"Can you help me remember how to smile? Make it somehow all seem
worthwhile. How on earth did I get so jaded? Life's mysteries seem so
faded… Bought a ticket for a runaway train, like a mad man laughing at the
rain. Little out of touch little insane, just easier than dealing with the
pain." –Soul Asylum- 'Runaway Train'
The silver costumed man lower his head pushing his lips forward as words formed. He hissed lightly into the captured Batman's ear. "Do you feel that my friend? That's the feeling of your city screaming from fear and pain? Do you hear that my friend? That's the sound of your partners huddled in a mass of death as they are killed slowly. Yes… I think we are onto something my friend, you have lost… Gotham cries out and you do not answer."
Wandering In The Winter Light II
By: The Batthing
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"And the whole world loves it when you're going down, and the whole world loves it when you make that sound. And the whole world loves it when you sing the blues, and the whole world loves it when you're on the news." –Outcast- 'The Whole World'
Disclaimer: I don't own any Batman characters in this following story. They are all property of DC Comics and Kids WB. Bob Kane created Batman and all that goes along with him. So thank him, and not someone else…
Warning: This story is rated PG-13 for some violence and language (I have the language to help a character prove a point, and when he uses the word, the others tell him that it is wrong. I have never used these words, for I don't see them as useful). Its is not like the other stories I wrote, it is more like 'Ring Around The Rosy' (not like my Batman's Back All Right or Larger Than Life is Small Through Our Eyes.) So remember that as you read the following.
"Wake up. Grab a brush and put a little (makeup). Hide the scars to fade away the (shakeup). Why'd you leave the keys upon the table? Here you go create another fable. You wanted to. Grab a brush and put a little makeup. You wanted to. Hide the scars to fade away the shakeup. You wanted to. Why'd you leave the keys upon the table? You wanted to." –System of A Down- 'Chop Suey'
Nightwing slammed forward, flinging his body into the air, wrapping Robin into his arms as he slid into the opened doorway where Batgirl stood screaming at him to hurry. He heard the door slam shut, and Batgirl talking to him, telling him to get up. He slowly lifted his head, and looked into her blue eyes.
"Are you all right? For a moment I wasn't sure if you both would make it!" Batgirl told him as she slowly pulled the unconscious Robin out of Nightwing's arms. She looked at Nightwing then back to Robin. "What do you suppose?"
"Mind control Batgirl… simple and plain. The man is going to try and use Robin's mind like he is doing with Batman's." Nightwing hissed as he slowly stood and shuttered hearing the screaming wind from outside slamming against the walls. The lights that were on and lighted the large room suddenly flashed off.
Batgirl stood. "Do you hear that?"
"Hear what?"
Batgirl shuttered and drew up her head up looking at him. "The sound of labored breathing."
Nightwing cocked his head, listing. He froze suddenly. "I hear it…"
Suddenly giggling split the silence and the filled the room full of it's chilling echoes. It rang through their ears, and Batgirl pulled out a pen flashlight as fast as she could manage. She clicked it on, and scanned the sudden silenced room.
"This is a trap…" Nightwing growled as he ducked down, and scooped Robin into his arms. He nodded towards Batgirl. "It will be easy to attack us at that."
Batgirl nodded looking at Nightwing. "We can't go outside."
A sudden scratching picked up, and both jerked around, searching for the source.
"No… we either go out and freeze to death, or stay in and face some explanation of sounds and feelings." Nightwing growled as he turned towards the doorway. "You choose."
"Stay inside."
Batgirl's head flew up at the sound of the giggling. She looked towards Nightwing was crouched down nearby. He looked at her plainly, and then raised his head up towards the ceiling of the old warehouse. Batgirl slowly did the same, and she yelped lightly seeing millions of rats crawling above her head on the ceiling. She thrust herself against the wall, and felt a hand tap her shoulder lightly.
"Barb?"
Batgirl looked at Nightwing who gave a confused look. She shook slightly.
"Batgirl. What's wrong?"
Batgirl watched in horror as the rats crawled to the ground, their red beady eyes looking into hers, their nails scrapping against the floor. She warded away from them, and felt Nightwing trying to stop her.
"What's wrong?" Nightwing demanded as he looked at her in confusion. "Barb!"
Batgirl threw her arm out, loosing Nightwing's grip, she then threw herself forward, turning as the rats began to crawl up her leg. "GET THEM OFF OF ME!" She screamed, and then ran as fast as she could manage, trying to escape the rats.
Nightwing watched the scene in confusion. He looked around, seeing nothing but snow flinging about from Barbara's panic attack. He glanced down where Robin lay, then understood.
Robin was sitting upright, grinning as he stared hard at Batgirl.
Nightwing understood… the silver costumed man was in Robin's head, and was using his mind games on the screaming girl. He did the only logical thing. He hit Robin across the head…hard…knocking the smaller boy down.
Robin gasped as he hit the ground, then he looked up in anger at Nightwing.
Nightwing frowned, and dashed towards Batgirl, he had to get the flashlight Batgirl held. Nightwing saw her a few feet ahead, screaming at the top of her lungs and clawing at her face. "HELP! GET THEM OFF OF ME! THEY ARE BITTING ME!"
Nightwing grabbed her arm, and she punched him, in the nose. He stuttered back, but grabbed her belt, and pulled it off.
"PLEASE! NIGHTWING! DICK! HELP!"
Nightwing fumbled slightly, and pulled out the flashlight, and then swung around, he saw Robin coming at him slowly. With that, Nightwing flipped the switch on, and the light flooded into Robin's eyes.
Robin shrieked, and then fell to the ground, unconscious. Batgirl's screaming suddenly stopped, and Nightwing turned, looking at the girl.
She was breathing hard as she looked at him. Then she fell to the ground.
Nightwing shivered due to a light breeze, then looked around. Its seemed that eh was always being watched… like someone was there…
"Dick?"
Nightwing looked down at Robin who slowly stood.
"What happened?" He brought a gloved hand to his check and shook his head. "What's wrong with Batgirl?"
"Your…" Nightwing didn't finish due to a shrill giggling. He walked over to Batgirl and brought her up into his arms.
"What the hell is that?" Robin let out as he looked around. "I say we get outta here."
"Be my guest… but there is one heck of a blizzard going on outside, and I wouldn't bet anything that you had a chance of survival."
Robin looked towards the door, and then he looked back at Nightwing who nodded. "Screw the snow… I hate winter."
Nightwing glanced up. "I wonder…"
Robin found himself moving forward, staring hard at small green light. He crouched down, and smiled. "Hey, Nightwing… looks like we are not alone."
Nightwing turned, and saw what Robin meant. A few in front of the younger boy were a pair of bright blue eyes. "A cat?"
A meow came from the shadows where the eyes floated, answering.
"Here kitty, kitty, kitty." Robin cooed, as reached towards the animal. "You suppose Bruce is ok?"
Nightwing raised his head, looking around. "Probably… knowing him."
Robin nodded.
"I think we should look around… what do you think?"
Robin made a face as he stared at the blue eyes. "I think I wanna go home."
"Besides the obvious."
"Ok… I think that this place is creepy, I know that its all just some reasonable explanation, but I don't wanna go around with wet pants the rest of the 'mission'."
Nightwing smiled. "I say we go."
"SCREW what you think."
"I'd rather not."
Robin shrugged, and then turned back to the cat. He gasped, and fell to his back. "WOOW!"
Nightwing turned and his eyes widened, not expecting what he saw.
The bright blue eyes glimmered as they looked at Robin. The eyes belong to a cat like creature, besides the fact that the cat was missing fur and a hind leg. It had scars all over its prune type skin, and on ear had a huge bite mark in it. The weirdest part was the cat's eyes, which were like human eyes. The cat meowed once more. Then purred.
"Scared yet?" Nightwing growled as Robin sat up.
Robin shook his head as he sat up. "That thing is sick."
"I'm sure it feels the same towards you. Just cause it's a little messed up. I mean dude, we still love you and you look worse, then the poor kitty does, when you wake up in the morning."
Robin bent down, ignoring Nightwing's words. "It has a collar on."
"It's loved… so what?"
"OK NIGHTWING!" Robin snapped.
"Ugg…"
The two boys looked at Batgirl who moved slightly, opening her eyes.
"Hey Babs, you ok?" Nightwing questioned as he let the girl down.
Batgirl nodded slowly, and held her stomach, like she was sick. "I feel terrible."
"You'll feel worse in a few moments… when that loser tries to control you're head." Robin sneered. "You know he is in there, and he talks to you… that's it though. He's really a nice guy."
Nightwing glared at the boy.
"There were rats everywhere… crawling all over me, biting me, I could see and feel them tearing apart my skin." The girl shuttered and shook her head.
Nightwing nodded. "Yeah… hallucinations… kind of."
"I- it was terrible."
Nightwing nodded, and then pointed towards a set of stairs. "Who's up for some sight seeing?"
"Not me, I'll shi* myself man." Robin hissed, as he looked at the older boy.
Batgirl mustered enough strength to give a glare at the younger boy. "I do not hold the pleasure of enjoying vulgar language."
Robin clutched his throat. "I forgot, Miss. Perfect." He looked at Nightwing who shook his head. "Ok, Ok, I'll keep it down."
"I know." Batgirl answered as she moved forward slowly. "It's a surprise that you think it's ok to say that crap around us, and not around Batman."
Robin mimicked the girl, and chased after the two adults who were walking for the stairs. "Ohh, look, a ghost."
Batgirl turned hard, about ready to yell at him, when the shrill shrieking of giggling came about. The whole group froze, and then looked at Robin.
Robin stood without motion till the giggling died down. He then shrugged, and gave a small laugh. "I had no idea that was gonna happen."
"No doubt." Nightwing growled as he started up the stairs.
The group of three walked up the flight of wooded stairs, and tried their best not to flinch at the creaks caused from their weight. Cobwebs hung from the roof, and they ignored them to the best of their ability. Soon enough, they came to the top. Nightwing looked around, and took a hard step forward.
"Well, at least we aren't dead." Batgirl joked lightly as she came beside Nightwing.
"At least we aren't dead?" Robin questioned. "What are you suggesting? You think someone is trying to kill us, cause if so, I think you should take the back, Nightwing take the front, and I'll take the middle."
Batgirl ignored the younger boy. "When Batman and I were here, there was a little girl asleep in her room. I don't know if she might be causing this, but she was here."
Nightwing gave a nod. "We'll have to look into it." He then paced down the hall as fast as he could manage. Loud creaks split through the room, each one causing them to shutter or wince. They had not a clue on how to do this, and what was going to happen. Nightwing turned his head, looking at the two behind him. "Watch where you step, there may very well be a hol-"
He was not able to finish, for the splitting of wood filled the air, and Nightwing let out a final yelp of surprise as he fell through the rotted wood floor.
Batgirl thrust herself to the edge, scanning for her friend. "NIGHTWING! NIGHTWING -? ANSWER ME!"
"Ugg, I'm all right, just fell to another story." He released a troubled groan.
Robin crouched beside Batgirl and looked into the hole at Nightwing, then back at Batgirl. "You know what, I have this odd sensation that he was about ready to say watch out for holes in the floor." The smaller boy smiled down at Nightwing. "Hmmm."
Nightwing glared up at them as he stood in a slanted position, both fists clutched together. "I'll be up there in a moment, and when I do, you had better run Robin!"
Robin smirked slightly, but could not reply due to a sudden clump from behind him, he turned and let out a high-pitched shriek.
"Some one is going through some changes with their voice… Batgirl, don't scare him. Let me." Nightwing muttered, dusting himself off. Before he could even let out another breath, Robin jumping in the hole. "What the-." Nightwing yelled as the younger boy slammed into the ground next to his feet. He raised his head. "Batgirl?"
Batgirl was staring down in the hole, and her knew. With a grunt he covered his eyes and flung a hand into his pocket, pulling out a flashlight. But before he could use it on her, he heard her land beside them.
Robin crawled slightly back. "Nightwing, she's right- OUFFF!"
Batgirl smiled as she drew back her leg from the sharp kick she had just laid out on the small boy. She then turned to Nightwing and cocked her head. "Dick?" Her voice was soft. "What is- what is going on…" She fell into his arms and began to sob into his chest.
Nightwing gave a startled breath, and then pushed her away. He was confused so he searched her for answers, avoiding her eyes. "Batgirl?"
Batgirl took his face into her hands. "Why don't you look at me? I am scared Nightwing!" She moved her eyes franticly, trying to catch his.
"No." He then snapped his flashlight up and shined it at her.
Batgirl screeched and smashed a fist into his face, throwing him to the ground. "ARRHHEEE!"
Robin panted and shielded his head as she clawed about. He didn't know what he should do. She was hurting Dick and himself, but it was Barbara! Without a second thought, Robin slammed a foot out, tripping the girl. He dashed out of the way from her, and she snatched his cape, pulling him towards her. "ARR! Lem'me GO!"
"Tim, Timmy, it's just me!" She grasped his shoulder and pulled him to her. She was holding him, and clawing his face to get him to look to her.
Robin was shocked at her strength, and he kicked her, and she did nothing. Her nails dug into his cheek, trying to force him to look at her. "Get offa ME! I ain't going back again!" He drew his head down and snapped his teeth into her arm.
Batgirl yelled out, and slammed the heel of her hand into the back of his head, crushing his face into the floor. "No, Bad Timmy!"
Nightwing raced at her and aimed a punch, trying to free Robin, but she saw it and jumped at him, slamming all her weight into him. The two tumbled to the ground, and she hit him in the jaw, then in the gut, then in the temple. She kept hitting and kicking vigorously till he fell to the floor, blood splattered over her fist, and his face. She raised her fist to hit him again.
"Leave him ALONE!" Robin yelled as he grabbed her by the arm and yanked her away. He then punched her, delivering his fist promptly in her jaw.
Batgirl grabbed him by the hair and twisted it cruelly. She then forced him to the ground, hitting his head onto the floor twice. She brought it up and shook her head seeing him with eyelids shut, not looking at her. "Look at me Timmy, please? I promise if you do then Bruce will come back here unharmed and I'll act normal. We can all go home. Just look at me." She brushed a hand through his hair, where blood soaked into her costume. He tried to hit her, but she twisted his arm back.
Nightwing gurgled slightly, and stood, seeing her with Robin, and he stood. The flashlight was just a few inches away, if he could just reach a little further then… YES! He had it! "Let him GO!"
Batgirl swirled around, and gasped as the light flooded into her eyes. She breathed hard, and then fell to the ground, unconscious.
Robin raised his head and he smiled at Nightwing. "She always tries to get her own way in such a violent manner."
"You ok?"
"Better than you man."
Nightwing picked the girl up and nodded to Robin. "Lets find the little girl who lives here."
"Sure thing man, just watch out for holes."
Nightwing smirked and the two set off.
"I LOST the connection! How did that happen?" The thin man in the silver costume screamed, as he turned hard and glared at Batman who stood in the small cell. Batman clutched the bars with both hands, glaring nonstop. "You think that your partners are safe? They are not, I'll kill them, and then we will see who owns Gotham!" He giggled lightly and nodded. "Maybe we can have them all die by your hands, that would be funny!"
Batman didn't say a word…
"On a recent self test, it has been discovered that Algebra not only causes low self esteem, depression, and constant headaches, but also causes the slight percentage of cancer." Robin said in a short voice. "Do you think that's a good complaint to tell the Health Board?"
Nightwing smiled slightly. "Hey, you go for it. Just one question."
"Oh?"
"What is the percentage of cancer it causes?"
"It could cause a good amount on the light fixture in the room, and the sunlight coming in, but the class itself? Maybe it'll be around -9999999 and so on."
"Ok, yeah, go for it."
Robin nodded, and then rounded the corner. "Dude, does this stupid hall ever come to a door?"
"Yeah, to your left."
Robin turned. "Huh?" He watched as Batgirl slipped out of Nightwing's arms and smiled.
She pointed down the hall. "I said to your left."
Robin gave a short nod. "Gotcha' Glad to see you're awake."
"Yes, I wish I were still asleep though." Batgirl muttered with a shake of her head.
The three stuttered down the hall slowly, ignoring any true form of conversation.
"That door, over there." Batgirl hissed as she dragged her feet along. "I'm sure of it."
Robin nodded and paced for the door, but before he got to it, there was an awkward pause. "Nightwing, it's that deformed thing!"
His two friends turned and saw the mutated cat coming behind them. Its missing leg was apparent as it did so.
"Is that thing safe?" Batgirl questioned as she looked at Nightwing. "It looks so, excuse me, nasty."
Nightwing shrugged. "It seems safe, but I am not one to get close to it… Robin already wanted to take it home, but-."
Robin ignored them and thrust the door open, flinging the light on. He entered and nodded slowly seeing a little toddler on her bed crying. Her room was nice enough, and looked like a regular bedroom, unlike the rest of the 'house'. "Hey."
The girl looked up. "You are BAD!"
"Uh-."
"Why don't you ever leave? My daddy can't come home till you leave!" She looked at him, expecting a reason.
Robin moved forward, yet keeping his distance.
The little girl blinked then looked at Batgirl and Nightwing as the two entered.
"Hello, what's your name hon?" Batgirl questioned coming close to the bed, stopping two feet away.
"Angie."
Batgirl smiled. "Do you live here Angie?"
The little girl nodded slowly. "Uh-huh."
"With who, it must be lonely to live here all alone!" Batgirl pressed, cocking her head and smiling a brighter smile.
"Will you leave if I answer your questions?"
Batgirl nodded quickly. "We will leave as soon as possible."
"I live with my mummy, daddy, and Winston."
Nightwing stepped forward. "Who is Winston?"
The girl looked at him, as if he stupid. "My puppy."
Robin sighed and crossed his arms, stepping out of the room, slightly annoyed. The conversation was going nowhere.
"And your mother? Did she go someplace?"
The little girl shook her head. "She's here, someplace…"
"Oh, and your puppy? Is he around here?"
"With mummy."
Batgirl nodded." So you do not know where your mother is then?"
The girl nodded then sighed. "Are we done now?"
"Yes, um, one more question. Does your daddy have a lab, or an office? A place where he might work?"
The girl pressed her lips firmly together. "I am not supposed to tell."
Batgirl shrugged as if uncaring over the response. "Oh, ok, my dad has an office and a lab. I thought yours might too, it seems everyone does, I guess you don't though. That's ok though."
This seemed to disturb the girl, and she looked at Nightwing. "How about you? Does your daddy have an office?"
"Yeah, tons of 'em." Nightwing replied looking at Batgirl slowly.
"And even his daddy?" She pointed to Robin, looking impatiently at Batgirl.
Batgirl turned to look at Robin, who was wandering outside the room, looking down the hall. She nodded. "Yeah, only one though, not many."
The girl slipped out of her bed and went over to Nightwing, and took his hand. "I'll show you, but don't tell daddy!"
"Sure!" Nightwing managed as she pulled him behind her.
Batgirl smiled as she followed. "Come on Robin."
Robin turned, from where he had been watching the cat, and nodded.
The girl shrieked and grasped Nightwing's arm, shoving her face into it. "It's THE CAT!"
"What?" Robin demanded as he stole a glance at the cat that suddenly hunched it's back and hissed. "What's wrong with it?"
"Get me away from it!" The girl cried.
Nightwing picked her up, and went down the hall, followed by the other three. He put her down and nodded. "What's wrong with the cat?"
"It killed daddy's brother!"
"It WHAT!? A CAT?" Robin demanded.
The girl nodded and looked at the three. "It wants to kill daddy, mummy, and me." She wiped away her tears. "Uncle Bruton always kept it caged up, and tried to kill it, he said it was evil and needed to be done away with!"
"Did he take off its leg and the fur?" Robin questioned.
"No, he said its name was Tarpon."
Batgirl clutched Robin's shoulder. "TARPON?!"
"Ow, let me go!" Robin let out, shoving her hand off.
"Tarpon was that man who bailed…" She trailed off.
Nightwing nodded understanding. "Freaky, and impossible." He nodded to the little girl. "We'll keep you safe Angie, don't worry."
"How did a CAT kill a man?" Robin pressed looking at the girl.
Angie took Nightwing's hand again. "He bit him in the neck."
"Like a vampire?"
The girl looked at him. "What's a vampire?"
"Like, well it's… did he have two teeth marks in his neck?"
Batgirl let out a sigh. "We don't believe in supernatural junk that comes from humans."
"You didn't meet Mr. Blood or Etrigan." Robin muttered.
"The bite mark was a big chuck of his neck gone, right her." She walked over to Robin and pointed to the front of his neck. "It was scary to see."
Nightwing shook his head. "Geesh kid, what have YOU been through?"
"Come on, I'll show you MY daddy's lab!" she pulled him behind her.
Batgirl smiled as she followed Nightwing and the girl. Robin looked behind him and saw the cat starring at him, right into his eyes. He shuttered. "This is one heck of a good haunted house!" The boy then went after his friends.
"Come now Batman, you shall see your friends again… follow me." Duane ordered as he concentrated on Batman's mind, controlling it with all his might. Batman was already on his way to the warehouse, and he should get there any moment, especially since Duane had given him the short ability to walk on top if the thick and deep snow. The destruction would be total, yet Duane did not mind, in fact. He liked the idea of more death.
"There it is, my daddy's lab!" she pointed down the long hall at a door.
"Batgirl, hold her… Robin and I will checking to find who's doing this to us." He then shoved his way to the door, and the girl felt Batgirl's hand grasp her arm.
Angie thrashed. "Let me go! You can't go in there!" She began to kick at Batgirl and hit her.
Batgirl held her tight, "calm down hon, this is going to be good once it is all over with." She watched as Nightwing, followed by Robin and the odd cat walked down the hall.
The girl saw the cat and screamed. "WINSTON! MOMMY! DADDY!"
Batgirl, Robin, and Nightwing suddenly stopped as a huge creak cracked through the house. Then the sound of something coming from down the hall sounded off.
The cat named Tarpon hissed and arched it's back.
"WHAT THE HEL* IS THAT!?" Robin grumbled as he watched the cat's reaction.
Angie laughed and then nodded. "It's my puppy."
Robin raised his eyes as a huge figure appeared. "Oh shhhhhiiii." He didn't finish and didn't need to. There, a few feet away was a huge beast, in the form of a dog. Yet it stood five feet tall with dripping fangs, huge paws, thick and wiry brown fur, and beady black eyes.
"Winston, get them, they are going to hurt mommy!" Angie shrieked.
The dog lashed out suddenly, coming straight at Robin and Nightwing, ignoring Batgirl and Angie.
Tarpon suddenly sprung forward and drew his claws out, scratching the beast in the eye. It then let out a horrid sound as Winston snatched it in its fangs and threw it to the ground, then went for the two boys.
Robin leapt out of the way, and tumbled to the ground, feeling the beast a few feet away. He yelped as he felt the creature bite down on his leg, and toss him into the air.
"ROBIN!" Nightwing yelled as he saw the boy flung into the air like a doll. Winston watched as Robin hit the ground with a grunt. He then went for the boy again.
Nightwing ran hard, jumping onto the thing's back and grabbing a fistful of fur, and then yanking hard. Yet the dog ignored it and snatched up Robin by the boy's cape and threw him to the ground once more, and running over to him.
Robin was ready this time and he thrust a hand into his belt, pulling out… there was nothing more than a few bat-a-rangs and gas bombs! He snatched up three small gas bombs and threw them at the beast eyes. He then dodged out of the way, favoring his left leg where the dog had bitten him. He saw Tarpon coming at him, and then passing him. Robin turned and watched as Tarpon hissed, flying at the dog. The cat caught hold of the dog's throat and did not release it.
"I think kitty is on our side!" Nightwing yelled as Tarpon screeched in pain. Yet Nightwing's joy was out lived as Winston thrashed about, slamming into the walls.
"ARRRHHH!" Robin yelled as he slammed out of the way of the crashing beast. Yet he was having less trouble then Nightwing, who was riding Winston like the creature was a mad bull.
Nightwing clutched the thick clumps of fur in his hands, and he gritted his teeth as he went into the air, then came down hard back on the beast.
"WINSTON!" Angie shrieked as she went forward, yet Batgirl still clutched her arm. "KILL TARPON!!!"
Winston snorted as it thrust its head back and forth, trying to lose the cat that held fast to its neck. Slowly Winston began to break down, and slow his speed and fury, finding that it did nothing for it.
"ROBIN!"
Robin dashed around, facing Batgirl.
"Here, some tranquilizers!" The older girl managed as she tossed in the air a small dart.
Robin caught it and nodded as he turned back to Winston. "Ok…" Without another word he stuttered forward, throwing himself at the beast, slamming the sharp jagged edge of the dart into its side.
Winston let out a growl and turned, face shoving into Robin's.
"Hee-hee, I doubt you enjoyed that, huh?" the boy managed as he placed a hand to his wounded leg, ready to make a quick escape.
The dog growled deeper, then slammed into Robin, knocking him to the ground. He then went around again, slamming into walls and growling all the more. He paced about, slowing down to a walk.
Nightwing held fast to the thick wiry fur and smiled as the dog fell, due to the tranquilizers and the cat latched at its throat. He crouched to the ground and turned his head slightly, seeing the unconscious dog and the odd cat that was crouched down; purring like it might be content.
"Now what?" Batgirl asked as she let the little girl move forward a little.
Nightwing blinked at the question, then looked at the little girl with little interest. "Find mommy."
The small clan seemed to be content with the answer, all except for the little girl who shrieked as she was dragged along without any comfort. The lab door seemed to call them in an odd manner, and Nightwing nodded.
"Let's go."
Robin screwed up his face at the order, yet he shoved the door open and threw himself in, hearing the light buzz coming from the many monitors and computers. "What the h-."
"Welcome to my lab… if you wouldn't mind, let Angie go." A woman slowly ordered as she stepped from the shadows. "What do you want?"
Nightwing held firmly to Angie's wrist. "Where is he, where is Duane?!" He shoved his way forward. Eyes twitching at Robin, seeing the other boy slinking through the shadows, getting behind the mother incase of a sudden try for escape.
The woman looked firmly into his eyes. "I am sure you know where he is…"
"Yeah, probably in here." Batgirl snapped, her tongue lashing across her lips. "Where is the question?"
The woman laughed at the response. "You are the Dark Knights partners… you should know." Her head turned, and she smiled to Robin. "Don't you?"
The youngest boy took it as a mock and threw his head upright, frowning. "Where, is it that hard of a question?"
"Yes and no."
Robin launched himself onto her, knocking her to the ground. He was simply thrown off, and the woman launched up.
"I wouldn't suggest that little one…" She brought both hands out and grabbed him around the neck, chocking him. "Angie, kill the others!"
The little girl looked sadly at her new 'friends' who had betrayed her without hesitation. "I am sorry, but… mommy said…"
Nightwing gave a surprised look and shook his head. "Batgirl, get Robin… I'll get Angie, then help you…"
The silver costumed man lower his head pushing his lips forward as words formed. He hissed lightly into the captured Batman's ear. "Do you feel that my friend? That's the feeling of your city screaming from fear and pain? Do you hear that my friend? That's the sound of your partners huddled in a mass of death as they are killed slowly. Yes… I think we are onto something my friend, you have lost… Gotham cries out and you do not answer."
Wandering In The Winter Light II
By: The Batthing
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"And the whole world loves it when you're going down, and the whole world loves it when you make that sound. And the whole world loves it when you sing the blues, and the whole world loves it when you're on the news." –Outcast- 'The Whole World'
Disclaimer: I don't own any Batman characters in this following story. They are all property of DC Comics and Kids WB. Bob Kane created Batman and all that goes along with him. So thank him, and not someone else…
Warning: This story is rated PG-13 for some violence and language (I have the language to help a character prove a point, and when he uses the word, the others tell him that it is wrong. I have never used these words, for I don't see them as useful). Its is not like the other stories I wrote, it is more like 'Ring Around The Rosy' (not like my Batman's Back All Right or Larger Than Life is Small Through Our Eyes.) So remember that as you read the following.
"Wake up. Grab a brush and put a little (makeup). Hide the scars to fade away the (shakeup). Why'd you leave the keys upon the table? Here you go create another fable. You wanted to. Grab a brush and put a little makeup. You wanted to. Hide the scars to fade away the shakeup. You wanted to. Why'd you leave the keys upon the table? You wanted to." –System of A Down- 'Chop Suey'
Nightwing slammed forward, flinging his body into the air, wrapping Robin into his arms as he slid into the opened doorway where Batgirl stood screaming at him to hurry. He heard the door slam shut, and Batgirl talking to him, telling him to get up. He slowly lifted his head, and looked into her blue eyes.
"Are you all right? For a moment I wasn't sure if you both would make it!" Batgirl told him as she slowly pulled the unconscious Robin out of Nightwing's arms. She looked at Nightwing then back to Robin. "What do you suppose?"
"Mind control Batgirl… simple and plain. The man is going to try and use Robin's mind like he is doing with Batman's." Nightwing hissed as he slowly stood and shuttered hearing the screaming wind from outside slamming against the walls. The lights that were on and lighted the large room suddenly flashed off.
Batgirl stood. "Do you hear that?"
"Hear what?"
Batgirl shuttered and drew up her head up looking at him. "The sound of labored breathing."
Nightwing cocked his head, listing. He froze suddenly. "I hear it…"
Suddenly giggling split the silence and the filled the room full of it's chilling echoes. It rang through their ears, and Batgirl pulled out a pen flashlight as fast as she could manage. She clicked it on, and scanned the sudden silenced room.
"This is a trap…" Nightwing growled as he ducked down, and scooped Robin into his arms. He nodded towards Batgirl. "It will be easy to attack us at that."
Batgirl nodded looking at Nightwing. "We can't go outside."
A sudden scratching picked up, and both jerked around, searching for the source.
"No… we either go out and freeze to death, or stay in and face some explanation of sounds and feelings." Nightwing growled as he turned towards the doorway. "You choose."
"Stay inside."
Batgirl's head flew up at the sound of the giggling. She looked towards Nightwing was crouched down nearby. He looked at her plainly, and then raised his head up towards the ceiling of the old warehouse. Batgirl slowly did the same, and she yelped lightly seeing millions of rats crawling above her head on the ceiling. She thrust herself against the wall, and felt a hand tap her shoulder lightly.
"Barb?"
Batgirl looked at Nightwing who gave a confused look. She shook slightly.
"Batgirl. What's wrong?"
Batgirl watched in horror as the rats crawled to the ground, their red beady eyes looking into hers, their nails scrapping against the floor. She warded away from them, and felt Nightwing trying to stop her.
"What's wrong?" Nightwing demanded as he looked at her in confusion. "Barb!"
Batgirl threw her arm out, loosing Nightwing's grip, she then threw herself forward, turning as the rats began to crawl up her leg. "GET THEM OFF OF ME!" She screamed, and then ran as fast as she could manage, trying to escape the rats.
Nightwing watched the scene in confusion. He looked around, seeing nothing but snow flinging about from Barbara's panic attack. He glanced down where Robin lay, then understood.
Robin was sitting upright, grinning as he stared hard at Batgirl.
Nightwing understood… the silver costumed man was in Robin's head, and was using his mind games on the screaming girl. He did the only logical thing. He hit Robin across the head…hard…knocking the smaller boy down.
Robin gasped as he hit the ground, then he looked up in anger at Nightwing.
Nightwing frowned, and dashed towards Batgirl, he had to get the flashlight Batgirl held. Nightwing saw her a few feet ahead, screaming at the top of her lungs and clawing at her face. "HELP! GET THEM OFF OF ME! THEY ARE BITTING ME!"
Nightwing grabbed her arm, and she punched him, in the nose. He stuttered back, but grabbed her belt, and pulled it off.
"PLEASE! NIGHTWING! DICK! HELP!"
Nightwing fumbled slightly, and pulled out the flashlight, and then swung around, he saw Robin coming at him slowly. With that, Nightwing flipped the switch on, and the light flooded into Robin's eyes.
Robin shrieked, and then fell to the ground, unconscious. Batgirl's screaming suddenly stopped, and Nightwing turned, looking at the girl.
She was breathing hard as she looked at him. Then she fell to the ground.
Nightwing shivered due to a light breeze, then looked around. Its seemed that eh was always being watched… like someone was there…
"Dick?"
Nightwing looked down at Robin who slowly stood.
"What happened?" He brought a gloved hand to his check and shook his head. "What's wrong with Batgirl?"
"Your…" Nightwing didn't finish due to a shrill giggling. He walked over to Batgirl and brought her up into his arms.
"What the hell is that?" Robin let out as he looked around. "I say we get outta here."
"Be my guest… but there is one heck of a blizzard going on outside, and I wouldn't bet anything that you had a chance of survival."
Robin looked towards the door, and then he looked back at Nightwing who nodded. "Screw the snow… I hate winter."
Nightwing glanced up. "I wonder…"
Robin found himself moving forward, staring hard at small green light. He crouched down, and smiled. "Hey, Nightwing… looks like we are not alone."
Nightwing turned, and saw what Robin meant. A few in front of the younger boy were a pair of bright blue eyes. "A cat?"
A meow came from the shadows where the eyes floated, answering.
"Here kitty, kitty, kitty." Robin cooed, as reached towards the animal. "You suppose Bruce is ok?"
Nightwing raised his head, looking around. "Probably… knowing him."
Robin nodded.
"I think we should look around… what do you think?"
Robin made a face as he stared at the blue eyes. "I think I wanna go home."
"Besides the obvious."
"Ok… I think that this place is creepy, I know that its all just some reasonable explanation, but I don't wanna go around with wet pants the rest of the 'mission'."
Nightwing smiled. "I say we go."
"SCREW what you think."
"I'd rather not."
Robin shrugged, and then turned back to the cat. He gasped, and fell to his back. "WOOW!"
Nightwing turned and his eyes widened, not expecting what he saw.
The bright blue eyes glimmered as they looked at Robin. The eyes belong to a cat like creature, besides the fact that the cat was missing fur and a hind leg. It had scars all over its prune type skin, and on ear had a huge bite mark in it. The weirdest part was the cat's eyes, which were like human eyes. The cat meowed once more. Then purred.
"Scared yet?" Nightwing growled as Robin sat up.
Robin shook his head as he sat up. "That thing is sick."
"I'm sure it feels the same towards you. Just cause it's a little messed up. I mean dude, we still love you and you look worse, then the poor kitty does, when you wake up in the morning."
Robin bent down, ignoring Nightwing's words. "It has a collar on."
"It's loved… so what?"
"OK NIGHTWING!" Robin snapped.
"Ugg…"
The two boys looked at Batgirl who moved slightly, opening her eyes.
"Hey Babs, you ok?" Nightwing questioned as he let the girl down.
Batgirl nodded slowly, and held her stomach, like she was sick. "I feel terrible."
"You'll feel worse in a few moments… when that loser tries to control you're head." Robin sneered. "You know he is in there, and he talks to you… that's it though. He's really a nice guy."
Nightwing glared at the boy.
"There were rats everywhere… crawling all over me, biting me, I could see and feel them tearing apart my skin." The girl shuttered and shook her head.
Nightwing nodded. "Yeah… hallucinations… kind of."
"I- it was terrible."
Nightwing nodded, and then pointed towards a set of stairs. "Who's up for some sight seeing?"
"Not me, I'll shi* myself man." Robin hissed, as he looked at the older boy.
Batgirl mustered enough strength to give a glare at the younger boy. "I do not hold the pleasure of enjoying vulgar language."
Robin clutched his throat. "I forgot, Miss. Perfect." He looked at Nightwing who shook his head. "Ok, Ok, I'll keep it down."
"I know." Batgirl answered as she moved forward slowly. "It's a surprise that you think it's ok to say that crap around us, and not around Batman."
Robin mimicked the girl, and chased after the two adults who were walking for the stairs. "Ohh, look, a ghost."
Batgirl turned hard, about ready to yell at him, when the shrill shrieking of giggling came about. The whole group froze, and then looked at Robin.
Robin stood without motion till the giggling died down. He then shrugged, and gave a small laugh. "I had no idea that was gonna happen."
"No doubt." Nightwing growled as he started up the stairs.
The group of three walked up the flight of wooded stairs, and tried their best not to flinch at the creaks caused from their weight. Cobwebs hung from the roof, and they ignored them to the best of their ability. Soon enough, they came to the top. Nightwing looked around, and took a hard step forward.
"Well, at least we aren't dead." Batgirl joked lightly as she came beside Nightwing.
"At least we aren't dead?" Robin questioned. "What are you suggesting? You think someone is trying to kill us, cause if so, I think you should take the back, Nightwing take the front, and I'll take the middle."
Batgirl ignored the younger boy. "When Batman and I were here, there was a little girl asleep in her room. I don't know if she might be causing this, but she was here."
Nightwing gave a nod. "We'll have to look into it." He then paced down the hall as fast as he could manage. Loud creaks split through the room, each one causing them to shutter or wince. They had not a clue on how to do this, and what was going to happen. Nightwing turned his head, looking at the two behind him. "Watch where you step, there may very well be a hol-"
He was not able to finish, for the splitting of wood filled the air, and Nightwing let out a final yelp of surprise as he fell through the rotted wood floor.
Batgirl thrust herself to the edge, scanning for her friend. "NIGHTWING! NIGHTWING -? ANSWER ME!"
"Ugg, I'm all right, just fell to another story." He released a troubled groan.
Robin crouched beside Batgirl and looked into the hole at Nightwing, then back at Batgirl. "You know what, I have this odd sensation that he was about ready to say watch out for holes in the floor." The smaller boy smiled down at Nightwing. "Hmmm."
Nightwing glared up at them as he stood in a slanted position, both fists clutched together. "I'll be up there in a moment, and when I do, you had better run Robin!"
Robin smirked slightly, but could not reply due to a sudden clump from behind him, he turned and let out a high-pitched shriek.
"Some one is going through some changes with their voice… Batgirl, don't scare him. Let me." Nightwing muttered, dusting himself off. Before he could even let out another breath, Robin jumping in the hole. "What the-." Nightwing yelled as the younger boy slammed into the ground next to his feet. He raised his head. "Batgirl?"
Batgirl was staring down in the hole, and her knew. With a grunt he covered his eyes and flung a hand into his pocket, pulling out a flashlight. But before he could use it on her, he heard her land beside them.
Robin crawled slightly back. "Nightwing, she's right- OUFFF!"
Batgirl smiled as she drew back her leg from the sharp kick she had just laid out on the small boy. She then turned to Nightwing and cocked her head. "Dick?" Her voice was soft. "What is- what is going on…" She fell into his arms and began to sob into his chest.
Nightwing gave a startled breath, and then pushed her away. He was confused so he searched her for answers, avoiding her eyes. "Batgirl?"
Batgirl took his face into her hands. "Why don't you look at me? I am scared Nightwing!" She moved her eyes franticly, trying to catch his.
"No." He then snapped his flashlight up and shined it at her.
Batgirl screeched and smashed a fist into his face, throwing him to the ground. "ARRHHEEE!"
Robin panted and shielded his head as she clawed about. He didn't know what he should do. She was hurting Dick and himself, but it was Barbara! Without a second thought, Robin slammed a foot out, tripping the girl. He dashed out of the way from her, and she snatched his cape, pulling him towards her. "ARR! Lem'me GO!"
"Tim, Timmy, it's just me!" She grasped his shoulder and pulled him to her. She was holding him, and clawing his face to get him to look to her.
Robin was shocked at her strength, and he kicked her, and she did nothing. Her nails dug into his cheek, trying to force him to look at her. "Get offa ME! I ain't going back again!" He drew his head down and snapped his teeth into her arm.
Batgirl yelled out, and slammed the heel of her hand into the back of his head, crushing his face into the floor. "No, Bad Timmy!"
Nightwing raced at her and aimed a punch, trying to free Robin, but she saw it and jumped at him, slamming all her weight into him. The two tumbled to the ground, and she hit him in the jaw, then in the gut, then in the temple. She kept hitting and kicking vigorously till he fell to the floor, blood splattered over her fist, and his face. She raised her fist to hit him again.
"Leave him ALONE!" Robin yelled as he grabbed her by the arm and yanked her away. He then punched her, delivering his fist promptly in her jaw.
Batgirl grabbed him by the hair and twisted it cruelly. She then forced him to the ground, hitting his head onto the floor twice. She brought it up and shook her head seeing him with eyelids shut, not looking at her. "Look at me Timmy, please? I promise if you do then Bruce will come back here unharmed and I'll act normal. We can all go home. Just look at me." She brushed a hand through his hair, where blood soaked into her costume. He tried to hit her, but she twisted his arm back.
Nightwing gurgled slightly, and stood, seeing her with Robin, and he stood. The flashlight was just a few inches away, if he could just reach a little further then… YES! He had it! "Let him GO!"
Batgirl swirled around, and gasped as the light flooded into her eyes. She breathed hard, and then fell to the ground, unconscious.
Robin raised his head and he smiled at Nightwing. "She always tries to get her own way in such a violent manner."
"You ok?"
"Better than you man."
Nightwing picked the girl up and nodded to Robin. "Lets find the little girl who lives here."
"Sure thing man, just watch out for holes."
Nightwing smirked and the two set off.
"I LOST the connection! How did that happen?" The thin man in the silver costume screamed, as he turned hard and glared at Batman who stood in the small cell. Batman clutched the bars with both hands, glaring nonstop. "You think that your partners are safe? They are not, I'll kill them, and then we will see who owns Gotham!" He giggled lightly and nodded. "Maybe we can have them all die by your hands, that would be funny!"
Batman didn't say a word…
"On a recent self test, it has been discovered that Algebra not only causes low self esteem, depression, and constant headaches, but also causes the slight percentage of cancer." Robin said in a short voice. "Do you think that's a good complaint to tell the Health Board?"
Nightwing smiled slightly. "Hey, you go for it. Just one question."
"Oh?"
"What is the percentage of cancer it causes?"
"It could cause a good amount on the light fixture in the room, and the sunlight coming in, but the class itself? Maybe it'll be around -9999999 and so on."
"Ok, yeah, go for it."
Robin nodded, and then rounded the corner. "Dude, does this stupid hall ever come to a door?"
"Yeah, to your left."
Robin turned. "Huh?" He watched as Batgirl slipped out of Nightwing's arms and smiled.
She pointed down the hall. "I said to your left."
Robin gave a short nod. "Gotcha' Glad to see you're awake."
"Yes, I wish I were still asleep though." Batgirl muttered with a shake of her head.
The three stuttered down the hall slowly, ignoring any true form of conversation.
"That door, over there." Batgirl hissed as she dragged her feet along. "I'm sure of it."
Robin nodded and paced for the door, but before he got to it, there was an awkward pause. "Nightwing, it's that deformed thing!"
His two friends turned and saw the mutated cat coming behind them. Its missing leg was apparent as it did so.
"Is that thing safe?" Batgirl questioned as she looked at Nightwing. "It looks so, excuse me, nasty."
Nightwing shrugged. "It seems safe, but I am not one to get close to it… Robin already wanted to take it home, but-."
Robin ignored them and thrust the door open, flinging the light on. He entered and nodded slowly seeing a little toddler on her bed crying. Her room was nice enough, and looked like a regular bedroom, unlike the rest of the 'house'. "Hey."
The girl looked up. "You are BAD!"
"Uh-."
"Why don't you ever leave? My daddy can't come home till you leave!" She looked at him, expecting a reason.
Robin moved forward, yet keeping his distance.
The little girl blinked then looked at Batgirl and Nightwing as the two entered.
"Hello, what's your name hon?" Batgirl questioned coming close to the bed, stopping two feet away.
"Angie."
Batgirl smiled. "Do you live here Angie?"
The little girl nodded slowly. "Uh-huh."
"With who, it must be lonely to live here all alone!" Batgirl pressed, cocking her head and smiling a brighter smile.
"Will you leave if I answer your questions?"
Batgirl nodded quickly. "We will leave as soon as possible."
"I live with my mummy, daddy, and Winston."
Nightwing stepped forward. "Who is Winston?"
The girl looked at him, as if he stupid. "My puppy."
Robin sighed and crossed his arms, stepping out of the room, slightly annoyed. The conversation was going nowhere.
"And your mother? Did she go someplace?"
The little girl shook her head. "She's here, someplace…"
"Oh, and your puppy? Is he around here?"
"With mummy."
Batgirl nodded." So you do not know where your mother is then?"
The girl nodded then sighed. "Are we done now?"
"Yes, um, one more question. Does your daddy have a lab, or an office? A place where he might work?"
The girl pressed her lips firmly together. "I am not supposed to tell."
Batgirl shrugged as if uncaring over the response. "Oh, ok, my dad has an office and a lab. I thought yours might too, it seems everyone does, I guess you don't though. That's ok though."
This seemed to disturb the girl, and she looked at Nightwing. "How about you? Does your daddy have an office?"
"Yeah, tons of 'em." Nightwing replied looking at Batgirl slowly.
"And even his daddy?" She pointed to Robin, looking impatiently at Batgirl.
Batgirl turned to look at Robin, who was wandering outside the room, looking down the hall. She nodded. "Yeah, only one though, not many."
The girl slipped out of her bed and went over to Nightwing, and took his hand. "I'll show you, but don't tell daddy!"
"Sure!" Nightwing managed as she pulled him behind her.
Batgirl smiled as she followed. "Come on Robin."
Robin turned, from where he had been watching the cat, and nodded.
The girl shrieked and grasped Nightwing's arm, shoving her face into it. "It's THE CAT!"
"What?" Robin demanded as he stole a glance at the cat that suddenly hunched it's back and hissed. "What's wrong with it?"
"Get me away from it!" The girl cried.
Nightwing picked her up, and went down the hall, followed by the other three. He put her down and nodded. "What's wrong with the cat?"
"It killed daddy's brother!"
"It WHAT!? A CAT?" Robin demanded.
The girl nodded and looked at the three. "It wants to kill daddy, mummy, and me." She wiped away her tears. "Uncle Bruton always kept it caged up, and tried to kill it, he said it was evil and needed to be done away with!"
"Did he take off its leg and the fur?" Robin questioned.
"No, he said its name was Tarpon."
Batgirl clutched Robin's shoulder. "TARPON?!"
"Ow, let me go!" Robin let out, shoving her hand off.
"Tarpon was that man who bailed…" She trailed off.
Nightwing nodded understanding. "Freaky, and impossible." He nodded to the little girl. "We'll keep you safe Angie, don't worry."
"How did a CAT kill a man?" Robin pressed looking at the girl.
Angie took Nightwing's hand again. "He bit him in the neck."
"Like a vampire?"
The girl looked at him. "What's a vampire?"
"Like, well it's… did he have two teeth marks in his neck?"
Batgirl let out a sigh. "We don't believe in supernatural junk that comes from humans."
"You didn't meet Mr. Blood or Etrigan." Robin muttered.
"The bite mark was a big chuck of his neck gone, right her." She walked over to Robin and pointed to the front of his neck. "It was scary to see."
Nightwing shook his head. "Geesh kid, what have YOU been through?"
"Come on, I'll show you MY daddy's lab!" she pulled him behind her.
Batgirl smiled as she followed Nightwing and the girl. Robin looked behind him and saw the cat starring at him, right into his eyes. He shuttered. "This is one heck of a good haunted house!" The boy then went after his friends.
"Come now Batman, you shall see your friends again… follow me." Duane ordered as he concentrated on Batman's mind, controlling it with all his might. Batman was already on his way to the warehouse, and he should get there any moment, especially since Duane had given him the short ability to walk on top if the thick and deep snow. The destruction would be total, yet Duane did not mind, in fact. He liked the idea of more death.
"There it is, my daddy's lab!" she pointed down the long hall at a door.
"Batgirl, hold her… Robin and I will checking to find who's doing this to us." He then shoved his way to the door, and the girl felt Batgirl's hand grasp her arm.
Angie thrashed. "Let me go! You can't go in there!" She began to kick at Batgirl and hit her.
Batgirl held her tight, "calm down hon, this is going to be good once it is all over with." She watched as Nightwing, followed by Robin and the odd cat walked down the hall.
The girl saw the cat and screamed. "WINSTON! MOMMY! DADDY!"
Batgirl, Robin, and Nightwing suddenly stopped as a huge creak cracked through the house. Then the sound of something coming from down the hall sounded off.
The cat named Tarpon hissed and arched it's back.
"WHAT THE HEL* IS THAT!?" Robin grumbled as he watched the cat's reaction.
Angie laughed and then nodded. "It's my puppy."
Robin raised his eyes as a huge figure appeared. "Oh shhhhhiiii." He didn't finish and didn't need to. There, a few feet away was a huge beast, in the form of a dog. Yet it stood five feet tall with dripping fangs, huge paws, thick and wiry brown fur, and beady black eyes.
"Winston, get them, they are going to hurt mommy!" Angie shrieked.
The dog lashed out suddenly, coming straight at Robin and Nightwing, ignoring Batgirl and Angie.
Tarpon suddenly sprung forward and drew his claws out, scratching the beast in the eye. It then let out a horrid sound as Winston snatched it in its fangs and threw it to the ground, then went for the two boys.
Robin leapt out of the way, and tumbled to the ground, feeling the beast a few feet away. He yelped as he felt the creature bite down on his leg, and toss him into the air.
"ROBIN!" Nightwing yelled as he saw the boy flung into the air like a doll. Winston watched as Robin hit the ground with a grunt. He then went for the boy again.
Nightwing ran hard, jumping onto the thing's back and grabbing a fistful of fur, and then yanking hard. Yet the dog ignored it and snatched up Robin by the boy's cape and threw him to the ground once more, and running over to him.
Robin was ready this time and he thrust a hand into his belt, pulling out… there was nothing more than a few bat-a-rangs and gas bombs! He snatched up three small gas bombs and threw them at the beast eyes. He then dodged out of the way, favoring his left leg where the dog had bitten him. He saw Tarpon coming at him, and then passing him. Robin turned and watched as Tarpon hissed, flying at the dog. The cat caught hold of the dog's throat and did not release it.
"I think kitty is on our side!" Nightwing yelled as Tarpon screeched in pain. Yet Nightwing's joy was out lived as Winston thrashed about, slamming into the walls.
"ARRRHHH!" Robin yelled as he slammed out of the way of the crashing beast. Yet he was having less trouble then Nightwing, who was riding Winston like the creature was a mad bull.
Nightwing clutched the thick clumps of fur in his hands, and he gritted his teeth as he went into the air, then came down hard back on the beast.
"WINSTON!" Angie shrieked as she went forward, yet Batgirl still clutched her arm. "KILL TARPON!!!"
Winston snorted as it thrust its head back and forth, trying to lose the cat that held fast to its neck. Slowly Winston began to break down, and slow his speed and fury, finding that it did nothing for it.
"ROBIN!"
Robin dashed around, facing Batgirl.
"Here, some tranquilizers!" The older girl managed as she tossed in the air a small dart.
Robin caught it and nodded as he turned back to Winston. "Ok…" Without another word he stuttered forward, throwing himself at the beast, slamming the sharp jagged edge of the dart into its side.
Winston let out a growl and turned, face shoving into Robin's.
"Hee-hee, I doubt you enjoyed that, huh?" the boy managed as he placed a hand to his wounded leg, ready to make a quick escape.
The dog growled deeper, then slammed into Robin, knocking him to the ground. He then went around again, slamming into walls and growling all the more. He paced about, slowing down to a walk.
Nightwing held fast to the thick wiry fur and smiled as the dog fell, due to the tranquilizers and the cat latched at its throat. He crouched to the ground and turned his head slightly, seeing the unconscious dog and the odd cat that was crouched down; purring like it might be content.
"Now what?" Batgirl asked as she let the little girl move forward a little.
Nightwing blinked at the question, then looked at the little girl with little interest. "Find mommy."
The small clan seemed to be content with the answer, all except for the little girl who shrieked as she was dragged along without any comfort. The lab door seemed to call them in an odd manner, and Nightwing nodded.
"Let's go."
Robin screwed up his face at the order, yet he shoved the door open and threw himself in, hearing the light buzz coming from the many monitors and computers. "What the h-."
"Welcome to my lab… if you wouldn't mind, let Angie go." A woman slowly ordered as she stepped from the shadows. "What do you want?"
Nightwing held firmly to Angie's wrist. "Where is he, where is Duane?!" He shoved his way forward. Eyes twitching at Robin, seeing the other boy slinking through the shadows, getting behind the mother incase of a sudden try for escape.
The woman looked firmly into his eyes. "I am sure you know where he is…"
"Yeah, probably in here." Batgirl snapped, her tongue lashing across her lips. "Where is the question?"
The woman laughed at the response. "You are the Dark Knights partners… you should know." Her head turned, and she smiled to Robin. "Don't you?"
The youngest boy took it as a mock and threw his head upright, frowning. "Where, is it that hard of a question?"
"Yes and no."
Robin launched himself onto her, knocking her to the ground. He was simply thrown off, and the woman launched up.
"I wouldn't suggest that little one…" She brought both hands out and grabbed him around the neck, chocking him. "Angie, kill the others!"
The little girl looked sadly at her new 'friends' who had betrayed her without hesitation. "I am sorry, but… mommy said…"
Nightwing gave a surprised look and shook his head. "Batgirl, get Robin… I'll get Angie, then help you…"