Chapter Five: Investigations and Conversations

"That was a close one," Nightwing said half to himself as he stared at the place where Red X had been. "I wonder why he's back." He thought he saw something in the shadows. He whirled around to look. He saw the very thing he hated.

"Hello, Nightwing," the voice rang in the night.

"Slade, what do you want with us, I thought we'd made a truce."

"That truce was only temporary," Slade replied. "Now that Trigon is gone there is no need for it."

"What do you want?" Nightwing demanded.

"What does it matter to you?" Slade sneered. "I have returned for my own reasons. And there's noting you can do to stop me."

"Try and stop this!" Nightwing hurled himself full force at Slade, who blocked it with ease.

"You're still sloppy, Nightwing. You're getting slow."

"No," Nightwing growled. "You just talk more." He spun kicked Slade hard, Starfire joined him, and blasting their arch foe with everything they had. Slade dodged a hail of Starbolts while he smashed his fists into Nightwing, who accepted the blow and somersaulting backward, smashing Slade's masked face as he tried to strike him. Nightwing watched with satisfaction as his enemy staggered back.

Nightwing launched a full assault on Slade. He used every skill, every move he knew to battle his greatest nemesis. He would bring him down, here and now. Slade began to lose the confidence he had had earlier and began to take a defensive position as Nightwing refused to abate his attack. Leaping high, he smashed his knee into Slade's midsection.

Slade decided he had had enough as Starfire struck him hard. He blocked the blow, but Starfire kept at him. Her hand-to-hand combat skills were exceptional. He felt the air knocked out of him as he accepted a powerful kick from Starfire. He backed up to the edge and flipped off the roof as Nightwing and Starfire watched.

"He's back, and this time I'm going to take him down and there will be no stopping me this time!" Nightwing declared to Starfire. She looked at him with a concerned look. She didn't know how long this was going to last. He was obsessing again.

Kory awoke the next morning refreshed and ready for work. She walked out into the kitchen and saw Raven fixing herself some tea. "Good morning, Raven," she greeted.

"Good morning, Kory," Raven replied. "Bump into the Arial Avenger last night?" Kory looked startled.

"How do you know what—" Kory started.

"It's obvious, don't you think? You know what he does at night. You shouldn't be so surprised." Raven laughed. "It's not like he wouldn't notice you."

"Yes, I know," Kory replied. "If you will excuse me, Friend Raven, I must get going to work. What will you be doing?"

"Oh, I will think of something to entertain myself. Actually, Beast Boy should be arriving at the bus station. You'll probably find me there."

"That is nice to know, but I do not think I will be able to make it there. I will have to see friend Beast Boy when you both return here," Kory said. "Good-bye, Raven. I shall see you later."

"Good-bye, Kory. See you later." Raven Roth smiled as her friend left the room. Raven walked over to the phone and dialed a number. The phone rang on the other line and it was picked up soon after.

"Hello? Wayne Enterprises" the receptionist's voice said on the other end.

"I would like to speak to Richard Grayson," Raven said simply. There was a slight pause.

"Richard Grayson is busy right now; may I ask who is calling?"

"Raven Roth is calling for Richard Grayson. I'm sure he will speak to me." Raven's voice was curt and stern. She waited for a few moments.

"Richard Grayson will speak to you now, thank you."

"Raven?" Richard's voice came over the line. "How are you? I didn't know you were here."

"I've been visiting an old friend," Raven replied. There was slight pause.

"Visiting Kory?" he asked. A note of curiosity in his voice, she knew why he was asking.

"Yes, she knows about you."

"What?" he lowered his voice to a soft whisper, "She knows I'm Nightwing?"

"No, not that; she knows about Richard Grayson."

"How?" he asked.

"I told her about you."

"You what?" Richard asked in disbelief.

"No, I didn't tell her about your life as Nightwing. She does know about the good things you've done for people. I've always wondered why you never told her you had a secret identity."

"I never had a need for a secret identity until after we—" he became exasperated. "No, no I don't want to bring that up."

"You have to bring it up some time," Raven interrupted. "You can't keep ignoring the past as if it never happened."

"I know, I know. Look Raven, I have to go. She's here now. I can't talk. I don't want her to know you've been talking to me."

"Alright," Raven replied. She hung up the phone, laughing a little. It seemed rather amusing that she was helping Kory see her ex, although she had no clue it was him. It would be nice to see them get back together again. She knew they were supposed to be together. It was the way life was, it was something that could not be denied or ignored. Raven looked at her watch. 1:00 PM. Beast Boy was going to arrive at 1:30. She went out onto the back porch and flew towards the station. It was time to see an old friend.

Kory pulled the patrol car into a parking spot in the parking lot. She took a deep breath; it was odd not having Robert with her. She steadied herself as best she could, climbing out she walked into Wayne Enterprises. It was time to go to work.

Just as she had expected, there was Richard Grayson, warm smile and all, waiting for her. "So," he asked, "Any new developments I should know about?"

"Not yet," replied Kory, "I'd like to look around again, if I may."

"Of course," Richard pointed to the room. "I haven't let anyone go in there since this started."

"Good." Kory made her way into the laboratory and began reexamining everything. The X-a-Rang had been taken as evidence, but the room remained untouched. She raised her eyes to the ceiling and noted the gaping hole where the skylight had been. She turned to Richard, who had followed her into the room.

"May I go up on the roof?"

"Yes, anything that can help, I will do." He showed her to the staircase that lead up to the rooftop. Climbing it, they came onto the roof of the building. Looking around, she noticed that the museum was just a short distance away. There had been a break in there recently. She began to wonder if Red X had been behind that too. Although, the culprits had been apprehended, she had to wonder if Red X would target the museum as well. Being that Wayne Enterprises manufactured his Zinonthium; and the museum was less than a block away, it seemed quite convenient to steal from there.

"Do you know anything about the break in at the museum?" Kory asked Richard when she had come back inside.

"Not too much," he admitted. "All I know is that Nightwing caught the culprits."

"Nightwing…" Kory let her voice trail off. "Interesting…"

"What's that about Nightwing?" Richard asked.

"Oh, nothing, I'm just curious that's all." Kory looked at him intently. "Well, Mr. Grayson, I have a feeling that Red X might come back here. You may want to tighten security."

"I already have. I've asked Nightwing to come and watched the place at night." Kory was startled for a fraction of a second. She quickly composed herself so fast that she hoped he hadn't noticed.

"That is good. I'm sure Red X won't bother you this time," Kory said hastily. "I have to get back to the station. Thank you for your time."

"It's no trouble at all," Richard reassured her. She left the building and made her way back to her patrol car. Nightwing. Nightwing was involved with Wayne Enterprises. It seemed rather suspicious to her that he would be involved with such a large corporation. He seemed to be connected somehow with Richard Grayson. She would have to ask him about it. If she was lucky enough to find him that night; if what Richard had said was true, then she would find him at Wayne Enterprises.

Arriving at the Jump City Police Department, she got out and walked inside. "Hello Chief," she smiled at Nicholas Rufus Dennis. He looked up from his paperwork.

"Hey there, Kory," he smiled slightly, "anything new on our little Red X investigation?"

"I'm making some progress. Chief, what do you know about the break in at the museum right down the street from Wayne Enterprises?"

"Not too much. Just that our spandex wearing vigilante got 'em. That's all I know." Nicholas smiled. "You know there's been spottings of Starfire don't you?"

"Spottings?" Kory asked, feigning surprise. "I guess she decided to come back."

"I guess so, Kory. Weren't Starfire and Nightwing married once awhile back?" he asked.

"They were. I heard they split up."

"Yeah, it's really sad, isn't it?" he said as he was looking through paperwork.

"Yes, it really is," Kory said to herself more than him. "Well, I am going to file this report. If you need me for anything, just shout."

"Alright then," Nicholas said, returning to his work. Kory sat down and began preparing to write and file her report. As soon as her shift was over, she was going home to visit with Raven and Beast Boy. She looked at her watch. It was about 2:30; Beast Boy was probably in Jump City by now.

Finished with her report a few hours later, Kory handed it to Nicholas. "Well, I guess Dee's coming in to take over my shift. I'm going to visit Robert in the infirmary."

"Give our man my regards," Nicholas said as she walked out the door.

"I will, Chief, don't worry." Kory left the building and drove over to the infirmary. The receptionist looked up at her as she walked in.

"Hello, May I help you?" she asked.

"Yes, I am here to see Robert Thomson, he's a friend of mine." Kory waited as the lady punched some things into the computer. After a moment, she looked up at her, "First door on the right, Room 124."

"Thank you," Kory told the receptionist as she made her way to his room. She walked in and he looked up from reading a newspaper. "Hey there, you okay?" she asked, taking a seat beside him.

"Never been better, Kory," Robert replied. "So what's all this about since I've been gone. Red X? Was he really behind the break in at Wayne Enterprises?"

"It appears that way, yes," Kory smiled. "But enough about me; how are you? I have been worried about you for two days. How are they treating you?"

"As good as can be expected when you're in my condition," Robert laughed. "So you got to meet Dick Grayson, eh? Funny isn't it? Have you heard what the ladies talk about on break?"

"Let me guess, Dick Grayson," Kory laughed. "So what do they say about him?"

"Oh, that he's the most gorgeous thing God ever created." They both laughed. "They also say he was married once, five years ago."

"Huh?" Kory started. This was unexpected. "Five years ago, did you say?"

"Yes," Robert replied. "His wife divorced him. Something about his job, I heard."

"So, is he seeing anyone?"

"Not that I know of, he may be popular with the ladies, but he's not seeing anyone. You should date him Kory, he needs a little excitement in his life."

"Oh heck no!" Kory burst out laughing. "That's the last thing on my mind." She gave a small sigh, "That's the last thing on my mind."

"Oh, come on Kory, you honestly need someone in your life. You seem so lonely at times. I worry about you, why won't you go see someone?"

"Let's just say that my experiences with men have not been exactly wonderful."

"Come on, it can't be that bad," Robert laughed. "Tell me your story. I'll keep it quiet."

"I was married once. My husband was a…workaholic. His job got in the way. I left him, end of story."

"Oh, that bad huh?" Robert laughed. "Well, you better go. I've wasted your time long enough."

"It was not a waste of my time at all. I just wanted to make sure you are recovering well." Kory stood to her feet. "I'll see you around sometime."

"Good," Robert chuckled. "Now be careful. The last thing I need is a roommate."

"Oh, I will. I will," Kory walked out to the parking lot and drove back to her house. Opening the door, she saw much to her joy and delight that Beast Boy was sitting on the couch with Raven. Actually, it was more like kissing on the couch with Raven. She chuckled loud enough for them both to become aware of her presence. Raven hadn't told her that they were an item.

She cleared her throat loudly. "Am I interrupting something?" Beast Boy and Raven both jumped. Raven turned her gaze to her friend.

"Kory, you were supposed to be here later!"

"Obviously not late enough for the two of you, I see," Kory laughed. "Friend Beast Boy, so good to see you!" He stood up as she pulled him into a big hug. "I did not know you and Raven were an item."

"Well, we aren't—actually, ah, we are kind of," Beast Boy blushed. "We've been e-mailing each other."

"I see." Kory sat down beside them on her couch. "So what happened in L.A.?"

"It was awful Kory, you wouldn't believe it. No one actually took the job seriously," Beast Boy replied. "They just couldn't hold their own there."

"Beast Boy, you do not take anything seriously," Kory laughed. Beast Boy smiled.

"So what did you do to support yourself?"

"Oh, I took a job as a comedian at the nightclubs there. Did a couple gigs. I wasn't half bad honestly."

"That is nice to know."

"I might actually do a show here."

"Oh really? I might come but do not expect me to laugh at your corny jokes."

"Kory!" Beast Boy protested. "Then what's the point in coming if you're not going to laugh?"

"Seeing an old friend." She looked out and saw the sun setting. "Do you want something to eat?"

"Sure, do you want to go out or cook in?"

"I shall cook in if you do not mind," Kory said. She got up and went into her kitchen.

"As long as you don't make us Glork, we'll be okay," Beast Boy shouted.

"There is no need to worry about that!" Kory shouted back. It will be something like spaghetti and meatballs."

"Okay, that works!" Beast Boy shouted and she started preparing dinner.

It was early evening when Kory Anders donned on her Starfire outfit. She had to make a stop at Wayne Enterprises. Her mission was to find Nightwing and question him about Dick Grayson. She was curious about him and she wondered why he would work for him. It didn't seem like something he would do. And she wanted to get back into the swing of things; along with the possibility of catching Red X.

She flew up to the roof of Wayne Enterprises, landing softly, she began to look around. She heard someone land on the roof and she assumed an offensive position, prepared to strike at any given moment. She looked around and spotted a tall, dark figure waiting for her.

"Nightwing," she stated simply. "I had a feeling you would be here."

"Now who happened to tell you that?" Nightwing asked, feigning ignorance. Better to play along so she wouldn't make a connection between him and Dick Grayson.

"Dick Grayson," she replied.

"How did you happen to get information from this Dick Grayson?" he asked.

"That is my business, not yours, Nightwing. You should know better than to pry into my life."

"I know. I know. So why are you here?"

"I have some questions about Dick Grayson."

"So why come to me?"

"You work for Dick Grayson."

"And you think I know him," Nightwing stated simply. "Maybe I do. What do you want to know?"

"Why did he hire you? Gigantic corporations are not exactly what you protect on a daily basis."

"We protected Wayne Enterprises before, when Slade made me his apprentice all those years ago."

"Yes, must you always bring up the past?" Starfire asked softly.

"Not always," Nightwing replied, "just when I think about you."

"Do not flatter me Nightwing; you know it will not work."

"I know, but it can't hurt to try can it?"

She didn't give him an answer. He stared off into the distance, trying to keep himself from staring at her. She was just as intoxicating, mesmerizing and beautiful as she had been five years ago. If she knew what power she still held over him… He tried to look somewhere else, distract himself from her, but he was finding it very difficult to do so. He turned to her quietly.

"Starfire, are you still angry with me?" Nightwing asked. He was unsure of how to ask the question, "After all these years, are you still angry with me?"

She didn't answer. He was disappointed. He then became distracted by a noise coming from the museum near Wayne Enterprises. They both turned their gaze towards the sound. There was a shape slinking in the shadows. "Red X!" Nightwing hissed in Starfire's ear. She nodded. They leapt from the rooftop.

Landing inside the alley, they blocked the shadowed figure's path. The figure stopped, paused and came into a lighted area of the alley.

"Hey kid," Red X laughed, seeing Nightwing. Nightwing smirked at him. "Wow," he laughed. "Hey cutie, now that you're available, now I have someone to flirt with." Starfire glared and powered up her Starbolts, rising into the air, she unleashed them with a fury. Starbolts rained down on him as he dodged them. Nightwing leapt high and brought his Bo Staff smashing down on X.

He dodged back and launched some X-a-Rangs from his hands. Starfire used her powers to disintegrate them to smithereens as he continued his assault on Nightwing. Red X punched Nightwing in the face and he retaliated by kicking him in his midsection. Nightwing smashed his metallic staff into Red X, sending him stumbling backwards.

Starfire smashed his face as Red X began backing up. "Wasn't expecting this," she heard him mumble.

"I am sure you did not," she muttered to herself as she blasted him again. Using his technology, he teleported himself away, deciding that his target would have to wait until a more opportune time and place.

"I suppose you'll be leaving now," Nightwing said as she stared at the spot where Red X had been.

"Yes," she replied. "I shall be going now. Good-bye Nightwing."

"Good-bye Star," Nightwing whispered as she flew away. He wished he could make it work out between them. Maybe if she learned to love him as Dick Grayson, maybe she would love him again as Nightwing. He hoped as Dick Grayson he would be able to start over with her. He would have to take his chances, tempt fate and take a risk. He would do it. All for her; she was the only thing that mattered to him now.