Young Justice: Ronin Chapter 3

YEARS AGO

Joey's parents were talking to the doctors that seemed to be on speed dial over this latest turn in their son's health. As they did so, Dick poked his head into his friend's room. It was filled with gadgets, books, computers and all the things a boy genius needs. But it lacked other things he needed: toys, games, light, air. Joey was sleeping in a comfortable bed, but he was plugged into numerous machines. Two IVs, one blood the other medicine, were inserted into his tiny veins.

A strong hand gripped Dick's shoulder, "Come away from there, Mr. Grayson." Joey's hulking bodyguard softly guided Dick away from the room and silently shut the door. A short time later, Dick and Lt. Brighton were sitting off the kitchen with a snack for the boy.

"What do you think is going up there?" asked Dick.

"Well, what normally happens. The doctors will point out that Joey needs fresh air, physical activity, a LONG break from studying such as a vacation. His folks will ignore them, ignore my offers to put him through a fitness regimen. The doctors will point out Joey's parents that unless this changes, their son will not live to see 18. And so on."

"It's terrible. Poor kid."

"Mr. Grayson, please do me a favor." Brighton sounded serious.

"What?"

"Remember Joey not as the invalid in the bed; but the kid who's your friend who has so much potential....."

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THE PRESENT
SOMEWHERE OVER THE EAST COAST

Nightwing sat in the Bio-Ship, making sure his bag for his trip was packed. Clothes, money, spare gear....

"We should be in New York airspace in a few minutes, Nightwing," said Batgirl, who was handling the controls. Nightwing nodded. Batgirl noticed that he was not as chatty as he would be.

"Thinking of Batman's briefing?

"Yeah."

"Nightwing, we have to talk." Batman's tone showed he was at the present hideout on business.

"I'm trying to pack to visit New York." Nightwing was cramming stuff into his bag that he would need as both Dick Grayson and Nightwing.

"I know, I have an assignment for you; I want you to look into this Ronin vigilante."

"Why?"

"He is a crime fighter without guidance."

"You were too, once."

"But I was reasonably more skilled. This Ronin is good; but in the long run he will be a danger to himself and others. And there is one more thing."

"What?"

"He might have a connection to Joseph Kane."

"What do you mean he has a connection with Joey?"

"Your friend prefers 'Joseph' now." Batman activated screens displaying footage from within a warehouse in New York. "This is a Kane Industries warehouse. Last night, members of the League of Assassins entered in and began looking for something. That's when this Ronin appeared."

Ronin began fighting the members of the League. He didn't do too bad, in Nightwing's opinion. Sure the guy needed polish, but he was able to take down individuals who were HIGHLY trained. A shift in camera showed Ra's Al Ghul's hulking flunky, Ubu, opening a case and taking out a computer chip, which he then put into his belt. Ronin evidently saw this as he leaped off a catwalk and knocked Ubu in the head with his nightstick-like club. Ubu was dazed for a second, but he grabbed Ronin by the right leg and slammed him into a column. Ronin fought back with those taser like disks, his knives, and attempted to wrap a bola around Ubu's legs. This was to no avail, as Ubu outclassed him in every way. The massive man beat Ronin to the ground before throwing a smoke bomb and making his escape. Ronin just stood there, dumbfounded, before screaming in rage and leaving in anger.

"So, he was in one of Joey's...Joseph's warehouses. He's a crimefighter." Nightwing shook his head, "I know you've been tracking this Ronin guy, so I don't know anything that's out of the ordinary."

"This happened in a warehouse on the Hudson on the Upper West Side. If you read my file on him, you would know that Ronin rarely operates beyond Columbus Circle in Manhattan and is usually in Brooklyn."

"So, Joseph's from Brooklyn; these are all coincidences."

"Too many coincidences. You will reunite with your friend, and you will find out if there is a link, and you will report it to me."

"Look," said Batgirl, "I know you're torn about this. Just keep the mission in the back of your mind. You and Dr. Kane are friends, remember that above all else."

"The mission, unfortunately, comes first," Nightwing remarked ruefully. He was now dressed in his civies: loosely buttoned colored shirt, jeans, sneakers, shades...the look of Dick Grayson.

"Not bad, Man Wonder," grinned Batgirl. "Here we are at the drop zone."

The Bio-Ship landed in a quiet area of Central Park. Dick dropped his bag to the ground first, and landed softly beside it.

"I'll set up base and let you know where it is while you're staying with the Kanes." Batgirl's voice came through an earpiece. "Stay in touch."

"Will do."

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KANE INDUSTRIES BUILDING
JOSEPH KANE'S OFFICE

Wally West stood by Joseph's desk as the young executive yelled into the phone.

"Look, I don't care what it takes, I don't care if it means you and your men will have to work overtime, I want you to find out how these freaks barged into MY warehouse and stole that chip! You know how important that chip is and if it is the wrong hands, your neck will be the LEAST of my worries! Do your job or I will find someone to do it for you!!!"

Joseph slammed down the phone.

"Feeling better?" Wally asked meekly.

"No. And trust me, unlike certain bald tycoons, I don't like threatening my employees." Joseph began pacing, a mannerism that Wally had since picked up to mean that his boss was deep in thought. However, he seemed to be favoring his right knee.

"Something wrong?" Wally pointed to Joseph's knee.

"Had a bit of a spill running in Central Park this morning."

"How do you stand sleeping in your office?"

"If you knew my family and my history, Wally, you would know why." Joseph kept pacing.

"What was the chip?" asked Wally.

"Nothing you need to know. Plus its on a need to know basis...."

There was a knock on the door.

"What?" said Joseph, a bit curtly.

Joseph's secretary came in, giggling a bit. "A Mr. Dick Grayson to see you."

Joseph's demeanor changed to one of joy. "Well send the man in, Ms. Teschmacher!"

The secretary nodded, giggled again as someone said something to her and in walked Dick. The two old friends looked at each other, stunned as they hadn't seen each other in years. Suddenly there was talking over each other, hand shaking, hugs as the two reunited after all this time!

"Look at you, ya lady killer! Heard a few things about you on my extended trip!" laughed Joseph.

"Look at you, walking without a cane; you look healthier than a horse," grinned Dick. Really, though; it's hard to believe you were once so sick.

"Let's just say I needed that vacation."

Wally coughed for a small bit of attention.

"Oh right, I heard that you and Mr. West are friends," said Joseph.

"Really good friends," grinned Dick.

Joseph's grin seemed to go a bit stiff at that remark. "I see."

Dick winced internally, I forgot, I'm pretty much his only friend "But it's so good to see you, we have so much to catch up on."

"Well, we'll see. I managed to get me and Sam my own wing of the house."

"Your little brother, right?"

"Heh, not so little anymore. He's seven."

A small soft voice was then heard, "Joey?"

A little boy, with blond hair and blue eyes poked his head into the office. He looked nervous. He was then bumped into the room by Barkley, who used his shepherding instincts to help the shy boy into the room. Joseph's grin went wider.

"Hey, Sammy, come in."

Sam Kane walked to his brother and gave him a hug. He obviously had come straight from school because he was still in his school clothes.

"Now, Sam; say hello to Dick. He'll be staying with us for a while?"

Sam nodded and shook Dick's hand. "How do you do?"

"Very well, thank you." Wow, a little kid with manners! "Last time I saw you, you were probably just born. Your brother couldn't stop crowing about you!"

Sam grinned, "Cool!" He handed Dick a card, "Just made this to say hi."

"Thanks." Dick grinned; he knew Sam was a good kid through and through.

Sam turned to Joseph, "Grandpa wants to see you before we head out with Mr. Grayson."

"Call me Dick, Mr. Grayson sounds too formal." Plus there will only one man who I would consider to be Mr. Grayson, may he rest in peace.

Joseph sighed, "Oy."

"Yeah, I heard about that on the news on my way in," said Dick.

"Trust me, I wanted to deck G. Gordon Godfrey for his impertinent questions."

"What was stolen?"

"A few parts, nothing more."

Wally gave a look to Dick to let him know something was up.

"Too bad that Ronin fellow couldn't do much."

Joseph's face was impassive, "Too bad indeed."

Dick pointed to Joseph's leg, "Leg hurting?

Joseph turned to Dick as he picked up Sam, "Fell running in the park. We'll be right back; Wally, make Dick feel at home while I deal with my grandfather's inquiries?"

Wally and Dick made sure the door was closed securely before they talked.

"They stole a chip of some sort, Joseph isn't exactly keen on letting me know."

Dick took a device out of his pocket, "Got this from the secretary's pocket; I have a feeling she's a spy of some sort, and I think I know who."

"Luthor?"

"Yep, the Light probably wants something from Kane Industries?"

"The chip?"

"Maybe."

Dick decided to read Sam's card at this point. However, he was stunned to find that inside were five words. When he showed it to Wally, the speedster had the same reaction. It was five little words.

"Please Keep My Brother Safe."