Chapter Six
Straddling his motorcycle, Dick Grayson, kept a lookout for the Kabuki Twins, Penguins two silent henchwomen. He tried to think of something that would tickle Penguin's fancy to steal. "Alfred, has there been any recent artifact additions to the museum that Penguin would be interested in?"
"I'm trying to think of something Sir," Alfred replied. "Actually, there is something…"
"What is it?" Dick Grayson, the Batman asked.
"A pair of solid gold eggs from the orient," Alfred said.
"That Penguin always did have a hankering for the expensive; I suppose he wanted to sit on these."
"Indeed, Sir," Alfred said.
"I better get to the museum before he waddles out with those gold eggs," Dick frowned as he prepared to floor it towards the Gotham Natural History Museum.
"I agree, Sir, let's hope you can take him by yourself."
"I have my friends with me, Alfred," Dick Grayson said into the communicator.
"Of course, they don't know it's you they're helping," Alfred said simply.
"I haven't told them yet," Dick admitted.
"And what if you are hurt Sir?" Alfred asked; a note of concern in his voice.
"Don't worry; I can get to Dr. Leslie Tompkins if I need medical attention. Besides, Raven's powers can help me a lot too."
"Very good, Sir," There's been a rumor that the Penguin will try to create a plausible alibi for himself by stopping by his club, the Iceberg Lounge for awhile, just so he can say where he was if the police or you catch him."
"I see, so I'll have to nab him before he gets out of his club to go to the museum," Dick nodded. "Is there anything else I should know, Alfred?"
"Yes, indeed there is Sir; there is a pass phrase to get inside Oswald Cobblepot's opulently exclusive nightclub. Hopefully there will be plenty of…shall we say, uh gentlemen who would be happy to give you the pass phrase."
"Oh, you mean the scumbags who come to Oswald's 'club' for more than just entertainment? I'm sure they'll be in the mood to talk then." Dick Grayson chuckled. "I should first contact the Titans, and let them know what's going on. No need to leave old friends in the dark."
"That would be an excellent idea. If you go in as Batman, I'm sure strength in numbers would help."
"Thank you, Alfred."
"Always a pleasure to assist you, Sir; one might think that you enjoy this," Alfred signed off. Dick Grayson punched in the signal for the Titans communicator.
"Teen Titans, this is the Batman, I'm going to need your help. Where are you?" he asked, in the voice Bruce Wayne used as the Dark Knight. Over the years he had become an expert in mimicking the voices of others. He could even do an excellent impression of the Joker, but very few people knew that.
"We're leaving the Gotham Children's Hospital. We came for the charity dinner," Cyborg's voice replied.
"Meet me at a nightclub called the Iceberg Lounge. The Penguin's going to pull of some kind of heist tonight and we're going to stop him. I'll send you the coordinates so you can find me."
"Actually, you don't need to, we've spotted you already," Cyborg said. The Titans were standing below him. If his friends would have seen his face they would have seen his shock, but they didn't. Starfire flew up, Cyborg in tow, followed by Raven and Beast Boy.
"So Batman, what's going on?" Cyborg asked.
"The Penguin's planning a heist of two solid gold eggs from the Natural History Museum tonight. He's planning to make himself an alibi by spending time at his nightclub the Iceberg Lounge."
"Oh I see," Cyborg said. "So you want us to infiltrate the club and help you take the Penguin down."
"Yes, but it's not that easy, I have a reliable source that says I need a pass phrase to get inside."
"Okay," Cyborg said. "How do we get this pass phrase?"
"It's easy, we have to find somebody who'll squeal," Batman said. "Follow me and I'll take you to there."
"So, this Penguin has some kind of bird fetish, if I remember all the stories I've heard," Raven frowned.
"He's obsessed with them," Batman said simply. "He calls himself a 'reformed' villain. He has style and class, or so he claims. He's as dangerous as he is sophisticated. Beware of his umbrella, it holds many unwanted surprises."
"I understand, Batman," Starfire said, making sure to say the Dark Knight's name correctly. "We shall be careful of the Penguin."
"Dude, we can handle this, it can't be worse than the Amazing Mumbo, right?"
Oh Beast Boy, you do not know how much worse he is, Dick Grayson thought as he looked at each of his friends.
"Do not take the Penguin lightly; he's more dangerous than he looks. And his assistants are just as deadly."
"His assistants?" Raven asked dryly.
"The Kabuki Twins, his silent but deadly henchwoman, they're deadly martial artists and extremely dangerous."
"Anything else we should like to know?" Cyborg asked.
"They've got razor sharp nails," Batman said dryly in an unemotional voice.
"Oh joy," Raven muttered.
Soon the Teen Titans and Batman stood lurking in the dark alley outside the Iceberg Lounge. They watched as various individuals. "Fancy place," Cyborg muttered as Batman motioned the Teen Titans forward, the silently crept closer to the front door, a man's words soon became clear.
"Listen, it's me Carlton Duquesne, the Penguin knows who I am. Let me in! I need to see him!" the man called Carton Duquesne said angrily.
"Listen mister, without that pass phrase we don't know you from Adam. I'm not gonna let you in unless you say the magic words!" the voice on the intercom said and shut off. Carlton stomped away angrily.
"I thought I'd never see the day that one of Gotham's Mob Bosses shut out of a nightclub," Batman smirked. "This will work to our advantage. Titans, do you think you could help me get him away from the crowds?"
"Sure," Cyborg said. "But what about armed guards, escorts?"
"Leave them to me, they won't be a problem," Batman said. "Let's just wait until he's farther away from the building."
"Understood," Starfire whispered.
"If you all will excuse me," Batman said as he seemed to vanish into thin air.
"Where did he go?" Starfire asked.
"I'm sure he has a plan," Cyborg said. "We'll just follow his lead now." He watched as Batman pulled a grappling hook from his utility belt and grappled himself onto a nearby rooftop. He crept silently across the roof near the crime boss, who was muttering angrily to himself. His three bodyguards walked silently beside him. Batman looked over at the Titans and gestured for them to follow him.
Starfire, Raven and Beast Boy flew silently over to the roof where he was. Cyborg used a built in grappling hook to join them. "If we can disarm the guards before Carlton knows what's going on we can get him to talk."
"But why do we need to get him to talk?" Cyborg asked. "He doesn't know the pass phrase we need to get into the club."
"I don't get it either," Beast Boy said. "Why do all the work when he doesn't have what we need?"
"I want to send a message to the criminal underworld of Gotham. I want them to know that this city does not belong to the criminal or the corrupt. I'm telling them that I'm not finished yet!"
The Titans nodded. "So they actually think you're gone for good? What would make them think that?" Raven asked.
"It's a long story," Batman whispered. "I'll tell you some other time. Right now we have more important things to attend to."
"So what's the plan?" Cyborg asked.
"Starfire, Raven and Beast Boy, will you three nab the guards?" he asked. They nodded.
"That shouldn't be a problem," Raven said. "They won't even see us coming."
"Good. Cyborg, you organize your end and I'll handle the rest." Batman quickly disappeared.
"I have an idea," Cyborg muttered under his breath. "We'll pick them off when they reach the darker part of that alley. They're not there yet so that gives us enough time to get in position. Teen Titans, go!" he whispered as Starfire and Raven took their positions on both sides of the street. Beast Boy morphed into a butterfly and flew quickly to a hiding place a little farther from where Raven and Starfire were stationed.
Carlton Duquesne was talking on a cell phone, engrossed in conversation. "Can you believe the Penguin refuses to let me into his Iceberg Lounge? Doesn't he know I have friends in high places? He can't make me be his errand boy. I have more important things than him to worry about—"
Cyborg gave the signal and Starfire, Beast Boy and Raven moved with lightning quick speed. Raven used her powers to grab a bodyguard and slam him into the wall before he could call out for help. Starfire quickly snatched the other guard, pulling him into the air and knocking him unconscious. Beast Boy morphed into a gorilla and smashed the final bodyguard over the head and morphing into and eagle he swooped into the air before Duquesne could react.
"Huh? What the heck is going on—?" he looked up as the enormous shape of the Batman loomed over him from above. He suddenly swooped down and grabbed him by his shirt, holding him above him.
"Hello Duquesne, remember me?" he asked the wide eyed, terrified Mob Boss.
"The Batman! What do you want? I don't know anything! I'm of no use to you!" Carlton sputtered out.
"That's funny," Batman smirked as he slammed his fist into his stomach and head butted him. "I believe you! Give your fellow mobsters this message. "I'm not finished yet!" Tell them the Batman sent you, and after you do, leave Gotham and never return. Never speak to your contacts again. And I'll know if you rat out on me!"
"You got it Bats, I'll tell them everything! Just let me go!" Batman slammed him down on the ground and knocked him unconscious.
"That's over with," Batman muttered. "Now back to the Iceberg Lounge. Maybe we'll find someone who'll snitch for us." They headed back to the front door. There was a man outside the door and he was waiting to get inside.
"What's the magic words?" the man on the intercom asked.
"Little Bird," the man outside the door replied. The door opened for him and he made his way inside.
"I guess we didn't need a snitch after all," Cyborg said. The Titans headed toward the door. Batman put his hand on the half robot's shoulder.
"Wait, let me go first, that way I can make sure it's safe," Batman said.
"Thanks for the concern, but I think we can handle whatever's inside that building."
"You don't know this place like I do, you should take my advice and let me go in first," he repeated, his voice sterner than before.
"Fine, have it your way. Now I know why Robin's not so fond of you," Cyborg muttered the last half of his statement under his breath. Cyborg didn't see the smirk cross Dick Grayson's face as he slipped silently into the building.
Dick Grayson slipped silently through the doorway and crept around to where a security officer was standing at a reception desk of sorts, armed with a gun. He snuck up behind him and smashed his elbow into the man's shoulder and kicked him in the small of his back before bringing his fist into the back of his skull, leaving him unconscious on the floor.
"Inside, quickly!" Batman ordered. "It's safer that way."
"No kidding Batman," Cyborg muttered. "Listen, we appreciate the help and all but you should let me lead my team."
"I thought Robin was the leader of the Teen Titans," Batman said, a trace of a frown crossing his face.
"Well, he is but we don't know where he is," Cyborg admitted.
"What do you mean you don't know where he is?" Batman asked.
"We knew he left for Gotham a few days ago. We followed him but we've seen nothing of him since he left Jump City."
"Why are you telling me this?" The Batman's voice held a strange tone to it. "Why ask me?"
"You and Robin were partners. You should know where he is."
"I don't always watch what Robin does. I haven't seen him, if that's what you want to know." Batman turned away from them.
"Please, Batman, we wish to find Robin…we are very concerned for his well being…" Starfire said in a halting voice.
"I understand, but I haven't seen him," Batman said in a quiet voice. "We aren't exactly on speaking terms."
"Really, why?" Beast Boy asked.
"An incident with the Joker, I don't have time to explain now. This is not the time, we have to attend to the Penguin," he said in a curt, stern voice that left no room for objections or protests. He turned and walked briskly away, cape swirling behind him.
"Dude, we're worried about Robin, and you're not helping us find him!" Beast Boy said in an angry voice. "You're so cold to all of us. Now I see why Robin left you here!"
"What makes you think that?"
"Well, he doesn't work with you now so tell us where he is!"
"Beast Boy," Raven said sternly. "Show the man some respect. He trained Robin and he's trying to defend this city!"
"Why should I respect a man who won't help us find our leader?" Beast Boy asked. "If Batman is such a great and respected crime fighter then why did Robin leave?"
"I don't have time for this!" Batman whirled around and hissed in Beast Boy's face. He turned to Cyborg. "I highly suggest you tell your friend to keep quiet! All his shouting could alert security to our presence."
Cyborg gave the green changeling a harsh glare. "Beast Boy, next time there's a conversation, do shut up, he may not want us to work with him if you keep this up!"
Beast Boy trudged behind the rest of the Titans, saying nothing for a long while. Starfire turned to him. "Why did you say those things to the Batman?" she asked. "It is I who brought us here to search for Robin…why did you say that he is not trying to help us find him?"
"Why the temper tantrum Beast Boy?" Raven asked. "You have no right to judge someone you hardly know."
"Listen guys…I just said it because it's been almost a week and still we haven't found him. How do we know he's okay?"
"Robin can take care of himself Beast Boy. I suggest you apologize to Batman for all the things you said about him." Cyborg looked at him. Beast Boy noticed the Batman had stopped and turned back around, watching them quietly.
"Listen…Batman, I'm sorry for what I said, Dude, I didn't mean it," he looked at the caped figure uncomfortably.
"Don't worry, I've heard it before," he turned away and moved swiftly down the hall. They came to an elevator and Batman pushed the button. When the doors opened he gestured for them to get inside. They took it to the top floor, as got out, a communicator suddenly blared to life.
"I think you would like to know that Commissioner Gordon has an informant inside the Lounge, Sir, a certain Walter Feister." The Titans jumped at the sound of the unexpected noise.
"Who is that?" Cyborg asked.
"A close ally," Batman replied. "What else do you know? He's not corrupt is he?
"No, no, but he will know how to find the Penguin for sure; also he has given the Commissioner information regarding Penguin's security cameras and booby traps."
"Do they have an infrared wave length?"
"Yes they do Sir," Alfred replied.
"Good, I'll put a data tap on it; those security cameras may come in handy."
"I'll be available if needed, Sir," Alfred said. Batman shut off his communicator.
"There's a room up the hall, should we check it out?" Cyborg asked. They walked up to the door.
"How do we know what's on the other side?" Raven asked.
"I have an optic cable which gives me the ability to see what's on the other side of these doors." He peered into the room beyond. "I don't see anything." He opened the door.
"Let's see if my optic scanners can pick up anything…" Cyborg said as he began to scan the room.
"I'd not move around too quickly, there could be—" Batman began to say as infrared beams suddenly became visible and a green gas began to fill the room. Batman noticed Beast Boy standing in the worst place possible, right on an infrared beam.
"Gas," Cyborg finished. "Titans, hold your breaths!"
Batman grappled himself to the ceiling and the Titans quickly followed as the green poison gas filled the room. Batman launched a Bat-a-Rang through the window. The glass shattered and the gas dispersed out the window. They all could breathe fresh air soon after and dropped to the floor.
"Beast Boy, how did that happen?" Cyborg asked.
"I don't know dude, I was walking forward and then that beamy alarmy thing went off," Beast Boy replied.
"Come on let's go," we have to get to the communications center," Batman quickly opened a door across the room. They slipped into another room and looked around. "There's the control room."
"How many people are in there?" Cyborg asked.
"Two or three, and they're armed."
"I know this sounds like a bad idea, but we really don't have time to do all this sneaking around. We don't know when the Penguin will leave."
"You're right, we just have to—" suddenly a figure lunged at him, knocking him off his feet, sending him across the room.
"Whoa, who are these dudes?" Beast Boy asked.
"They must be those Kabuki Twins he told us about," Raven said.
"Dude, they do have big nails!" Beast Boy stared as one of them began to charge.
"Titans, go!" Cyborg shouted and they leapt into the fray. Starfire flew over and grabbed the first twin who was attacking Batman and threw her across the room. She landed on her feet and was soon plowed over by Beast Boy in rhino form. The other twin was battling Cyborg and Raven as she struck at Raven with her razor sharp nails.
Raven created a shield of dark energy around her, blocking the blades that could skewer her in half. She grabbed her opponent and telekinetically threw her across the room. Cyborg leapt high and brought himself smashing down on top of her. The twin suddenly struck out, raking her bladed fist across Cyborg's robotic body, damaging his systems. He leapt back, putting some distance between them.
Batman grabbed a flash/bang grenade from his utility belt and hurled it at her; the light momentarily left her blind as he rushed to help Cyborg. Leaping up, he brought a foot smashing down into her midsection, sending the oriental warrior stumbling back, his fist made contact with her face and she fell to the ground.
Starfire and Beast Boy were battling the second twin as Starfire smashed her fist into her face as the twin blocked it; she kicked out sending the alien princess spinning backwards. She lashed out with her blades, wounding Starfire, a bloody gash on her shoulder. The twin slammed the other fist into her stomach, she let out a cry of agony as Beast Boy charged in, attacking viciously. The twin jumped back as Batman flew into an unexpected fury, he attack without mercy, kicking ruthlessly, he flipped back and leapt high, slamming his leg into her face, his fists meeting with her body without stopping. He quickly knocked her to the ground unconscious.
Batman rushed to her side, checking her pulse and shredding his cape to stop the blood flow. "Star! Are you alright? Answer me!" Cyborg shouted, she had slipped into unconsciousness soon after, the wound had been serious due to the gash on her stomach.
"Well, well, what do we have here?" a voice rang out across the room. The Titans and Batman looked up. It was the Penguin. "I've been expecting you Batman. You didn't think I'd be stupid enough to let it get out that I was after solid gold eggs did you? I let that rumor start on purpose, just to get you to come here. I always thought you were smart enough not to fall for a trick like that." He pulled out his umbrella and sent a hailstorm of bullets his way.
Batman easily dodged using acrobatics to dodge the gunfire. Raven made an energy shield around her friends, protecting the Titans as Cyborg continued attempting to stop the bleeding.
Batman landed in a crouching stance and glared at him. I set this up just so I could get you right where I want you, you pointy eared nuisance. Is Batsy all sore because I hurt his little girlfriend?" he taunted. He seemed to stop and think for a second. "Just a minute, when did you get a girlfriend?"
The Batman launched himself at the Penguin, kicking and punching with reckless abandon, it was as if he didn't care anymore. Cyborg saw something in the Batman's fighting style that was eerily familiar, but he couldn't place it.
The Penguin fought back, blocking and ducking, occasionally taking a slight offensive, but he soon found himself being beaten, he saw the fist coming towards his face, as he tried to block it, a knee smashed into his flabby belly, knocking the wind out of him. Batman brought his fist down on the hand that held the umbrella, knocking it far away.
The Penguin went into a fury of his own, he kicked out and knocked the Dark Knight off his feet, and caused him to stagger as he tried to keep his balance, Cyborg sent a Sonic blast from his cannon at the criminal, causing him to dive out of the way.
Beast Boy swooped down from above, grabbing him by his coat and flinging him across the room. The Batman leapt high and brought himself down with a bone breaking kick, into the Oswald Cobblepot's side, he cried out and skidded across the floor. Batman towered over him.
"I suppose it's my lot in life to be beaten by you. I blame high society at least, they made me this way." Batman said nothing as he grabbed the villain by his squat neck and hissed in a voice that only he could hear.
"If you ever hurt her again, YOU. WILL. PAY!" He slammed him on the ground and he lapsed into the darkness of insensible blackness.
"Come on, we have to get her to a doctor!" he said.
"But where can we go? We can't take her to a hospital!" Cyborg said.
"I'll take her to a clinic, take Penguin and the Kabuki Twins to the Police."
"Where are you going?" Raven asked. "Aren't you coming with us?"
"I have a friend, her name is Leslie Tompkins. Trust me, Starfire will be safe," Batman scooped the limp girl's body up and opened the window. Raven noted a strange tone in his voice, it sounded concerned, but it was more than that, it was as if he knew her somehow. Suspicion began to form in her mind, why did he want to take her without them.
"Batman, can't we—" she looked up and he had already vanished, "come with you?"
Cyborg looked at Raven, "I don't like this, it's as if he knows us already. We'd better get these guys to the police."
"But what about Starfire? Will she be okay?" Beast Boy asked.
"I'm sure Batman will contact us when she is awake," Cyborg said. "We have to trust his judgment." They gathered up the Kabuki Twins and the Penguin and made their way out onto the roof, they then headed for the Gotham Police Department where they would take the criminals from there.
Dick Grayson straddled his motorcycle and carrying Starfire over his shoulder, he floored it to Leslie Tompkins free clinic. He had to save her; he didn't want her to get hurt, he would never forgive himself if any of his teammates were injured because if him. Please, Starfire, hang on…just hang on.