Hello to all who are reading my Fic. I really appreciate the feed back. Sorry for the long delay for this next posting. I really struggled with this chapter. I ventured into some new ground for me and also found myself going back to things I feel comfortable with. I will get to the disclaimer in a moment.

The final part of the this chapter is extremely tragic for one of our main characters. I don't want to give it away. I have put an Alert before I get to the actual scene. You will have an idea of what it is I mean when you get to that point in the story. I put an alert for the start and the finish of the "bad part" so you do not have to read it, if you chose not to. Again this will make more sense when you get there.

Other than that please enjoy and I hope to post the next chapter soon.

Disclaimer: I own nothing from DC comics, cartoons, etc. Infact anything that may accidentally be real, I don't own that either.

The room lay silent. Dick woke suddenly from his chair. "Bruce!" he blurted out when he awoke. He looked over to his mentor who still slept peacefully. He couldn't believe he slept through the doctors visit. An IV was hooked up to Bruce. A heart monitoring machine was also set up on the opposite side of the bed. He threw off the blanket that he knew he did not fall asleep with and took another look at Bruce. "Time to hit the streets."

Finding himself hopping roof top to roof top Robin could feel an extra jump in his step. Knowing that Bruce was alive and here made a lot of his worries conveniently disappear. He had spent so much time worrying about so much that this new feeling of hope was a feeling he felt was long overdue. The night was quiet, almost too quiet for Robins taste. He stopped on one of the taller building's in downtown Gotham. He stood at the edge of the roof and looked over the city he called home one last time for the night. "Everything looks clear to me. Time to call it a night." He took a step off the ledge and was now free falling from the building. Moments later his cape straightened out like a hang glider, he was floating down to the streets below. With a couple taps on his utility belt, his motorcycle rumbled to where he should have landed but halfway down he was sideswiped by a lightening fast blur. "What the..." Robin was now tumbling down to the streets below. The wind to his back Robin reached for a bat-a-rang and fired it up at the building he had just stepped from. A few seconds later he was swinging back up to the roof top of a much smaller building.

Gaining his composure Robin attempted to find the source of the hit and run,he gave his mask a tap on the left top corner. He was now looking through the mask like a pair of binoculars. He saw a figure many miles away that reminded him of himself. It was bouncing roof top to roof top and making good speed while doing so. He again jump from the roof top to make his way to his bike but not before looking both ways. He followed the figure from the roads below, he found himself leaving the city of Gotham and heading for the outskirts of town. This mysterious figure lead him to an abandoned neighborhood. No lights lit the sidewalks. There were no families fast asleep in these houses. You would likely find a crack house and the many deviants inside looking to hideaway. He followed the figure deeper into the ghost town. Making sure not to be seen, Robin laid back a bit and watched as the dark figure entered into a house. He left his bike and continued on foot. It was a simple looking house. Your basic two stories, the windows were all boarded up and it was obvious that no one had lived there for many years. He circled the out side of the house, making sure to remember every angle, looking for any traps or hidden entrances. Feeling confident that he was walking into no traps he made his way up to the roof. There was a window like vent on the side of the house. He unhinged a couple of boards covering the opening and climbed in the small opening. Making sure there was nothing of importance in the upstairs attic, Robin uncovered a hole in the floor leading to the hallway below. There were four doors in the hallway, all were closed. He slowly stalked the hallway trying to see if he could hear if anyone was in one of the rooms. Two doors from where he started he could hear voices. Knowing it would not be a good idea to just barge in and take whomever was in there by surprise he reached into his utility and pulled out an extremely tiny block. It was about the size of a thumbnail, Robin squeezed the cube and placed it into an open vent in the hall. He then gave his mask three taps on the top right corner and could now see and hear what the small cube was seeing. After a few moments the voices were becoming more clear.

"And just why in the hell would I pay you anything. You haven't found shit for me." Robin instantly recognized the voice. He turned the volume up full notch. "And besides my other interests are going quite well. I feel your services will no longer be required. HAHAHAHA!"

"I'll get my money one way or another from you. This kitty never gets double crossed. And if any of you physo's try to lay a hand on me as I leave, I promise you will not get that hand back!"

Loud feedback filled Robin ears and he was forced to turned the cube off. His own ears could tell him that there was fighting within those walls. The door flung open, Robin stood ready on the defense. Catwoman made an exit to remember. She did two back flips to get her self completely out of the room, then stopped and stood on the other side of the hall. She looked at Robin and gave him a smile. "Glad to see I got your attention. I was counting on that." Robin didn't have much time to figure out what she ment by that last remark because gun shoots fired out of the room, Catwoman did a cartwheel to her right and slipped down the stairs. Robin turned to follow but was interrupted by more gun fire, this time though he could tell it was aimed at him. He turned to see Four of the Jokers goons charge out of the room firing.

"Well, it was nice knowing you Ass Bird!" One of the goons yelled to Robin.

"Ass Bird? Are you serious. Out of all the names to use, Ass Bird." Robin shrugged his shoulders then immediately fire a bat-a-rang at the goon on the far right. Then Robin Jumped on the wall to his left and ricocheted off and jump on top of the other three goons. Bringing them all to the ground. Getting back to his feet before the others, Robin grabbed the nearest goon by the shirt and gave him a punch that knocked his lights out. The other two goons were up on their feet now and both charged the super hero. Robin stood there waiting for the right moment. The goons were within arms reach, Robin jumped straight up and in what seemed like one quick motion Robin reached down and smashed both heads of the goons together, both falling to the floor. "Well, now that I'm done here, let's go see if can find our four legged friend."

Outside Robin found no trace of Catwoman. His motorcycle pulled up beside him and Robin hopped on. He couldn't help but think of what the Joker said. - His other interests were going well.- He spent the next couple of hours searching for the key to this whole thing. Unable to find Catwoman he decided it would be good to go back and check on Bruce.

X X X X

He opened the door cautiously. Not knowing what to expect. To Dick's relief it was practically as he left it. Bruce still lay sleeping in his bed, all the machines seemed operational. He pulled the chair that he previously slept in up to the bed. He was quick to notice that Bruce's face was back. He looked pale and very thin.

"Dick?"

Startled by his voice Dick jump back in his seat."Yea, Bruce it's me."

His words were barely audible and extremely soft. "Glad you're here." The half invisible man was talking but was not moving.

"Bruce what happened?"

"No food or drink for..." His voice faded, his eyes were closing.

"It's OK Bruce. Don't talk. Save your energy." How it all seemed so obvious now . "Any regular person would have surely died without food or water for a month." He looked down at his mentor. "But not you Bruce. Not even hunger can kill you."

The next couple of days passed with nothing happening. Bruce was still asleep, regaining his energy, Catwoman was no where to be found and the Joker had once again changed hideouts. "Damn, I can't stand all this waiting. It's enough to drive a man mad." Robin sat at the Batcom complaining to Alfred who was also trying to keep busy by cleaning and then recleaning the batcave.

"Sir, might I suggest a bit of fresh air?"

Robin looked over at his good friend Alfred with a huge smile. "Good idea Al, And I have just the cure." He pulled out his cell phone and dialed a phone number he had memorized the first time he saw it. He dialed 555-4327. "Yea hi, is Selina there?...Hey what's going on? It's Dick. How have you been?...Well I'm better now that I'm talking to you...I got your note and was wondering if you want to meet up for one of those famous latte's?...Yes, of course right now!...Ok well then lets say thirty minutes. At the same cafe then?...ok see you then."

Alfred gave Robin a look that could have killed him right there on the spot. "Al, I told you I like her a lot. And I'm pretty sure she likes me. Besides how is Bruce gonna know anything in his current condition." He was confident in what he just said. All except for the last part. He did not mean to sound so cold. But he wasn't about to sound unsure in front of Alfred.

"While it is not my place to be a snitch sir, rest assure that he will find out, one way or another." Robin walked away to change before Alfred could say anything more.

X X X X

"I'm glad you called me." The tenuous blond turned her luminous blue eye to Dick who just sat down with their lattes. The night slowly draped over the skyscrapers that surrounded the outside of the cafe in downtown Gotham.

"Yea, you left so suddenly the other morning, I never got a chance to say good-bye." He took a sip of his double mocha latte.

"Oh, I'm sorry, I had to get an early start at work and besides you looked so peaceful just laying there. I didn't want to wake you." Selina reached across the table and put her hand on top of his and pulled it closer to her. "But, I'm here now. With you." She said with a reassuring smile.

Seeing her smile almost made him forget all about recent events. But she could tell there was something bothering him. "So are you going to tell me what's wrong or do I have to get a few drinks in you again for that?" He was immediately surprised. He couldn't understand how she managed to read him so well all ready.

"Who said there is anything wrong?" Dick playfully asked her back, knowing that he was going to have to tell her most of what was bothering him.

"Your look says it all. Come on, you can talk to me." When he looked into those deep blue eyes again he knew she was right. He felt like he could tell her everything. Well, almost everything.

Dick gently pulled his hand back and took another sip of his latte. He knew he couldn't tell her about Bruce. Too many questions for answers he didn't have nor wanted to share. So he decided to tell her something else that he was thinking about. "I spoke to Babs...I mean Barbara." He paused waiting to see her reaction. He was shocked that she had none. He couldn't tell if she was upset or not, so he continued. "After our exams I talked to her. I officially broke it off ." Again he paused waiting for some reaction from her, but none came, she was silent. "Well?" He wanted her to say or do something. He wanted some clue as to what she thought about what he just revealed. Finally she spoke.

"I'm not really sure what you want me to say. I hope you didn't do that for me." Dick didn't know what think. He knew he didn't break up with Babs for her, but does that mean that he is reading her completely wrong. What was she getting at. He had to call her on it. He had to find out where they were going.

"So what if I did do it because of you?"

Selina leaned back in her chair and took a sip of her chocolate latte and then gave Dick a good long stare. "I would say that the thought is very sweet. But I would hope the fact that she fucked another man would be reason enough."

His jaw dropped, easily revealing his shock. He knew she dead on right about why he did it. He just couldn't believe how casually she said it to him. He was left speechless.

"Aww, what's the matter, cat got your tongue?" Selina chuckled and pulled his hand towards her again. "Look Dick, whatever your reasons are, I am sure you did what you felt was right."

His jaw was now closed and a smile replaced his previously shocked expression. He couldn't believe how she treated him. She didn't question his decision or his motives. She simply trusted him and the decisions he made. "Thanks Selina." He noticed her blue eyes were now locked into his own eyes. "Hey, I know this great new club uptown.--"

Selina cut him off and finished the sentence for him. "Yea, where all the socialites of Gotham go. I think it's called The Rocks. Sounds like fun. We whould go there."

Both stood next to the street, Dick was attempting to hail a cab. The night now fully engulfed the city. Only the city lights now lit the streets of Gotham. A cool breeze roamed the air. "TAXI!" Damn you think at least one would stop. Dick looked over at Selina. "You look cold. Come here." He wrapped his arm around her and pulled her close to him, letting his warmth radiate to her.

A young girl was scurrying across the other side of the street towards them. The passing cars narrowly missing her. After a few near misses she made her way to curb near Dick and Selina. "Whoa, better be careful. Don't wanna ---"Dick stopped in mid sentence. "Babs, wow you almost got---"

A very feisty red head snapped her head up. "Killed? Well, it's not like you would care anyway."

"That's not fair." Dick still stood there with Selina snuggled in his chest.

Barbara spotted the slender blond. "So aren't you going to introduce me?" She nodded her head towards Selina.

Still shocked and confused about the whole situation Dick looked down at Selina. "Er..yea, Barbara this is Selina my..." He wasn't sure what she was to him. He wanted to call her his girlfriend, but they never really discussed their status. He didn't know what to say. Luckily he didn't have to. Selina reached her hand out.

"Hi, I'm Selina Kyle. Dick's girlfriend." Dick straightened up when he heard that.

Barbara wanted to retreat right then and there. She wanted to runaway. She was expecting his 'date' or his 'friend', but a girlfriend, so soon. She quickly regained her composure, not willing to show any weakness in front of Richard or his new girlfriend. Barbara did not extend her hand to meet Selina's offering of a hand shake. Instead she just folded her arms. "Nice to meet you Selina." Barbara's malcontent was very obvious. She turned her glance toward Dick. "Richard you didn't tell me you now volunteered to help the elderly. That's so sweet."

Selina was never one to back down from any catfight, she was quick to retaliate. "Oh Babs, you just don't get it, do you? Dick is tired of the childish games. He is wanting a one woman man, if you get my meaning."

Not really enjoying the show and wanting eagerly for something to end this uncomfortable predicament, Dick was highly relieved when a taxi pulled up next to them. He quickly chimed in. "Well, it was nice running into you Babs." Dick grabbed Selina by the arm and quickly pulled her into the cab with him. But not before Selina managed a quick wave a smile good-bye to Barbara.

Barbara just stood there watching the taxi pull away. She was so infuriated with what just happened, she yelled profanities at the taxi as it pulled away. She continued stomping down the street, heading back to her dorm, which was only a mile or two away. She was so angry, so hurt that Dick was so quickly over her and moved on. So consumed in her thoughts that she did not notice she missed her turn and was heading into abad part of town. She just kept her head down and kept walking. The streets were no longer lit with lamp posts at each corner. There were no lights coming out of any windows from the buildings surrounding her above. The streets were more narrow. She looked up and finally realized what she had done. She was now filled with fear. She turned around and picked up her pace. She could sense many eyes staring at her out of the dark corners and alley's. An elderly homeless man jumped out of nowhere in front of her. She let out a scream that could wake the dead. "Pardon me miss, spare a couple bucks for a vet?" She didn't answer the bum, but side stepped him and burst into a sprint. She could hear the old man again repeating himself but she dare not look back. She could see she was just a couple of blocks from where she should have turned.

"Almost there!" She kept telling herself as she tried to keep at the same pace. Three rather large burley men came out of the side alley's, blocking the last stretch of her escape. She stopped about ten yards from the men. She tried to see any alternate routes. She did not see any.

"Look what we have here boys. So what's a cute little girl like yourself doing in my part of town?" One of the burley men asked as all three of them advanced toward her. Again she looked for anyway around them. Finally coming to the conclusion that there was no way around them, she decided to try and go through them. It was her only chance. She made a B-line in-between the one to the far right and the one in the center. She failed miserebly. The two men grabbed her and tossed her to the ground. "Why ya in such a hurry? Me and my pals don't get much company like yours in dese parts." Another one of the burley men now stood over top her.

(Alert - the next scene does insinuate some pretty bad things. However rest assure I do not graphically describe it.)

Barbara pleaded for her life. It was no use, the three burley men were not listening. Two of the men were now holding her down. "Please, don't do this." She couldn't believe this was happening. "My father is Commissioner Gordan, I promise you he'll have all of the Gotham PD after you." Her threat didn't phase the men.

"Did you here that boys, its da commishiner's little girl, looks like we have to treat her extra special then, uh?" The other two man laughed. They dragged her into the side alley and proceeded to have their way with her. Her screams were muffled by the filthy hardened hand that covered her mouth. She had never before been so frightened. She even thought that being kidnapped by the Joker was less torture than this was. She could feel the pain move from her waist into her sides and then the pain spread everywhere from there. She tried with all her strength to rip free of their grasp, but it was no use. All three of burley men each took turns. Each of them calling her the most disgusting names imaginable while desecrating her. The pain, the horror was now too much. The face of her attackers were fading away, she felt like this was it. This was the end.

"Come on, jus leave da bitch here to die." The three burley men ran off disappearing in the darkness of the alley. Barbara's body lay there motionless. Her shirt was ripped and her bra torn off. Hes pants and panties were down at her ankles. Blood was dripping out from under her legs. Bruises were forming on all parts of her body.

(Alert - end of the bad stuff)

Many hours passed by, she continued to lay there. Her eyes slowly opened. She could barely make out the night sky in-between the buildings around her. Realizing that the horrid events from earlier were no nightmare, she propped her self up against the wall of the building she lay next to. Tears rolled from both her cheeks like a river. She looked down at the mess she was. She managed to get her pants back on and buttoned. With the help of the wall she now stood up. She remembered she was only a block away from getting out of this hell hole. She staggered out into the open of the nicer part of Gotham. She spotted a cab parked by the curbside. With every ounce of her strength she staggered and stumbled to the front of the taxi. The cabbie poked his head out of the window. "Get away from my taxi you fucking drunk bum." Barbara collapsed onto the hood of the vehicle. The driver jumped out of his taxi screaming and yelling. He quickly realized that it was no drunk homeless person on his taxi, but it was a young girl who was in need of medical attention. He jumped back into his cab and radio's for help. Within twenty minutes an ambulance arrived on the scene and began treating her.

I feel I should say something after that horrible event. All I can say is I never do things for just shock. Everything that happens in this story happens for a reason.

And I hope I did not offend anyone that has ever been raped. I have had a family member that was and understand the seriousness of the issue. That is why I tried to do it as tactful as possible.