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"Speech"

Thoughts


Light.

Wait, where am I? I thought- the last thing I remember was that doctor, and after that... what happened?

Fuck. Ow, my shoulder. Fucking Ivy. I always forget she has that crossbow. Really have to remember that. Anyway...

Oh, looks like it's the Batcave. So we're back already? Well, I say already but what time is it? Ah, almost four. So I've been out for a couple hours. I guess that's not too horrible, but I really should have been ready for that. Just because she's not hellbent on destroying us like some of the others doesn't mean she's not dangerous.

"How do you feel?"

"Bruce?" Damn. Didn't even sense him at all. Not that I ever could, anyway. "I feel fine. Did you get Ivy?"

"Unfortunately, no."

"What about the plants?"

Is he... smirking? Oh boy. This is going to be good.

"They decided to proceed with the exhibit anyway. Whatever Ivy did to them, it, at the very least, didn't change their appearance. The visitors are told that as long as they don't agitate the plants, nothing bad will happen."

"You're sure? That's risky-"

"No. But it's not my decision. I don't have the right to intrude upon the way the museum operates."

"Fine."

I guess it wasn't a complete disaster, then. But there's still one thing bothering me... that doctor. Who was she? She seemed... I don't know. A bit familiar, I suppose. A little weird. I suppose many of the doctors in this city are a little weird, especially the ones from Arkham, but not that kind of strange. She was... I'm not sure how to put it. Different. How to explain it? I guess I can't. All I can say is, she felt different from most people. Just different.

I wonder if I knew her? Hmm. Now that I think of it, maybe. She was the same height as Raven, right? And she was kind of pale, and- no. No. I thought I was over this. If Rae came back, she'd tell me. Unless she doesn't want to be found... it could have been her. It could've been, but I was too- argh!

"Who was that doctor who helped me? Did you figure anything out about her?"

"Richard, you're just getting your hopes again. It's not her."

"I want to know."

"Fine. Rachel Roth, 25 years old."

"That's how old she would be."

"Great. There are plenty of people who are 25. Regardless, she graduated from medical school last year. Took her 6 years to complete the whole college and med school run. Pretty good."

"Rae's really smart-"

"Plenty of smart people in this city too. For the record, her files also say that she lived in Gotham for the first few years of her life, moved to Jump and attended high school there, then came back to Gotham to become a doctor. It doesn't seem like she's your girl."

"Bruce-"

"Richard, we've been over this. You're getting your hopes up."

"I'm not."

"Will you stop obsessing over her? Trust me. I know what it's like. Waiting for someone to come back, thinking, at any moment, it could be her, she could be the one that I'm seeing on the streets, and she's just been avoiding me for whatever the reason... no. Just let it drop."

"You don't know-"

"Really, now."

"Hmph." Yes, I know. He knows exactly what this is like.

Of course he knows, but I still... it's so easy to say, let her go, but for me to actually do it? It's so easy to say, but I just can't. What if it really is her? What if... I don't know. Why wouldn't she tell me? It's not like we left on bad terms. No, we were all pretty close, but especially Rae and me. It's just... the team kind of fell apart when Star had to go back to Tamaran to take the throne. Victor got an offer from the League and Garfield went back to the Doom Patrol... I guess she felt like we were abandoning her, huh. But I even offered her a place here! She was the one who turned me down. I never figured out why. But maybe that's the reason she doesn't want to see me? Or...

"Richard. You have to get your mind together. If it really is her, then she probably has a reason for wanting to avoid you. Or maybe us. And you have to realize people have other reasons to avoid us than being crooks."

"And that is?"

"For someone like her, it might be the fear of being entangled in this."

He's pointing to his mask. Rae might be afraid of being a superhero? Or...

"Maybe not that, but being a superhero in this city."

"I... guess..."

"If you understand, then that's all I have to say to you. I can see that you won't believe me so easily, but... whatever. Give it time."

"Isn't this the part where you usually try to convince me that you're right and-"

"Yes. But in this case, I know that pushing you that way won't help you. And I thought we talked about this. You're a grown man now. Still my son, but I suppose you've matured enough to make some of your own decisions."

"I'm glad."

"Some."

"Still better than before." A lot better.

I remember when we used to fight about every little thing. I wanted independence, he wanted control. In hindsight, it was all so stupid. We could have just sucked up our pride and worked together better; it would have solved so many problems. Less getting injured, stopping the Joker, Two Face, or all of those guys faster... I wouldn't have left. But then I wouldn't have met my friends...

Speaking of which, I should probably catch up with Victor or Gar sometime. I guess I've just been so obsessed about her that it didn't occur to me to talk to them. But, later's better than never.

And I still don't trust Bruce about that. Maybe I can pay a visit to 'Doctor Roth' and see if- no. No, I shouldn't. But I have to. I have to, or I'll never know...

"Hey, Bruce."

"No."

"But-"

"Whatever it is you want to do, it'll wait until Alfred says you can move freely."

"You don't even know what I was about to say!"

"I know you well enough to know that you wanted to do something. Something involving getting out of this house."

Damn Bruce. Damn it all. "Fine."


Rachel dodged a punch and ducked under a second. A third came flying at her face, but she blocked it with her wrist and countered, sweeping her opponent's feet out with a single, swift movement. But it was not enough, and a pair of legs gripped her own and tugged her down as well. She landed on her elbows, trying to recover, but found that she could not turn without twisting her body at some improbable angle. One of her opponent's legs slid out from beneath her and she used the opportunity to turn, but was instantly met with a hand at her throat and another pressing down on her stomach.

She rolled her eyes. "Okay. You win this round."

Jennifer grinned and stood, offering her friend a hand. Rachel merely shook her head and shifted into a sitting position, massaging her shoulder. "Let's take a break, okay? You already won the last two."

"Aww, tired already?"

"No. Just sore."

"Haha, okay. But you know, you've gotten a lot better at this. When you first started-"

"Yes, I know. You handed my ass to me. That was only a month ago. I haven't forgotten."

"And now you can beat me! Sometimes. You're doin' good, Rachie."

"Yeah, yeah. Whatever." Rachel sighed, then looked up. "Hold on. Someone's coming."

"Really? Who? Oh, her."

Rachel frowned. Barbara Gordon. What does she want with us? Unless... Batman knows who I am from our little exchange? Did I miscalculate? Was he really that paranoid?

... no. Judging by her emotions, it's nothing like that. She's just here on her own. Phew. Okay.

"Hey girls, mind if I join you?"

Jennifer glanced at Rachel, who nodded. "Sure. But what would the commissioner's daughter want with us?"

"Just need someone to spar with. My usual partner isn't here today. He got hurt."

Rachel blushed slightly, but said nothing. The other girl looked at her momentarily again before grinning.

"Alright, looks like you get to take me first. You ready?"

"Sure."

Rachel moved back and watched as Jennifer and Barbara circled each other warily, waiting for the other one to make the first move. As she expected, eventually, Jennifer grew impatient and stepped forward with a kick aimed at her opponent's midsection. It was dodged easily and the counter came, a sweep down aimed at the ankles. The former thief cartwheeled back, then darted to one side, dodging a couple punches, before striking back.

She grazed Barbara's arm, but otherwise missed and was forced to dodge a flurry of blows, trying to find an opportunity to counterattack. Her eyes darted around quickly and eventually she noticed a slight opening and jumped on the opportunity swiftly. A hit to one of Barbara's elbows shocked the other girl's arm momentarily and she blocked the next attack with her wrist, forcing the redhead to step back, breaking her stance.

Jennifer stepped forward and swept her opponent's feet out from underneath her, but then yelped in pain as a kick to her shin stunned her momentarily as well. A blow to her solar plexus left her seeing spots, and then another one aimed at her shoulder sent pain shooting down her arm. But she managed to dodge the next hit and hit the back of Barbara's knee, causing the girl to lose her balance. They traded blows again, but with a weak stance, the redhead's hits did not make any lasting impressions, and she found herself on the floor again. This time, Jennifer didn't let up the pressure and a few well blocked punches later, Barbara found herself in the same position Rachel had been in a few minutes earlier, with a hand at her throat and another on her stomach.

Rachel raised an eyebrow, smirking very slightly, as she noticed the somewhat shocked expression on Barbara's face. I suppose she has a reason to be. It's not everyday that a 'civilian' is good enough to beat Batgirl in a fistfight. Granted, she doesn't have any of her gadgets, but still, I'm impressed. I didn't think Jennifer would be that good. Though, she used to fight on par with Robin, so there's that.

"Good fight," Jennifer breathed out heavily and sat back, wiping the sweat from her brow. "You're damn good."

"Of course," Barbara smiled. "Comes with being a police commissioner's daughter. It's only natural that I get a bunch of training in this kind of stuff. I'm actually kind of surprised that you beat me."

"Barely," Jennifer let out a low breath.

"Still good. Almost makes me want to ask you to come be a police officer."

A short laugh was the response. "That's funny. Being a police officer isn't all about fightin', is it? Gotta have other things that make you competent."

"True, though mostly my dad worries about corruption nowadays. But, you don't seem like that type to me."

Rachel and Jennifer exchanged a look, then both smiled.

"Well, I'm flattered. But I've already got a job that takes quite some time. And I've gotta take care of this babe over here. So, unfortunately, I can't."

"Haha, that's fine. I was kind of joking anyway." Barbara paused, turning her attention to Rachel. "So, are you two dating?"

Jennifer's smile broadened as Rachel's face turned crimson. "Well, that's-"

"That's so cool! Yeah, I know, the official policy is against same sex relationships, but-"

"Well, we're not-"

"Not officially," Jennifer interjected. "But we're *cough* good friends."

"Well, you know, it takes a woman to know a woman." Barbara blushed slightly. "Men never know where the right spots are."

Rachel's face was an odd mixture of amusement and embarrassment. She's talking about Richard, isn't she? Figures he'd be that type. I bet he tries, he just doesn't get it. Of course, there are other reasons for being in a relationship.

"So, what about you? You want to go a round?"

Rachel blinked a couple times before holding up her hands. "I... don't think I'll be quite as good-"

"That's totally fine! We're all just learning here."

"Well..." Rachel sighed. "I guess I don't mind getting my ass kicked by someone new."

Jennifer grinned. "That's the spirit. Now go get 'er, babe."


Night

Two figures walked down the street, apparently looking for a place to eat. One of them stopped in front of a newly built bar with a flashing sign labeled "Serendipity" above it and began dragging the other one in.

"Oh, come on. Don't be like that, Bruce. We're not that old."

"Too old for a place like this, Zee. This is one of the places where the kids hang out."

"Relax. I've heard lots of good things about it. The food's good, the atmosphere's nice, and the owner always keeps everything under control."

"Seems pretty high end. Might be a little pricey."

"Funny, coming from you. Any other arguments."

Bruce Wayne heaved a sigh. "No. Whatever. Let's go."

They walked in and went past a short corridor, down a flight of stairs toward another dimly lit hall, where someone was waiting by the entrance to the bar.

"Sir. Madame. Would you like to be seated at the restaurant or the bar?"

"The bar, please."

"Very well. You may sit wherever you like, and you shall be served shortly."

"Thank you."

They entered the room and looked around, admiring the mosaics on the walls. Not just the walls, but the whole room was a mass of dusky color, muted and dim, almost black because it was woven together so intricately in the air. The ceiling seemed to be composed of several different styles, from the industrial beams and open bolts, to sleek, modern metal, and even to plain brick, but curiously, it melded well together. In the background, soft music could be heard over the chatter, although it was difficult to determine exactly what it was - perhaps jazz, which was common in these types of places, but not quite that alone.

They moved over to the bar counter, where the lighting was a little brighter, and a large man was busy serving several people.

"Jenny! Give me a hand here!"

"Hold on, Baran. Can't you see that I'm busy?"

Both of them turned toward the voice. At one nearby tables, a violet haired girl was sitting across from a shorter, black haired one, who looked up as she caught them staring. Recognition flitted through Bruce Wayne - she was that doctor, who had helped Nightwing - but he wasn't supposed to recognize her, so he merely looked away and took a seat at the counter, looking over the menus that had been placed in front of him.

"You were looking at her." Zatanna said softly. "Recognize her?"

"Just someone who helped us yesterday."

"Ah, I see. Poor Richie. He was supposed to come eat with us today. You didn't let him come?"

"Alfred didn't."

Zatanna laughed softly. "No worries, I wasn't judging. Anyway... Bruce, there's something strange about that doctor."

"Really?"

"Yes. Something's odd about her aura. It's different."

So maybe Richard was right. "Do you recognize it? I have a hunch as to who she might be."

"Oh? And that is?"

"Well, not my hunch exactly. But Richard seems to think that she's his old teammate. You remember. That half-demon girl, Raven."

Zatanna smiled very slightly. "I do remember. No, I don't think it's her. I don't sense anything remotely demonic from her. Although, it's possible that once she defeated her father, her aura changed too. I'd have to get a closer look to make sure, but..."

"But?"

"Nah. Invasion of privacy isn't my thing."

"What if she's a threat."

"Doesn't seem like it. She could just be a normal doctor. With a weird aura." Zatanna put a finger to her lips thoughtfully. "Though, probably not."

"Besides, I thought you wouldn't have minded 'having a closer look' if it really were Raven. If she's a threat-"

"Not really. When she first came to us, looking for help against her father, I overreacted. I figured she was just a trick, or some ploy to destroy us so Trigon could more easily defeat us later. I was wrong, I admit it. In any case, it doesn't seem like it's her."

"Richard will be disappointed."

Zatanna shrugged. "I guess I never really knew her, but I don't see why he was so obsessed with her."

"Still is."

"That bad, huh. But yes, I thought he liked redheads. That Starfire girl-"

"You probably couldn't understand."

"True. I'm not a man."

Bruce laughed and looked up as the violet haired girl from earlier - Jennifer - approached them.

"Hi. Ready to order yet?"

They exchanged a look. "Umm, maybe just a few more minutes. Maybe we can get started with a couple of drinks?"

"Sure. What'cha have in mind?"

"Whatever the house specialty is. And he'll have one too." Zatanna smirked as Bruce turned toward her. "Don't look at me like that. You have to lighten up. Try some new things."

A sigh was her only response.


Rachel leaned back slightly and frowned. Batman, huh. And... Zatanna. Definitely want to stay clear of her. It really seems like they don't know who I am, though, so it's probably fine. But, just to be on the safe side...

"Hey, Jenny."

"What's up?" The other girl appeared from a doorway, bearing a couple of drinks with her.

"I'm going to head out now."

"What? But- but- you were supposed to come home with me tonight!"

Rachel sighed. "But I already stayed last night. And I didn't get much sleep, mind you."

"Awh, Rae. But we had so much fun-"

Rachel blushed and looked away. "I'm going home. It's only a night. You won't miss me. Besides, it's not like I'm your girlfriend or anything."

"Oh, really."

"Yes really."

Jennifer grinned. "I'll pin you down some day. But, fine. Have it your way. Hmph. Leaving me to deal with these two alone."

"These two? Mikron and Baran?"

"No, them."

"Oh. It's not like they recognize you, so what's the big deal?"

"You never know. 'night, Rae."

"Good night."

Rachel offered her friend a small smile before stepping away. She glanced briefly at the two superheroes sitting at the bar as she passed by, then left noiselessly.


Sorry, Alfred, but I'm had to be disobedient for once. I want to know- no, I need to know if it's her. I just have to. It's not that I don't feel guilty - strike that. I really don't. I have to figure out if it's her, and I'm going to. Now, I just need to find her. Alright. I guess the first place to check is the hospital.

Wait a sec. There's someone walking out of that bar, and it looks like... is that her? I... think so. Yes, it should be.

What do I do? Should I go and talk to her? No, no, that would be strange. Would it? I'm in costume. She should recognize me. I should be able to... it wouldn't be that weird, right? Maybe I'll just watch her for a while. Hmm.

She's walking home alone? Doesn't she know that it's dangerous around here? She could get mugged! Strike that. She's going to get mugged. A young, petite woman... Rae or not, she's going to be a juicy target for gang members at the very least. I'll need to look after her, then. Unless... unless it really is her. Maybe I can confirm it. Maybe... no. That would be bad. I shouldn't. If she really is just a civilian, then I'll be putting her life at risk. I'll just make sure she gets home safely, then maybe talk to her there. Yeah. Okay.

Weird. She doesn't seem nervous. Usually, at this time of night, you have to be careful while walking alone. Even I'm not that calm, hell, even Bruce isn't. Even if you're stronger, someone could easily sneak up - well, then again. You can't sneak up on Raven. Learned that a long time ago. But then again, if it really is Rae, she would've noticed me by now, right? Maybe I really am getting worked up over nothing. Maybe Bruce was right.

Anyway, it seems like she's at her apartment. Should I go talk to her or... fuck it. I have to at least try. I didn't sneak out for nothing.

"You can come out now. I know you've been tailing me."

What? She noticed me? That's impossible. That's impossible, unless-

"Rae..?"

"Rachel Roth. Doctor Rachel Roth to you, Nightwing. Shouldn't you be in bed, letting that wound of yours heal?"

Is it her, or is it not? Hmm. If I could just get a good look at her face... "Right. Well, I was just out on patrol, and I noticed you were walking home alone, so I wanted to make sure nothing happened. And thanks for the help yesterday, by the way. Apparently you did a good job with my injury."

"You're welcome. And thank you for looking out for me."

"Yeah, no problem. Hey, uhh... can I ask you something?"

"Yes?"

"I just..." how can I put this? I want to get a better look at her, but I can't sound creepy either. "You remind me of someone I once knew."

She's turning toward me. It's dark, but I can see her face. Is it... is it her? Hmmm...

"Your point?"

She does resemble Raven. But her eyes aren't violet, and her face is a little... I don't know. Not just more mature, but it's a little different. A little thinner, I guess, but not in an unhealthy way. She does look like Raven, but I can't tell from just that. I can't be sure.

"I just... I feel like I know you. Do I know you?"

"How should I know? Despite the fact that I am also a psychiatrist, I cannot just look inside your mind, Mr. Nightwing. Now, if you don't mind..."

"Of course. My apologies."

Damn it.


Behind the door, Rachel Roth let out a long, low breath and slumped to the floor, rubbing her temples.

Damn it indeed. Damn it, Richard. Just stay out of my life. I don't want anything to do with that anymore. Just leave me alone.


A/N: This concludes the first "episode" in this story. The next one is where things will really begin to get interesting.