Hey guys! Been working on this chapter for a while. Wanted to take a sec to thank everyone who checked out my sneak peeks and story progress on insta. A special thanks to GraysonandQuinn for all their help with editing this. And an even MORE special thanks to my friends and girlfriend for all the late nights spent working on editing this as well. I appreciate you guys! Now, let's get into it.
Gotham: Present Day 6:00 pm, Winter Night
He was on his favorite rooftop—his thinking spot, if you will—crouching atop a gargoyle, eyes sore from surveying the skyline. The vigilante was on Miagani Island, a hub for Gotham's premier finance moguls and pleasure seekers. The emblems in his suit were black instead of blue. This was just one of the many stealth functions that Lucius Fox had placed in the suit's features. Members of The Bats could always expect a new gadget or function every month or so. Nightwing was practically invisible, his hair softly brushing his ears with each gust of wind. His expression was grim.
Nightwing sighed in boredom and frustration. Nothing was happening, again. He made it a habit to return here when he was done with his patrols, or trying to escape his mistakes and ghosts… when his grief was too intense to deal with. He flipped backwards, landing on his feet gracefully. While this show of athleticism would've made other jaws drop, it was just another move to The Acrobat. He quietly stepped over to the rooftop's entrance, sitting down with his back to one of the adjacent walls, and closed his eyes in an attempt to calm his nerves.
It had been 10 months since ACE Chemicals and his sleeping schedule was still a mess. He had grown accustomed to running on 2-3 hours per cycle and often stayed up for days at a time. The trauma he endured convinced him that personal time and rest had to be earned, and it didn't help that he struggled to rest anyways. Sleepless nights plagued him, no matter how hard he had pushed his body during the day. He would crash. He had also started sleeping in his uniform more, much to Alfred's chagrin. Nightwing wore it to bed because it made him feel safe. If you stay ready you ain't gotta get ready was the mantra he repeated to himself to justify this. Unfortunately, it didn't stop the nightmares that plagued him almost every night.
Nightwing's mind wandered as he began to doze off. He thought about his time with The Teen Titans, Justice League, and Spyral. His purpose and expertise varied, but his effectiveness was constant. Whether he was a Flying Grayson, Robin, or Nightwing, Dick Grayson was a force to be reckoned with.
And despite what the others said, he was not the next Batman. Controlling crime through fear tactics and intimidation was not his thing. It's why he chose to be a showman while on patrol. The Dark Heir's agility and fighting style made him a blur on the field. Dick didn't want to be the next Dark Knight. A burning desire to be his own man is what pushed him to take on these new mantles and trials. This was the driving force behind changing the colors of his suit from red and yellow to black and blue. It's what pushed him to start cleaning up the streets of Blüdhaven instead of Gotham.
Despite his long resume of vigilantism, he had never been so idle on a patrol. There were no emergencies that needed to be responded to or villainous plots to be foiled. Gotham was cold and quiet tonight, but this gave Dick no solace. After all….
"Silence is the sound of an ambush," one of the many one-liners Bruce had been hammering into Dick's brain since he was still raw from the murders at Haly's Circus. Memories…it was all he had left of his role model. His mentor. His father. Before Batman and Joker's final battle.
This is how it happened. This, is how The Batman died.
Gotham : 10 Months Prior 11:30 pm, Fall Night
Bruce sat at the Batcomputer, taking a moment's repose. Selina was out to 'stretch her legs', as she put it—her way of saying she was going to be out stealing something expensive—which Bruce barely tolerated. Being affiliated with The Batman meant a lot of perks, one of them being she knew exactly when and where the police were coming from. Bruce chuckled to himself, touching the diamond encrusted ring on his finger. He really had fallen for a jewel thief. How cliche, the world's greatest detective, married to the world's best burglar. The rest of the Bat Family was out and about as well, their itinerary more lawful than Selina's.
Barbara was meeting up with Commissioner Gordon to thaw some of the old cold cases in Gotham. Despite the trauma that left her wheelchair-bound, she managed to develop a brand new perspective on Gotham. While her vigilante identity was briefly retired, Barbara focused on using her brain to combat the rogues. Her time as Oracle gave her plenty of time to study the blindspots and choke points of Gotham. She used this knowledge to give both The Bats and the GCPD advantages during battle. Barbara had grown just as comfortable in the field as she did under a headset. Batgirl was a seasoned leader, leaving a positive impression on all she interacted with.
Damian was meditating in his room. This was a practice he picked up from Dick about a year ago, learning how to channel his rage into strength. He had come so far that it was hard to believe he was only 17. The katana he carried was modified so he could use it for non-lethal takedowns, focusing on defeating his foes rather than killing training he got from Ra's and Bruce made him an incredible adversary. The former left him feeling like he was nothing but a weapon, but after a rough introductory period (rough meaning despising Tim, being jealous of Dick and feeling like Jason was a knockoff) he had actually gotten close with everyone at the Manor. He had finally matured past his need to prove himself worthy of the mantle. The chip on his shoulder was replaced by a desire to be better than what he was raised to be. The funny thing? The others finally acknowledged that he was. No one could match the tenacity and technique he fought with from their time as Robin.
Dick was in the cave next to his mentor, hammering away at his keyboard. The First Robin. He was bouncing between his time as a social worker at The Haven and a crime fighter in both The Blüd and Gotham. A great role model and friend, Dick was always trying to bring the family together. His ability to level with others had turned potential fist fights into heart to heart conversations. Nightwing was also their best scout, and more or less Bruce's equal in stealth. The legendary acrobat was the heart and soul of The Bats, his optimism and drive serving as an anchor that kept them grounded.
Tim was wrapped up in his usual detective activities, always decrypting a cipher or solving a cold case . His girlfriend, Stephanie Brown, was trying to start life outside of capes and masks, and his continued vigilantism put pressure on this, but they were making it work regardless. The young detective was doing his best to support his fellow Bats, his girlfriend's college aspirations, and his own emotional well-being. Red Robin's brains had saved many lives and kept many a mission intact.
Jason was doing his own thing, probably enjoying a drink at the bar of his choice. He had toned down his lethal nature considerably, seeking therapy to find a better coping mechanism for his anger. And despite the differences between Bruce and Jason, they were able to tolerate one another and work as an effective team. The Red Hood had become more than a symbol of Batman's biggest failure. He was now a tale of resilience, reinvention, and most importantly, rehabilitation. Don't get it twisted though, his aggressive tactics kept criminals up at night just the same. After all, a bullet through the kneecap wouldn't kill ya.
How proud Bruce was of his family. He closed his eyes and leaned back. Maybe he could finally relax for a bit.
"Where the fuck is Tim?" Jason exclaimed, running into the Bat cave. His face was blanched and his tone was urgent. Dick and Bruce turned to Jason, puzzled by his frantic demeanor.
"He's working a case, what's the issue?" Bruce asked, turning around in his chair.
"No the hell he isn't. He's gone, Bruce. He's Fuckin gone. Tim said he would be back soon, that was days ago. He wouldn't just leave." Jason's tone was harsh and direct, his words like the strikes of a hammer. Bruce put a hand up.
"You knew Tim was missing and didn't bring it to my attention?" Bruce accused. Jason scoffed at the arrogance of his mentor. Jay grabbed Dick by the arm and dragged him out the back of the cave.
"Tim's been having trouble with a case of his, running into a seemingly endless trail of dead ends. I saw him three days ago, and he told me he thought he was close to a breakthrough. I had a bad feeling, suggested that Tim should reach out to us. But you know how he is, always wanting to crack the code on his own."
He grabbed Dick by the chest and pulled him close. There was a firmness to his demeanor. His sarcastic and bored mien was nowhere to be found. "Dick we need to find him ."
"Yea, something isn't right. This feels too familiar. This feels like..." Dick's voice trailed off, and Jason's expression darkened. Even after Jason's resurrection and rebirth as Red Hood, his abduction and death were still painful to think about.
"We'll find him, Jason. I promise." Dick's tone had its usual confidence, but deep down he was shook.
"I can figure this out myself, you guys aren't the only detectives in this family." Jason's voice switched from worried to bitter, rage building up within his stomach. He walked to his costume display and retrieved his belongings. He began strapping into his suit, its base of titanium and spider web holding him tight. He pulled on his brown biker jacket, the leather helping his scarlet emblem pop. The Red Hood finally picked up his crimson crown, holding it under his arm as he approached the others.
"No more dead Robins," Jason deadpanned, placing his helmet on. He jumped on his motorcycle and revved it, speeding out the cave with a purpose. A few bats within the cave chittered, but most remained hanging upside on the stalactites.
Dick was taken aback by the interaction with Jason. It was strange to see him so emotional and vulnerable, especially with Bruce in the vicinity. Additionally, Jason was never too fond of Tim. He couldn't help but see Tim as his replacement, his own flaws a mirror of Tim's strengths: while Jason was known as the most aggressive and whiny Robin, Tim was touted as a genius; Jason was a victim of his brashness, while Tim's ascent to Robinhood was measured and methodical ; Jason was a murderer , Tim was a detective. Jason always felt like he had something to prove . It constantly weighed on him.
Dick walked up to his father, crossed arms betraying his guarded fears .
"We'll find him, Bruce. We look after our own." Dick said, laying a supportive arm on his shoulder.
Dick explained everything to Bruce, the older man's features growing wearier with each detail. The younger one walked away to give his mentor some space. Bruce mulled over the conversation as he stood alone . He wondered how he would contact the others about Jason's discovery. He had trained them well in the practices of stealth and combat. The Bat Family had proven time and time again that they could keep Gotham safe, both at his side, and in his absence. And yet…he felt anxiety swirling around coldly in his stomach.
"Batgirl to cave." Bruce was slightly startled as the transmission came through. He tapped his comm and returned to his seat at the Batcomputer.
"Cave to Batgirl . What's your status?"
"Our talks were going fine, but there's been an alarm at The Gotham Mint. We informed Commissioner Gordon we'll investigate it ourselves." Bruce squeezed his ring in worry. Something in his gut was screaming at him.
"Sounds good, but wait for me. Nightwing and I will join you Batgirl."
"Are you sure?" Damian inquired. He had suddenly materialized in the Bat Cave behind Dick and Bruce. Like father, like son. "This is pretty standard. I think me and Batgirl can handle this."
Bruce focused his gaze on the display, his eyes staring into the cowl's abyssal white eye slits.
"I just have a feeling, Robin. I want you back in the cave. Me and Nightwing will meet Barbara there."
The Dark Knight donned his armor, clicking his utility belt around his waist. The triple weave polymer plates expanded to accommodate his muscular frame. His black emblem on his chest shined in the cave light. Exploding gas balls were dropped into pouches. Batarangs were clicked into slots along his forearms and thighs. He pulled on his cowl.
WHOOSH.
The Batman put on his cape.
The Acrobat put on his domino mask and slid into his Kevlar-based form fitting suit. He gave his escrima sticks a spin as he holstered them behind his back. Wingdings and smoke bombs were loaded into his wrist and ankle gauntlets. Extra grappling hooks and rope were neatly rolled and placed into utility pouches around his waist.
The two vigilantes finished suited up as Alfred walked into the cave with a tray of tea and soup.
"Master Bruce, Master Dick." The butler called, laying down the tray on a table near Bruce's chair. "I've prepared some-"
"Not now Alfred." Batman said in a rush, hopping into the Batmobile. Nightwing lept off of his feet into a tumble, spinning through the air with grace. Batman glared at him, then continued. "Tim is missing, and I've got a bad feeling about the situation at The Gotham Mint. I'll be back to drink that tea."
Batman and Nightwing clicked in their seatbelts, sitting down on their respective sides. The Bat flicked a few switches and shoved the gear into drive. He turned on the ignition.
VROOM. First the engine roared.
SCREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE! Then it skrieked.
Blue flames jettisoned out of the thruster. The high pitched sounds were amplified by the cave walls. It was the kind of noise that you felt in your chest–in your bones. A smirk decorated Batman's features. The actual bats inhabiting the cave began flapping their wings in a frenzy. The engine roared defeaningly as the car flew out the exit, scorch marks left in its wake.
Alfred sighed, dumping the light spread he had prepared into the trash.
"No you won't," The Englishman muttered to himself, walking up to his quarters with the empty tray.
Gotham : 10 Months Prior 12:32 am , Fall Twilight
Batgirl, Nightwing, and Batman walked into the Gotham mint, silently splitting up as they scanned the glass cases in each room. The facility's alarm had been set off, but it wasn't specific to an area within the building. Plus, the cameras had been knocked out before any alarms were tripped. Whoever got in here was a professional.
Nightwing admired the beautiful decor, exotic paintings and colors littering every corridor. A piece of him wished they could stay in here forever, simply taking in the scenery. The vibrancy of the portraits took him back to the circus. His heart fluttered as memories of the trapeze came rolling in . It also brought back memories of his days with his ex girlfriend, The Defacer. She was an excellent painter and an even better graffiti artist. He got pangs of sadness in his stomach thinking about his love life. It seemed all of his happy relationships came to an end.
Batgirl reminisced on her own hobbies, holding back the urge to touch the various coin collections and sets of rare stones. While she was healing from the bullet that damaged her spine, she started collecting legos and comics. The tedious process of building sets gave her a sense of purpose. The fantasy world within comic books let her take a break from reality. Even now she would lock herself in her room and go to work on one of her botanical Lego sets. Or open up a comic book about The Boys or Invincible to destress. She winced as she thought of the work she put in to walk again. The physical therapy and training from Bruce was exhuasting. She the night she lay paralyzed in a pool of her own blood. It was still raw.
Batman stepped into a hallway on the 2nd floor, examining his surroundings carefully. He stopped when he noticed the rug by the first room to his left had been pushed up, like somebody had rolled it with their foot. He entered the room. One of the exhibits had been damaged. There was a neat, circular incision in the glass. It had been carefully cut open with something thin and sharp.
'A claw.' Batman thought to himself.
SPLISH.
He stepped into something wet. The Detective looked down at his boot and felt a chill run down his spine. There was a small pool of blood sitting behind the case, and a green shard of a crystal about the size of his thumb. And in the pool of blood, lay a playing card. His card. Batman pressed his comm.
"Batgirl, Nightwing, come to the second floor, first room on the left. I've found something."
His two younger partners entered the room soon after, watching as Batman crouched over the evidence. The detective removed a cotton swab from his utility belt, dragging it through the blood and placing it into his evidence pouch. A pair of forensic tweezers were used to carefully extract and store the shard as well.
"Let's go." Batman said sternly, walking down the stairs and towards the exit. Nightwing and Batgirl followed him silently. An ominous cloud hung over the trio.
Gotham : 10 Months Prior 1:32 am , Fall Twilight
"FUCK!" Bruce yelled, slamming his fists next to the Batcomputer's keyboard. They had ran the DNA sample and the shard through the Computer's database. Dick, Damian and Barbara stared as their stomachs twisted with terror.
DNA Match: Selina Wayne, AKA Catwoman
Precious Stone Match : Emerald Cat
Catwoman's blood was found in a small pool by the exhibit. The incision through the glass matched her M.O., and her claws shared the exact diameter of said cut. As if they needed another tether, it was no secret that the Emerald Cat was something Catwoman had been eyeing for months. With Bruce's favorite color being green and Selina's…well, ya know, all the evidence fit together. And now she was missing.
Before they could process their discovery, Red Hood's motorcycle roared into the cave again. Jason removed his helmet, his jaw set and face red with rage. He walked over to the three others, showing them a bo staff. Tim's staff. He also carried a bag that contained some sort of bloody article. His eyes locked onto the screen where Selina's results were displayed. Additional anger began to spin through his eyes.
"Tim was chasing this lead for WEEKS, and the second he says he's found a breakthrough, he goes missing. The trail led me to an abandoned apartment, and I found his staff there. Tim would never leave it behind. I also found this." Forensic gloves at the ready, Jason stormed over to the Batcomputer's built-in mechanical stage, placed the bloody slide on its aperture, and waited for the answer he already had. He reached into the evidence pouch and pulled out a playing card. His playing card, streaked with blood. Everyone in the room collectively gasped.
"He could be alone…with Him," Jason said. His voice was piercing.
DNA Match: TIm Drake, AKA Red Robin
Selina and Tim were missing. And The Joker had them.
The Bats immediately started a search effort. They scoured Gotham for answers, and recruited Commissioner Gordon to their cause. The vigilantes made a rotation rule, with four on patrol and one at the cave to help with evidence.
Dick and Barbara attempted to remain levelheaded, providing little optimistic quips for morale. But, guilt was eating away at Dick's positivity. And despite Barbara's experience with surveillance and intel, she hadn't found any leads. She felt useless.
Bruce blocked out all stimuli, spending days at a time sitting at the Batcomputer. He would sit with a scowl, fingers clasped as he examined what little progress they had made. The Detective was stumped.
Jason, on the other hand, was regressing. He barely slept or ate. Basic needs took the backburner, as he put all of his energy into beating information out of criminals on the street and searching for more evidence. What he lacked in headway, he made up for in heads bashed together.
And Damian was aggressive as ever, breaking arms and fingers to get the answers he needed. He found himself falling into old habits. His responses grew snippy and entitled, thinking it above The Bats to take so long to locate two of their members. And yet none of them had learned anything of use.
Nightwing sat at his thinking spot, running scenario after scenario through his head. Each member of the bat family had interrogated numerous thugs and taken multitudes of statements, all to come away with nothing. Nightwing grew anxious. The flashbacks of when Jason had disappeared were running through his mind on repeat. But he was older now. He felt like this was his chance to do better. Him and his mentor shared this feeling. But while it was motivating for Nightwing, it was demoralizing for Batman. His son and wife were gone. And it was eating him up from the inside out.
Nightwing paced around the rooftop before pausing, taking a look at an object on the ground. His eyes widened as he picked it up.
"Nightwing to cave…I think I found something." The Acrobat picked up yet another playing card. It was also next to a keychain with a paw print of a cat, and an image of an old man in Elizabethan garb. He sent pictures of his findings through the cameras in his mask, his lenses turning red as they scanned and sent. He anxiously awaited feedback from those still at the cave.
"Wait…that's…Francis Drake…" Robin said, looking at the images of the trinkets with deep concern.
'Drake….Cat….SHIT!' Nightwing thought, picking up on the connection. The last clue was the most obvious, and left a bone-chilling feeling within everyone who saw it.
"Go back to where it all started. Bring this madness to an end" - HQ
It was on a sticky note, attached to the back of the playing card, decorated with a small red heart and a small black heart.
"Oh my God…Batman! ACE Chemicals! Catwoman and Red Robin are being held in ACE Chemicals!" Nightwing said, a mixture of relief and horror tingeing his tone.
"To the cave. Now." Batman said severely.
Nightwing fired his escrima stick's grappling hook , holding each end of the stick in his hands as he swung across the city. He enjoyed the weightlessness that came with his mid-air acrobatics, knowing the people below were gawking and pointing at him. 'We'll find them.' He thought to himself, trying to keep his more negative thoughts at bay. 'Everything will be fine.'
Nightwing arrived at the Manor, sprinting up the steps and through the foyer. He opened the GrandFather Clock's glass door with haste, standing still for a moment as the retinal scanner gave him access. He ran down the stairs, where all the others, including Alfred, were gathered. Batman began to speak.
"Red Robin and Catwoman have been taken hostage by Joker. I don't trust Harley Quinn, but this is the only real lead we have. Nightwing, you're with me. Batgirl, stay back and provide support via comms. Robin and Red Hood, stay home. Alfred, watch them." Barbara and Dick nodded in agreement.
Red Hood removed his helmet and walked up to Batman, his chin jutted out in anger. Jason may be 2 inches shorter than Bruce, but had about 15 pounds of extra muscle.
"You're not leaving me home Bruce. Fuck that. You can't-"
Batman removed his cowl, and placed a hand on Jason's shoulder, but Jason slapped it off. Nonetheless, Bruce looked his son in the eyes.
"Jason. I need this to be a quick stealth mission, in and out. We have the drop on Joker, and the less of us going in, the less likely we'll be seen. Trust me on this."
Jason looked down with a scowl, and then nodded. He knew his argument was a lost cause.
"Don't let them down Bruce." Jason said venomously, walking out of the cave.
Damian shouted in defiance, flinging his sword on the ground in a tantrum. He jammed his finger into his Father's chest.
"I'm the best Robin to ever grace the cape. I'm the best fighter to ever stand by your side. I'm your flesh and blood, Son of the Bat. Grandson of the Demon. And you…you dare to push me aside? Like trash? Why am I not good enough? When will I be good enough for you Father?" Damian's words were charged with anger, challenging Bruce's authority. Bruce stared his child in the face.
"Let's go Nightwing." Bruce said, pulling his cowl back over his face. Damian gawked as his outburst was ignored. Nightwing followed, hopping into the passenger seat of the Bat Mobile. The engine roared, Batman's knuckles tightly gripping the steering wheel. Nightwing sat in unnatural silence. The acrobat was known for his chatty nature, but right now all he could focus on were the knots in his stomach. The fear of failure twisted his mind. For the first time, Nightwing and Batman drove to a mission without a single word.
The duo arrived at ACE Chemicals, surprised by the lack of goons around the building. They walked straight in while scanning with their detective mode lenses, finding nothing. On the ground floor. The two vigilantes walked up the stairwell, stepping quietly to avoid making too much noise. They scanned again, this time getting a reading. 4 people, two on the ground tied up and 2 standing over them. The two vigilantes listened in on the commotion going on in the room above them.
Joker removed the gags from his hostages mouth's. Selina and Tim gasped, sucking in the gift of fresh air.
"You son of a bitch!" Selina hissed. "When I get my claws on yo-." Joker pistol-whipped her twice, drawing blood from both of the vicious blows he landed. It trickled from her right nostril and quickly coated her full lips. Joker then slammed the butt of his gun into Tim's head, causing the young detective to buck in pain. He grabbed Tim by the hair and pulled him close.
Harley looked away in disgust, anxiously wondering where Batman was. She wondered if her clues were too obscure, and stared sympathetically at Catwoman and Red Robin. Her eyes locked on Selina's–a glimmer of hope in the feline's pupils. 'I'll get you out' Harley mouthed, a promise she intended on keeping. Her attention returned to the beating that Joker was giving Red Robin.
"You want some more where that came from? I've got plenty more tricks up my sleeve little bird." Joker's words came out with a chuckle, as if his malevolent actions were humorous. He struck Tim again, this time with a closed fist.
'Enough is enough', Batman thought to himself. He gave Nightwing the signal to breach. Batman dove into the room, his cape making a whooshing sound that commanded attention to his position. He flung a batarang at Joker's gun, sending it skidding across the floor. The Dark Knight's presence was amplified by the Acrobat's, who stood ready with his escrima sticks drawn.
"Joker." Batman growled, taking a wing chun stance. The crazed madman laughed maniacally, staring his adversary down with malice and a smile.
"Ahoy Bats, what a pleasant surprise!" The clown chided, rubbing the hand that was previously clutching a firearm. "I wasn't expecting company so soon! And I see you brought Batnight as well!"
"Nightwing…" Dick groaned, frustrated with how often his superhero name was botched.
The dynamic duo had gotten the drop on the criminal couple as they stood over Selina and Tim, both of them clearly beaten and tortured . Nightwing and Batman took time to examine the injuries their comrades had suffered.
One of Tim's eyes was swollen shut to complement his broken nose, and Selina 's face was covered in bruises indicative of blunt force trauma. Tim's right hand was missing finger nails, and his left shoulder was dislocated. Selina's right arm was broken in 3 places, with bone jutting out at disturbing angles. Cigarette and chemical burns adorned their faces and torso, the wounds inflamed and blotchy. Joker had taken his time with them. Harley stood at Joker's side, her eyes dejected yet uncharacteristically nervous. She was avoiding eye contact with both vigilantes. This was a far cry from her confident, jesting nature. Something wasn't right…
"Give it up Joker." Batman said with authority, his gravitas matching his gait as he advanced toward the clown. "There's no way out. We got your invite, what's your game?"
'Invite?" Joker asked, his eyebrows raising in genuine confusion. " What invite are you talking about? My scheme isn't even complete yet." Joker's hand slowly moved to the back of his waistband, inching towards his second gun. Batman and Nightwing were focused on the messages conveyed by Harley's eyes. They now carried the same terror as the two bound captives.
"The note dammit!" Nightwing snapped, escrima sticks buzzing to life. Joker's hand now rested on his backup sidearm, the movement unnoticed by all in the room. "Harley's note brought us here!"
Joker's green eyes widened in surprise, and then betrayal. He gripped the gun in anger.
"You traitorous BITCH!" The Clown yelled, putting the Jester into a headlock. He had drawn the hidden gun with the quickness of a cobra. Batman and Nightwing looked on in horror as Joker put a revolver to her head, the two heroes unsure of what move to make–rush him, and he shoots her; wait, and it may be too late. She struggled briefly, until he cocked it and forcefully pressed the barrel to her temple.
"WHY?" Joker screamed, his face twisted in disgust. " WHY DID YOU BETRAY ME?"
"B-because!" Harley stuttered, her heart fluttering into her throat. "Because it's ENOUGH!" Hot tears streamed down her face as she began to cave in. She knew her life depended on each word she said.
"There was n-no game! No punchline! Y-you were just going to torture them, kill them, and leave them here to…to…to rot!" The crying was now breaking into her speech, and she was struggling to push the words out. "You've changed M-Mistah J…you're losing control, like you've run out of tricks! Your men are scared! I'M SCARED! I jus d-didn't have the stomach for this no more…" Her face dropped as the sobs began to wrack her body.
Batman and Nightwing were astonished by Quinn's gall and supposed good intentions. They knew she was smart, they knew she was a wild one, but this?! Backstabbing HIM? That took guts. Tim and Selina were still terrified but felt a bit at ease. Who could've seen this coming? Harley had carefully planned her betrayal of The Joker. She waited until all the henchmen were away and made sure the tip would be found by Nightwing. Harley had been watching him for weeks, picking up on his routine. She knew he would find the clues, and that he would bring Batman. Joker's plot had been ruined, and two of Gotham's finest were here to bring in the clown. It was enough to make the Joker chuckle, not even he expected this plot twist. It was over, they all thought. Tim and Selina were safe. However, Harley had failed to account for one thing.
Joker could always make a joke on the fly.
"Hey Bats!" Joker jested, still pressing his weapon to Harley's head. "Why did the jester leave the circus?" Batman tensed up once again, realizing that Joker wasn't done yet. The Caped Crusader took a step.
"Why?"
Joker's eyes filled with glee.
"She didn't have the stomach for it."
Time froze.
Joker put the firearm to Harley's side.
BLAM!
The stench of gun smoke and hot iron filled the room as Harley screamed in agony. The bullet had burned through her insides, from left to right. Joker shoved her into Batman and Nightwing, knocking them both to the ground. He then trained the gun on his first hostage. Without a word or a punchline, he shot Selina through the throat.
BLAM!
Her eyes went wide as she began to choke on her own blood. Gurgling sounds croaked from her mouth, her body pitching forward as she feebly fought against her bonds. Her gasps echoed through the room as she looked at Bruce with a burning pain in her eyes. In the midst of this, Joker had retrieved a switchblade from his suit sleeve.
"Hold still." He said to Tim with a smile, slowly pressing the knife through the young man's eyeball. Tim cried out in pain for a few seconds, before Joker started to jerk the knife around in Tim's brain. The Clown dragged the blade in and out of the socket, the gouging producing a cacophony of squelching sounds. Tim's body was seized with each stab, his fists involuntarily opening and closing. The young detective's brilliance poured out of his eye socket, spilling out onto the floor and Joker's brown wing tips. Joker shook the fluids off his shoes in disgust.
Batman looked at their bodies in horror, his brain processing the violence that had ensued. Behind the white lenses, his eyes were wide, and he was slack jawed. No, he wasn't Batman…he was Bruce, in Crime Alley again . The same pain he felt while carrying Jason's broken body from that explosion in Qurac. It was happening all over again. This time…he had lost his true love and one of his children. Nightwing was frozen in shock as well, as he remained crouched over Harley's injured frame. She landed in a bloody heap, groaning softly in pain. He looked down to her, the red and black sections of her costume seeping with blood. The vigilante used his hands to apply pressure to the entry and exit wounds on her sides.
Joker aimed his weapon at The Bat, grinning as he pulled the trigger again. Instead of a bullet, a flag saying 'BAM' emerged from the gun's barrel, leaving Bruce unharmed. In that instant, Batman returned. And he was focused on one thing.
"Well, phooey. Ah well Bats, time to beat my ass and take me in ag-" Joker was cut off by Batman's scream of pure rage, and the punch that landed on his jaw. Batman used one hand to grab Joker by the shirt and the other to catch the gun. He slammed the revolver into Joker's face multiple times. Joker was knocked to the floor. He laughed. The Bat punched him again. The Clown was on the ground. He laughed again. The Bat grabbed Joker and began dragging him into a separate room. Joker kept laughing, tossing his head back in victory. The cackles echoed through the complex as he was pulled further away from his room of horrors.
Dick tuned out the entire encounter as he was busy tending to the wounded, switching from Harley's injuries to Selina's. Or trying. Tim's face was covered in fluid on account of his ruptured, oozing eye. Selina had lost too much blood, laying in a puddle of gore. A look on terror was etched into her and Tim's faces. Both bodies had gone still, pulses flat.
They were gone.
"Nightwing to cave…" Dick said into his comm. "Code Red…he...he killed them. Joker killed Red Robin and Catwoman." He could hear the gasps on the other side. No number of years in this craft could prepare you for loss like this. "Please prep the Batwing and come now. We need help with the bodies. Red Hood, Robin, Batgirl. Please. We need you." Dick closed the eyes of each corpse,as tears began rolling down his face. He removed his mask and sat with his back against the wall, sobbing into his hands. The initial shock had worn off. It was setting in. That same feeling he had from Haly's Circus. The same feeling he got when Batman told him Jason had died. Loss.
CRUNCH CRUNCH CRUNCH. ' Where is that coming from?' He thought to himself.
He was taken out of this trance by a faint, wet, and repetitive sound. He stood up and listened carefully. It was the sound of raw meat being tenderized. He walked out of the room and followed the noise down the hall. It became more pronounced with each step he took.
SQUELCH SQUELCH SQUELCH. ' That sounds….nauseating.' He thought regretfully.
It was also getting louder and wetter. It was as if something had broken open and began flowing. Like a coconut gushing out milk after being bashed against a stone. Dick drew his escrima sticks out of their holsters, preparing himself for the worst.
And that wasn't enough.
Batman had beaten Joker to a bloody pulp. And then some. And then some more. The clown's right eye had been gouged out with a batarang. Both arms were broken at the elbow, courtesy of Batman's knees. And his face had been…flattened. Batman had beaten the Joker's brains out of his skull, literally.
HUFF HUFF HUFF. Batman's breath escaped his lips harshly with each strike.
There was blood everywhere, and yet Batman was still punching. He was grunting with homicidal effort, methodically switching from his left hand to his right with each blow. Joker's teeth lay strewn across the floor. They didn't know it yet, but Batman's knuckles were broken and blood was filling his gloves.
CRUNCH CRUNCH SPLAT. Another chunk of Joker's skull was crushed flat under Batman's balled hands, mixing in with the brains and blood.
Nightwing dropped his weapons, a fresh set of tears rolling down his cheeks. His mouth hung open and his knees felt weak. Red Hood, Batgirl, and Robin arrived, filing in at Nightwing's side. They had similar reactions. Everyone removed their masks, looking down at the sight of murder. Batman's first murder. They were revolted by bombardment The Dark Knight was unleashing.
SPLAT SPLAT SPLAT. Batman wasn't going to stop.
Dick was traumatized.
Barbara was shocked.
Jason was disgusted.
Damian was disappointed.
SPLAT SPLAT SPLAT.
"DAMMIT BRUCE STOP!"Dick yelled.
Jason and Dick surged forward, grabbing Bruce by his arms. He fought against them feverishly, growling like a feral animal and still reaching for Joker's corpse.
DRIP DRIP DRIP. You could hear the blood coming off his hands.
"HE HAS TO PAY!" Batman bellowed, fighting as hard as he could to be released. "HE HAS TO PAY FOR HIS SINS!"
"Not like this Batman." Red Hood grieved. "God, not like this…"
Dick and Jason dragged Bruce to the Batwing, his yells projected against the walls. Jason retrieved a taser from his jacket sleeve, covertly pressing it to Bruce's back.
"Sorry Dad…" he said woefully, sending voltage along Bruce's spine. He fell to one knee, then both. Pained gibberish flowed from his lips, before he dropped to the ground. The two eldest brothers put Batman in a straitjacket to restrain him. They couldn't risk him getting out again.
In the other room, Barbara and Damian inspected the bodies.
Damian focused on Tim's body. He stared at the bloody, oozing eyeball that had been left in the socket. The youngest brother shook his head in disappointment.
"You didn't deserve this Drake." He said blankly, dropping to a knee next to the corpse.
Ziiiiiiip.
With a tug, he retrieved folded up body bag from inside his bag. Damian laid Tim's body inside the bag.
Ziiiiip.
He looked over at Barbara, who was attempting to do the same with Selina. She wasn't having as easy of a time.
Barbara vomited on the floor, tears running down her face. She reached into her backpack, pulling out a folded up body bag.
Ziiiiip.
Her shaky hands unrolled the body bag as she stared at the corpse. Selina's skin was already discoloring. Barbara laid the body in the bag, feeling another wave of nausea hit her. She vomited again, hacking up whatever food and water was left in her stomach. Damian walked behind her, holding his comrades hair in his hands. He waited for her to finish, before offering a hand. Barbara took it, and Damian pulled her into an embrace. She was taken aback by the affection, but fell into his chest.
"Head to the Batwing Babs." Damian said. It was the first time he called her by a nickname, and the first time he had ever cut someone slack. "Send over Jason." She nodded appreciatively and headed over.
Ziiiiip.
Jason walked into the room as Damian was zipping Selina's body into the bag.
"I already finished prepping them. P-please…carry Mama Bear's body…" Damian said, a single tear going down his face. Jason nodded and hefted the Selina's body bag on his shoulder, as Damian did with Tim's. Dick entered the room with a body bag on his shoulder as well, this one containing Joker's remains. They let Damian head to the plane. Jason turned to Dick as he spoke.
"He called her Momma Bear ya know. Bruce, Selina, Damian…they were finally fitting in with one another. A beautiful little family." Jason's tone shifted from pained to angry. "And now…he took that away from them."
"God save us." Dick replied somberly. "God save Gotham."
The three bodies were loaded onto the Batwing, and the remainder of The Bats flew back in silence. Bruce had been placed in a miniature holding cell on the lower deck of the plane. Dick pressed his Comm.
"Nightwing to Commissioner."
"Commissioner here. Go on."
"The Bat has fallen sir. Clown is dead. We've got several killed." Gordon didn't respond at first.
"Dick…I'm sorry. We'll engage Knightfall protocol. Commissioner out."
The Bats landed at the Cave, where Alfred and Gordon were waiting. Damian and Barbara carried Bruce, while Dick and Jason carried the bodies. Barbara set the body on the ground, running into her father's arms. He caught her as she folded into his body. Sobs wracked her frame.
Alfred looked at his boys with sadness, pulling them into a group embrace. "I'm sorry, my sons." He said grimly.
Alfred knelt down to Bruce's unconscious body, placing a loving hand on his shoulder.
"I'm most sorry for you, Bruce." He said sadly. Batman's eyes shot to life as he bit Alfred's hand, growling as he sunk his teeth in. The Butler yelped in pain. Alfred slapped his Master with such force he knocked him unconscious. Everyone in the Cave stared at the Englishman, who dusted himself off and shook the pain out of his hand.
"Now, now everyone. Don't worry about me. Let's get everyone cleaned up and situated."
The Bats shuffled to wherever they were needed, Thousand Yard Stares on their faces.
Jim stood over Joker's body bag. His face was defeated. He hefted the bag over his shoulder and began the long walk to his car.
Dick, Barbara, Jason, and Damian swore an oath to their fallen mentor to keep Gotham safe in His absence. The Dark Knight was placed in Arkham, where attempts at rehabilitation for Gotham's former protector would take place. He failed. Jim Gordon cremated The Clown and began to work more closely with The Bats. He created a new Symbol for when they needed The Bats. Now, Nightwing's insignia would be shined against Gotham's cloudy skies.
Alfred and Lucius remained in Wayne Manor and Wayne Enterprises, respectively. Bruce Wayne was declared dead, Dick faking his mentor's death by crashing one of his private jets into the ocean. Lucius would now run the company in addition to R&D, while Alfred was now the primary stockholder. Harley had disappeared during the commotion, and was presumed dead due to the extent of her injuries. The Jester had sacrificed herself for Gotham. Who saw that coming?
By the end of it all, Joker was nothing but ash. Still his laughs bounced around their skulls. He won.
Location unknown : Near the Present
"Birdie….." the voice jested, taunting Nightwing as he wrestled in the darkness. His escrima sticks came to life with a buzz, but they failed to illuminate his surroundings. It was like he was trapped in emptiness, a realm without horizons.
"Biiiiiiirdiiiiiiiie…." There it was again. He was running but didn't know which way to go. He whipped his head around in every direction, swinging his melee weapons in futility. He felt a sort of cold descend upon him, seeping into his chest and throat. He was struggling to breath.
"Dick." He was drowning now. His escrima sticks clattered to the ground, his hands jumping to his throat. The shadows were alive, restraining him. Choking him into submission. The vigilante was helpless to defend himself. How do you fight an enemy you can't see? An enemy that's not even there?
"Dick!" The voice grew in power and familiarity, shifting from a taunt to a command. Nightwing's lungs were burning and his throat was blocked. He fell to a knee, then both. His arms dropped limp at his sides. He started falling forward in slow motion.
Gotham : Present Day 8:16 pm, Winter Night
"DICK! SITREP, DAMMIT!" The voice yelled, this time grounded in reality.
Dick woke up with a start, his eyes darting around anxiously. His hands reached towards his escrima sticks, but there was no threat to be taken down.
"Hnngh…I'm here." He replied, rubbing his temple in annoyance. "Jesus, no need to yell."
"YOU'RE SLEEPING ON A BUILDING YOU FUCKING IDIOT." Barbara yelled into his comm. She was furious and definitely not in the mood for his deflections or quips. "SOMEONE COULD JUST PUSH YOU OFF."
He had passed out on the roof, his mind shutting down when he tried to confront his thoughts. Okay, he thought to himself, this was pretty stupid….
"Sorry, Babs. You're ri-" he began, but was quickly cut off.
"Don't 'sorry Babs' me, sir. Come back to the Cave. We need to talk."
"Copy that…" he replied, placing his hands on his knees as he rose to his feet.
Yea, he fucked up. Ain't no way around it. This wasn't the first time he had fallen off the grid while he was out, and everyone back at the cave was aware of it. He grappled to the ground, and unveiled his motorcycle from its hiding spot. He threw on his helmet and peeled off, zooming out of the alley and onto the road.
"Birdiiiiiie" the air called, the word bouncing around in his head. He swore this time, it was real. The vigilante shook his head and focused on getting back to the Manor.
Gotham : Present Day 8:38 pm, Winter Night
There they were, a variety of scowls sitting on their faces. Duke Thomas, codename Signal, was facing Dick while leaning his back against the Batcomputer. Luke Fox, known on patrols as Batwing, stood with his arms crossed as well, his gaze a bit annoyed. Alfred was the most calm. He opened his mouth to speak, but was cut off as Barbara whipped around angrily in the Bat Computer's main chair.
"What were you thinking?" She accused, her voice sharp and pointed.
"I…wasn't." Dick admitted, looking down a bit with his hand behind his head. "I just got lost in my head again and kinda dozed off." He just wanted this conversation to end as quickly as possible.
Barbara stood up and advanced toward Dick, each step echoing with authority. Her auburn hair was like a plume of flames trailing behind her. Barbara was only 2 inches taller than Dick, but the height difference was enough to make her quite intimidating. Dick may be in charge, but everyone knew she had as much authority as he did. She placed her hands on her hips and looked down at him disapprovingly. Her eyes burned with more frustration with anger. Dick knew that worry lay at the core of the scolding she gave him.
"We know you need your space and time, but dammit, Dick. Someone could've pulled off your mask or you could've been captured!"
She was right, he had been ACE Chemicals excuse was played out. He had expected her words to be coated with venom. Instead, they were full of concern. It invited him to apologize and do better. He needed to be on his A-Game, the team depended on it.
"I'm sorry. I'll be more careful, no more going AWOL. Scout's honor!" Dick said earnestly, one hand over his heart and the other above his head.
"You wasn't even a Boy Scout, sun. Whatchu sayin?" Duke replied, removing his yellow cowl. The team laughed. It was good to feel the tension thin out.
Dick's laughter ceased as he looked around the cave, remembering just how empty it had become. He walked toward the displays, where the suits of the Bat Family resided. Batman's standard and armored suits were there, while Signal's, Batwing's, and Batgirl's were empty, for obvious reasons. Dick laid a hand on Tim and Selina's costume displays, reflecting somberly. He missed them so badly. He kept replaying that awful night in his head, on his patrols, as he ate, as he slept. He couldn't escape it.
He turned his gaze to Robin and Red Hood's displays, which were bare. Their patrols were per diem, The Dark Knight's fall taking a toll on them . Both Damian and Jason were trained by Ra's, every stroke had to lethal. Mortally wounding the enemy was the only way to succeed. They were walking powder kegs, struggling to balance themselves between the demands of The Demon's Head and Bruce's stance on murder. Damian was technically the true heir to the cowl, while Jason was Batman's biggest failure to that point. Damian was struck down by the Heretic, one of the League's many genetic experiments. Jason's death was eerily similar to the tragedy of ACE Chemicals. And yet Bruce killed Joker over Tim. Not his son, neither his first partner lost, but the Robin first rejected.
"Fuck…" Dick breathed, letting his head hang in defeat. His hands were balled into fists, resting against Tim's display. ''I'm a failure', he shuddered, a few tears falling down his face. 'I let everyone down'. He suddenly felt two arms around him, Barbara laid her head on his back. She turned him around, as Duke and Luke joined the embrace. Dick sobbed quietly, but didn't fight it, allowing them to hold him.
"I know it's hard, but we're here for you, Dick." Duke said sincerely, lightly grasping Dick's shoulder as he stepped away. The other's did the same, and Dick wiped his tears away.
"Thank you…" he said, letting out a hard breath to ground himself. Alfred approached him, and pulled him into a tight embrace as well. This took Dick aback, Alfred was never overly emotional. But he held Alfred in his arms, appreciating his presence.
"You're a great man, Master Dick. You're fit to lead us and to protect Gotham. I know it, and he knew it as well." Alfred said, finally releasing Dick from the hug. "But no man is an Island. I know you take after Bruce in many ways, but please, we don't need you picking that trait up as well." The others grumbled in agreement.
"Did you guys rehearse this?" Dick asked, finally cracking some sort of joke.
They all looked down bashfully.
"Yea…" they replied in unison.
Dick smiled. He may have lost a lot, but he still had a lot to be grateful for. He had to remember that.
"Any progress with Bruce?" He asked, leaning his back against a wall. He hated keeping Bruce in Arkham, but jail wouldn't be fair to him. And with Gordon's connections, Bruce could be kept off the record. Plus, the holding cells in the Bat Cave were a terrible option. He could definitely escape.
"Well, yes…and no…" Luke said grimly. "Commissioner Gordon has been trying to get him treatment. Doctors, psychiatrists, psychologists, former Allies. Nothing is working. The…incident left a mark on him. As you know, he's gained some coherency. But his yearning for brutality has not disappated since he was admitted. He beat Victor Zsasz within an inch of his life yesterday night. Fractured skull, 3 broken ribs, and cut across his forehead. Zsasz had to be put under. And God knows how he'll respond to a new mark once he wakes up. If he does…"
Dick sighed. He had a feeling the news wouldn't be uplifting. Everyone was left in an awkward, somber silence, so Dick cleared his throat.
"Let's check for activity, shall we?" He suggested. "Miagani was all clear, so let's check Founder's Island for activity."
They nodded in agreement and started checking the 911 calls and active GCPD investigations in Founder's island. The computer hummed as it locked onto a staticky audio feed, cleaning up the background noise and making the message come through with clarity.
"Chopper 4 here, 10-79 in Drescher. Hostages have been in a warehouse near the City Vision Construction site. Multiple gunmen in body armor, affiliation unknown. SWAT deployment in 15 minutes, arrival in 25. Over."
"Thanks, Babs." Dick said, pressing his comm as she nodded. "Nightwing to Commissioner. That hostage situation in Drescher looks bad. SWAT won't get there for 25 minutes, we can be there in 5. Permission to engage?"
"Commissioner to Nightwing, you're a go. But I would take a partner with you. Good luck., Commissioner out."
Dick nodded to Duke, and they ran to the Batwing. "Be back in a Flash, Barb. This gon be light work!" Duke said confidently, pulling his Signal cowl back on his head. Dick manned the controls and smiled as the engines began to hum, then roar. He loved the sound the engines made, screeching like a bat out of hell. The plane lifted into the air, then blasted out of the cave.
Luke, Barbara, and Alfred looked on from the computer.
"Alfred, do you think…is he….?" Luke words tapered off, as he looked at Alfred with worried eyes.
"Master Dick has the weight of his city, his mentor's legacy, and survivor's guilt on his shoulders. He'll never be truly okay, Master Fox. One can only hope he can cope, recover himself when he needs it, and forgive himself."
"Yea but he's Dick. We know him." Barbara replied, furrowing her eyebrows. "He's going to keep pushing himself. Blaming himself. We'll have to keep an eye on him."
"Yes, we shall." Alfred replied proudly.
Gotham: Present Day 9:02 pm, Winter Night
The Batwing stealthily reached the two vigilantes destination. Nightwing and Signal jumped out of the aerial vehicle, each of them perching upon a gargoyle on an adjacent building. Nightwing scanned the surroundings of the decrepit building with his naked eye. The billboard above the building was outdated and peeling away at the corners. The windows were hard to see through due to years of dust accumulation. On the ground below, multiple white vans could be seen parked. They lacked any sort or company logo and sign of affiliation, making them less noticeable to bystanders and law enforcement. There were a variety of places for the vigilantes to observe the warehouse from, but this side had the best view. It also made it to assess the situation inside and create a plan of action. Nightwing turned to his partner.
"Signal, X-Ray vision. How many guys are we looking at?" Dick said.
Signal scanned quickly, then responded. "20 of them, kevlar vests. No thermal or night vision. Armed with assault rifles, shotguns, and pistols. No explosives. 5 hostages on the 5th floor, with 2 sentries up there. Another 18 spread out amongst the other 4 floors. This should be easy."
"We'll need to start at the ground floor, breaking the windows on the sixth could startle the sentries. We can't risk those hostages being killed."
The dynamic duo fired their grapples and swung down, rolling to a stop. Nightwing preferred to bring Signal on missions like this. His powers, such as the ability to turn invisible and alter shadows, made him a powerful asset and almost guaranteed the safety of his allies.
"Signal, cast a shadow on both of us." Nightwing said curtly. "There's 5 down here. Let's listen in before we take them down."
"Yeah, the boss said we had to take point here." The first one replied, his face concealed by a black ski mask. His cohort wore a blue speckled bandana to conceal his mouth and nose.
"What a waste of time, nobody cares about this warehouse." Bandana replied, his eyebrows furrowed in frustration. "It's nothing but junk in here."
Ski mask shook his head in annoyance. "You don't pay attention, do you?" He quipped. Bandana shrugged his shoulders, waiting for ski mask to continue.
"Penguin is making a play. He's sending a separate group to handle his play while we take hostages here."
"So….what are we doing here?" Bandana asked.
"We're here to cause a ruckus. Take heat away from Penguin's big play. Plus, he didn't tell us shit. So we couldn't betray him if we tried."
"But I don't wanna go down for Penguin!"
"Should've gotten into a better career path then." Nightwing said smugly. The vigilante took smooth, long strides, before pouncing on the ski mask with a hand over his mouth. He put the man in a headlock, cutting off blood flow to his brain to make him pass out.
Signal materialized out of the shadow and punched the next perp in the temple. He grabbed Bandana by the shirt and struck him in the face 4 more times. Signal let of the man's lapels, causing him to collapse to the ground in a heap.
"So Oz is behind this, huh?" Nightwing said smugly. "Guess I'll have to pay my old friend a visit."
"I knew his waddlin ass couldn't resist getting back in the game." Signal replied, playing a finger to his Comm. "Signal to Cave."
"Cave to Signal, what's going on." Batwing replied.
"Penguin is back. He's going to make a play of some sort." Signal said, crouching over the gunman he punched out. "The goons stationed here don't know shit. We'll have to go elsewhere to figure out what he's planning."
"Understood Signal. Cave out." Batwing said before signing off.
After clearing the first room, they stalked their way to the second one. Signal and Nightwing each leaned on a different side of the doorway. They peaked through the door stealthily, where there were three criminals playing cards.
"I got the two on the left, you got the one on the right. Cool?" Signal whispered, pulling out his Escrima Sticks. Nightwing nodded, retrieving one of his heavy, blunted Wingdings. These were specially modified for close quarters, brutal takedowns.
One of the gunman stood up with a start, holding his rifle above his head. The two vigilantes blood ran cold, thinking they were compromised. He let out a bellow imitating a tusken raider.
"GO FISH BITCH! BRING ME MY MONEY!" He yelled, snatching the dollar bills off the table. The other two at the table looked down in disdain.
"Yea yes whatever Larry…" one of them said in annoyance.
The crime fighting duo shuddered in relief at the false alarm. Nightwing held up three fingers, then two, then one. They both launched their projectile of choice, the wingding cracking the Larry between his eyes. He pitched backwards as the dollar bills formerly in his hand started fluttering through the air.
The two others were dazed, but left conscious. Without a word, Nightwing and Signal jumped on the men, pummeling them with fists until they submitted.
The two vigilantes made their way upstairs, with two gunmen having their backs to the doorway at the top of the stairs. Signal and Nightwing each grabbed one, putting them in sleeper holds until they were incapacitated. There were only two more left on the floor, and the two vigilantes were both feeling flashy.
"Running kick?" Signal asked, a childlike tone in his voice. Even though Nightwing didn't treat him as a sidekick, he was still younger than him. Signal still got bashful when asking to do reckless things.
"Running kick." Nightwing confirmed, a smile stretching across Signal's face.
They both sprinted, Signal entering a full speed slide and Nightwing launching himself into the air. Signal took out his man's legs. His armored elbow slammed down on the first gunman's head. Nightwing performed a roundhouse kick in mid air, connecting with the other man's head at full strength. Both of them were subdued with ease. Time to hit the 3rd floor.
"I got this floor." Signal said smugly, turning invisible before Nightwing could even respond. A flurry of punches and bone crunches followed. Nightwing also heard the sound of 5 bodies hitting the ground.
Signal walked back to the stairwell and returned to visibility. The wide grin on his face was the first thing Nightwing saw.
"Show off…" Nightwing muttered, making his way to the next floor with Signal close by. The 4th floor had 4 of the hostage takers on it. And they were all armed with shotguns. The duo had to be extra careful, even an inaccurate blast could lead to fatal injuries.
"These guys are mine." Nightwing growled, flipping into the room. He flung two weighted Wingdings. His last 2. The heavy projectiles dropping a gunman each with a thud. He picked up speed, doing a flip in the air before slamming his escrima sticks down on the third guy's head. He whipped around and jabbed his escrima sticks into the last gunman's chest. The final victim released a flurry of gibberish sounds as the powerful electric shock wracked his body. He dropped to the floor twitching. Nightwing holstered his escrima sticks and gestured for Signal to come out.
"Not bad!" Signal said, slow clapping sarcastically. "Only took you an hour."
"Suck it, Signal." Nightwing replied, stepping up to the last stairwell.
This was it. Signal scanned the room one last time from below, and it was the same as before. 5 hostages, and 2 guards. These guys were armed with pistols; good for close quarters, executions, and hostage taking. One guard was near the stairwell, and the other was in the corner of the room. The hostages were being held towards the back of the room. They were tied to a column and gagged.
"Okay Signal, I'm gonna take out the first guard." Nightwing said. "You'll get the second while I slip away to free the hostages. Cool?"
"Cool." Signal replied, removing a batarang.
And they were off. Nightwing attacked the first guy with ease, sweeping his legs out from under him. The Acrobat slammed a fist into his target's head while he was still in the air. Nightwing slid across the ground athletically as the second guard fired off 3 rounds in his direction. He evaded every bullet, whizzing past him and hitting the floor behind him. Nightwing heard the last guard grunt and collapse, courtesy of Signal. The older vigilante began releasing the hostages. They gasped and rubbed their wrists in appreciation.
"It's okay," Nightwing promised, working hard at the knots. "You're all safe now, I promise."
"I wouldn't make promises you can't keep." An unfamiliar voice said coldly.
Nightwing whipped around, only to see that Signal had been apprehended. This guard was wearing night vision goggles, and a sort of "invisible armor" on his body. This was an armor soldiers used in battle against Batman many times to hide from his detective mode. This armor had been modified with lead, making it invisible to X ray vision. This soldier held a gun to Signal's head, the other arm choking him out.
"Now, Nightwing. Drop the belt and kick it over here. No funny business or this one gets a hole in his head."
Nightwing growled under his breath. He removed his belt and kicking it over. Behind the guard sat a fire extinguisher. Ideas flew through the vigilante's head.
"Okay okay, be cool man." Nightwing said, taking a step toward the soldier with his hands in the air. His emergency wingding slid out of his suit's sleeve, concealed in his raised hand. He took another few steps. The gunman aimed his weapon at Nightwing instead of Signal.
"Not another step! On your knees!" The thug commanded, cocking the weapon for some extra intimidation.
Nightwing could make the extinguisher explode to create a smoke cloud, and close the distance. It was a long shot. Signal only had so much time.
'Hesitation gets people killed' Nightwing thought to himself. With a strong, fluid motion, he flung the wingding at the extinguisher. The explosion was instant, sending a plume of smoke into the room.
Nightwing sprinted towards the smoke cloud.
CRASH! A broken window.
BINK! A metal bat finding it's target.
PAP! A shot fired.
Nightwing saw a mass crumbled on the ground. His blood ran red as he saw someone still standing in the smoke. He viciously tackled the last man standing. They tumbled down the stairs while exchanging blows. Nightwing's mind was racing. But his hands moved faster than his thoughts. His eyes were burning from the smoke, ears still ringing from the explosion.
"I won't lose anyone else!" He screamed, raising his fist again.
"DICK IT'S ME!" The figure under him commanded, grabbing both of Nightwing's arms.
The ringing subsided. His eye sight returned to normal. And there Signal was, with a split lip courtesy of his teammate. Nightwing helped him up, and pulled his teammate into a bear hug.
"Duke, I'm sorry…I…I….fuck…I…." Nightwing stammered, struggling with his words. Signal pushed him off, a grin off his face.
"Man, relax. It's cool. But damn bruh, you punch hard as shit…." Duke replied, rubbing his jaw. "Also I know this is emotional and all, but no secret identities in the field. Please?" He asked.
Nightwing chuckled, grateful that his friend was okay. The duo walked up the stairs. Signal called the commissioner, who sent an ambulance on to their location. Meanwhile, Nightwing finished untying the hostages and making sure they weren't injured. As the paramedics and cops arrived, Nightwing and Signal observed the armored soldier. He was spralwed on the ground with a large knot on his head.
"Good strike Signal." Nightwing said, calling for the Batwing to return.
"Me? I thought that was you…" Signal replied, a puzzled tone staining his words.
Nightwing kneeled down, inspecting the wound on the man's head. He used his detective mode to scan it, and the window that had shattered on the right side of the room. He also walked over to the ceiling, scanning the point of impact of the bullet and where the man lay still. He sent the images to the cave, turning to Signal with a nod. 'Babs will be able to figure that out,' he thought to himself. 'Strange though…'
Nightwing turned to the one of the cops, shaking his hand. "Evening Officer…Owens. We lack the concrete evidence, but pretty sure Penguin is behind this. We'll need you any leads we find."
"You got it Nightwing." Officer Owens replied. The Acrobat began to walk away.
"Oh, one more thing Nightwing." The cop said.
Nightwing turned in anticipation.
"You're doing a great job, all things considered. It's not the same without Batman, but you make us feel safe."
Nightwing nodded in acknowledgment and walked away.
The first responders and hostages thanked the duo one last time. Duke ran and jumped out the window, landing in the Batwing. Nightwing prepared to do the same. But something caught his eye on the floor, near the window.
A homemade playing card.
It looked like it was part of a regular deck, except it was missing any numbers. It was a diamond split into 4 smaller diamonds, the two on top and one on the right being red, while the one on the left was black.
'It can't be…no, that doesn't make any sense' he thought to himself, pocketing the card as a souvenir.
"Biiiiirdiiiiie" he heard a voice call, whipping his head around in confusion. He swore that he saw a flash of someone in scarlet and black, perched by the window. But no one was there. No one except the first responders and hostages, and even they were clearing out.
He wanted to chalk it up to his lack of sleep and trauma messing with his mind. Then again, a superhero being followed around is a very normal thing in Gotham. His thoughts continued to race through his head.
"Nightwing, hurry up man! I wanna go home!" Signal yelled from the Batwing.
Nightwing snapped out of it and jogged to the window. He raised his arms and flipped gracefully into the cockpit. The top closed and the plane roared to life, making a beeline to their destination.
'Must've been in my head' Nightwing said to himself, closing his eyes as the autopilot did its job.