the case from his hands opening it gingerly. Inside was a golden necklace dotted with topaz stones. “The stones match her eyes.” Sapphire smiled, “I’m sure she’ll love it,” she passed the case back to Grodd.
“Yes. Yes,” he said, satisfied with himself.
“Well, I will be on my way.”
“The device is on the table. Be careful, it is highly volatile,” he opened the door for Sapphire.
“Always the gentleman,” she kissed Grodd on the cheek before she exited the room. Grodd followed behind her closing the door.
Yes, purgatory, KF thought darkly. Because on this day, Valentines Day, the ape was getting more action than he was. Grodd would return with more food. In fact Wally was certain that he could already smell cinnamon.
It’s not that good food wasn’t appreciated. Nor that it wasn’t a part of his plans for tonight. Corn dogs, tons of them, while a certain blonde berated him for his eating habits; she would pass him the mustard anyway, because she knew that he only liked mustard on his corndogs. Grilled corn while watching her dominate the arcade games. Turkey legs before and after the roller coaster. Cotton candy while watching fire works. Her lips on the Ferris wheel.
***
Gotham
February 14, 7:00 EDT
It was strange feeling nervous before a performance. Rita was usually nothing but nerves until they stepped on stage. This time Rita was a total wreck, and for perhaps the first time Cira was nervous before a performance. She didn’t like it, and when she expressed as much King laughed, told her that she wasn’t supposed to, and to hush because it was making things worse for him. Mio waded in with her usual calm. It was Mio that took the lead on stage and luckily once they began to play her calm spread to the rest of the group. They began with something traditional, simple, pretty and worked up to more modern pieces. Cira snuck glances into the crowd to gauge the reactions. Only a few were displeased, even among the older set, and as the night wore on even they changed their tune.
It was after the first set of songs that Luthor confidently ascended onto the stage. He seized a microphone and began to speak.
“Now I know that this is Wayne’s night but I have a little something to say. First I believe another round of applause is in order for the wonderful performance,” the crowd clapped. Luthor waited until the applause subsided to continue. “I am certainly man enough to admit when I was wrong. I should know better than to question Bruce Wayne’s instincts.”
The crowd laughed. Wayne raised his glass.
“The proceeds of tonight’s ball go to the charity of the host’s choice. The money raised this year will help orphans across the nation. Or, we could just follow Brucie’s personal example and adopt a kid or two.”
More laughter rose from the crowd.
“It is a very important night. One dedicated to our future. That is why tonight I am announcing my candidacy for the Presidency of the United States.”
There was thunderous applause. Luthor calmed the crowd and continued his speech.
Cira’s band sat behind Luthor near the stage’s curtains. Cira could feel Rita shiver. She was happy that she wasn’t the only one getting negative vibes.
“How could this be happening?” Rita asked in a whisper.
Mio shrugged and gave the hand signal for Yen.
“Who cares how much money he has,” Rita hissed, “This is just kinda abrupt. Is he even old enough to run?”
“He just turned 35 last year,” King answered.
“But he’s not married?” Rita asked still confused.
“You don’t have to be married. It’s just good for public relations come campaign time,” Cira answered.
“So is everyone really happy about this?” Rita peered into the crowd.
“It’s hard to tell for such a big crowd,” Cira replied, “Some are giving the signs of fear or anger.” Wayne is actually pissed, Cira thought. Wayne was clapping and smiling like the rest but his entire body was tense. Dick wasn’t able to contain his displeasure; he stood sullenly next to his mentor. Cira made a mental note to ask what their exact relationship with Luthor was later.
“We need to work with this,” Cale whispered from the other side of the curtain, “The drums are set up right?”
“Yeah. I just need my sticks.” King answered.
“Mio keep your violin,” Cale ordered.
“Gotta keep some class up here,” Rita muttered.
“I hate new Guitars,” Cira lamented.
“It does match the dress and it was a gift.” Mio reminded her.
“It sucks Cira,” Rita placed her hand on Cira’s shoulder, “I’m not too happy about breaking in a new Bass mid performance either, but if Cale thinks it’s necessary.”
“It is” Cale stated confidently. “Now, here’s what I want you to play…”
***
Clark and Ollie were going to kill him. He should have changed into Batman, they’d say, tackled Luthor before he could finish or other such nonsense. Bruce scanned the crowd. The change of music was very welcome. Young and old made their way to the dance floor. He caught sight of Lois Lane; she looked contemplative.
Normally she would be the first in line to ask questions. The fact that this announcement made even her hesitate made him nervous, and he already knew that Lex was up to no good. Her partner wasn’t with her; Bruce didn’t want to risk letting Clark near Luthor tonight. So he commanded the Kryptonian to stay in Metropolis. If he were here there would have definitely been an ‘accident’: a gust of wind without a window or burnt out stage lights despite new bulbs. Bruce stifled his apprehension and casually approached the reporter.
“A Metropolis resident is about to be president. Surely you should be celebrating.”
“You shouldn’t take such things for granted Mr. Wayne,” she turned to him, violet eyes hard.
“Is there a particular reason why he shouldn’t be president?”
“I should be asking you that question,” she raised an eyebrow, and continued when he didn’t respond. “You’re not that big of a fool Wayne. Do me a favor and drop the act; it only works on Smallville anyway.”
“Well, since you mentioned him. Where is your handsome partner?” he looked around mischievously, “And do you think that he’d mind if I asked you to dance?” he offered her his hand.
Lane grinned. “I’m telling him you called him handsome,” she took his hand.
“Don’t. I’m having too much fun with him thinking I hate him.” Bruce winked and led Lane to the dance floor.
***
“That’s bad right?” Artemis asked her partner. He grew even quieter. They waited on the roof, peaking through a skylight. “This sucks, we have nothing to do until the Injustice League comes. If they come.”
“They will come,” he assured her,” I am sure of it.”
“If you’re sure. To bad were stuck up here, now the music is good. It was so serious before.”
Aqualad’s eyebrows knit together, “I quite enjoyed the music before.”
“You would,” she shoved him playfully, “But you need to live a little. Is there nothing about this music that you like?”
“I do not remember stating that I did not like this music.” Aqualad paused, “The singer has a pleasant voice but the instrumental music better suits the atmosphere.”
“The other songs were boring and so is the atmosphere.” Artemis frowned, “I’m gonna go scout a bit.”
“No, stay. Enjoy the music,” he stood, “I will scout.”
“Leg cramps long shanks?” she gave her partner a sly smile.
He chuckled softly before heading off.
***
“That was unexpected.” Luthor approached the group as they descended the stage. Luthor’s band took their places and began to play.
“Apparently it is a night for the unexpected.” Wayne joined them.
“Yes. I should have insisted that my group play first,” Luthor chuckled, “But what’s done is done. Now there are three lovely ladies that I haven’t danced with this evening.”
“If that’s the case then I’ll have the first pick.” Wayne hooked arms with Cira.
“You are well on your way to proving the tabloids right. You haven’t let your little singer out of your sight.”
“She’s my singer; I can do what I want with her.” Wayne led Cira to the dance floor.
“Tabloids?” Cira asked leaning in to whisper the question.
“Don’t pay it too much attention. I can’t sneeze in a woman’s direction without someone speculating about it,” Wayne said dryly.
“I guess not… But why are we dancing? Won’t that only make it worse?”
“I have some business to discuss. Just a warning, you are going to get to see us work tonight.”
“Who’s crashing the party?”
“Injustice League.”
Cira sighed.
“We have this one under control. Robin and a few members of his team are on crowd control. So be good and pretend to be a helpless civilian.”
She slouched, “Wonderful. Anything else?”
“What do you think about Mr. Luthor’s announcement?”
Cira made a face.
Wayne smirked, “Well said.”
“Are you going to ever explain why you don’t trust him?”
“Later. Honestly I was wondering what your first impression would be. I want you to watch Luthor.”
“Sure,” she glanced at Luthor; he was currently dancing with Mio.
“Your friend will be fine. Luthor knows how to behave in public.”
“She’s not who I’m worried about. Cale’s about to pop.”
“Your manager?”
“What if your girlfriend was dancing with a single billionaire that just announced his candidacy on Valentines Day?”
“Point taken,” the next song began to play, “Another round?”
A man cleared his throat. Cira and Wayne looked down to see Mr. Cobblepot. “May I cut in?”
“Of course,” Cira answered, she smiled and took the little man’s arm.
Chapter Eleven
Chapter Thirteen