A Meeting in Time [Nightwing]

[Deleted]

It had been sometime since they had last met on the field of battle, some time since they had shared the blood of an enemy, some time since a lot of things, but that didn't mean they didn't try to keep in touch, or at the very least be aware of each other. Then again, it wasn't as if they had met on some college campus, or taken a stroll between classes to get to know each other, or even be asked about her slight Italian accent.

Nightwing had gone his own way as she had hers. Rumors had surfaced that he and Barbara Gordon had had a fling, but so far as she knew, those rumors had yet to be proven, but even if they had been true, what in the world would Nightwing have seen in that red-headed dweeb of a girl? Then again, whatever had he seen in her or her him? At any rate, the day Nightwing vacated Gotham to deal with Bludhaven, Huntress had been left to wonder if the man had lost his ever loving mind, but just as she had thought that, she had looked in a mirror to see herself in costume and simply started laughing.

The past week had been quiet in Gotham with nothing more than the usual small, two-bit crimes to keep her busy and with the likes of Batman and Batgirl around, Huntress knew the streets of Gotham were safe, which made her think of the past. She had been looking for the big, dark, and handsome for four nights, trying to cross his path, but like herself, Nightwing was an elusive prey. Still, she stayed on the task and on the fifth night she had found a clue, if the trail of tied-up thugs leading toward a particularly bad section of town known simply as "The Narrows".

As Huntress, Helena had been there before and she did not like the experience. Granted she had come of the intense fight alive, but the term "alive" was dependent on the number of aches and pains her body had been forced to endure over the next few weeks, not that she had taken time off - those of her ilk never did. Staying on the rooftop while Nightwing dealt with some problem below on the docks, Huntress continued to watch the progress through the miniature binoculars. she could easily take a hand in the fight, but that might be stepping on Nightwing's toes as it were, and Helena had learned early on not to invade another hero's personal space.

Her cape blowing off the left side of her body, she continued to look at the discussion, knowing even before it had started what the outcome would be, though if he got in trouble, Huntress lowered the nocs from her masked face and then smiled. the battle below had ended almost before it had begun making Huntress shake her head slowly. thugs in Bludhaven were notorious for being more ruthless than in Gotham, but the ones below had made a terrible mistake, at least where Nightwing was concerned.........., they had not brought enough men, and there had been ten of them.

"I don't mean to interrupt your fun, but I'm above you at your ten o-clock. Stop by when you have time, H out."

[Dick Grayson - Nightwing]

The fight had been quick and not enough of a challenge for him for the starting hours of his shift. Though the figure on the roof had gone unnoticed at first. His focus was on his surrounding and the movements and distance of all the people that had been around him.

When it came to fighting, he was lost to others at time if he was in a foul mood. Something had set him off about this underground operation that he felt might be linked to another mission the Outsiders were working on.

As soon as it started, it was ended and he was already rounding up the thugs and leaving them for the police.

It was during this time that a voice came over his com link. And it wasn't someone he recognized at first until he gathered his thoughts. Then connecting the voice to someone he hadn't seen in a while. Huntress.

At the 'ten o'clock' mention, he looked up toward the roof tops. And at the name before he could respond she cut out.

Not wasting any time, he left the scene belong using his grapple line to pull him to the rooftops. Another building over he had to make a running leap to land with his usual aerobic tricks.

"I might ask how you managed to hack my com link, but that would be wasted time," he gave a slight smirk. "So, Huntress. What brings you to my neck of the woods?"

[Deleted]

"I'm here partly on a case I've been involved with and partly because I'd lost contact with you over the last few months. Seems we've both been too busy to say hello. There's a movement by the Asian mafia to grab a foothold in Gotham, and they're trying to get into the area through Bludhaven. They are far more ruthless than American families and frankly that has some of ours worried. Personally I could care less if any mafia family was worried, but there's a twist to this invasion."

Looking around them to make sure they were alone, Huntress let her gaze rest on a particular portion of an adjacent rooftop for a few moments before returning to the matter at hand. What she had to tell him would make Nightwing's blood boil, partly due to the hero in him but partly due to what he did away from the mask. The "Horde" as they were affectionately called in Asia were known for their infiltration tactics, placing their own people in the ranks of police and other first responders before they ever began an invasion. It was a method that had always been highly successful and one Huntress was sure they had already started to use in this one.

"They're typical method of operation is to put people loyal to them in places of authority before they make the main move to invade a territory, They have hired an assassin that goes by the code name of "Night Strike" but she isn't just any old assassin. She has never failed to complete an assignment and her methods can be anything from simple to extremely complex; and from what my contacts have told me, her targets are the capes of Gotham City, then the family heads themselves."

[Dick Grayson - Nightwing]

"Isn't it always business when we meet up," Nightwing replied. A slight teasing tone to his voice at first.

It was good to see Helena again. After such a long time. He could remember fully well all the times they had had together. Not to mention a fling or two. But his mind was not on that.

At the news of the mafia and an assassin...he frowned at the thought. This seemed to always be the cases Huntress took on. But this one was more personal. Well on two levels.

It sounded like her family might be involved and she had already said the capes were. The comment on replacing others in authority, he could assume what she meant by. The frown did not leave his face as she crossed his arms in concentration.

"So I take it this has hit more than a few levels on home with you as well. I should know better than to expect anything less than such a challenging case would follow in your tracks," he replied.

"Just remember this is my town. We play the game a bit differently compared to Gotham," he said.

He words were enough to suggest he was interested in helping out with this.

[Deleted]

"This is your town like Gotham is Batman's. Point taken and I have no problems following your lead. I think I have a way to put a kink in their plans, but it will take a bit of craftiness on my part, though even there I am up to the part. Here, take a look at the woman known as Night-Strike".

Producing one of the few images known to have been taken of the woman, Huntress held it out for Nightwing to take. That the woman could be an identical twin for herself when Helena was not in costume was to be a given, a point she had checked up on when she had made it a point to visit one of the local areas in Gotham where she knew the "Horde" members frequented. A couple of the higher ups in that organization had paid her a bit of attention, though with other - reputable - cops also around, neither side had come right out and identified their counterparts, nor would they have in such an open place.

"As you can see, she bears a striking resemblance to a mutual friend of ours, no pun intended with the 'striking' comment. My plan involves taking her out at least temporarily, and taking her place within their organization, finding out what I can on who I can before their main force starts to head in. The only thing I am not certain on is who they may already have in place within the Bludhaven police force."

It was a gamble, a bold plan in and of itself, and one Helena knew Richard might say 'no' to out of hand as being far too dangerous. There were other ways to get at the horde, but this was the only way she was sure could get fast results, and if need be, she could even enlist the aid of a few "masks" to pretend on being killed off, and if that were to happen, they could join the case as everyone would they were dead or so she hoped.

"But as you have said, this is your town, so I will be quite happy to do this any way you feel best."

[Dick Grayson - Nightwing]

Nightwing took the photo into his hands. Looking over it his computer scanners looked over the face or the person. Matching it up to almost two people. One being Huntress as her civilian identity. But his computer system was advanced and could pull up the assassin with full records.

This was with police records as well as the name mentioned within the branches of crime Batman had recorded. And the files they stole from crime lords computer systems. It was much to the thanks of Batgirl for the updated systems. But Nightwing had brought the guidance of his technology to that field long before Batgirl had.

The photo was stored within the system as files and more important records showed on his mask lens. This would be unknown to those watching his actions. The knew updates to their gear had been made on his move from Gotham. It was very similar to the old ones they had, but the addition of the computer link to the Batcomputer as well as local police files. Since Nightwing and Batgirl came around there had been a lot of up grades to their equipment.

Nightwing looked at Huntress, his face as expressionless as his mentors.

"She also holds a striking criminal record. There is little to none on her in the police records. But a good deal on past records in the area. This isn't a game Huntress. She is lethal and so are the people you intend to get involved with these risks," Nightwing said.

He was giving the all too common lecture that Batman was well known for when he talked down to the League members. But in all, Nightwing was right. It would take more than actions and experience in this field. You needed the skills and more contacts of people on the inside. Which he saw that Huntress know an officer in the Bludhaven force would be able to gain access to.

"I won't allow such unnessisary risks to be taken. Not in my town. This isn't just a game of infiltrating the enemy. This is your life on the line. And I know you will go and do it whether I back you or not. But knowing you stubbornness and intellect, you'd find a way. And...I'm not about to let you take that risk without some help. So count me in," Nightwing said. Giving a sigh at the end of it all in defeat.

He knew Huntress all too well from past missions. He knew her ways and did not agree with all of them. The two had a very close history. And a few parts of that history that was best forgotten when working on a mission. Though it was not an easy avoidance between them.

All in all. She had him wrapped around her finger. She knew he wouldn't say no. He'd want to protect her from harm as much as he could. And if she did something stupid and would almost get them kills but lived...he'd kill her himself.

"Just remember. This is my town and since you came to me for help, we play it by my rules. Just as we had in past missions. No unnessisary risk and no distractions. Don't let your emotions get the better of your judgement when it comes to handling this case. We can't afford it. Even if there are people we know in the line of harm. One wrong more and they might be taken down with us as well," Nightwing said sternly.

As for all he said, some words could be defined differently in Huntress's eyes. The distracting and emotions especially. The last time or two past missions ago, he and Huntress had gotten closer in more than one way. And that was not just in the back of his mind. But as he spoke it was all true when it involved their friends and family possibly getting hurt if they made the wrong choices.

Nightwing knew Huntress might pick up on his words and understand. But he wasn't all too sure if her mind was on the same subject as his. Distraction could be a large amount of subjects. But he meant toward the mission.

[Deleted]

"Yes, Batman, I am well that this is not a game."

Calling Nightwing Batman was about the best retort Huntress could come up with on such short notice, but then what Nightwing had say was by no means out of line. Their line of work was extremely dangerous to all involved, and even more so to those loved ones that mask was made to protect. That he mentioned it at all told Helena that Richard really cared for her outside the mask, but that was about as far as she would allow the situation to get.

They had shared a bed more than once but they had split over methods - hers being more ruthless that he had allowed at the time - and though she had mellowed out since those days, Huntress knew it was a hard memory to forget. Letting him go one with his speech, Huntress moved away a short distance to look out over the ugly skyline before she forced herself to look back over her shoulder. She had thought to do the plan with or without his help at first, though she knew - deep down inside she knew - that she would need Nightwing's help, and if she had to sacrifice independence for some level of safety, then so be it.

"You didn't hear what I said, Nightwing. This is your town, I will do this your way, and if you don't agree then I'll drop the case and go back to Gotham. I've changed since we were last together, changed every bit as much as you have since you and Batman parted company. Now tell me straight, do you wish this to continue or do you not? I'm good with either decision."

Moving closer to him so he could see her masked face better in the dim light, Huntress placed her right hand on his left shoulder and then nodded her head. They were in agreement on the mission's limitations as far as she knew, though if he agreed to help her - really agreed, then she knew the parameters would need to be discussed, before they even considered the logistics of the operation. A mission like this would be well beyond the normal mission, and that included going up against the Joker himself to a degree, though Huntress had no real way of knowing just what might be around that bend in the river, but it was something she was prepared to realize, or so she hoped.

[Dick Grayson - Nightwing]

Nightwing watched every move that she took. It was not out of disrespect. It wwas out of knowing. She knew what he would say, what he was like.

Even crossing the line to call him Batman. At times that was an insult to him. Even then might have been. Though in all honesty he knew he had a bit of his mentor in him.

As she got closer, she cut it straight to the chase. All this talk and no real answer was not her way.

Nightwing looked her in the eyes and placed his hand on her's. "You know I won't let you take the risk alone," he said in a softer tone. Remember past times with her, he still had a spot for her. He always did for the people he cared about. "I'll help you."

The closeness between them was getting to be a bit much for him at that time. Releasing his hand over her's, he backed away a bit to check over his city lines again from their perch. As he turned he said,"Call me Batman one more time and I might just leave you stranded somewhere."

A slight smile came to his face, the joking tone would only be noticed by someone close.

"Now. Where are we going to start," he replied, turning back to her after seeing the city streets below clear.

[Deleted]

"I would only call you Batman if you started in to lecturing me, as that is his standard method of operation in times like this, but who knows, maybe I'd strand you someplace, hummm?"

Her own tone one of humor, Huntress moved to stand opposite of where he stood. They were a lot alike, that much she had come to understand when they had been together, so much so that they would never be any more than close friends. He had moved on and found the love of his life in Starfire, a woman that would make him happy, and that was all that was important - at least for him.

"We have to intercept the real assassin before anyone knows she's in the area. She is set to arrive tonight at midnight at a private airport that isn't even on the charts, but it's on the northwest side of Bludhaven. Even if we can get her out of the way, we'll need to stick her someplace where she won't be a bother to the operation."

Her arms crossed under her chest while they planned, Huntress stared out over the horizon. Planning was perhaps the most important aspect of any mission and she knew that the least bit of a problem, anything not well thought out, could prove disastrous. Glancing his way to see if he had any ideas, Huntress let her eyes move away from his face before she returned her head to look out over the city again. Gotham was just visible off to the distant right and somehow that place, for all its ugliness, seemed to call her home, though if they messed this up she'd be going home alright, in a body bag.

"Any ideas?"

[Dick Grayson - Nightwing]

"Ah, right. Good luck with that," Nightwing replied.

His cocky personality taking on to the light conversation between them. It was so easy to fall back into place with old friends. No like an old ex. Not like he and Huntress really kept anything between them. It was plan to him that she had moved on. And so had he.

Nightwing listened to Huntress. Unmoved was his view from the city below at the moment. His mind was focused on the facts being laid in front of him.

"I have a friend who might be able to help us out with that minor detail," Nightwing replied.

His brain already working a thousand miles a minute. Putting together ideas. Looking to the minor details. The contacts he could use through this. His mind like a computer, sharp and to the point on the case.

"We need to get that airport as soon as we can. Steak out a position to snare her before she gets any further from the runway. If she gets to a check in an uses a name that is known to trigger files on an employers computer, we're out," Nightwing started in.

"I've got my bike not even a block away. We will need to be ready for anything if this is such an intricate plan for them to cover it up so much," he said, turning to look at Huntress once again.

[Deleted]

"I saw that. I parked the car just behind your bike. But as you say we need to get there pronto, then we're wasting time talking. I'll have the comm-link attuned to your frequency so we can continue to stay in contact. So, shall we go?"

It wasn't so much a question as a remark. If they had to get set up at the airport in time they would have to get their collective asses in gear to make it there on time. Huntress had no Intel on the particular airport the woman known as Stryker would be arriving at, and she hoped Nightwing did, though even if he didn't, she was quite certain he could get the job done.

Wondering if she should go in out of costume to act as a decoy, a distraction to the dangerous woman, Huntress almost brought it up as a suggestion, until she settled on the notion again that this was his town and that he needed to keep the lead in this dance, something she knew she would find hard to comply with, but would do so anyway.

"Race you to the vehicles?"

[Dick Grayson - Nightwing]

"Alright, just keep an eye out for another signs of trouble along the way," Nightwing replied.

As soon as she had mentioned race, Nightwing exaggerated the expression of him rolling his eyes at her. It was in a teasing way as he spoke,"Still with the childish games?....You know I'll win." A slight smile broke out upon his face as he responded.

At that he didn't leave a second left for her to respond as he took a running leap off toward the next building. He knew this town better. The concrete jungles were no match for the vigilantes. And he had home field advantage.

Nightwing took the chance between the charge to their transport to speak. "I know of a few private airports on the out-skirts of town in the northwest like you have mentioned. Once we get moving, I'll be able to narrow them down," he said in the comm-link.