Disclaimer: I own none of these characters. This story is strictly fan fiction.
I am aware that Barbara's real eye color is green, but in the Animated Series, it's blue, so don't rant me about it.
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Chapter One (Vanishing Act):
Nightwing had been staking the "All Girls All Night" club for weeks. It supposedly held major clues of the Penguin's whereabouts. Nightwing, formally known as Richard "Dick" Grayson, is an officer of the Blüdhaven Police Department. About a month ago, The Penguin arranged a heist for the Blüdhaven bank. This heist was investigated thoroughly by the BCD and Nightwing, and so far, all they know is that the Penguin was behind it. The Penguin, knowing that the Blüdhaven Police and its very own vigilante, knew that he had to take refuge in Gotham. He wouldn't be safe for long… Gotham's own vigilantes are hot on his scent. Batman never appreciated Gotham criminals, especially one with a record as big as Bruce Wayne's ex-girlfriend list.
Nightwing heard a familiar "bang". Not to worry, he knew what made the sound and who was coming. Shortly after, his thoughts were confirmed with a blunt voice, "Anything?" Batman was never one for lengthy conversation.
"Nada." Nightwing didn't even look at him. He continued to look through his binoculars. It was time to infiltrate. "Where's the rest of the army?" He questioned. He had a feeling he'd need backup. After all, Penguin did have one of the biggest clubs with the biggest thugs. But then again, he and Batman made a formidable team.
"Tim's got school tomorrow. He's not up for a beating this time at night." Batman said monotonously. "And as for Barbara, she'll be here shortly. The Commissioner needed a word with her. Apparently, her disappearances alerted him."
Nightwing nodded. He knew that Batman was worried, but damn it if he showed it. "Looks like the night-time escapades are taking their toll on Babs." He pocketed his binoculars. "So we're waiting for her or are we charging this alone?" Nightwing didn't love the idea of having Batman as his company. He was never much for conversation. Nonetheless, he was glad Batman was on his side. Batman was a very good fighter.
"Batgirl can join in anytime. The sooner we get on with this, the sooner we can leave." Batman took out his grapple. He fired at the railing on the building adjacent to the club and swung to the alley in the middle. Nightwing smiled. He couldn't feel but think that it was just like old times.
"As you wish." With that, he spread his arms, stretching the attached gliders on his arms. With that, he jumped and glided near Batman's position. No sooner had he landed, Batman charged and took out the first thug with a devastating punch in the face. Nightwing leaped after the second thug and landed on his face, which I imagine is quite painful. "Door's open, let's go!" He whispered in the cold wind. Batman answered with a nod and followed after his adopted son.
They walked into a balcony, and to the left were the stairs leading to some dancing. Nightwing glanced at the prostitutes and nude dancers. He couldn't suppress his excitement. That was the ultimatum of hormones. They can take over given the occasion. Unfortunately, Batman saw his gaze and cleared his throat. For a vigilante with a playboy alter ego, he was incredibly calm. "Batman, these people could get hurt."
Batman gazed at him. "Right." He smiled. Uh-oh, Nightwing thought. He knew that smile. It was Batman's smile telling him that in a few moments, all hell will break lose. They took cover in the shadows silently heading for the Deejay, with Nightwing in the lead. After all, this was his gig.
"Time to crash this joint." Nightwing surprised the Deejay. The Deejay yelled, but it was inaudible over the loud music. He turned to run, only to bump into Batman's chest. The Deejay fell. Batman's face took on a menacing snarl. "I'll alert everyone in the room." Nightwing proceeded to the microphone. "Sorry, folks. But this party's over!" He couldn't resist a sneer. He sounded so much like Batman, but he didn't seem to notice.
Batman lifted the quivering Deejay. "Who do you work for?" The Deejay cursed as Batman slammed him against the wall. Unable to get an answer, he slammed the Deejay again and this time, hard. This time, the Deejay couldn't suppress a cry of pain. He suddenly realized that no amount of money was worth a beating from Batman.
"The Penguin!" He stammered. He flinched as the Batman glared at him. "I don't know anything else! He just paid me to deejay this club!" Batman just stared. That's when Nightwing decided to step in.
"Let's go, Batman. This guy's just a pawn. He doesn't know anything," Nightwing reasoned. Batman hesitated, but eventually walked out. They neared a corner leading to the hallway that led to the door when they heard gunshots. Apparently, Nightwing and Batman's appearance had alerted Penguin's goons. The two rushed outside to see Batgirl pummeling four guys with a series of acrobatic moves. No doubt, they were Batman's style. One thug got up, apparently conscious, and tried to sneak up on Batgirl, but Nightwing intervened with a devastating kick behind the shins, making the thug fall. He then proceeded to handcuff him.
"I was handling it." Batgirl ran up to him. She was apparently annoyed by his intervention. "I didn't need you guys, and besides I almost had them." Nightwing merely stared at her dumbfounded. Then he adjusted a neutral look on his face.
"Didn't look like it." Batgirl was surprised by his reaction. He was getting to be more like Batman each day. Where was the Dick Grayson that she dated, that she loved? She'd even prefer the Dick Grayson that ran off from Gotham.
She walked off to the thug that tried to sneak up on him. He was apparently bigger than Batgirl, but he didn't look so tough. "I could've taken him…"
Nightwing smiled. "Coulda… Woulda… Didn't…" He was also annoyed that Batgirl didn't acknowledge his act as a favor. Instead she blew up on him.
"You know, Nightwing? You're really testing my nerves. We didn't need you when you ran out on us! We handled it on our own. You're so arrogant! It's like you've changed… for the worse!" Batgirl's words tore through Nightwing. He looked like he'd been slapped. He quickly hid the hurt on his face, knowing that Batman was watching their every move.
"Fine! You know what? I won't help you anymore! You were one of the major reasons I actually came back! I loved you! But apparently, things changed while I was gone. It's not mutual anymore. I'm leaving!" With those words, Nightwing ran off, apparently heading for his transport to the loft.
Batgirl was taken aback, "Wait! D—Nightwing!" She wanted so much to apologize. She didn't really mean to upset Nightwing. She was just annoyed that he had to step in when she was doing fine. She felt a hand on her shoulder. She turned. It was Batman.
"Let's go. We have somewhere to be in an hour." Batman fired his grapple to a building. He swung off heading to the Batmobile. Batgirl nodded. Of course, Bruce Wayne was invited to a dinner party hosted by Jim Gordon, Barbara's father and Police Commissioner of Gotham Police. She grappled to the nearest building. She jumped rooftop from rooftop, eventually reaching an alley that hid the Batcycle. She rode off to the Batcave.
When she arrived at the Batcave, she found Bruce already showered and in a suit. A plastered smile that would make Gotham's most exquisite females fall in pleasure was glued on his face. His neatly combed hair topped off his handsome look and his ice blue eyes glistened. "Better hurry, Barbara. Don't want to be late." She knew what he meant. Her father was picking her up, but luckily, her outfit was waiting for her in her apartment, only a ten-minute drive from Wayne Manor.
An hour later, she smiled as her father introduced her to Gotham's richest. He led her as they walked over to the notoriously handsome Bruce Wayne. He had just finished talking to an old couple. "Mr. Wayne! Jim Gordon. Thank you for the generous donation to the homeless."
"Oh, Jim, you know who I am, no need to get formal. You can call me Bruce. You know that." Bruce smiled and his glance flew to the redhead Barbara.
"Oh, right… of course Mr. Way—Bruce. Oh, this is Barbara, my daughter." Jim changed the subject. Mr. Wayne was a very generous gentleman that frequently donated to just causes.
"We've met." Barbara and Bruce said simultaneously. Barbara couldn't help but notice the lack of emotion in Bruce's eyes. He took her hand and lightly put his lips on it. She blushed. Get a grip, Barbara, she thought, this is your co-worker, fellow vigilante.
The awkward silence was interrupted by none other than Dick Grayson, a representative of Blüdhaven police. He was new to the BCD, but as far as Gotham was concerned, he was a capable young man. Capable enough that Jim Gordon himself praised him publicly in meetings with the Police Commissioner of Blüdhaven. They didn't even bother making him a cadet. "Hey, Jim… Babs…" He smiled his fake smile, which can drop as many teenagers as Bruce Wayne's.
"Hey, Dick, nice to see you. Congratulations on making the BCD. You know it's got crooks on its own. It's a tough neighborhood." Jim said, "But what I don't understand is… how come you didn't become a cop in Gotham?" Bruce and Barbara looked up. Both of them knew that Dick was needed there as Nightwing. But Dick merely smiled casually.
"Well, I can't keep living in Bruce's shadow forever. I have to make a name of my own self without as much help as possible. But, I'm still grateful for your recommendation. Just how did you do it? I'm not a cop." It wasn't a lie, but it wasn't the complete truth either. Dick was smart to change the subject to dismiss the Commissioner's questions.
"No sweat, kid. You know, you've been involved in kidnappings, and you've always kept your cool. Blüdhaven needs people like you. That and your circus experience helped. Of course, that's kept hushed up by the BCD officials and I." Dick smiled. Jim did him a favor by doing this.
The room dimmed as a performance was about to ensue. The group said their goodbyes and headed to their seats. A hooded hypnotist materialized from a cloud of smoke. Little did they know, Ra's Al Ghul was behind the disguise. Bruce was unimpressed. He pulled stunts like this all the time as Batman. "Ladies and gentlemen, prepare to be mystified by magic and its illusions!" The hypnotist's eyes glanced at Bruce every few minutes. He did many tricks, but was basically child's play to a master scientist's mind. The hypnotist was nearing his finale. It's time for a good finale, he thought. He dragged a box to the center of the stage. "This box holds a story. It's a legend among its people. Whomever goes in here can travel through time!" Of course, this was a lie. It was all part of his plan. "You, good sir, will you please be so kind as to show your bravery in front of this audience and step foot in this box? I assure you, you will be fine." Bruce stepped foot in the box, and as soon as it closed, knock out gas erupted around him. The hooded hypnotist smiled and said a few words. Smoke erupted around him and the instant it cleared, he was gone. Box, Bruce, and all…