Beyond the Limit [DC fanfic]

Joseph had just wrapped up another job in Gotham Central. He kept his operations unpredictable—different spots, different times. Patterns got people caught.

But even as he strolled through the dimly lit alley, a prickling sense of unease crawled up his spine.

//Warning: Projectile detected. Evasive action required.//

Joseph's muscles tensed. He launched himself into the air, attempting a backflip to reposition—but misjudged the landing, barely managing to break his fall with his arms. Before he could fully recover, something whipped past his face, embedding itself in the concrete behind him.

An arrow.

Joseph swore under his breath.

'Of course. Can't have shit in Gotham.' Things had been going too smoothly. Gotham had a way of reminding people that good fortune was fleeting.

He twisted his head toward the source, hoping it wasn't who he thought it was.

Speedy.

The red and yellow suit stood out even in the darkness, his signature hat slightly tilted from the wind. A quiver full of trick arrows rested on his back, ready to ruin Joseph's night.

And then—a second set of footsteps.

Robin.

'When it rains, it pours. At least it's not the Bat himself.'

Speedy gave Joseph a contemptuous once-over before turning to his friend. "Is this the thief you had trouble with?"

Robin nodded, his expression tight and his arms crossed. "Yeah. Couldn't land a hit on me though. I would've beat him but he didn't run."

Joseph smirked, pushing himself up as he subtly repositioned himself, trying to avoid a flanking maneuver. "What is this, a sidekick meetup? You figured solo wasn't enough huh."

Robin scoffed. "I called him before I even found you."

Speedy rolled his shoulders. "And we're NOT sidekicks, we're partners, thief."

"The name's Flux," he said dryly, ignoring the increased animosity. Must've been a sore spot. "As in, I'm just helping redistribute wealth more fluidly." Better pick a name now because if he didn't they would, and Gotham had a history of awful names.

Robin laughed. "Funny. Shame we're about to put you in equilibrium."

Joseph exhaled. Giving up wasn't an option. Not now. The police might not know who Flux was yet, but these two? If they pinned tonight's job on him and caught him, it was over. Even a short prison stint would end any shot he had at a future.

This fact got his blood pumping. The repercussions made it more exciting.

'Nova, don't enhance my muscles during this fight.'

//Risk factor elevated. You may lose.//

'Nah. I'd win.'

Robin threw a birdarang at his chest.

Flux pivoted away just in time for Nova's next alert.

//Incoming strike.//

Speedy was already closing in, swinging his bow like a staff. Flux barely blocked the first strike—but Speedy didn't stop. A downward smash forced Flux to backpedal. The second strike clipped his shoulder.

Robin was already there.

Flux barely evaded the first punch. He countered with a kick—missed—Robin slipped past it and repositioned.

Flux cursed. They were too coordinated.

Speedy wasn't letting up. He slashed the bow horizontally. Flux ducked, but the red archer was already drawing another arrow—aiming at point-blank range.

Flux swiped at the bowstring, forcing Speedy to twist away—but the move cost him.

Robin struck—an elbow to the ribs. Another to the thigh.

Flux faltered.

Speedy lunged. Flux barely dodged, but Robin swept at his legs.

Flux jumped to avoid it—but Speedy was waiting.

A spinning kick caught him in the side, sending him stumbling.

They weren't just fighting him.

They were herding him.

Flux clenched his jaw. He needed an opening—now.

He feinted toward Robin—then spun, aiming a wheel kick at Speedy's ribs.

Speedy barely dodged. His expression shifted. "Can he predict our moves?"

Flux shook out his arms, exhaling sharply. He had to finish this.

Robin frowned. "I don't know how, but—yeah. He reads us too well."

Even so—there was something off. Flux had slick moves, but Robin had fought top-tier martial artists. There was a hesitation in how he moved, like he saw the danger, but he wasn't fast enough to fully react.

Speedy caught his glance and nodded.

They moved together.

Flux backpedaled. He blocked a jab, barely dodged a kick—but he was losing ground.

A hit to his side.

A leg sweep.

A fist crashing into his stomach.

His body screamed in protest. His mind struggled to keep up.

Joseph's fingers caught Speedy's bow. The archer reacted instantly.

Yanked forward.

Feet left the ground.

The two boys watched as Flux fell from the roof.

Then as they braced for impact, none came.

Speedy was already on the move and Robin followed after him. They dropped into the alley.

And found nothing.

No body. No blood. Not even a scuff mark.

Speedy frowned. "Okay. What the hell?"

Robin activated his HUD lenses. Scanning—searching—

Nothing.

"He bolted," Speedy murmured.

Robin clenched his jaw. The way Flux had fought earlier—raw, unrefined. And yet now? He'd vanished. Like a pro.

Flux pulled a Batman on him for the second time now.

Speedy's expression hardened. "We need to move. He was heading east. If we split up, we might cut him off."

They disappeared into the night.

And the alley swallowed the ghost that had slipped through their fingers.