The Bat That Is and Was [Batman, open]

[Dick Grayson - Nightwing]

A long time had passed it seemed. He'd only been back on the streets for a week or so now. Though he had yet get in touch with Bruce over how the recovery had been going since he moved back into his penthouse and out of Wayne Manor. Bruce had helped him a great deal to pull through the events that had tried to keep a grip on his life after the torture he had faced.

Dick had just become stronger none the less with the rehabilitation he had gone through to keep his muscles strong and his mind sound. Dick knew it had not been easy for any one around him. And it had been hard for him to let them know just what he had faced against the Joker. But now it had become easier.

Dick was now back on the streets again, after staying at Wayne Manor for the majority of the recovery. He was glad to be back in his own penthouse and back with Barbara. Though the sudden appearance of Kory was unexpected. He was glad to see her though. But it was stirring up some what seemed to be long lost feelings between them.

Nightwing was finally back on the streets. His ribs had healed. And his mind was back in the game. That wasn't to say though that he was absolutely a hundred percent healed as far as the injuries he had sustained during the torture. There were still a few weak points that were well hidden by his movements, but after a night out, he might be left quite sore.

The new Nightwing suit redesigned by Alfred had been working out nicely. It was able to keep up with Dick's acrobatics, but more protective against attaches.

Nightwing was now sitting on a rooftop of one of the local businesses. He had heard word of a possible break in attempt that might go down that night. But while he had traveled by foot, Dick couldn't help but to regret ever making that deal with Isley still. He knew no good would come from that. Sure he still had his life, but he just might have helped a new villain to spring up in Gotham once again.

He stayed on the edge, within the shadows. He had a feeling as if someone was there watching him. Though the person could not be seen. "Thought you'd be on the other side of Gotham tonight," he spoke out into the darkness. Waiting for a reply to his words.

[grimknight]

Though the reasons of why his first ward (now renounced from being as such) Dick Greyson had come to stay with Alfred and he in Wayne Manor for a few weeks were due to a terrible and traumatic incident the young man had suffered—Dick’s company had been secretly and dearly appreciated by Bruce. Bruce did all he could to help Dick heal both physically and mentally from the wounds he endured by the psychotically heinous Joker; at times, being true to his obsessive and emotionally defunct nature, Bruce had even pushed the healing process onto the young man a little too hard. But, Bruce’s intentions were, as always, for the best.

The methods of physical therapy, cerebral therapy, and constant training proved effective as now Dick was able to spread his wings once again as Nightwing and take leave from the Manor. Bruce helped the boy settle back into his own flat shared with Barbara and gave his official clearance for Nightwing to resume his post and patrol (with extreme caution of course due to the ever-lurking presence of the Feds) back in Gotham. Still… Though Bruce would never admit the fact that he missed Dick’s presence in the Manor, missed Dick’s presence as his adopted ward, and still missed Dick’s presence as the first “Boy Wonder” – Robin, he would however give into his emotions by taking action, having decided to check up on the young vigilante during his first night back out on the streets as Nightwing.

It was a finite amount of people that the Bat could count the number of on one hand who were actually capable of being aware of his shadowy silenced presence. Nightwing was one of those select few people—a fact that secretly made the Batman proud, considering he had taught the boy all there was to know in this line of work. A swift, booted step forward was taken out of the shadows from the inky armored clad Dark Knight after Nightwing’s acknowledgement of his presence.

“Doing a trial run of a new patrol route.” Batman’s gruff, dark words answered in response. “I’ll be there soon enough.”

The thin slits of eerily white lenses within the eyeholes of his scowling mask peered at Nightwing, unblinking, uninterrupted.

“…Are you sure you’re completely ready to resume patrol? If you need a little more time before returning to the streets, I can manage.”

That was about as “sappy” as the at got when it came to welcoming back the young Bat Family member.

[Dick Grayson - Nightwing]

Without looking up at his mentor, Nightwing replied, "So in other words, an excuse to see how I'm doing." He knew Bruce better than that. And Bruce knew it. Dick didn't care to get a reaction he was just stating how things were.

He then looked up behind his shoulder and over at Batman stand there behind him. It had been a while. Even with patrolling he had taken it lightly at first. Which he hated to do, but it was for the better to adjust back to the routine. It was what was best. He would try and do out every night. But until everything was fully healed it was cut back to about half the work loud.

He wanted to go all out and just get back to business. But his mind had been all over the place. Looking over things and thinking about what next. And he had moved onto to fixing his patrolling and fighting again.

Nightwing turned to completely face Batman now. "Ah ha, I was right. You are checking up on me. Or watching over me as I get back to patrol," Dick teased at him a bit. His humor hadn't missed a beat. Even if others didn't find it funny. This was just Dick.

"Look seriously, I'm fine. I've been doing alright on my own again. I lighten up when I start to feel sore," he assured him he was trying to ease back into it. When usually he would have gone full force and thrown himself into his work. But after that event his body still had some sore spots. "Well at least I'm just managing to keep to a pace to help for now."

He gave a slight smile in response to Batman's checking in on him and concern. Dick could manage. Though there were other things going on since he made his return to his regular life again.

[grimknight]

Even though the Bat’s stoic, dark, and grim demeanor didn’t outwardly portray his actual sense of relief mixed with the smallest bit of contentment he felt over the return of Nightwing to Gotham’s streets, he knew that his most trusted partner in crime fighting would be aware of such subtly displayed emotions just by their given interaction. Though Batman preferred to work alone, even the Dark Knight needed help and before he knew it, he had created a small and wholly unique family to call his very own, made of misfits and unlikely volunteers—the Bat-family. And as such, it had been hard on Bruce seeing Dick when the young man was in such a dark state of mental and physical pain not too long ago.

At one point, Bruce pondered the very real possibility of having to dismiss Dick from his mantle as Nightwing if Dick couldn’t cope with the unspeakable horrors the Joker put him through. The light from Dick seemed to have been extinguished; for a while gone was the playful banter and carefree demeanor the youth once was notorious for having. In its place was a pained, fearful, detached, and brooding shell of a man that Dick used to be. In that broken state of mind, it was becoming clear that if Dick didn’t deal with his dark emotions he would be unfit to return for duty. The very idea that the Bat may have had to retire Nightwing nearly made him blind with rage, such immeasurable anger covering up the guilt and grief that laid dormant beneath. Yet, the strength Dick had portrayed all throughout his life with Bruce once again managed to shine through and with Bruce’s extensive help, Nightwing was now back in action.

The light was back within the young masked vigilante, even if slightly changed, it was had still returned – its presence clearly shining with the way Nightwing quipped his witty remarks to the Bat. A silent and firm nod was given in response to Nightwing.

“Just keep in touch, should you need anything.”

Given the fact that the past few weeks had been wrought with physical therapy, training, cognitive therapy—all done in effort to help Dick fully heal, only certain bullet points over their line of vigilante work and the on-goings within Gotham had truly been discussed. Now seemed as good a time as any to update Nightwing with the current objectives the Bat was working on.

“As you know, Catwoman and I have formed something of a temporary truce, not unlike the truce you have with her. In doing as such, she helped me to install a specialized untraceable communicator microchip capable of infiltrating any and all digital files and information within the mainframe of the FBI headquarters being currently given. I’ve also programmed the bug to hack into all Federal archives, collecting all audio, visual, and textual files recorded as far back as 6 months. We now have eyes and ears inside the Feds’ home base. As soon as you can, sync your comm-link up with the super computer to get the live feed stream from the FBI and new patrol routes.”

Batman then tightened his jagged edge black cape about his powerful dark frame, a sign he was readying to take leave.

“I also managed to get a hold of Riddler’s latest riddle… From what I’ve been able to deduce it appears to have something to do with the Chinese Zodiac. I’ll stay in touch.”

He moved to now take hold of the grapple gun clipped to his utility belt. “By the way, it’s good to have you back, Nightwing."

[Dick Grayson - Nightwing]

"Yeah, I will," Dick replied to him.

As Batman went on to tell him about a truce with Catwoman. Dick looked up at Batman. He gave an uneasy glance at him at the mention of a truce with her. There was more to it that Dick wasn't letting on to about his 'truce' with Catwoman. No so much of a truce rather than being left with very little choice of the knowledge to two knew about each other now.

Well, there had been a few small things that could have been prevented. But when you took a whack to the head, sometimes things got a little out of view. And with being chased down like a criminal, you don't have much of a choice of where to go for help in a matter of minutes.

But as Batman continued on about bugging the FBI, Nightwing was glancing down and fiddling around with some computer system built into one of his gauntlets. As Batman spoke, Nightwing was already tapping into the Bat-computer from there location.

So as soon as Batman was staying to sync his comm-link to it, Nightwing looked up with him with a bit of a smile on his face as he said, "Already ahead of ya." He shut covered the small screen to the mini computer on his suit as he looked back up at Batman.

And at the mention of Riddler. Nightwing gave him a wondering look, "Chinese Zodiac," he questioned. Now what would Riddler have to do something with Chinese Zodiac. Unless it had something to do with China itself. And if that was the reason...Was that were Riddler had run off to.

"I think Riddler is giving himself away this time. But why would he say about it at this time," Dick pondered for a moment. Riddler often gave himself away with his riddles. But with this riddle and the FBI stuff going on. It was a bit odd.

In his thoughts, his was brought out of them when he heard Batman actually almost say something that might have had some emotion to it. What he hearing things? Or did he just hear in words that Batman had missed him? That was a first he had heard something like that even when he had come home after being with the Titans as Robin.

Dick was almost giving him a stunned look at first. A bit puzzled and surprised at the words he heard. But not overly not expected. Though from Batman. He shook it off and said to him, "It's good to be back."

He paused for a moment again and looked at him. "Um...wait. I never really got to say thanks for the help through...you know," Dick said as he rubbed the back of his head with his right hand. This wasn't something the Batman and Nightwing often went through thanking each other or saying anything along the lines of missing having the other around.

[grimknight]

Nightwing, though now a man, still showed the same energetic charisma he maintained as the Boy Wonder, Robin, in this line of vigilante work through his actions of immediately syncing up to the super computer in the bat-cave. Bruce and the Bat wouldn’t have it any other way, Dick Grayson had been raised by him, after all. He paused in his motions to take off into the city’s night and then turned to directly face his partner in crime.

“Much like your truce came to be – set up out of desperation and tactical advantage.” His tone was solemn, omniscient, and grim. “I know enough about your “accident” with the motorcycle and Catwoman to know it was the foundation for the truce that occurred between you two.”

He drew his cape about his broad, muscled, well-armed dark form once again, now resembling some sort of gothic and creepy ink-colored statue. His shadow seemed to loom over the other much more light-hearted and light-colored masked vigilante before him, the Bat suddenly seeming that much taller and untouchable. Thin white slits for eyes peered out from his bat-shaped mask like slivers of white steel, unblinking, unyielding. He was unreadable in his revelation to Nightwing about what he knew – hard to tell if he was mad or impassive or what. Finally, his dark voice broke the uncomfortably growing silence.

“I needed assistance into the FBI’s headquarters… A woman’s touch, you could say.” Was that a joke? Only Nightwing would know for sure. “Catwoman possess skills in infiltration that mirror and possibly surpass my own, plus the location the bug needed to be placed was too constricting for my build. She was my best option. It’s shaky at best, but helpful none-the-less.”

He watched Nightwing a moment to gauge the boy’s response and then continued.

“Gotham is in desperate times , and like the saying goes – whatever measures need to be taken to ensure Gotham’s survival, then so be it. I don’t agree with your truce, but I won’t complicate it either – what’s done is done.”

He glanced about to quickly re-scan their location; the vigilante was always ever-alert.

“… In fact, I plan on taking Catwoman to China with me; I suspect she has some sort of involvement with the Riddler given her past behavior. If not? She’ll be a good liaison and distraction to use for Riddler while I get to the bottom of his little plan. I’ll be out of town a few days, hopefully no longer. That means I’ll need you to keep an eye on Robin for me and… I’ll need you to ‘Play the Part’ in my absence.”

Never one to use real names of identities while in the guise of the Bat, the Dark Knight deliberately used the code term ‘Play the Part’ to indicate that he would like Nightwing to fake Bruce Wayne’s identity while the real Bruce was out-of-town on an espionage mission as Batman in China. He knew his old-time partner would understand.

“I’ll send you a detailed itinerary to follow; you know where the facial mask clay and specialized suits are. It won’t be for long.”

He let the request (though it was more like an order) sink in a moment and then added in that same all-knowing tone…

“By the way… I assume you know of Catwoman’s true identity. Some of my findings seemed to indicate as such – you did a good job erasing any trace of who her true identity is.”

A compliment! A back-handed one, but still…

“Regardless, I won’t press you for it. Not yet, anyway. … Of all people, I understand how sacred an alter-ego is. I’ve ran these rooftops chasing after her for years – just like I worked them with you. I respect your honor to keep her secret safe, just like I respect hers on some level. But when the time comes and that secret is imperative for me to know, Dick,”

He now murmured low and dark, using the true name of Nightwing to show just how much business he meant.

“I will learn that secret by any means necessary.”

It wasn’t just a threat, it was the gospel truth.

[Dick Grayson - Nightwing]

Dick stopped and stared at him. A bit of shock over getting called out on this, but he had known it was coming sooner or later. This would have happened eventually with the two knowing each other very well. Dick had a hard time hiding some things from Bruce. It was just something that happened over time.

”I hate when you do that,” Dick commented uneasily, but honestly. There was a slight joking to his way of saying it. But the two knew well enough that something like this would happen. And Dick wasn’t surprised.

He didn’t like the feeling of feeling smaller than Batman at the moment. Bruce had always been able to do that to just about any one. And Dick hated when he used it against him. It showed there was a quite serious side to this.

And he got a break for a moment with Batman continuing on about the FBI and Catwoman. His first comment, Dick raised an eyebrow underneath his mask. He knew there was more to the words being said. He wasn’t a kid. He remember all the times between Catwoman and Batman. There was always more to the run ins than just the cat and mouse chases, so to speak.

”Sure there wasn’t more to it than just bugging the FBI,” Dick teased at him a bit, in a some what sarcastic tone. This was just his way of adding to the conversation. And to show he did know there was something more feeling wise toward Batman that Catwoman had.

Nightwing cringed a bit at the mention of Batman not agreeing with his truce with Catwoman. So, he knew there was more to Catwoman and his simple truce. He had probably figured out at this point about the identity revealed between the two. The information may not have been hard to get a hold of, considering his girl-friend was also a partner of Batman’s as well.

”So you’re going to take of to China just like that with her?! I understand some points. But Catwoman as well, I find a bit confusing. Though I have a feeling I do understand it,” Dick jumbled up his own thoughts on this. He really wasn’t adding much to this. ”But don’t you think someone is going to notice I’m not quite as tall?

He tried his best to suit his words to best reflect his concern over standing in as Bruce Wayne. He had lowered his voice over the concern and not give out such detail out in the open. There were quite opposites between the two at points. And it was true about the high. Dick only stood at five ten. Dick wasn’t quite sure he liked the idea of having to play the part for a while. And also having to watch after Jason. But he didn’t voice that. Though he knew he didn’t have much of a choice.

Dick was right at Batman’s next comment. So he had figured out that the two knew of each other and there was more to it. The comment stung a little bit at the same time as some what impressed actions of covering things up as well went.

At Batman’s next comment, there was more of Bruce coming through on that one. He wondered just what he would do. Though he wondered what this trip to China would mean. He’d have to find out about her through that, right?

Dick grew uneasy under the watchful eye of the Bat as the conversation went on and his tone become lower and darker. This was the side that could get a bit creepy. And he knew Bruce would stop at nothing to get the information he wanted when and how he wanted to.

He did not, once again voice his concern over the subject. If Bruce wanted his opinion, he’d ask for it. But this was regarding the trip with Catwoman, aka Selina. And Dick was finding it impossible for Batman not to find out about Selina. This was going to be interesting. He kept that thought to himself at the time. They could talk about it back at the cave if they wanted to continue it.

”Try to relax a bit. Everything is under control,” Dick replied to him.

[grimknight]

“You’ll be able to use the specialized suits I created to pull off the height difference.”

The Bat responded with ease to Nightwing’s inquiry over the size difference between Bruce and Dick. The suits Batman was talking about were business suits with motorized well-hidden hydraulic lifts installed into the seams of the fabric and shoes. The Bat, as always, thought of everything – was there ever any doubt? Being evasive was thing the Bat was fantastic at during hand-to-hand combat situations and when it came to avoiding main topic questions he didn’t feel like going into depth about. Said topic of avoidance: Catwoman.

“By the way… How has Batgirl been?”

He was also very good at turning the tables, as Nightwing/Dick had come to know very well.

[Dick Grayson - Nightwing]

"Is there ever anything you don't think of...," Dick said sarcastically. He knew the older man always had something up his sleeve and seemed to be able to pull through any situation. He had seen it done even when Batman can make an appearance when Bruce Wayne was somewhere within the area.

He still didn't like the idea of having to stand in as Bruce. It was just too weird for him. He didn't like getting into his head all that much. Sometimes it was hard just to think what he was going through at times.

Dick was going to make sure to find out what was going on with the how China trip. This was going to be an interesting mission to carry through. He had a feeling everyone was going to have to be on their toes for the time once again. And the long distance between everyone was going to make it difficult to help out if help was needed.

At the slight pause between the two, Dick thought he had struck something. And with the comment no where close to answering his question, he had struck it. But Bruce had just as easily turned this against him. Well as far as he knew it was just a checking in with the team kind of question.

But Dick, he froze for a moment. His mind rattling over the question. He needed to keep his cool. Though to be honest, it seemed like the two had hardly talked with each other in a while. And they live together! It was just a matter of schedules lately. Barbara had been so busy with her work and classes as well as her life with her family. And the FBI was not helping.

Not to mention the disappearance of her little brother. It had been a while since then. She knew what had happened. But Dick was keeping Barbs in the the dark on some of the stuff Batman had been telling him plan wise. And this going to China was it. And Dick did not want Barbara trying to rush off to get into harms way. The Riddler was not someone to deal with when you let your emotions get the best of you.

He was only trying to protect her. And she had found out a lot, but her going missing would through Commissioner Gordon into probably contacting the highest armed forces to hunt down his kids. He was already doing just so for Jimmy. And Barbara was caught in the cross fire and torn between finding him herself and staying to protect her father from any more heart break.

He and Barbara had had a falling out of this after she had heard some of what Jason had said about the encounter with Riddler escaping town. She had blamed Jason most of all. But then had apologized after finding out and thinking about it. That Jimmy had gone missing before the time Robin had tried to stop them.

And surprisingly, Dick had stood up for the brat on his defense of the situation. Sure things could have been different. But Jason had tried to stop the Riddler. And over all, he could see Barbs was taking it hard. Keeping some mission and detail away from Barbs was for her own protect. And currently she had been with her family a lot lately trying to comfort her father.

But after their little out, Dick had felt like they were growing apart since all this had gone down. And with him back on the streets he was more out on his own. And that's when trouble had struck. Not necessarily trouble, but it would be if it was out in the open. And it most certainly was getting there at times.

"She's been busy. Working on cases and all," Dick said. And he knew Bruce knew that she had been with her father a lot through out this time. There was no telling where her little brother was at this time. Or if he was even still with the Riddler.

The thing was though the way he said it. Not just the tone, but more of in his body language and his eyes. There wasn't that usual spark of energy when he was talking about her. Which was typical between the two when Dick and Barbara went through an argument.

Though there was a hint of something else there. It was almost maybe a sign of guilt. It most definitely was. Something he was hiding pretty well. But no one knew how to read him like his mentor. Though Barbara did a better job when it came to what he was he could possible be thinking of at times. Dick would always get into a bit of a mood if something was bothering him. But between him and Bruce it didn't take words to know when someone wasn't exactly themselves, even Alfred could catch on to that.

Guilt had been raining on him as much as himself trying to think logically about this. But it was all feelings. He wasn't sure how he felt about the situation that was going on in his life. And to add to it, it was between him and Kory. Everyone knew she was back in town. And Barbara had not been all that happy about the idea of him spending so much time with her. And she did have reason to fear.

That fear of that she had probably carried had yet to hit the light, But it had become a play in things now. And Dick was carrying a weight on his shoulders for some time now. Something only he and Kory knew of. And even Kory had felt that something was off with him after what had happened.

Dick had a mixture of guilt and wondering if this was something that he might not feel too guilty for considering how he might feel about Kory. His ex-girlfriend. She had known him for the longest time and she had been with him through thick and thin. So had Barbara. But Kory had gotten him to open up more than anyone else. There was just something about being with her. He thought he had moved on, but now...he wasn't so sure.

[grimknight]

The Bat was partially glad he had managed to shift the focus off of his intentions for involving Catwoman so intricately in his plans. He had tried to convince himself time and time again that he wanted her assistance and needed this little truce due to the fact that she was something of a “wild card” – she was a grey character when it came to picking sides between black and white. She walked along the fence… Much like he.

Batman didn’t exactly consider himself a “hero” per say in the sense that a hero fights with lawful morals and ethics and honor. Heroes fought on the side of the law, obeying the law and the government to a fault – standing up for what is deemed as right, legal, and accepted by all. He considered Superman/Clark Kent to be the ultimate hero – a man who stood for all the things this country’s foundation was set to be about. Superman was true, genuine, conducted model behavior and made a fantastic role model to be admired and respected in the crystalline city of Metropolis.

The Bat had even taken to nick naming the farm boy from Smallville, Kansas – the Boy Scout. Superman was everything Batman was not. Sure both men fought for the good and the just, but Clark obeyed his law enforcement, worked alongside the Metropolis police, and practiced acceptable, legal methods of crime fighting. Hell, the Boy Scout even asked PERMISSION for entrance from property owners while tracking down the villain-in-hiding he was after! Superman… He was a hero in a class above the rest.

The Batman?

He was a self-appointed vigilante. A man who had been so terribly scarred by the horrors of desperate and cowardly criminals that he had decided to take the law into his own and bring about the justice Gotham so sorely needed. Batman had no boundaries when it came to gaining access to any/all information he needed when it came to bringing down some super villain or criminal scum. Batman specialized in brutal, fear-inducing tactics, illegal privacy infringement, illegal breaking and entering, and a blatant disrespect for the government’s enforced laws.

Batman was a vigilante and existed in such a world of his own black and white morals and ethics so much so that he too, on some level, was a character of grey – much like Catwoman. Perhaps that was why he was so drawn to her… She was a “bad guy” in his book given her kleptomaniac habit; yet she had never killed a single person and her M.O. never portrayed a need to take over the world with ruthless control and psychotic tendencies. She was a thorn in his side… And he liked it.

She was wild, reckless, none-too-trustworthy, dangerous, but on some strange level he knew where he stood with her. They were like two sides of the same coin – both living a double life, both walking along a fence that isolated them from truly belonging to one side or the other, both lived for the night, and both loved their masked persona – unable to envision what life might be like without the juggling act of balancing their duality. Those fundamental facts he knew about Catwoman served to fuel the ever growing and deeply heated attraction he had for years over her.

It was an attraction that not only Dick had noticed during their partnership as Batman and Robin, but one that even Alfred had commented a time or two on. So yes, he was glad Nightwing was easily caught off kilter by the Bat’s countering question of Batgirl due to the fact that he didn’t want to discuss the convoluted feelings he had for the feline femme fatale.

“We’re all busy.” He finally stated in a grim manner. “I know Starfire is in town.” He then added, but held off on giving any sort of inkling of a lecture to Nightwing about the dangers of playing with the hearts of two women.

Batman – hell – Bruce WAYNE was a mess in that department on a realistic level of having a genuine relationship and not some faked one only to be had for publicity photos when out on the town, or attending gala events, or creating gossip for the luxurious life for one of the Sons of Gotham.

“Gotham will take all the help it can get right now given the grave situation it’s in. I know I don’t need to tell you to be careful and keep a cool head. But, Nightwing – be careful and keep a cool head. Last thing I need you to be is distracted.”

He shifted and this time pulled his grapple gun back out. He took aim and launched it into the night.

“I’ll be in touch.”

And like a swift shadow passing over, the Batman lifted up silently into the night air, disappearing into the darkness.

[Kory Anders - Starfire]

On a nearby building covered much by darkness and dim lights, stood a Tamaranean Princess named Koriand'r. Better known as Starfire by the humans. She lingered there in the faint darkness as a very light beacon. Her green eyes upon the two humans. She was hesitant to interrupt so for now she observed as she also observed the city. Since that night that caused so much emotion both renewed and new. Kory had heard little word from Dick. He avoided her calls and when he did pick up, it was just static or silence, sometimes both. She felt what he felt that night. It was something beyond matter or reason. It was beyond being wrong or right. Kory didn't feel guilt nor regret it. Kory did know that her love for him never diminished, it was stronger than ever. A few of her hero friends had sort Kory out to join the team. The only thing stopping her was, him.

Remembered how his touch was gentle, his fingers coiled through her hair and set a wave of emotion with his fingers upon her cheek. They were the only ones alive that night or so it seemed. Nothing else mattered. It made sense, yet didn't matter if it didn't. His fingers catching the tears that escaped her. Unable to catch the tear that streaked down her face so many buildings between them now. Smiling softly for the joyous tears. Her hand pressed against her chest. This love was so painful, yet was the greatest emotion she had ever felt. She wouldn't hide this anymore, not that she ever did. She would be honest with him, that she loved him. If he could open up for a night, he could open up again as she smiled at the thought. But she couldn't stay here if all this remained between them. If he could tell her he didn't love her and mean it, then she would leave. It wouldn't be goodbye forever, as she would always be his closest friend and always there when he needed her.

As her eyes tried to find his through this space, she remained hopeful. She had to. Just as she knew she would always love him. It wasn't so much emotion it was just a part of her. As she held up her hand with a very faint glow of her starbolt. This energy was meant to be there, just as was her love for him. Before finding herself distracted catching the sight of him in his Nightwing suit. There was something defiantly here if he could still cause her knees to shake and create the good kind of goosebumps. Before realising the Bat had moved out of sight and best guess into the abyss of the night. Not soon after did she spot the smoke climbing faintly into the dark sky. She could also smell it. Trouble. Danger. It raised her alarm.

Starfire then took flight into the sky of Gotham. A much brighter beacon of fire as she flew over where Nightwing had stood. Soon the beginning of the fire was seen and the faint screams heard. It was a decent sized building, with in a very dark street. It was seeming already a little run down. There were figures. Humans leaving the building. As the danger grew closer. Starfire took to the ground. She already was deep in concern as to what was happening. Before a frantic woman that had escaped. Screaming someone save the children. Repeatedly it rose Starfire's alarm and seemingly broke her heart. . Before Starfire sort to comfort the woman enough to know what was happening. Some ruthless gang apparently had some coil with the orphanage and was collecting. More destroying as all Starfire could make out.

The gang members were already trying to escape the scene. Starfire would have tailed, save then screams echoed out of the burning building. Her eyes shut to know that they were also screams of children. It was painful to hear. There was no hesitation. She was a trained warrior. As she barely even took a breath she flew in through a window so far untouched. Starfire then disappeared into smoke. It was warm. It was also difficult to see. There was little ways of knowing how many were still trapped inside. Now that she could really hear their screams, they were not all in one place. However many she had to save them all. As she pushed through a closed door and into the pit of fire that was growing within. Flew into the room with the nearest screams. Starfire with her will and strength flew through the flames. To bust down another door with her tamaranean fist. To see two children quivering close to one another by a bed. The fire was picking at the wall and slowly grew to the ceiling. Feeling the heat upon her skin. Though right now it wasn't about her. As her hands had already wrapped them tightly in her arms, taking flight through a path as good as she could without getting hit by flames. Before finding a third child curled in a corner, with a little balancing effort. Starfire carried the three children as hastly as she could, so best to return in speed of the growing fire. As the their little lungs coughed in the fresher air. Starfire set the children to safety from the fire where they were greeted with arms and affection. With little voices thanked the strange orange woman.

"You are safe now... but I will not stop until you are all safe."

Starfire uttered sweetly to the children. Then caused her hand into a tight fist of courage as she spoke her last words to ease she would save the rest. She knew first hand the mistreatment of children. In any shape or form it just shouldn't happen. The innocent needed to be protected. With her last reassuring words. The faint sirens in the air. No telling of their direction or speed. Starfire then motioned to return into the fire trying to engulf the building. With the innocent trapped helplessly inside.

[Dick Grayson - Nightwing]

((ooc: I apologize in advance for the long book you are about to read. ))

”Me? Get distracted? Come on, this is Nightwing your talking to,” he replied rolling off the thoughts that had been in his head after the last question.

He knew Batman was about to leave. Of course he’d leave before any other question were asked. Or even more poking at the Catwoman and him going to China subject. Dick would get back at him for that. There were tons of ways to teased Bruce on that little set up he got himself into.

And like he figured, he didn’t get a chance to comment back to him before Batman disappeared. ”Like always,” Dick mumbled to himself. He then gave a sigh as his night was seemed like it was going to be spent just patrolling now that the Bat was on this side of town.

With that Nightwing headed his own direction headed south. He’d find something to do.

As he went off from rooftop to rooftop, something caught his eye. Almost fire blazing a trail through the night sky. Nightwing stopped, and recognized that trail. It was Kory. Had she been near by? Questions started to come into his head. Asking what he was doing? Why he was acting the way he was? And knowing she didn’t deserve to be treated that way. He could avoid her.

Nightwing watch for a moment as the trail got further away. He did notice however how fast she was going. Which meant one of two things...She was upset about something or in a rush of course. Dick didn’t like the speed she was taking though. Something was definitely up.

Nightwing turned around and shot off his line gun as soon as he pulled it out from his gauntlet. He swung across a few buildings and landed. He ran across another few rooftops. His mind targeted and remember the exact location of where Starfire had landed. A few more time he swung across the building and carried on. The faint smell of smoke picking up and the sound of cries for help started to ring out. Now he knew why she had been in a hurry.

Picking up pace, Nightwing tried to get there as fast as he could there was no way he could get his motorcycle in time to transport him there. He was going to have to move faster. And like that he was running and jumping to top levels. He needed to help out.

Soon the burning building was in sight across he road. And when he got toward the edge of the rooftop he was on, he stopped for a moment, spotting Kory letting go of a few children she had to have saved from the building. Before he had the chance to catch her attention, just like that Kory was gone again and headed off into the burning building.

Dick looked at the scene before him, there was no time to waste. He backed up quite a distance, he was going to have to make this jump count. He was on a taller building on house over from the fire sight, so he was going to have to make it across one short building and a road way.

Nightwing took a running leap off the top of the building with his arm closed along side him for a second before he reached out his arms in flight. A set of gliders build into the underarms of his suit connected to the side of the suit extended and allowed Nightwing to some level of flight as he soared over the low building headed for the burning one.

He only had second to act before the building was within range. Nightwing had to aim for a window. He glance quickly and noted a less lit one in the front. The fire had not reach it fully, yet. He tilled towards it, guiding himself, aiming for the window. And with a quick calculation, he was going to have to cut the gliders soon.

When he reached just about there, he folded his arms to his sides. Then he tucked his head down and got himself into a tumble in the air to get to the window. He twisted a bit in air to tuck so his feet would be leading first as he brought his legs in.

Going straight toward a window with legs straightened was asking for a broken leg. He knew better. And with the added weight and momentum of his body it would be easier to break the window. That and the heat of the building itself, the window was already on its way to becoming more so fragile.

As planned, Nightwing broke through the window with success, glass shattering everywhere was he landed inside finishing off with another full tumble to return himself to his feet. There wasn’t much time. And Nightwing could feel the heat rising fast within the confines of the brick building. It was like a self ready oven.

Dick knew he wouldn’t be able to last the heat for long if it got any higher. Most burn times for a building this size was about seven minutes tops before the whole place would be in flames, reduced to a heap of smoldering ashes and rubble. Not to mention he was only human and would only be able to take so much even with his suit being flame-retardant .

Nightwing ran to the door and opened it and was greeted by more smoke and the flames were not building around the hall. He could hear the cries and screams of a few young children within. He ran down the hall protecting himself from the flames as he ran down the hall toward the cries.

He got to one room and found two children within. One no older than five and the other possible about twelve years of age. He approached them. ”Don’t worry, I’m hear to help,” Nightwing spoke as he walked up to the two shivering children. He knew how a figure dressed in black like him must not come across as the helpful type, especially in this town. You had to be careful about who you trust.

Once he got the children to settle down a bit, Nightwing pulled out two rebreather masks. He always came with a spare one for back up. He handed them to the kids. ”Do not take these off,” he said as he picked up the children in both arms.

He quickly made a run for the stairs, but just as he was headed that way, a beam from the floor above fell down in front of him blocking his path. He had already been in there for more then 30 seconds. His lungs wouldn’t be able to take too much more of this heavy smoke he was breathing in.

Nightwing turned around. ”Looks like we will be using the window then,” he said out loud. He ran towards the further end of the hall, he hand only come about half way since he had entered. And now as he headed down the hall, he heard two more cries for help on that floor. He wouldn’t be able to care four children out of there.

Thinking quick, Nightwing knew what he could down. The rooms to the right were facing toward the street and one of the rooms had one of the two children screaming for help. ”Hang on to me tight around my neck,” he instructed the fearful twelve year old clinging to him as he got a free hand for a moment to grab a zip-line to fire off and then grabbed from coil and a few climbing hitches. If there was one thing he had learned from all those years of working with Batman, there was never such a thing as being overly prepared for anything.

Nightwing busted into the room containing one of the children and it was a front room. He did everything he could to keep the children close and away from the building flames. They had to be on the second floor from the top. The fire was getting close. He set the children down once he was near the window as the other child joined the other two. ”Hang on,” he said as he opened the window and fired off the zip-line toward the street level and then secured the other end to the walling of the building.

He then got back to the children and started to tie the coil cables around their waist almost like a safety harness and added the climbing hitches to them. ”What ever you do, don’t look down. And don’t panic. You’ll be ok, I promise,” Nightwing said. He then one by one hitches the coils to the zip-line and helped the children out the window as they slid down to safety below. All of them so brave for such a fierce event. They all made it down to the safety of the waiting crowd that had grown around the cable line below.

Nightwing then rushed off after all three were safely down the line. He headed for the next kid. Nightwing ran as fast as he could, his body heating up beyond comfort in the suit and flames were now climbing the walls. He wasn’t so sure he’d be able to make it back out the way he had sent the children. But he had to hurry. The fire would reach it’s peak any moment.

After finding the room, Nightwing ventured in to find a young boy a bit younger than what Jason was, hiding under a table for protection from the falling ceiling boards as the fire was spreading through the spines of the the supports in the building quicker than going through the empty spaces of the room.

”Come with me quickly. There isn’t much time,” Nightwing ordered, but in a calm fashion. The boy came over to Nightwing. As soon as Nightwing picked him up, he headed out of the room. He was greeted by the sign of the end window now in flames and the room the zip-line was it, in flames as well. The hall now had fire up the walls and the hall was filled with smoke.

Nightwing had failed to gain hold of his rebreather from the two children, it was more important for them to be able to breath properly again than it was for him to have use of it. He could push through for some time. But now as he made his way down the fiery hall, he could sure use it right now. As he ran down the hall he avoided the fallen beams and holes in the floor.

His ears then caught the sound of a child trying to call for help in a close room off to the right. The building wasn’t going to last much longer, but he couldn’t leave a child behind in risk of getting out then and there. Nightwing was beginning to caught due to the smoke starting to take affect on his lungs. He ran into the room only to find the child’s leg trapped under a fallen beam.

”Stay close,” Nightwing said to the boy was he set him down and headed for the little girl who was cry as her leg was trapped. He made it over to her and then started to lift the beam as much as he could. ”Help her out, quickly,” Nightwing called to the boy. The young boy came over and help the little girl away from the fallen beam. She could not walk. Her leg had been broken from the beam.

Nightwing lifted the child up and said,”Climb onto my back and do not let go of my neck.” The boy clung to him for dear life as Nightwing ran out of the room down the rest of the hall to the side window that was at the corner facing the street as well luckily. He wasn’t sure if the fire department was even there or not. As he ran, a patch of the hall gave out from under neath him and his left leg fell through the boards, causing him to stumble with his leg caught. He tried to hold onto the children as he went down to the floor, thought protecting them most of all. They were only feet away from the window.

”Let go of me and take her,” he instructed the boy. ”Now listen, I need you to be brave. Take this line and point it at the street level floors of the building below. Only fire it off when you are at the window. And glance the line against the wall it will secure if you press this button. I need you to do this for me. You need to do this for her as well as for yourself. Can you do that for me?”

Nightwing handed the boy the line gun, as the boy was left helping support the little girl with his other arm. The boy was almost in tears of fear over the whole situation. But Nightwing needed him to do with. The boy looked at him with fear in his eyes. ”Please. You need to do this for her. You need to get out of here,” Nightwing said as he looked at the boy as he tried to pull his leg free.

The boy nodded slowly. A smile came to Nightwing’s face. ”That’s a soldier. Now go,” he said. He said as he managed to tie two harnesses on the two with the climbing hitches on. ”Now make sure you hitch these up to the cable, they are your only way down. And don’t let go of each other,” he said.

The boy nodded again and ran over to the window helping the little girl there quickly. He did as Nightwing said after he fired the line off after getting the window open, he then pressed the button once the line was against the wall. The then hitched the coils to it and he and the little girl held tight to the rope and each other as they were there in the window. Afraid of the scene before them and afraid of the scene behind them.

As Nightwing continued to try and free his foot from the floor boards and the fire continued to build....

[Kory Anders - Starfire]

The smoke was thickening. The flames spread. Just in the right moment of time. Starfire flew threw a window before it crumbled. It A narrow escape, but she made it. Most important the children clutching at her limbs made it. One that clutched to her neck whimpered in agony of burns that had encase her arms. It caused Starfire to push forward and be the hero they needed. The warrior. She could battle fire for them. Felt her heart race the entire time. Not stopping to doubting, but she needed to get everyone safe. As help the children to safety. The ground. There was at least one more room she hadn't touched. It was nearing the top. Further back. There wasn't a great deal of time left, but there was time. Starfire would make time. As in mere seconds she flew to the top. Flew through an unburnt window. Dodged the flames as much as she could. Ducked just out of the way as a floor board above her head crumbled and fell. She heard commotion a little further below. Caught the glimpses of Blue and Black. Nightwing.

Starfire warmed to know she wasn't the only one here. There be a greater chance. She did not stop. Not yet. Keeping split up would keep the building covered and there was little time to waste to the room she was heading towards. As Stafire flew now through empty rooms. Through smoke and flames. Out came the cries. Bellowing to hit her heart. As the flames lapped at the outer walls and the door. They were trapped. Just foot steps from the door the floor was crumbling. The ceiling as well causing it to crumble into more pieces. With the power of her hands. She set a string of starbolts from her palms. Destroying the door in her wake. There be little time as the flames began lapping at the hole she had created. Smoke made it slightly un easy to see. For now the ground in this room was more stable. Starfire instantly soothed the first crying child. Accompanied by two more. Falling to her feet. She could feel the warmth of the flames beneath. Her hands motioned kindly. Hushing words of hope. Before taking them to safety. There came the whimpering of another child. Though the smoke made it difficult to see. Starfire now realised it was where the children's eyes had been staring at. As a larger shadow emerged. With the faint click. Starfire's eyes widened as a man held one of the children at gun point. One of the scum that hadn't escaped. Starfire quickly motioned the children behind her. So it was her that in the line of fire. Trying to find a quick way to disarm him, but with any chance it could set him to shoot the child. As the anger brewed. He was nothing that cold blooded. He bargained for his life. As if he want outside he would be jailed. He would be questioned to lead to the other men. Starfire wouldn't help him survive so he could just run away. Not for causing this.

At first she asked. Told him to let the child go or she would have to use force. Told him she wouldn't let the child die. Nor let him run away. She could get him out, but only as far as the police. His gun then pointed towards her. His hand still gripped the boy. Tightly, but his attention was on her. As Starfire had to act. she set up another starbolt. It flew quite off target. Enough he jumped. Starfire motioned then towards him. He shook but his bullet was then shot towards her as she charged. One after another the bullets shot at her right shoulder. After the first couple that bounced off, the repeat eventually broke through her skin. He eventually run out, the last bullet not even half was lodged in. As she flinched at the pain, Starfire forcefully rammed her fist up his nose while she ripped the gun from his hands. He fell backwards at the force. Finally letting the child go. Wheeling one more kneeling kick to knock him out. Oh no. As the flames lapped at the door frame. She had to find a safe way out. Punching the window. She had to be quick. As the sparks of flames was falling from above the window. Starfire calmed the crying child. A gentle caress of the head. As the fear engulfed all their eyes. She took them in her arms, upon her back. attached at her limbs. Her right shoulder weakened with the weight. The agony she had to bare gritting her teeth. As flames missed them. Safety. They were safe. One last second she went back for the man, even if it wasn't what he deserved. Dragged him by her hand. She wasn't gentle about it. As window and walls collasped after she got free. Half throwing the man across the ground below. Planting her feet. As her eyes angered looked over him for what his men had done. No compassion. As finally with her left hand pulled out the bullet, giving a deep painful sound that escaped her lips and threw it down with him. Her golden fluids leaked, but it was a pain worth taking. It would heal in time. Through it her energy was leaked and so it weakened her a bit.

As that the fire was causing more damage and the falling sound startled her back. To see any signs of Nightwing. From what she heard from the crowd. They had seen him up there. Her eyes followed where they pointed. To see children escape with one of his lines. Starfire flew and helped them to their feet. To better safety. All shook. Tears. Starfire was close, but her face was just concerned, but strong. She had to be. As It pained her to see them in such horrific scenes. As she helped the child that had broken her leg. Before being helped along with the ambulance. Starfire looked. Expected perhaps Nightwing had found more children. He would be only minutes behind. There was something wrong. As the window was crumbling and the smoke was getting even thicker. Just with that came the dug at her side. To be met with the boy. With his sweet face. Concerned as well. That Nightwing had been caught up. In that given moment. Starfire knew he had been the hero. As the child admirable recalled Nightwing had called him a soldier. Starfire lightly touched the boy upon his head. As that second was worried. Lingered no longer. As her heart raced her through the space between. Breaking through with all her might though the crumbling window. Ash, smoke and flames covered the building inside. The smoke drifted enough she saw the shadow. No. No. Rang through her mind. Heard the struggle. The floor was very unstable. All sides was flames. Save the window and it was barely holding it up. Starfire's heart raced as quickly motioned towards him. His foot was stuck. Her face ran almost white if she was human.

"Nightwing!... Dick... Oh, my X'hal..."

His name slipped. As her heart ached. Pushing her to her knees. Her hands clambered to his cheeks. As eyes watered. Frantic with her actions her emotions. As her eyes fled with all concern. Kory's heart bled for him. She wouldn't leave this building without him. No. Never. As her eyes ran over him. He had been the hero. Could she love him anymore. As her eyes followed to where his foot was. Reaching down with her hands. Slipping under the wood. Pulling bit by bit. Feeling her breath getting heavy as her energy slowly flowed out of the wound at her shoulder. It was now when it was burning. Agony. Yet she couldn't stop. Bit by bit the wood was being bent back, every time she let out a faint scream. A deeper scream. 'ahhh... ahhh' Her arms shook. She shook. As it hit her like knives. She felt the sweat. Her tears. She could do this. As the anger. The pain. Set through her like a chain. She wouldn't give up. Never give up. As the wood was also heating up from the coming flames. It burnt her fingers. Until she pulled through her core. Pulled with all her might. That she let out a huge scream of agony.. Desperation. Until the wood finally snapped. Felt her hands pulsing to something a little easier. Yet her head weakened. Her chest was puffing. She still shook. Her tears strolled down, but he was free. As more fluid rolled down. As soon her hands motioned to Dick. His face. Pulling hers into his. As still her heart raced. Her hands motioned tightly. Not wishing to let go so quickly. As she closed her eyes for a moment. As she half went limb. Her eyes grazed him. A half pointed smile of hope. With her tears staining her cheeks. The fire echoed in the background around them.

"I... I need to get us out of here..."

Kory spoke lowly there was no time to sit. As with the strength she still had as her she was catching her breath. Kory motioned to help him. Struggling. Then her eyes shot up as the window was crumbling badly. Any longer and they'd be rather trapped. She needed to fly. Fly him to safety. She had enough for that. Starfire could find away as she motioned him within her arms.