Hey all. I am not going to lie, I kinda got bogged down with depressing emotions. It's hard to write when you are going through shit like that so I just...vanished and for that, I do apologize. It was unfair to you all. Hopefully you guys forgive me. NOW, with all of my sins aired out, let's rock chap. 6! (And I am going to start naming the Chapters, cuz the way the site numbers the chapters, I get easily confused. -_- )

Chapter Six: I Would Rather Die

I woke up the next morning with a slight headache, but not even that could stop the smile from stretching across my face. I had laid into Lexi last night, and I couldn't even muster up the strength to pretend to feel guilty. I hopped out of my bed, noting that the sun was actually beginning to shine over Gotham. This day could get no better. Walking through the silent mansion, I run my training regimen in my head. Today was leg day, so that meant forward lunges, plie jumps, reverse lunges, squat jumps, step ups and the dreaded wall sit. I shuddered- no matter how strong I am, I hate the wall sit. It literally was the only time I felt weak, as I had to hold it for what felt like hours. Getting to the front of the training room, I see a sign on the door. Tearing it off, I scan the paper. "If this is Kori, you do not need to report to training today. I would much rather you get some rest after your show last night. -Bruce." I internally winced. I don't know what he meant by show, but with Bruce I could either get a clap on the back for standing up to my prior oppressor, or smack me upside the head for losing my cool. I decided to heed the note and went back to bed, waiting for the scent of breakfast to waft up from the lower levels.

The scent of bacon did just what I knew it would, luring me out of the slumber I was in. Without changing my clothes from the shorts and T-shirt I wore to bed I floated down to the kitchen.

"Coffee...Alfredddd." He chuckled and placed a cup in front of my usual spot. I moan in appreciation as I sipped it down. I shouldn't have gone back to bed. If I sleep past my usual wake up time I turn into a real morning zombie. Just my way or the highway with getting up I guess. I turned toward the people sitting at the table and grunted my greeting. There was an awkward silence until Beast Boy pulled out his phone.

"So...That fight is soooo going on my page on the Justice League site. So many...hey no!" Nightwing unceremoniously snatched the phone and threw it at the wall.

"That fight will not be shared with anyone." Cyborg then decided to snicker as he bit into a piece of bacon.

"That wasn't even a fight. It was a Grade A beatdown. Give me five Lil Lady! Booyah!" I slapped skin with Cyborg, chuckling at his excitement. Raven didn't say anything but I could feel the relief radiating off her. I turned to Nightwing about to inquire about Lexi's condition when I heard the alarm ring through the manor.

Blarrrrmmm Blarrmmmm Blarrmmmmmm

Batman already ran into the kitchen.

"Killer Croc. Cape Carmine. NOW." Without missing a beat I flew toward the chute I kept my costume corset replaced my comfortable T-shirt, leather pants fitting like a second skin, combat boots, glove, and mask. My ensemble complete I fly out of the door, not waiting for Batman and the others.

I knew why Croc was in Cape Carmine. Bane had placed a few venom distribution centers in that area, and Croc hated Venom and with that hate, Bane. Although this proved beneficial to the heroes in the long run, everyday people lived in the area, and they would get harmed if in the way of Croc's rampage. Landing near the lighthouse I assessed the damage so far.

"Few cars thrown at buildings, some of Bane's thugs unconscious- true extent of the injury undetermined at this moment. No venom in clear site, but it could be found later." I turned as I heard the sound of metal crunching together. I turned to see a car slam into my body. I gasped in surprise and annoyance more than anything. Unceremoniously flipping the car off of my body, I wiped the invisible dust off of my suit.

"Oh Croc, that was not a nice way of greeting me. Aren't I your favorite nuisance.." I halted as I got a real good look at Croc. Now Croc is nowhere near handsome, due to a terrible birth defect. His life was far from perfect but he's smart. This Croc- was being influenced by something. His eyes were hazy and he didn't seem to care what he was doing. I dodged the second car he threw and tossed a few starbolts to assess their effectiveness. He turned and roared in annoyance more than hurt. I gritted my teeth. This will be more difficult than I thought. Flying in, I punched him, sending him flying to the left. As he crashed into the building, I looked around for what was causing his..special rampage. I growled as I realized I wouldn't have enough time. He was throwing cars at an accelerating rate, making it difficult for me to get to him. "Maybe I shouldn't have gone solo this time." I chuckled and then threw some stronger starbolts. I smirked as they began to slow him down. I was so sure that this would be the finishing blow as I charged what i thought was my final starbolt.

I was wrong.

I was pushed. I know I was. I was pushed into Croc, and into his deadly claws. I gasped, only to have it cut off by blood flowing into my mouth. The pain was unbearable but I couldn't even scream out. Croc just dropped me down onto the ground, and began walking away. Looking around I couldn't see anything and I worked to grab my transmitter. Pushing the fail safe button, I struggled to breathe as my sight began to darken.

The Titans along with Batgirl, Catwoman and Batman hurried to the spot that Croc was last seen. They had known that Kori was there so while they were worried, they felt assured that she was handling the situation. Lexi was left with Alfred as she was still not at one hundred percent. The group was almost there when Batgirl cried out in distress.

"What's wrong Babs?"

"Kori...Kori's fail safe just went off." The Titans looked confused while Batman, Catwoman and Nightwing all visibly paled.

"Impossible. Not my baby!" Catwoman rammed down on the gas, pushing the Batmobile to impossible limits. Raven just knew she had to fly faster only to collapse suddenly. Beast Boy, in the form of a velociraptor caught her only to see she passed out, grabbing her midsection and whimpering. Nightwing gunned his motorcycle, The T-Car fast on its heels. As the group convened on the scene they saw no Croc and an unconscious Kori. Catwoman began crying.

"Oh my baby please wake up! You can't leave me. Not like this." She gently cradled Kori in her arms, her tears dripping down onto Kori's face. Batman looked sick behind his cowl and the Titans seemed shell shocked. Raven walked over.

"I can heal her, but it will take some time. Our safest bet would be take her back to Jump City. She'll be safe from whatever vendetta the Croc has against..."

"No."

Everyone looked down at Catwoman's arms, and more specifically, the semi-conscious Kori within them. Beast Boy was the first to break the silence.

"What? Kori, Raven just said she could save you."

"I said no. I would rather die. I would rather die than go back to that wretched city." She coughed and winced at the pain radiating from her limbs. She looked at the people surrounding her, focusing on the man who caused her the most pain.

"If you guys make me go to Jump City, I will NEVER forgive you." Everyone fell silent as her eyes closed again. A decision had to be made.

So yea. Chapter 6. I made Killer Croc have a cameo cuz I always thought he was cool, and looking at his backstory I was right, homeboy is a fucking boss.

Chapter 7 will be interesting. I wonder though: Who pushed Kori? What was causing Croc to act like that? Was it another villain- like the Joker using a new toxin? Or maybe Scarecrow? Or maybe a new villain has graced the scene, and we just aren't ready for em.

Again thanks for putting up with my sad hiatus. I hope you guys forgive me.

. Wuv youuu