Chapter 6
Disclaimer: I don't own Batman Beyond or any related characters WB does
AN: Dick Grayson is in his early 50's while Jewels is in her 30's. Also there are spoilers for the B:TAS episode "Christmas with the Joker" and Batman Beyond: ROTJ. The Roy mentioned here is Roy Harper, also known as Arsenal who is a member of the Titans with Dick.
Dick took Jewels into the living room. Noticing everything was covered he found himself flooded with memories of his childhood and young adult years. Of him finally getting Bruce to agree to sit down and watch "It's a Wonderful Life" only to have it interrupted by the Joker. There were the non Bat memories too. Like the first time he slid down the banister in the foyer or the first time he used the chandelier as a trapeze. There were also the memories any normal teen would have. Memories of his prom. And there were the memories of Alfred bringing him chicken soup when he had a cold. It struck Dick as funny that these would be the things that would come to mind as he looked around the covered living room. He often wondered why Bruce didn't just hire someone to come in once a week to keep the house up. Surely it's what Alfred would have wanted. Then again knowing Bruce, he probably wouldn't have wanted to have anyone replace Alfred. Not that anyone could. All of this made him smile. After a few more moments of quiet reflection he turned and faced Jewels.
"Look Beautiful, I know you think Bruce is trying to hone in on your investigation. And ya know the old man probably is. Who knows, all this could be tied to the Kid's disappearance. Normally, I'd tell Bruce to kiss off and solve this thing ourselves, but Gotham has always been his city, his jurisdiction if you will. If he says you're off this case, then sorry but you are. We have to play this by his rules I'm afraid.
"Now before you start pitching a fit let me throw my feelings into the mix all right?" When Jewels nodded he continued. "I love you. Okay I know we joke about it with Roy and everyone, but in all honesty I do. If I lost you I don't know what I'd do. If it was because of this Blight freak let me tell you it wouldn't be pretty. So I'm asking you to please stay here and help Bruce behind the scenes."
Jewels stared at him in disbelief. Had she hear him correctly? Did he say he loved her? If he had then she owed Roy fifty creds. She had never believed Roy when he said Dick wasn't always joking about the way he felt for her. She had always thought Dick considered their age difference was too large. It was nice to know she was wrong. She smiled at him as she spoke, deciding to play it cool.
"Grayson did I hear you right? Did you say you love me, as in you're in love with me?"
"Yeah." Dick said looking down at his feet.
"All right you win. I'll stay here with the old man. Just as long as you find out what the hell happened to the Kid."
"You got it. Let's go. Oh and just so you know Bruce probably knows what we said."
"Well he is Batman. I wouldn't have it any other way." Jewels said giving Grayson a peck on the cheek. The two went back down to the cave. Bruce was sitting at the computer working apparently on the sample analysis.
"What we dealin' with Bats?" Jewels asked coming up besides him. Dick just shook his head. Jewels had said she'd stay and help Bruce, but she never said she'd make it easy for him.
"The computer is sill analyzing Miss McAllister." Bruce said sternly.
"Bruce while we're waiting could I speak to you privately for a moment? Dick asked tentatively.
The older man nodded and they headed for the cases. Jewels plopped herself into the chair vacated by Bruce. She absently petted Ace's head while trying not to eavesdrop on their conversation. It was difficult though considering she knew how hard it was for Grayson to come back here. Hopefully, the old man would stick to the business at hand and not upset him. Even though she knew they needed to work out their problems. Maybe they would get the chance once Blight was stopped and the Kid was back.
"All right Bruce where is the McGinnis kid?"
"He's missing. I lost contact with him and all attempts to get it back have failed. There were rather high levels of radiation detected just before I lost contact. Barbara has opted to stay out of it."
"No surprise there. Love her to death." At this Bruce raised an eyebrow. He'd just heard his confession to Jewels upstairs. "Okay let me amend that I love her to death like a sister, but she's nothing like her father in the masked vigilante department. So this Blight guy was involved in McGinnis's disappearance?"
"Did Ms. McAllister mention seeing anything unusual at the docks?"
"Negative. Besides that's too easy. He's got the kid hidden somewhere. I'd bet the trust fund on it."
"You don't know Blight the way I do. Trust me he'd keep Terry close."
"What's there to know. He's a radioactive version of the Joker."
"He's also Derek Powers."
The statement hung in the air. Dick pondering what he'd just learned. He wanted to ask how it had happened, somehow he had a feeling McGinnis was involved. Now he was even happier he'd made Jewels agree to stay out of it. He was even more concerned for her safety.
"Bruce don't let her out of your sight. Give me a list of all of the properties owned by Powers in Gotham and on the outskirts. I'll start there. You keep analyzing what's in those canisters. I'll find McGinnis."
"You don't have to. Terry can take care of himself."
"Oh so you want another Tim?" At the stricken look on Bruce's face Dick continued. "I didn't think so."
Dick went over to where Jewels was sitting. He ran his hands through her hair. It was his way of getting her attention, as well as showing her affection. He wanted to whisk her back to his lair and keep her as far away from Gotham as possible. But he knew she wouldn't go for it.
"Do me a favor. Don't give him too much of a hard time. He won't admit it but he's worried sick about McGinnis."
"Don't worry Grayson I'll be nice. Don't forget Batman's got a special place in my heart, and he's Batman so . . . " Dick silenced her with a kiss.
"Just so you don't get any ideas. Gotta run. Be back as soon as I can. With the McGinnis kid in tow."
*****
Nightwing had been to every single house and property that Powers earned on the outskirts of Gotham and had turned up nothing. He'd begun there because he felt sure that was where Terry had to be. He moved onto the penthouses and still found nothing. The only properties left were the low level housing projects in the historic district. If they turned out to be a dead end he didn't know what he was going to do. He didn't relish the idea of going back empty handed.
He switched to the infrared night vision lenses in his mask. Then he began to search every building. He had the sense this was going to be like finding a needle in a haystack. An hour later Nightwing was still having no luck. Just then something in the last building on the block caught his eye. It was a bright green glow.
"Blight." He took out his jump line and headed for the building. Part of him wished he'd moved faster in getting his new suit ready, the one with the rocket boots. He arrived at the scene to find Blight firing radioactive blasts at McGinnis. The Batsuit was nearly destroyed and the Kid looked like he was close to death. However, the cowl was still in tact.
"Tell me who you really are!" Blight bellowed.
"Go to hell."
Nightwing had to admit the Kid was more like him than Jewels would have led him to believe. He decided it was time to make his move. He crashed through the window landing in front of Blight.
"Didn't anyone ever tell you to pick on someone your own size, pal?"
"Who might you be?"
"Name's Nightwing. Don't tell me you've never heard of me. Batman hasn't mentioned me, huh? Oh well." With that Nightwing threw a Batarang at him. It of course had no effect, but at least he backed up a bit. He then began laighing.
"You think your little toys can stop me?" Blight fired full blast at Nightwing. He deftly dodged the blast. Ducking behind some barrels he began to plot a strategy. He knew nothing of how to fight Blight and with the Batsuit in the shape it was in he doubted McGinnis would be of any help.
Nightwing saw only one option. Blow up the building with Blight inside and hope to God he didn't cause a major nuclear fall out. Barbara and Bruce would never forgive him for that. On second thought, he better come up with another plan. But what?
tbc
Disclaimer: I don't own Batman Beyond or any related characters WB does
AN: Dick Grayson is in his early 50's while Jewels is in her 30's. Also there are spoilers for the B:TAS episode "Christmas with the Joker" and Batman Beyond: ROTJ. The Roy mentioned here is Roy Harper, also known as Arsenal who is a member of the Titans with Dick.
Dick took Jewels into the living room. Noticing everything was covered he found himself flooded with memories of his childhood and young adult years. Of him finally getting Bruce to agree to sit down and watch "It's a Wonderful Life" only to have it interrupted by the Joker. There were the non Bat memories too. Like the first time he slid down the banister in the foyer or the first time he used the chandelier as a trapeze. There were also the memories any normal teen would have. Memories of his prom. And there were the memories of Alfred bringing him chicken soup when he had a cold. It struck Dick as funny that these would be the things that would come to mind as he looked around the covered living room. He often wondered why Bruce didn't just hire someone to come in once a week to keep the house up. Surely it's what Alfred would have wanted. Then again knowing Bruce, he probably wouldn't have wanted to have anyone replace Alfred. Not that anyone could. All of this made him smile. After a few more moments of quiet reflection he turned and faced Jewels.
"Look Beautiful, I know you think Bruce is trying to hone in on your investigation. And ya know the old man probably is. Who knows, all this could be tied to the Kid's disappearance. Normally, I'd tell Bruce to kiss off and solve this thing ourselves, but Gotham has always been his city, his jurisdiction if you will. If he says you're off this case, then sorry but you are. We have to play this by his rules I'm afraid.
"Now before you start pitching a fit let me throw my feelings into the mix all right?" When Jewels nodded he continued. "I love you. Okay I know we joke about it with Roy and everyone, but in all honesty I do. If I lost you I don't know what I'd do. If it was because of this Blight freak let me tell you it wouldn't be pretty. So I'm asking you to please stay here and help Bruce behind the scenes."
Jewels stared at him in disbelief. Had she hear him correctly? Did he say he loved her? If he had then she owed Roy fifty creds. She had never believed Roy when he said Dick wasn't always joking about the way he felt for her. She had always thought Dick considered their age difference was too large. It was nice to know she was wrong. She smiled at him as she spoke, deciding to play it cool.
"Grayson did I hear you right? Did you say you love me, as in you're in love with me?"
"Yeah." Dick said looking down at his feet.
"All right you win. I'll stay here with the old man. Just as long as you find out what the hell happened to the Kid."
"You got it. Let's go. Oh and just so you know Bruce probably knows what we said."
"Well he is Batman. I wouldn't have it any other way." Jewels said giving Grayson a peck on the cheek. The two went back down to the cave. Bruce was sitting at the computer working apparently on the sample analysis.
"What we dealin' with Bats?" Jewels asked coming up besides him. Dick just shook his head. Jewels had said she'd stay and help Bruce, but she never said she'd make it easy for him.
"The computer is sill analyzing Miss McAllister." Bruce said sternly.
"Bruce while we're waiting could I speak to you privately for a moment? Dick asked tentatively.
The older man nodded and they headed for the cases. Jewels plopped herself into the chair vacated by Bruce. She absently petted Ace's head while trying not to eavesdrop on their conversation. It was difficult though considering she knew how hard it was for Grayson to come back here. Hopefully, the old man would stick to the business at hand and not upset him. Even though she knew they needed to work out their problems. Maybe they would get the chance once Blight was stopped and the Kid was back.
"All right Bruce where is the McGinnis kid?"
"He's missing. I lost contact with him and all attempts to get it back have failed. There were rather high levels of radiation detected just before I lost contact. Barbara has opted to stay out of it."
"No surprise there. Love her to death." At this Bruce raised an eyebrow. He'd just heard his confession to Jewels upstairs. "Okay let me amend that I love her to death like a sister, but she's nothing like her father in the masked vigilante department. So this Blight guy was involved in McGinnis's disappearance?"
"Did Ms. McAllister mention seeing anything unusual at the docks?"
"Negative. Besides that's too easy. He's got the kid hidden somewhere. I'd bet the trust fund on it."
"You don't know Blight the way I do. Trust me he'd keep Terry close."
"What's there to know. He's a radioactive version of the Joker."
"He's also Derek Powers."
The statement hung in the air. Dick pondering what he'd just learned. He wanted to ask how it had happened, somehow he had a feeling McGinnis was involved. Now he was even happier he'd made Jewels agree to stay out of it. He was even more concerned for her safety.
"Bruce don't let her out of your sight. Give me a list of all of the properties owned by Powers in Gotham and on the outskirts. I'll start there. You keep analyzing what's in those canisters. I'll find McGinnis."
"You don't have to. Terry can take care of himself."
"Oh so you want another Tim?" At the stricken look on Bruce's face Dick continued. "I didn't think so."
Dick went over to where Jewels was sitting. He ran his hands through her hair. It was his way of getting her attention, as well as showing her affection. He wanted to whisk her back to his lair and keep her as far away from Gotham as possible. But he knew she wouldn't go for it.
"Do me a favor. Don't give him too much of a hard time. He won't admit it but he's worried sick about McGinnis."
"Don't worry Grayson I'll be nice. Don't forget Batman's got a special place in my heart, and he's Batman so . . . " Dick silenced her with a kiss.
"Just so you don't get any ideas. Gotta run. Be back as soon as I can. With the McGinnis kid in tow."
*****
Nightwing had been to every single house and property that Powers earned on the outskirts of Gotham and had turned up nothing. He'd begun there because he felt sure that was where Terry had to be. He moved onto the penthouses and still found nothing. The only properties left were the low level housing projects in the historic district. If they turned out to be a dead end he didn't know what he was going to do. He didn't relish the idea of going back empty handed.
He switched to the infrared night vision lenses in his mask. Then he began to search every building. He had the sense this was going to be like finding a needle in a haystack. An hour later Nightwing was still having no luck. Just then something in the last building on the block caught his eye. It was a bright green glow.
"Blight." He took out his jump line and headed for the building. Part of him wished he'd moved faster in getting his new suit ready, the one with the rocket boots. He arrived at the scene to find Blight firing radioactive blasts at McGinnis. The Batsuit was nearly destroyed and the Kid looked like he was close to death. However, the cowl was still in tact.
"Tell me who you really are!" Blight bellowed.
"Go to hell."
Nightwing had to admit the Kid was more like him than Jewels would have led him to believe. He decided it was time to make his move. He crashed through the window landing in front of Blight.
"Didn't anyone ever tell you to pick on someone your own size, pal?"
"Who might you be?"
"Name's Nightwing. Don't tell me you've never heard of me. Batman hasn't mentioned me, huh? Oh well." With that Nightwing threw a Batarang at him. It of course had no effect, but at least he backed up a bit. He then began laighing.
"You think your little toys can stop me?" Blight fired full blast at Nightwing. He deftly dodged the blast. Ducking behind some barrels he began to plot a strategy. He knew nothing of how to fight Blight and with the Batsuit in the shape it was in he doubted McGinnis would be of any help.
Nightwing saw only one option. Blow up the building with Blight inside and hope to God he didn't cause a major nuclear fall out. Barbara and Bruce would never forgive him for that. On second thought, he better come up with another plan. But what?
tbc
