Chapter Thirteen
A blaring alarm woke Dick Grayson with a sudden jolt. He gazed over at the clock and slapped a fist down on the off button. "Wonder why Alfred didn't come to wake me up," he muttered to himself, rubbing sleep from his eyes.
"I was just about to wake you Master Dick, but I see your alarm clock did my job for me. Did you sleep well?"
"As well as someone can sleep if they've been up all night," he replied. "How were things here Alfred?"
"Just fine, Sir," he removed a newspaper that was tucked underneath his arm. "Here's today's paper, Master Dick. There is something on the front page that may be of interest to you."
"Killer Moth", Drury Walker, released today," Dick read aloud. "If I know anything about the average criminal in Gotham City, they can't stay clean for one day." He stared at the picture for a moment; then the thought came to him. "Doesn't Drury Walker have a daughter named Kitten?" He paled at the thought of the spoiled, bratty teenage girl who had blackmailed him into a "date" at her junior prom.
"I can't quite remember Sir, I'm not one to peruse post office walls."
"You're sure you don't remember Kitten?" he asked.
"Then again, I do remember seeing that girl on the news lately."
"Oh, why?"
"This Kitten Walker has suddenly become the poster child for her extreme stances on environmentalism, especially with the company she's keeping."
"And who would that be?" The question didn't need answering. It was far too obvious whom Kitten was associating herself with.
"A certain redhead named Pamela Isley. You know her very well don't you Sir?"
"Too well, Alfred. Pam Isley's not one to take lightly. Her echo terrorist activities as Poison Ivy show she's no pushover."
"Yes, is quite the fanatic," Alfred quipped. "I myself have had a run in with Joan of Bark, and it was a very unpleasant experience, to say the least."
Dick chortled good-naturedly. "You have a way with words Alfred, I'll admit that. Joan of Bark, ha!"
"That Kitten Walker is quite the churlish little brat isn't she?" he asked, changing the subject.
"Yes, she is, I suppose you heard about how she blackmailed me into going to her junior prom," Dick looked at Alfred
"Yes, yes, Ms. Barbara Gordon nearly died of laughter when she found out."
"She thinks it's funny, huh?"
'Yes, she thought it was very entertaining."
"I see. Well Alfred, what's for breakfast?"
"Funny you should mention breakfast, Sir. It's pancakes, bacon, and toast this morning."
"Good, but Beast Boy refuses to eat meat so you may want to make him tofu bacon or something."
"I shall fetch some right away, Sir. Since you and your friends are going to be staying here indefinitely—"
"But I can't stay here too long, Alfred. I have my own city to protect, and Titans East can't stay in Jump City for an extended period of time either."
"Then you know what you must do, Sir," Alfred began.
"No I don't, Alfred. What am I supposed to do?" Dick looked confused for a moment. "What do you expect me to do?"
"Since Master Bruce is still unable to don the cape and cowl, and you cannot stay here for too long, I suggest you find someone to replace you as the Batman."
"You mean, find a replacement? How am I supposed to do that? Who could I trust with something this important?"
"I wouldn't know the answers to those questions, Sir, but I do suggest you should start looking."
"You're right Alfred, but I just can't figure out where to start, or who to look for."
"I suppose you should look for someone who shares your desire to deliver justice. He should be someone who wants to do god in the world and is very committed to his cause."
"Thanks for the advice, Alfred."
"You're very welcome, Sir," Alfred replied. "I'm delighted I can be of some assistance to you."
"I think you should go out and eat breakfast now Sir. I shall go wake your friends in the meantime."
"Thank you, Alfred." Dick climbed out of bed. Dropping onto the ground, he began executing a series of pushups as a part of his exercise routine. After finishing 20 pushups, he dressed and headed to the dining room. The others were waiting at the table, their food untouched. They waited for him to sit down.
"Good morning guys. Sleep well?"
Gar was still rubbing sleep from his eyes as he answered. "I slept well, as much as someone can say when they've slept for ten hours."
"Did you always sleep in this late when you used to live here?" Victor asked.
"Not always," Dick laughed. "I think I'm starting to get lazy."
The boy's laughed. Kory looked at him. "What are we going to do today?"
"I'm not sure, I think I have a meeting at Wayne Industries/Enterprises. After that's finished, I'm free for the rest of the day."
"Did you read this? I guess there's going to be a big protest at Chlorogene Laboratories," Raven said.
"Hey, let me look at that," Gar said. Raven handed him the newspaper. "It says this protest is led by some girl named Kitten Walker."
"Kitten? As in Kitten, the girl who blackmailed Robin into a date at her prom, Kitten?" Kory asked. "I do not believe it! May I see that paper?"
"Sure, it certainly looks like Kitten." Gar handed Kory the paper. She looked at it, reading the article.
"It is Kitten, but how did she get out of jail?"
"And when did she become so interested in the environment?" Victor asked. "All she wanted to do was date Robin." They all chuckled humorously.
"That's not very funny guys," Dick said sitting down. "Anyway, I do plan on keeping track of Killer Moth, and Kitten."
"You think they'll do something today?"
"Around here, the average criminal can't stay clean for more than one day, if they could even stay clean for that long." I have a feeling that this protest is a front for something else."
"What would that be?" Raven asked.
"I have a hunch, I'm not sure, but I think Pamela Isley's the one behind this."
"Pamela Isley, you mean Poison Ivy?" Victor looked at Dick.
"She's known to do these kinds of things. It wouldn't surprise me if she shows up at that rally."
"What does this have to do with the girl Kitten?" Kory asked.
"Kitten associates with Pam Isley."
" Is there some connection between Poison Ivy and Killer Moth?" Vic frowned.
"I haven't pegged a motive yet, but I don't see what Killer Moth would want with Poison Ivy, I don't see what would be in it for him." Dick finished, chewing on a piece of bacon. He finished eating his food; the others were done so they stacked the dishes.
"Do you want us to take these to the sink?" Gar asked.
"No, no, Alfred can get those."
"Are you sure, 'cause we can—"
"Alfred's my butler Gar, it's his job, but I don't think he'd mind if you guys helped." Dick snatched a suit coat from his room and put it on.
"I'll be back later," Dick said.
"See you later, Dude," Gar said. He turned and walked away. Victor and Gar gathered up the dishes. Alfred walked into the room.
"Now, now Master Gar, let me take those. You don't need to do my work for me."
"No offense, Mr. Alfred, but it just feels weird having you do everything for us."
"Why do you say that?" the butler asked.
"Well at home we do all the dishes and stuff."
"Well, Master Gar, consider yourself off of chores during your stay here," Alfred took the dishes from Gar and Vic. Spinning around, he walked back to the kitchen. Gar and Victor looked at each other.
"Hey, at least we don't have to do dishes now." After some discussion, they decided to go down and explore the Batcave. They might as well become familiar with everything since Dick was probably going to stay for a long time.
Dick walked out to Rolls and drove to Wayne Tower. He took the elevator to the top floor where the members of the board were preparing for a meeting. He told Leslie the receptionist he had arrived for the meeting and she told him to go on in.
"Ah Mr. Grayson you made it!" Lucius exclaimed as he walked in the room. "Right on time."
"Thank you Mr. Fox. So what's on the agenda today?"
"The board is discussing the approval of a prototype for a new weapon for the army. Kevlar gauntlets with a polymerized flaming titanium bayonets.
"Flaming, as in they can light on fire?" Dick asked.
"Yes, there's a small niche for a synthesized form of gasoline we're patenting, when the bayonets are released, the sparks will ignite the blade on fire. Mainly for theatrics, but it will make a deadly weapon," Lucius Fox explained.
"Now about these weaponized gauntlets, if thee fell into the wrong hands, they could be very dangerous." Dick began. "Do you think it's wise for Wayne Enterprises to mass produce this product, even if it is intended for the army?"
"Now listen here, Mr. Grayson," Mr. Fredericks began. "you may be the heir to this company but we help you make thee decisions. Be assured that Wayne Industries/Enterprises would never mass produce a product without good intentions."
"I understand, I'm just concerned that this company has become aberrant from what Thomas Wayne intended for this company to be."
"He died more than twenty years ago, Mr. Grayson. We're moving on from what Thomas Wayne would have wanted," Mr. Fredericks said. "But I am sure he would have wanted to help our military in every way possible."
How do I know you're not lying to me to keep your job? Dick thought to himself, but aloud he said, "That eases my mind a little, Mr. Fredericks. I'm glad to know that my guardian's company is in good hands." He looked at the board members in turn, holding their gazes for a moment.
"I would like to look over these contacts before I decide whether or not to let them pass onto production. Can I call you tomorrow?"
Mr. Fredericks nodded. "Of course, of course! Do whatever you think you need to do Mr. Grayson. We stand behind you the same as Mr. Wayne."
"Thank you, Mr. Fredericks. I'll call you in the morning." He snatched the papers off the desk and walked out of the room. A few minutes later Lucius Fox followed him.
"Excuse me, Mr. Grayson." Dick turned back to the elderly black man with a smile.
"What is it Lucius?"
"I am rather curious as to why you were hesitant to push this new product forward." He stepped closer to him. He lowered his voice so only Dick could hear. "If you want, I can let you try it for yourself. I made two prototypes."
"Why would I want to do that?"
"You never know when the Batman might need them. I try to help out as best I can. I care about this city too."
"Yes, I know you care, but is the army just a front, or did they really put you up to this?"
"The army did contact Wayne Industries/Enterprises about these gauntlets, yes, that is the truth."
"When will I get to test these flaming gauntlets of yours? How do I know I wont' be burned?"
"Come by this afternoon and see for yourself."
"I'll be back later, what time will work best for you?"
"2:00 at best, I don't have anything going on then."
"I'll be there."
"Good day, Mr. Grayson," Lucius turned and walked back into the other room. Dick Grayson strolled briskly out to the Rolls. Removing his cell phone and dialed Wayne Manor.
Alfred answered. "Meeting's over," Dick informed him. "Do they want to meet me somewhere?"
"I shall asked them Master Dick," Alfred said. He returned a few minutes later. "Master Victor says that he can meet you anywhere, anytime, just tell me the location."
"The Time Out Café," he replied. "We'll pick up some lunch."
"They're on their way, Sir," Alfred said.
"Thank you Alfred. I'll see you later," he hung up the phone. He began driving toward the East side of the city. Driving past the rundown shops and restaurants, he made his way to a familiar diner.
He walked quickly into the building. He took a seat at one of the tables and waited for a waitress. A heavyset woman hurried out of the back kitchen and made her way towards him.
"Hello Mr. Grayson," Berty said. "Haven't seen you around here lately," she smiled. "I am surprised you still come down here. I remember the night you first walked in here with Gigi."
"Yes, I remember that night," he looked up as his friends walked though the door. "Hi guys, come sit." He gestured to the seats beside him. "Do anything while I was away?"
"We've been looking around your house," Victor said. "Nice place."
"Thanks," Dick replied. "Here comes our waitress." Berty walked towards him. His friends' eyes widened as they realized their waitress was the lady who had given them information about Robin.
"Hey Berty," Victor said, "It's nice to see you again."
"Yeah, yeah, same here, kid. You friends with Mr. Grayson here?"
"Yes Ma'am," he replied.
"So Mr. Grayson, do you want the usual?"
"Sure."
"We'll just take what we had last time, the vegetable platter, and a turkey and a chicken sandwich. What do you want Kory?"
"I shall have the salad," she said. Berty left to get them their food.
"How'd your meeting go?" Gar asked.
"Just fine, Lucius Fox asked me to come by the Applied Sciences Division later this afternoon. He wants me to test some equipment for him."
"That's good," Victor said. "Mind if we tag along?"
"I'm sure he won't mind if I tell him you're with me."
The group looked up when a small bell jingled as the door opened. Kory gasped in surprise as her most hated enemy, well not really most hated, but certainly very much disliked, rival walked through the door.
"Come on, Pam, you're not going to be at the protest? I organized this thing so people could hear you speak!" Kitten complained.
"I'm sorry Kitten, I tried to clear up my schedule, but I just can't make it," Pamela Isley replied.
Dick put a finger to his lips for his friends to be quiet. "We need to hear what she has to say."
"But why? I was counting on you to be there!"
"Sorry, can't be helped," she said, "I have some things to take care of."
She began looking around, spotting Dick Grayson immediately, "Hey, that's Dick Grayson!" Kitten nudged Pam's arm. "You should invite him to the rally."
"I'm not sure," Pam, said in a low voice that they all could still hear despite her attempt to keep quiet. "He's not exactly on our side."
"What do you mean? He's rich! He can get the word out for us!"
"He's the adopted son of a rich billionaire, do you know how Bruce Wayne makes his money?"
"No," she shrugged.
"He makes his money by signing up with slash and burn outfits in the Amazon! We can't trust him or Dick Grayson."
"Still, he's so cute!" Kitten squealed. Pam and Dick rolled their eyes in unison. Kory's face held the expression that said she wanted to strangle the life out of Kitten.
Kitten walked over to their table. "Hey handsome, when did you come back here?"
"I just arrived a few weeks ago Kitten," he replied.
"Why don't you come join us for the protest this afternoon, Dickiepoo? We could use your support."
It took everything in Dick's willpower to not roll his eyes at her. "Listen Kitten, I'm all for saving the green, but I can't come. I have an appointment at Wayne Enterprises this afternoon."
"Pam was right about you. You're nothing but a selfish, stuck-up, snobbish tree killer!" She stomped back to her beside Pam Isley. "He won't come."
"I knew it," Pam said. "Rich people are all the same. All they care about is themselves, they climb the social ladder and crush the people they step on." The two girls glared daggers at him from across the room. He shrugged his shoulders and ignored them.
"Well y'all, I need to go to the restroom." Victor got up from the table and headed in the direction of the men's room He unexpectedly collided with a young man coming out of the lavatory. He was carrying a suitcase. Victor knocked it out of his hands and sent it spinning away across the floor. Victor bent down and picked it up.
"I'm sorry, let me get that for you."
"Thank you," the man said, grasping the suitcase.
Victor looked at him. "What's your name?" "Jean Paul Valley," Jean replied, extending his hand. "Yours?"
"Victor Stone. You live in Gotham Jean, or is it Jean Paul?"
"Just Jean, thanks. I attend the university."
"Nice to meet you," Vic said, he made his way into the restroom. A few minutes later, he came back. He rejoined his friends back at their table.
"Hey, I'm back," he said.
"Good, I really need to get out of here," Dick said.
"Why in such a hurry? Kitten make you nervous?" Victor laughed.
"No, not Kitten," Dick, replied. "Not Kitten, Pam Isley makes me nervous."
"Oh, Poison Ivy," Vic lowered his voice to a whisper. "You think she'll do something at this protest?"
"I wouldn't put it past her. I need to go visit Lucius Fox later this afternoon, then I need to go to that protest."
"I thought you told Kitten you wouldn't be there!" Gar protested.
"Dick Grayson's not going to be at the protest, but that doesn't mean someone else won't be there," he said in a low voice.
"Oh, I get it," Gar said. Raven winked at him. They immediately understood what he meant.
'So Vic, have a nice conversation with that guy on the way to the restroom?" Dick asked.
"You noticed that?" Vic asked.
"I notice a lot of things," Dick said, smiling. "Kory you've been awfully quiet. Are you alright?"
"I have been thinking of many ways to punish that Zornian muck beetle of a person called Kitten!" she forced her voice to remain low so Kitten wouldn't' hear her. Gar Logan tried very hard to suppress a snicker. It escaped anyway so he pretended to blow his nose so he wouldn't look like an idiot.
"Punishing her for what? Flirting with Dick?" Victor laughed; he attempted to stop by drinking a soda, but only spewed it out to keep himself from choking on it. Kory's face was red with both embarrassment and anger.
"I think I upset your girlfriend," Vic smiled.
"I think it's time for me to go back to Wayne Tower. I promised Lucius Fox I'd look at a prototype for new equipment for the army." Berty came over and handed him the receipt. He placed a fifty-dollar bill in her hand.
"I can't take this kid," she protested quietly.
"It's quid pro quo, Berty, you know that. I eat here, you expect a tip; I give you a good tip for your service." He smiled broadly. "You know that's how it works."
"This is a lot of money, kid. I don't deserve this, even from you."
"Take it, Berty, you need it more than I do."
"Thank you, you're very generous," she accepted the charitable gift gratefully. She tucked it into an apron pocket and walked away. Dick watched her leave smiling quietly.
Kory was the only one who had picked up on the conversation. The others had gone throw away their trash or use the restroom. She was genuinely touched by Dick's generosity. She had seen this from him before, but never such kind-hearted selflessness with the affluent wealth he possessed.
Kory didn't know he was rich or wealthy. The revelation of this fact shed Dick in new light it made her wonder if she really knew him at all. She smiled, hiding her turmoil, and waited for him to come back to the table.
She watched him as he rejoined her. "You ready to leave?" he asked.
"I am prepared to leave," she said. The others rejoined them.
"We're ready to go now," Victor said. Dick got up from his seat and began walking towards the door. The others joined him, leaving be building. Climbing into the car, they drove back to Wayne Tower.
They headed straight to Lucius Fox's office and waited for him to answer the door. He opened it, surprised to see them standing there "Hello, Mr. Grayson, you're right on time. These are your friends I met earlier?" he asked. He remembered them from his visit to Wayne Manor. He smiled and extended his hand to each of them. They shook it in turn.
"Come down to the Applied Sciences division," he said. "I've got something to show you." He ushered them over to an elevator. "Let's just hope we all fit," he laughed.
They exited on the lower level and made their way over to a large area with various types of equipment they had never seen before. Lying on a table was a pair of titanium gauntlets. They looked normal enough, they resembled the one's Dick wore when he was Batman.
"This is the prototype you were telling me about," Dick picked up a gauntlet and examined it. "Not bad, Lucius."
"Thanks, it's the best prototype I've created since the Tumbler and the Thermal Blaster. A real pity someone stole it from Wayne Enterprises in Jump City a few years ago. I was hoping to show it to Oliver Queen. He recently volunteered for the draft. Long war over there you know."
"I have a confession to make Lucius, " Dick sighed. "I stole the Thermal Blaster from Wayne Enterprises."
Lucius Fox looked at him, startled. "You what? Dick you wouldn't do that. It's not like you to steal anything."
"Someone…forced me to steal it. He threatened to kill my friends if I didn't. I am truly sorry that I wasn't able to apologize sooner." He looked down at the floor for a moment.
"Now, Mr. Grayson, I'm sure you are very sincere in your apology and accept it. I'm sure what you did was unintentional. I heard that it was destroyed soon after it was stolen, so in the end, it stayed out of the wrong hands."
"Thank you for understanding my situation, sir," Dick said gratefully. "You know I'd never do anything like this without a reason and that it was a mistake—"
"Now there's no need to go on apologizing. I understand completely. I am glad you told me the truth, it always bothered me since it happened."
"Let me see this new prototype of yours," Dick said, changing the subject. "That's why you wanted to see me, right? How exactly does this work?" he asked, slipping the gauntlet on his hand. "It looks harmless," he commented.
"Looks harmless when your palms are open. Close them." He did so; a sleek titanium blade unsheathed itself. He looked at it. "I thought you said this could light on fire."
"Yes, it can," Lucius said, "there's another button, push both at the same time, then see what happens."
He did as instructed, and the bayonets unsheathed themselves. "How do I know I won't burst into flames? Then they'd call me the Human Torch."
"The gauntlets are coated with a fireproof substance, so you'll be fine. Now try it. Dick pushed a button and watched the blades ignite. "Not bad, not bad."
He retracted the razor sharp blades. "These are very dangerous, Lucius. Why show me?"
"You don't need to play ignorant with me, Mr. Grayson," the inventive CEO said with a wink.
"Yes, yes, I know; but I thought you were sending this to the army."
"That's why I have two prototypes. One for you and one for the armed forces."
"I see. Thank you for taking the time to show me this, Lucius. I'm sure you must be very busy, so I think I'll let you get to it. You mind if I take these?"
"Sure, go ahead. They're yours anyway. Thank you for coming by Mr. Grayson," Lucius Fox replied. "If you ever need me for anything, just say so."
"I'll be checking in a few days," Dick said.
"I'll be waiting," he replied.
Dick made his way to the elevators. Gar, Victor, Raven and Kory followed him. "You guys have been awfully quiet."
"Dude, is he the guy who gives you all your gadgets?" Gar asked.
"Lucius Fox is the genius behind the gadgets but Alfred is the one who actually sends them to me."
"I need to talk to Lucius about that Tumbler of yours. I need to get me one of those!" Victor said. "It makes the T Car look like crap."
"Oh come on, Vic. You're car's great!"
"Not compared to yours, I seriously need to talk Mr. Fox into modifying mine so it can be that good."
"Where are we going now?" Raven asked.
"I suppose we need to stop by the corporate headquarters of Chlorogene. Kitten did say they were protesting today."
"Okay, then what?" Gar asked.
"We do what we do best," Dick winked.
They went out to the car and drove down to Chlorogene's corporate headquarters where the protest was being held. They watched the large crowd gather in front of the building. Dick could see Kitten standing on a platform leading the crowd in chanting, "Down with Chlorogene, we don't want your mutant vegetables!"
Dick frowned. He knew this was just a front for she was what Batman and the local authorities considered Poison Ivy's activities as that of an echo terrorist. She was bent on destroying corporations that she said "destroyed the environment for the sake of making money." Pamela Isley was Hell-bent on making the world a better place for plants.
They climbed out of the disguised T Car and made their way into the crowd. They were screaming and shouting, and it looked like things were taking a turn for the worse.
He caught the attention of the others and gestured for them to head to a building next door. They made their way out of the crowd and over to the building. Once inside, they headed for the restrooms and changed into their uniforms. They meet each other in the hallway near the lobby in the front of the building.
"Why did you have us come over here again?" Victor asked.
"We need to get in uniform where no one can see," Dick answered.
"Why didn't you have us do that earlier?"
"I wanted to get the lay of the land first."
"So what do we do, break up the protest?" Raven asked. "They haven't done anything."
"They haven't done anything yet," Dick corrected. "But that doesn't mean they won't."
"What are we supposed to watch for?"
"Any sign of Poison Ivy? If she comes to the rally, it could mean trouble for Chlorogene. If you see her, attack immediately. I'm going to contact Tim and Babs and tell them what's going on. Meanwhile, I suggest you all head back there. I'll join you as soon as I can."
The others did as they were instructed. Dick grabbed a communicator and called Tim Drake. "We have a situation at Chlorogene headquarters."
"Poison Ivy up to something?" Tim asked.
"You catch on quick, Tim. I haven't even said anything yet."
"It's all over the news and we both knew she has a personal vendetta against the company."
"Because they're the ones who turned her into what she is now."
"Well, I assume you know that already," Tim said.
"Yes, I knew that, you think she'll actually show. I overheard her tell Kitten she wasn't going to make it, that she had "other plans", or something along those lines."
"Knowing her, she's probably going to do something tonight. This whole protest is just a front for her to get Gotham's attention. And she also does work for hire."
"Poison Ivy works for someone else, who would hire her for anything?"
"No, I meant that she pays people do her dirty work for her."
"You think she hired that Temblor character again? He wasn't too thrilled his 'boss' was a teenybopper."
"No, I highly doubt that. That was years ago. He's long gone. She's probably got someone who's in serious need of money."
"Kitten's Father, Killer Moth! So that's why they're friends! It makes sense now."
"yes, Kitten's most likely in it for the money, Pam's in it for revenge, perfect partnership. Suits them well enough."
"Knowing Ivy's M.O., she'll strike tonight. So what should I tell the Titans. They're waiting for me out there."
"Just tell them you're coming back tonight. That shouldn't be a big deal."
"Tim, can you get a hold of Babs? We need all the help we can get. Oh yeah, bring the extra weaponry tonight. We're gonna have to do a lot of pruning."
"Sure, no problem, Dick. Where do you want us to meet you?"
On the roof of the building across the street from Chlorogene, be there at 11 tonight. Don't be late."
"Yes Sir!" Tim said enthusiastically. He hung up. Dick turned and headed back outside. He quickly gathered all the Titans together.
"I have it form a good source she won't be showing up today. Since this doesn't look like it's going to escalate any further, I think we should go home. She'll be here tonight, and I don't think she'll be alone.
"What makes you think that?" Beast Boy asked.
"I think she's hired Killer Moth to destroy Chlorogene."
"That explains her relationship with Kitten," Kory said. "Are Robin Batgirl to be here as well?"
"I've already contacted them. All we need to do is lay low."
Later on that evening, they all met on the rooftop of the building as planned. Batgirl arrived soon after the Titans, followed closely by Tim. "So, when's the party start?" Batgirl asked.
"As soon as we spot Killer Moth or Poison Ivy," Dick answered. He was using his night vision binoculars to see if there was anything. "Any luck Tim?"
"Nothing, they must be bored or something."
"Dude, how long are we gonna sit here?" Beast Boy asked.
"As long as it takes," came Batman's reply.
"We could be out here all night! You used to stay out that long?"
"Uh huh."
"Were you ever bored?"
"Uh huh."
"Does this ever drive you crazy?"
"Uh huh."
"Lucky for me you're such a good conversationalist."
"Dick, there he is!" Tim pointed at a figure down in the street heading toward the building.
"Now everyone listen to me, don't get too close to Poison Ivy. The key to beating her is keeping your distance and looking for an opening. Tim, you brought the 'extras' I wanted you to bring?"
I got them right her, man. It's chainsaw time!" he removed one from a bag he was carrying. "These things are so nifty. They fit on the side of your arm." He attached it to his gauntlets. He handed Batman and Batgirl two extra pairs.
"Cyborg, you have yours?" Batman asked.
"Built into my arm and ready to go!" They dropped down to the street and began making their way towards the building. They slipped in after Killer Moth, who had somehow disabled the alarms. Dick wondered if Kitten or Poison Ivy had something to do with that. They followed him quietly, Killer Moth headed straight for the labs; Dick had a feeling that was the first place he was going to destroy. It was located in the center of the building.
He hacked open the labs locked doors and slipped inside. Raven used her Soul Self to transport them in without being heard. Killer Moth walked over to a table filled with rows and rows of chemicals. He sent them crashing to the floor with a sweep of his arm and prepared to light them on fire with a lighter. He pulled out a cigarette and lit up, inhaling nicotine into his lungs and sending out a few puffs of smoke. He was just about to drop the lighted butt onto the floor which would set the entire building ablaze to Kingdom Come, when he heard a voice behind him say, "Sorry Killer Moth, but the sign out front says 'No Smoking.'"
"You found me, but you'll soon be wishing you hadn't!" he snarled furiously as he spun around to face them. He suddenly leapt into the air, grabbed a hold of a light fixture and launched himself at the Titans feet first, colliding with Batman. Killer Moth stumbled back but regained his footing delivering a solid punch to the thief's stomach.
Killer Moth responded with a clumsy kick that did him no good at all, and just made his situation worse by further offsetting his balance. Raven used her powers to throw him into a nearby table while Cyborg fired his Sonic Cannon.
The blasts ripped into Killer Moth, causing him to howl in pain, he somehow managed to roll over and pushing himself to his feet, managed to dodge laser fire and tackle Cyborg to the floor. Cyborg pushed him off the floor with his feet, sending him skidding across the floor. He Scrambled to his feet as Robin stepped in front of him, Bo Staff ready.
He brought the staff smashing down on Killer Moth, who rolled out of the way as it smashed into the floor. He kicked out low but Robin jumped back. He leapt to his feet and punched furiously at the hero as he block and countered with a few quick jabs of his own. Robin began forcing Killer Moth back toward the others who were surrounding him from behind.
He staggered back as two streaking Starbolts from Starfire's eyes crashed into his body. He grabbed a vial of one of the chemicals and turning around, he threw it straight at her. Batman quickly whipped out a Bat-a-Rang and hurled it at the beaker, smashing it into a dozen shards of glass. The glass flew in all directions. Robin covered himself with his cloak and Batman and Batgirl followed suit. Raven used her powers to shield the rest of the Titans in her aura.
Killer Moth was not so lucky however as the glass ricocheted back at him; he felt pieces of glass rip through his costume and into his flesh. He screamed in agony and staggered back. Batman rushed over to him before he could hit the floor, crushing more glass into his knees. He hauled him over to a safe are on the floor.
"Where's Poison Ivy?" Batman demanded.
"I don't know. She sent me here, I didn't know she was coming."
"She probably told you everything, now where is she?" Robin demanded, walking over to him.
"Don't worry Robin, she'll show up soon enough." Batman examined Killer Moth's wounds. "We need to take him to a hospital.
"We don't have time for that," Batgirl said. "She could show up any minute!"
"I know, I know. I just can't figure out what to do with him. Robin, call Detective Yin and have her come down her and take him to the hospital."
Robin punched in her signal on his Communicator. "Detective Yin, this is Robin, we need you down at Chlorogene headquarters right away, we have an injured Killer Moth her and we need you to take him to a hospital." Batman bandaged Killer Moth's wounds as best he could, then he tied him up
"Tell Batman I'm on my way and I'm bringing a squad too for backup."
"I'll let him know that," Robin turned to Batman. "She's on her way."
"Good," Batman nodded his approval.
"Okay, that's done, Beast Boy observed, "now all we have to do is find—" A huge vine emerged from nowhere and smashed into his midsection, flinging him across the room into a wall. The others looked up to see Poison Ivy, perched atop a large flower, smirking down at them.
. Batgirl grabbed a Bat-a-Rang and aimed for Poison Ivy's head, hoping to knock her unconscious. She threw it and it barely missed her head, swishing harmlessly by her ear. "After all these years I would think you would have learned how to aim," she sneered.
"Titans, go!" Robin ordered; he unsheathed his chainsaw and Cyborg's arm transformed into his chainsaw attachment. Raven and Starfire rose into the air and Beast Boy changed into a python and began slithering through the vines unnoticed by Poison Ivy, who kept her attention on the rest of the Titans. They immediately rushed forward; Starfire sent green bolts smashing into the leaves and vines, burning them to charred cinders.
A tangle of vines shot out at Poison Ivy's command and enveloped Starfire in a mass of green ivy. There was a burst of green light from her eyes as it exploded away from her. She stood glaring at her opponent, rising fast into the air, she shot forward as fast as a bullet and headed straight for Poison Ivy.
Batman and Batgirl pulled out their chainsaws and began sawing away at the tangled plants that were blocking their path toward Ivy as she tried to ward of Starfire with her carnivorous plants she conjured to defend her. Starfire avoided a viscous snap and quickly glanced behind her as the sharp teeth snapped at her. Diving down, she began to weave her way around the plant in a downward spiral as it tried to chase her. She stopped for a split second, watching the plants wide jaws open up to swallow her whole.
At the last instant, she ducked below as the plant bit itself in half. She watched it fall apart and flying away form the chaos. Circling high above Poison Ivy, she then executed a dive bomb followed by a shower of Starbolts.
Poison Ivy looked up. When she did, all she could see was a streak of emerald green raining down on her. She blocked the solar bolts with a wall of vines. She gasped as Starfire burst through her defense and smashed her fist into Ivy's face. She tumbled off her perch and fell to the floor.
She landed on her feet and looked up at Starfire. "Not bad, Red," she congratulated, "not bad at all." She summoned another plant to harass her enemy. Starfire turned her attention to an attacking plant and away from Ivy.
Beast Boy meanwhile had made his way across the plants toward Poison Ivy. When he saw her go flying, he morphed into and eagle and dropped down in front of her. He transformed into a bear extending his claws, he roared fiercely and rushed to attack. She smirked at him, and with a sly grin, she watched him as he ran towards her. Extending a hand, as if to blow him a kiss, she blew a powdery pheromone in his direction.
Beast Boy tried to stop himself from running into the red powdered substance. It did him no good however; he just succeeded in plowing into Poison Ivy. She stepped aside and let Beast Boy plow straight into the pheromone. Changing back into his human form, he coughed and sputtered, inhaling the gas. Raven looked up from her battle with the vines just in time to see Beast Boy's eyes changed from their normal green color to a glazed hypnotized look.
"What's happening to him?" she called over to Batgirl, who was dodging vines and somersaulting over branches.
"He's under Poison Ivy's mind control!" she replied.
"How do you snap him out of it?" she asked to everyone in the room.
"Make him laugh!" Cyborg shouted.
"There's no time for that, any other suggestions?"
"Hit him in the head!" Babs shouted.
"Destroy them!" Poison Ivy ordered. Beast Boy turned, transforming into a tiger, he charged straight at her. She dodged out of the way, rising into the air. She used her powers to grab a lose vine. Snapping it like a whip, she flicked it at Beast Boy's head, smashing it into his head. He came to an unexpected halt, shaking his mangy head.
Resuming human form, he glared up at Raven. "What did you do that for?" he demanded.
"You've been hypnotized. I had to snap you out of your trance. Get over it," she replied.
"Oh, okay," he looked around.
Batman used his grapple gun to attach itself to the other wall. Pushing the button, he shot over to the other side. He dropped down to land in front of Poison Ivy. He was followed By Robin and Batgirl. Cyborg and Starfire were preoccupied battling plants. Cyborg was hacking away with his chainsaw, but no matter how much he cut off, they just seemed to keep coming in greater numbers.
Starfire avoided a falling tree branch and was trying to make her way towards Beast Boy when thousands of vines reached out their arms and grabbed her, pulling her into the tangled mass.
Dick turned his head for a split second, "Starfire!" In that instant, he found himself engulfed in vines. He struggled to free himself as the others found themselves trapped as well. The haughty, triumphant look on his opponent's face was unmistakable. She moved over to him.
"Sorry Batman, it looks like you and you're little friends are going to lose this time!" Poison Ivy smirked.
"Sorry to disappoint you, Ivy!" he retorted, pushing down both the buttons hidden in his gloves. The hidden bayonets came out, flames blazing. The flames ignited the ivy and vines that bound his hands, burning them to smoldering ashes. The fames began to spread weaving their way towards Poison Ivy, who spotted the danger and was trying to use her powers to prevent herself from being burned.
She let out a startled gasp as the fire continued to spread. The flames licked their way through the vines, immediately disintegrating them. She watched in horror as their path wound their way across the vast space toward her. She then realized the danger she was in a split second too late, and knew she had to leave immediately before the building caught fire.
She tried to make her escape by running towards the door. Poison Ivy's escape route was blocked by a wall of flames, turning back, she headed in the other direction. She watched in horror was a burning branch broke and fell on top of her. She let out a scream and braced herself for the impact.
Suddenly, Batgirl swooped in and pulled her to safety, she was immediately surrounded by the others, weapons drawn. Exhausted, she collapsed and slipped into unconsciousness. Batgirl glanced down at her.
"Felt I owed you one, Red," she said quietly. "You're still my friend even though sometimes you act like a jerk."
"Are we all okay?" Beast Boy asked.
"How could you fall under hypnosis again?" Cyborg asked.
"I can't help it, I'm bad at resisting hypnosis! It's not my fault!" Beast Boy retorted.
"Where's Killer Moth?" Raven asked.
"Let me check with Detective Yin," Batman said. "Detective Yin, do you have Killer Moth?"
"Yes we do and we've taken him to the hospital, we're keeping an eye on him there."
"Good," Batman ended the communication. "Let's drop Ivy off at the station, then we can go home."
Kory felt exhausted as she finished changing into normal clothes. They had dropped off Poison Ivy at the Gotham Police Department, Commissioner Gordon had thanked them and then they headed home to Wayne Manor.
Tim and Babs had gone home. They both claimed they were too exhausted to stay and they both said they had school the next day. They were all very tired. The others had headed to their rooms to sleep.
She headed down the hallway to her room when something caught her attention. She paused for a moment, stopping outside Dick's room. What she saw was a sight she would never forget.
His room was dark, the lights were off; he stood alone in the moonlight. Silhouetted in the dim room, she saw him, dressed in his Batman uniform. He held his Robin costume in his hands reverently. The moonlight wrapped its arms around his figure, framing him in pale gray light. A strange silence filled the air as she moved softly into the room.
A window was opened slightly, letting in a soft breeze. The gentle wisps of air sent small waves through the dark cape on the floor. It seemed to have a life of its own for a moment; it settled onto the floorboards inert and unmoving.
The floor creaked beneath her feet. Hearing the noise he turned. "How long have you been standing there?"
"Only a short while," she replied. "I am sorry, I did not mean to disturb you." She couldn't see the expression on his face. "Shall I leave?"
"No, you can stay, that's alright."
"Do you mind if I turn the light on?" she asked.
"Go ahead, it's too dark to see anything without it." She flipped the light switch on and turned back to face him. She walked over and joined him by the window.
"Are you alright? You didn't get infected with any poison ivy did you? You were covered in it," Dick gave her a small smile.
"No, I have not had the itch yet, so it has not affected me," she replied.
"I'm glad you're alright. I was worried about you."
"I thank you," she smiled. "But I do wonder why you are still up when the others have gone to sleep."
"I'm just thinking about things, that's all." He stared out at the moon.
"What do you think about Dick?"
"Why so interested, Kory?" he asked.
"I am curious about you, what do you think about here in the darkness?"
"I think about…my parents, their deaths, and what I could have done to prevent it."
"I do not know what to say, your parents death was not your fault."
"It was, Kory it was my fault they died; I overheard the threats. I tried to warn them but they didn't listen to me. I was angry with them about it, but they didn't listen to me. I was angry because of it…and I never had the chance to apologize before they died. I've never forgiven myself for it, and I don't think I ever will. I swore on my parents grave I would avenge them, and I won't forgive myself until that day comes."
"This cannot be the person I have known for so long. This is not what drives you, Dick. You are driven by the need to bring justice, not vengeance."
"You don't know the rage that drives me. That impossible anger strangling my grief until the memory of my loved ones is just a poison in my veins. Some days I catch myself wishing the people I loved had never existed...so I would be spared my pain."
"You do not mean that Dick," Kory protested. "You are hardly one to carry these feelings you speak of."
"But I do, Kory. You didn't know me…back then, before my parents were murdered. I was truly, sincerely happy when I was a kid," Dick began. He walked over to his bedside and picked up a picture frame from the table. "I loved them very much and they were my only friends."
"I do not understand," Kory began. "You seem so different now than when you were Robin. It is as if I do not know who you are."
"What makes you say that?"
"You are so much…darker, more mysterious. It is if you are someone else, something truly sinister, that is…I do not know, I am so confused."
"You're saying I've become like the Batman."
"Yes, I think that is what I am trying to say."
"Ironic, isn't it? Once I promised myself I would never be like him, yet here I am, standing in his shoes." He turned to her. "Are you trying to tell me that you think I'm different just because I'm the son of a billionaire? You think I'm above you because of the wealth I have?"
"As I said once before, you confuse me," Kory's eyes fell. Dick gently took her chin in his hand and raised her eyes to meet his.
"You've always known who I am, Kory. I have been the same person I always was, and I've not changed at all, even if I have money. Money doesn't matter to me. If it did, I wouldn't be Robin. I'd just be a spoiled brat named Dick Grayson."
Kory gave a small laugh. "I cannot ever see you being a 'spoiled brat'. That is not a part of your personality."
"Listen, I've been wanting to tell you something."
"What is that?" she asked.
"I never told you this, but I heard you."
"You head me? What did I say?" Kory asked, confused.
"Your conversation with Raven, when you told her you would never forgive yourself if something happened to me. I heard you say that."
"How did you hear me, you were not conscious."
"I think your conversation came to me subliminally in my subconscious, but I heard you just the same."
"The Man of Jokes shot you because he was trying to hurt me. It was my mistake to follow you here, you were injured because of me—"
"Listen Kory," Dick interrupted, tenderly slipping his arms around her waist. "You don't need to blame yourself for my actions," Dick gently pulled her into a hug. "What happened to me was not your fault." Kory let out a sniff as she began to sob into Dick's shoulder.
"Hey now, don't cry Kory, shh…" he soothed his voice filled with tenderness. "It's okay now. Just calm down…it's alright…"
She pulled away after a few moments and looked up at him. "I love you, Dick Grayson," she whispered softly. Unexpectedly, she pressed her lips to his in a sweet kiss. Dick was quite startled by her actions, and decided to gently push her away. He saw the hurt look on her face and immediately regretted it.
"Hey, now, cut it out, Kory…you can't be—serious—about—this…" he tried to object, but then he felt his willpower slipping as he gave in to her kiss. He let his lips find hers and held her close to him. He absentmindedly ran his fingers through her hair. He felt her thumb brush against his cheek as they kissed. He blushed bright red but she didn't notice.
"Excuse me, Sir, I was wondering if you needed anything," Alfred's voice boomed out of nowhere. They swiftly pulled away from each other; both faces were blushing bright red. Dick was as red as a fire hydrant.
Alfred glanced at the two of them. "I can see I have interrupted something very intimate between the two of you. Pardon my interruption, Sir, I'll leave you two alone." He made a hasty exit, leaving them alone once more.
"I must be going to bed now, I'll see you in the morning. Good night, Kory."
"Good night, Dick."
"I love you," he said softly.
"I…love you also," she replied. He watched her leave in silence. He smiled to himself. Walking over to the door, he shut it and got ready for bed.
Turning out the light, he went to sleep. He knew that this was the beginning of something very special between them. He slept that night, hoping that what they shared would stay with them. He had almost lost her once; he wasn't going to let that happen again.