Catching Up [Clark]

[Dick Grayson - Nightwing]

It was only the morning after Dick had heard the news of someone posing as Nightwing on the streets that had killed innocent lives and took a hostage. And that hostage just happened to be Pamela Isley...And if it hadn't been for the fact that someone was going around dressed as Nigthwing and killing people wasn't bad enough, the hostage was the very person that had Dick's life in their hands at the moment.

After Babs had told him the news of the impostor, Dick had confronted her on the subject of just what was so important that he had to get out and find the person responsible. He had no choice. He had no time. Every hour that passed was torture on Dick's mind. How was he going to get out of this one. He couldn't face this alone.

Luckily after literally bumping into Hawkgirl on his search for the impostor, Dick's secret was finally out and was sure to catch on to the other vigilantes in the area in a matter of time. He had been able to prove to her that he was not the Nightwing the police were searching for. And really they shouldn't be after Nightwing at all to begin with...Well, at least not him as Nightiwng. But they didn't know that.

Dick had to watch his every step now. Where every he went, people would question which side Nightwing was really on. And seen as their are two of them now, it didn't make it easy to explain by words alone. But at this point, Dick still needed to find away to put an end to this impostor and help Isley. He had less than a week to do so, until he would certainly face the death of the poison within his system.

He has wasted little to no time getting out on the streets as the real Nightwing. But with the FBI around he had had to lay low on his investigation. Even with Hawkgirl there, the police only knew now that Nightwing was wanted for murder and for kidnapping.

He had gotten back that morning by about 6am, he had to get in before the sun was up. He couldn't take any chances of anyone seeing him returning. Dick had been so worried that morning after getting back, his how routine for after patrolling was off. He had skipped out on getting anything to eat after all that running around and had decided to try and rest for a while.

After taking a shower, his mind was still reeling with worries over the situation. Who's mind wouldn't if they were in the same situation? He had just wished the water could have washed his worries away. It had just been one thing after another. Normally to keep his stress level low he would have just tried to train for a while with the energy he had left from the patrol, even if he was tired. But today, he had no motivation to do that what so ever.

He had slipped on a dark silver pair of basketball shorts and a black t-shirt. He had even taken the time to switch the ace wrap on his right leg and cared for where the stitches still way in his lower leg along the back of his leg. The injury was only inflamed more after all that running around he had done on what would have been a normal patrol if it hadn't been for this other Nightwing. He had kept to foot rather than racing through Gotham on his motorcycle. That would have been only sending the police an invitation to come and get him.

And now he was paying for over doing it on his search. It had been a while since his leg had given of this much pain since he had tried to cut back on his patrols and activities that would cause more harm. He had thought he was past all this irritation of the injury at this point since it had been almost a month since the injury had occurred. He hoped the stitches would be removed soon, but if he didn't let up, he might have to have something else done about his leg.

Not wasting any time, Dick skipped out on the idea of needed rest and went straight for his computer. He was sure Babs had probably already headed off to work by the time he had gotten in and taken a shower. After getting down the stairs every stiffly, Dick actually went for the crutches, only grabbing on to place under his right arm to give that side the support as he made his way down the hall to the back room.

Within the room, he got right to work on his computer trying to search for any more clues he could find. If someone wanted him death they would probably want to do it themselves and there was sure to be a message along the lines or even a hint at something off that Dick could follow.

It was now, 1pm in the afternoon. He had been on the computer nonstop since 7am. Dick's eyes grew heavy with every passing hour as he found nothing of any help. Looking over some more information, Dick was still failing to find any information that would help. Pounding both fists into the desk and then ruffling his hair with both hands, Dick propped himself up on his elbows as he stared at the screen. The answer had to be right in front of him. He just wasn't searching in the right places.

Then there was a knock at the door to Dick's penthouse. Who could that be? He certainly wasn't expecting any company. Especially not right now with what was going on. Reluctantly, Dick leaned on his left arm and with his right hand put the computer into sleep more. As he stood up he hit a button on the desk that retracted the desk and computer system into the wall, in a hidden compartment he had designed for it.

He walked away, with his crutches under one arm, headed for the door. As he left the room and down the hall, the knocking continued. He frowned at the interruption. Dick mumbled to himself in anger annoyed at being pulled away from his work. He hadn't gotten much sleep to begin with before all the new events that had started. And this week, he knew he wasn't going to get any more. he was more determined to get to the bottom of this and fast.

Once, he made it to the door, Dick stopped and opened it. A look of surprise fell upon his face at who he saw standing there. "What are you doing here," he said more in surprise rather than in the annoyance he would have if it might have been someone else. "Come on in," he said.

[redhood]

After that little run with that woman who had minor criminals after her, Clark had sometime to fly away from her viewing her as another everyday citizen who needed help. He wasn't surprised that they would attack at night or midnight. Not much police are out anyways. Mostly during the morning and day before wrapping up for another day. He figured she probably could handle herself without out him being there with her gun and the way she knocked down that one thug who was close to her.

Clark had found a place to stay at temporarily apartment within the North side of Gotham. It was the best place for him to bend in with other people within the city. He set up his room that he was at with the shades closed up a bit enough for sun to shine in. Wasn't much to unpack as he only had his costume and the clothes on his back as well the briefcase that he carried around with him. Nothing much was contain in it but, his work papers and the newspaper about P.R.O.T.E.C.T.

As much times he had visited over here, Clark knew the city quite bit like the back of his hand. Part of his reason on choosing North side. Not much crimes going on as in other parts of Gotham. He grabbed his cell phone out of his pocket as he witnessed a vibration coming off from it. He clicked the green call button to notice it was the boss at the Daily Planet. With talking about getting the story over here about P.R.O.T.E.C.T, The boss seemed please and let Clark do his thing. Clark thanked the man before ending the call.

Glancing outside of the window really peaking, It was still daylight out. This time Clark was thinking on paying a visit to on particular person, Dick Grayson. He remembered him as Robin the boy wonder back then. That gave him a smile upon his face. But, without hearing any news about Robin, He wonder how Dick has been over the years. Heading out walking to Dick's place as he got information that he was currently residing within this area of the North side himself. But, Clark did thought it was weird that Dick moved out from Bruce's mansion.

He maybe would know once he talked to him. With him being in Metropolis, Time has passed by a lot to him it seems. Gripping his case tight in his hand, Taking the sun's rays as it chest poke out embracing the sun. As 30 minutes went by, He finally arrive at the location. He looked about a bit before knocking. He didn't know if his knocking was heard so he did it again the second time with more force but not much to cause damage to his front door. He took a step back waiting. He was shocked to see Dick on clutches. "Thank you. I thought to give you a visit while I'm here." Gave a smile as he stepped inside. "Are you ok?" He hand his hands out wanting to help Dick in the condition he was in as he looked at his right leg.

[Dick Grayson - Nightwing]

Dick shifted one of the crutches over to his left hand so he didn't have both of them under one arm. He smiled at Clark's willingness to try and help him out. It was always like Clark to try and help someone out when they looked like they needed it.

He moved and shut the door after Clark had stepped inside. He saw the man offer a hand to help, and simply raised his left hand up and shook his head. Giving Clark a smile as if to say thanks for the offer. "Well I'm glad you did. It's been a while," Dick replied.

He saw Clark looking at his right leg. "Yeah, I'm fine. Just had a bad run in a while back," he said simply. Dick shifted his weight and let his hands taken on his own weight as he was ready to head into the livingroom. "Come on in, sit down. Can I get you anything," Dick asked as he headed down the hall.

Even after a long night and not taking a break at all since that night's patrol, Dick still had the energy to spare and make it look like he wasn't all that tired. Though, he figured Clark would pick up on the signs that Dick had been up all night and have continued working on something all morning. Sure Dick had gotten some sleep before the patrol and the horrible news he had gotten. But he was majorly stressed out over the whole situation.

Though, he was grateful that he had had that run in with Hawkgirl while out on patrol. He had gained the help of someone who could easily keep an eye out for their suspect. And Dick might be getting even closer to narrowing it down to whom that might be. Though his chest still hurt a slight bit from that run in with Hawkgirl. At least he had been able to convince her that he was the real Nightwing and he would never do anything like the other one had been committing crimes, holding a hostage, and killing people.

"Is there anything I can help you with," he asked. Usually when someone dropped in, it wasn't just a social visit. So he wondered if there was any other reason Clark might have stopped by. But then again sometimes with Clark it was just a social visit and not business like many of the other Justice League members.

[redhood]

Clark has happy to see Dick is alright besides his broken leg that he had crutches with. As soon he stepped inside, He fixed his suit wrist cuffs and then tighten his tie a bit around his neck not trying to look sluggish front of Dick. It wouldn't be a good impression for him to not look well. "Indeed it has cause, I feel a bit rusty in Gotham." He laughed a bit not much to ruin it. He figured Dick must break his leg somehow. He thought on using his X-Ray vision to see the fractures but, Didn't since it was Dick's privacy and his own leg.

"Thank you very much." He started to follow Dick behind him enough room for him to move not wanting to be in the way. He saw the couch and sat down while placing the briefcase by his leg. He looked around Dick's house as it was very nice, neat and upkeep. He lean his back on the pillow behind relaxing as he had nothing to worry about at this time. Normally, Clark would be on guard but, He trusted Dick just like he did with Bruce.

"No thanks, I'm fine." He still had the polite attitude Clark thought as he smiled at him. He firmly laced his fingers together on his lap while speaking to Dick when he asked him that he can be helped with. "Honestly Dick, I am in Gotham to help out." He took a moment to be silent before talking again. "I can here cause of the P.R.O.T.E.C.T really. I think they mean right but, I disagree with them about arresting Vigilantes." A slight angry look was on Clark's face as that what he disapproved about.

"I know some, Vigilantes have good reasons to bend the law a bit if it's for the greater of humankind. I am also worried about the barrier they put up around the city. Innocent citizens can be in the crossfire of villains that are out running amok." He took the time to clear his throat with his hand over his mouth to not be rude. "How's Bruce been lately?" Clark wanted to know as he haven't heard from him since that run in tangling with Catwoman. "But, How true questions is, How are you? Maybe while I'm here in Gotham, Superman or I can give you a hand till your fully recover." He wanted still to help out Dick. Clark knew if he said no, He would fly by his window to check up with him.

[Dick Grayson - Nightwing]

(ooc: actually his leg was just stabbed in his Achillies muscle and badly tore after a run in with Jane Doe)

Dick smiled politely at Clark's responses to his questions. He made it over to a seat opposite of Clark and sat down, setting the crutches off to right side of his seat. He listened to Clark once again about how he was there for the FBI's new plans on Gotham. "It seems everyone is trying to find some way into it," he didn't mean to be rude, but he couldn't stand the current situation over the FBI invasion. Who could blame him? It was his home town now being over run and taken control off by an outside source. Something no one in the city seemed to be happy with.

"I agree with you a hundred percent on the not agreeing with their arresting vigilantes. But as for the meaning well? The only thing that comes to my mind is, what were they thinking," Dick spoke out and then mumbled to himself,"I don't think they were thinking at all." He sat back and crossed his arms, sharing a frown at the same thoughts Clark had toward this situation.

He heard Clark out on his worries for the citizen stuck in the middle of this all. "I hear you on that," Dick simply agreed with him. Though, Dick went silent and dropped his eye contact on the subject of Bruce being brought up. But listened to the rest of what Clark was saying.

"Bruce is alright...Busy as usually, I guess," Dick replied not really having spoken to Bruce since he had moved out. "I'm doing alright. I am able to get around on this leg while out on patrols just fine recently. Though, there have been a few problems here and there..." He trailed off a bit, not sure if he really wanted to go into the details of his recent problem.

"I could use some help with some recent issues popping up hear and there in Gotham. Well, maybe a little more help than I want to admit," Dick said honestly. He rubbed the back of his head with his right hand in a nervous way. He hated asking for the help. But Hawkgirl already new about this and it wouldn't hurt from trying to get all the help he could get at the moment. To be honest, he needed all the help he could get, in only had about six or five days left. He was so frazzled by the events he was losing track of his own time.

"There has been a recent problem of a fake vigilante going around and being seen killing a few others and is holding a hostage. Hawkgirl was in last night looking for the guy as well," he started to inform him. "It's more of a problem aimed at me...Well Nightwing," he said. "It's something I'm afraid there is limited time on." Once again just like he had tried to withhold information at first from Hawkgirl, he was doing the same to Clark. But at least he had admitted right away part of the problem.

[redhood]

(Oh ok. Thanks for telling me.)

Hearing everything he had to say, Clark nodded his head about the problems around the city that was going on with the FBI. Clark won't know much as he read from the papers. He knows that Dick knows a lot since he was here and can get the full story. He knew more was going on than he thought. Maybe since he would be sticking by Dick, He could gather something to learn a bit more about this.

He shrugged a bit after Dick say that he was doing alright. Bruce can be busy for a type of guy he was. But, Clark haven't heard about him in the papers as usual. Mostly Nightwing who seemed to take his place at the time being. He was just generally happy that Nightwing was similar to Batman just more different style. Clark intervene when Dick mention about going out with the shape he was in with his leg. "Look Dick, I'm not trying to come off being protective like Bruce was with you, Your a grown man but, You should just relax. Take your time to heal up before react."

Clark did smiled when Dick said he admit on asking for help. "Honest, I'm just glad you asked. Were friends, We help each other in a time of need." He stand up placing his hand on Dick's shoulder keeping his smile on his face not letting it go away. "A fake Nightwing?" He asked thinking about it as he didn't know about this. "Well with Hawkgirl and Superman out on patrol around Gotham, I'm sure they can find the true culprit."

Dick was right, Limited time cause he could kill more people while still being posing at the real deal. "It's not good for a fake to do that to a hero reputation." Knowing that that the imposter can ruin it with any chance it can get. Clark thought of an good idea that came to his mind as his hand was on bottom of his chin. "Say Dick, while your here, You and Superman can team up in a way. Like a two way you sometimes had with Bruce. Like sort of directing him." Clark would of work alone but thought maybe Dick should be in too if he wants to since this is city.

[Dick Grayson - Nightwing]

Dick just looked up at Clark when he put his hand on his shoulder to try and reassure him that he did have friends that were always willing to help him. He listened to Clark. After all he looked up to Superman when growing up. When he was younger, it hadn't been everyday that you met a meta-human with super strength and speed. And what he thought was coolest when he was younger, Superman could fly. Batman couldn't do anything like that. But as he got older, it had become a common thing being around meta-humans.

But back when he was younger, Superman had inspired him. Now thought a lot of the meta-humans and aliens were looking to Batman and his kind as being able to keep up even if they didn't have any powers. It had taken a bit to prove themselves, but there were something the other heroes where lacking that the vigilantes were able to do without powers.

As Clark went on, Dick shock his head in agreement over a team up between Superman and the really Nightwing. But the subject of the impostor coming back up he grimaced at the thought. But when Superman seemed to want to keep Nightwing involved, he gave an uneasy smile. He was still holding back the full truth of the matter.

After getting it off his chest to Babs, that had been the hardest thing for him to do. And then telling Hawkgirl a bit about it hadn't been all that easy, but it had to be done. And Clark deserved to understand what was really going on with the limit on time. Just because his pride was at risk, didn't mean he needed to put his life on the line like this if he was able to prevent what might end up happening.

"Yeah, I guess we could," he replied. He then stopped before staying anything else. He look Clark straight in the eye at first, a saddened expression on his face came cross. "There something more about the situation you need to know," he said, his sight dropping a bit from contact with Clark's. "I know it is important to get Dr. Isley out of there and try and prevent more people from getting hurt...but there is more to this than just that....."

He leaned back a bit in his seat, shifting uncomfortably. He glance up at Clark. He respected the man, and he felt like he was already looking like a fool for not telling anyone about this very serious threat on his own life. "The main reason for the limited time to get this done is because...I only have that many days to save Dr. Isley before....," he stopped himself and went back a bit. "I had a run in with her a while back as Nightwing and she injected me with a poison of some type. I have been going back for a serum to hold off the poison in my system each week...." he become deathly quiet as his sight dropped from Clark's. This wasn't easy telling it out. But Clark was getting the information easily without Dick putting up a fight and being stubborn. He was more willing to admit to his mistake and the problem he now faced. But he was afraid that time might run out.

"What I'm saying is, not just other lives depend on the limited time...But mine does as well," he said. "If I don't either get the serum or the antidote....I only have six days left...," he become silent again. Not wanting to make eye contact with Clark. He was afraid to see the disappointment that Clark might show toward him for letting himself getting into such a situation.

[redhood]

"Excellent, I'll let Superman know right away to stop by." Clark was pretty excited to help out. He was hiding his enjoyment from Dick still acting professional. He was this much hype cause the lack of villains that he Metropolis had. The only villain who posed a threat in Metropolis was Mr.Freeze and he currently resides her in Gotham. Another villain from a different city? That would made the other Villains who were in Metropolis, Look bad.

Clark started to heads back to the sofa to sit down. Before he could do that, He was stopped by Dick's alertness on wanting to tell him something else. His face had a question look as it showed what do you mean. He turned walking back to Dick again as he had a gut feeling that what Dick has to say, Would be more critical. Clark was silent listening on from the way Dick's face had seemed down.

He nodded as he thought Dr.Isley sounded familiar as he heard that name before. He figured to ask to just to be sure of himself. As he puts on hand before removing it down. "Isn't that the same, Pamela Isley that we chatted with around Christmas time?" What he could scratch up from his memories that she was that woman with red colored like hair and green eyes. But, Why would she inject Dick with poison? Clark thought she was nice and polite. Nonetheless, Clark feel unease just as Dick was hearing about that.

He didn't feel disappointed that Dick had done whatever he did involving with Ms.Isley. He was doing what he had to do for the right cause. Clark knew Dick wouldn't do nothing wrong. "Don't let yourself down, Dick. You had a good reason, I just know it." Even thought a lot of people are gonna need some saving, Clark would had Dick in his mind to care about especially how many days he got. He gave a small smile to let him have some hope that he was just doing his duty as a hero. "Is there a way for you to get your hands on a cure? Why do you have to go back to get a serum to drag the poison along without you being free from it?" Just from that, Clark can tell, Ms.Isley had bad intentions for not curing up to this point.

"When do you think you be available?" Asking so he can stop by in is Superman costume to get things started. He bet Dick wants to be out of this mess as soon as possible. With guidance from Nightwing, Dick can be a major help since it was circling around him. Clark would think it though and rush majority but with good head. But with Dick, He probably would take time planning with him so it would be a more precise.

[Dick Grayson - Nightwing]

"Thanks," Dick said, giving a half smile. He appreciated the reassurance. Dick was glad that Clark didn't seemed to be disappointed in the choices Dick had made over the case. He knew there were others out there that would. But Dick was doing what was best for him as he thought at the time and best to protect others from it. "Yes, this is the same Dr. Isley we met that day in the park," Dick confirmed his questioning of the woman.


Clark's next question he figure was coming about the poison. "It's her way of making sure I don't do anything that could interfere with her work. And there is more to her work than her little garden of flowers and testing the plants and all," Dick replied. He remember being tangled up in the mutant vines she had created to protect her. He didn't go to far into detail, he still needed to watch out of what he could say that could prevent her from giving him the serum.

He then frowned at the next thought that crossed his mind. "It's her way of keeping me on a leash," he said with distaste at his own words. "So, if she thinks I'm interfering she can get rid of me without it tracing back to her. I'm not exactly sure how I can get the cure out of her yet. I must be over seeing something, or just over thinking that whole situation."

Dick was quiet again at Clark's next question. He gave it some thought. He had been on some leads that seemed to come to a dead end or there just wasn't enough supporting the evidence. Dick though still had a few top suspects. But at the question, he was more than willing to be working all day and all night if he had to. Even if running low on sleep. He needed to get this taken care of as soon as possible. "Mostly about any time," Dick gave him a smile. "About the only work I've had to do lately is more time on looking into new cases. And now with the police after Nightwing in general, it take a bit more strategy to stay one step ahead of them. Not that I like having to avoid the police this much though."

"I appreciate the help. I do hope I am not wrecking any of your plans while your here in Gotham though," Dick said. He did hope he wasn't being a bother to Clark. The last thing he wanted was to hold him up if he had other things that he needed to work on.

[redhood]

(Sorry for the delay, Got MVC2 for the xbox.)

To Clark, Dick Just confirmed reminder about that being the same woman at that holiday gathering they were still talking about. He gave a firm look at him. "I remember her having a strong scent coming off her that can make a person feel light headed and more relaxed." That was bothering him at the time is why he left from her earlier time before Dick came by. He didn't know if Dick experienced that himself on that day too but, He know that feeling wasn't just right around Ms.Isley.

interfere with her work? Clark wondered what could gardens and flowers Ms.Isley be testing on to gain from? It was possible where she extract the poison from the plants themselves? Clark couldn't know what else she might be doing besides botany. How she had her fingers wrapped around Dick made Clark feel a bit guilty for leaving him back there that day. Maybe if he would of stay, He could of change how this came out. He showed a questioning facing wondering about that looking off in the distance.

Looking back up responding to Dick with eye contact. "It's no problem. I figured I can offer a helping hand while I'm here." Dick wasn't wrecking none of Clark's plans as he came over here to tackle the P.R.O.T.E.C.T problem. But, teaming with Dick would help save his life which was mainly important to Clark. "So gonna have to save her yet play by her game to get your serum? Odd enough, Sounds risky." He knew it was gonna be tough dealing with especially with someone like her who could be labeled as a wrongful doing person.

Clark looked around once more Dick's place to find a secluded area to change. Asking to the bathroom would end up being weird with Clark going in and Superman coming out. "If you would excuse me Dick, I think I have to be going." He looked at his watch eyeing the time. When he leaves, Depending on where he can hide himself, Clark would make his change.

[Dick Grayson - Nightwing]

"Yeah, I've noticed that about her as well after the first run in with her at the park," Dick confirmed. He remember, but Dick had gotten more information on her. He wondered if he should say something. But Dick figured it was best for him to warn Clark, just in case he ever had another run in with her as well.

'It's greatly appreciated, from me at least, from Bruce...not so sure," he replied a bit of a smile on his face as he half joked. They all knew how Bruce could be. Gotham was Batman's city and he wasn't exactly all that thrilled with having the extra help or anyone just dropping in. Though Dick knew that Bruce seemed to enjoy some of the company at times.

"And yeah, it looks like it's going to have to be that way. I'm just going to have to figure something out. Other than that, do not bring up this crime stuff against her just yet. I need time is all to get this sorted out and then I'll be able to find away to turn the information in," Dick started.

He looked at Clark and said,"Just be careful around her. Those chemicals of her's have quite the affect. I've got the evidence to prove it. Just watch out for that." As Clark said he had to leave, Dick figured he could give him more information another time. For now, Isley wasn't going any where. It was just a matter of finding her was all.

"Alright then, thanks though. I appreciate that you are about to help. I'll dig up what I can. Contact me if you find anything out and I'll do the same to keep you in the loop," Dick said. He didn't want to hold Clark up any more if he had other places to go.