AN: Hey guys! How's it going?! Anyways, here's a plot bunny I simply could not get rid of. Figured "what the hell?" And gave it a shot.

-Not exactly sure it it has a future simply becauseboth Batman and Claire proved to be way harder to write than I expected. Like fuuuh.

-Anyways, Let me know what you think of this little sampler and if I did alright. If I get enough support to continue I'll try for longer chapters.

Story suggestions and plot ideas accepted (my D.C. knowledge is kinda rustic).

If'n you's like to take it off my hands and think you can do way better (I'm not entirely pleased with this) then go right a head... just let me know, I wanna read this.

UNTIL NEXT TIME!

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The scene was absolutely brutal. The bodies were mangled beyond recognition and there was blood everywhere, including the ceiling. It wasn't just the target, but his guards and several others as well. If the man standing in the room had to guess, they had probably tried to intervene when it all went down and, by doing so, made themselves targets for the assailant. Bullet castings indicated that the victims had at least tried to put up a fight. There was no evidence they hit anything.

This wasn't a random killing. Way too much effort had been put into tracking and eliminating the mark. Especially considering this was an arms deal and both factions had been brutalized. Overall, it spoke to both skill and intent.

"Alfred, search through the databases, see if there are any precedents that match this scene. I believe we're dealing with a professional hit."

"Already on it sir. It matches the calling card of one man, Claire Stanfield, a.k.a "Vino" the assassin. The name Vino comes from the mess he'd leave in his wake as a sort of assurance the job was done. All his hits looking like someone spilled cheap wine."

"I need all the data we can find on this Claire Stanfield..."

"Sir, if I may, I seriously doubt Claire is our culprit."

"Why's that?"

"He was born in the early 1910's and was mainly active in the 1930's. All records indicate he was a normal human."

"He must be close to 100 years old by now. So we're most likely dealing with a copycat, most likely some new player trying to ride on the reputation of Vino. Still, keep a file open just incase. Never dismiss a possibility out of hand. We need to fi-"

A new voice interrupted his train of thought.

"You're not dealing with a copycat, or a new guy."

Turning towards the newcomer, Barman immediately got into a fighting stance, recognizing the voice.

"Deathstroke, what are you doing here?"

"Relax, I'm not here to fight you. I simply missed my mark."

The assassin put up his hands in a surrendering gesture. Batman noted that his body language indicated he was on the defensive. Deathstroke was telling the truth, at least partly, he was still ready to fight if it came to it. It was best not to engage, this could be useful information.

"Tell me how you're sure a 100 year old man did this."

"I'd recognize his work anywhere... and know if someone was trying to emulate his style."

Not getting a response he continued.

"If anyone else tried to recreate his way of doing things, they would've been hit. Plus, his work always leaves a feeling...something like a signature in the air. Look at the weapons, they're fully automatic."

Batman had already noticed this, along with something else.

"- and they were fired at point blank range. How do know so much about Vino?"

"Hn, he was my mentor in the life of a freelance assassin. Look, I'm not sure how he's still doing it or why he's started again but there's only one conclusion to be drawn here... He's back."

That's when Deathstroke made his exit. While letting him leave wasn't something he'd usually do, Batman currently had bigger fish to fry at the moment (especially considering the new information he just received).

"Alfred, I'm going to need that data after all. Also, we may be dealing with an undocumented metahuman."

"Right away sir."

After a few moments Alfred came back.

"Sir, it looks like there's a restricted file. 'The Flying Pussyfoot incident'?"

"Find a way to get access if you can. If we're really dealing with Vino, an assassin active for nearly a century, then I'll need to know everything. If he really did mentor Deathstroke and beat him to the punch, I'll need every advantage I can get. I feel as though Claire "Vino" Stanfield is a threat that absolutely cannot be underestimated."

"I fully agree sir. A few key pieces of information I was able to dig up now: He was hailed as the greatest assassin in the world during his time. Assassins from all over the world craved the chance to kill him to prove themselves and the criminal underworld feared his name. The threat of hiring him alone was enough to coerce people."

"How does such an infamous hit man fall into obscurity? More importantly, why is he active again?"

With that, the Dark Knight took his leave.

Across the way, on top of a building overlooking the warehouse where the hit took place, was a figure in a black 30's style trench coat, not looking out of his 20's. His red hair flowing a bit in the light breeze, he looked over his shoulder and addressed the figure approaching him on the roof.

"Kid, ya gotta stop think'n you can get the drop on me. I trained you after all."

"A person can dream can't they? Old man?"

"So, Slade, to what do I owe my pupil's visit? Heard you've been makin quite a name for yourself."

"I just wanted to let you know, the Batman is now on your trail. He is not an adversary to be taken lightly."

Claire chuckled a bit and shook his head.

"Haven't I told you many times? It doesn't matter what anyone thinks, it's impossible to beat me. This world is mine after all. Oh, and sorry 'bout taking your kill."

Deathstroke could only chuckle at his teachers belief system.

"Be that as it may, that man will put that to the test. I'm curious, how do you look the same after decades?"

"Ya see, my wife ages slower than normal people. I decided I didn't wanna make her sad when I finally aged out so I ask a few friends of mine to cook me up someth'n."

"I thought you hated immortality."

"Nah, it wasn't nothin like that. Just some juice to make me ageless."

"You know, now that you're back, they will fear your name again. Well, at least those with any sense and knowledge of history anyway. This world is different from the one you left. They will come after you."

"Let them come."

"Hn,hn... That's exactly why I told him about you. I knew you'd like it."

The grin on Claire's face was predatory. He loved a challenge.