Chapter Nine-Gone

"Our Robin?" Rachel asked in disbelief.

Terry nodded. "It all adds up."

"Let me see."

"Look. He's been robbing toy stores-specifically little girl toys. He's also robbed a costume store-probably not because it's Halloween either. Jewelry, expensive clothing…he wants our child," Terry said quietly.

"What does he want with Robin?"

"I don't know but it all adds up. I think he's planning to kidnap her…maybe to force me to surrender."

"Terry…our child. We promised her we'd protect her," Rachel said fearfully. "She's two and half; she's never done anything to anyone."

"I know," he replied. "I'm not going to let her get hurt."

"Maybe I should go back to Metropolis," Rachel said quietly. "Robin will be safe there."

"NO!" Terry said forcefully. "I won't lose you again."

"Robin is counting on us, Terry. She needs her Mommy and Daddy to protect her."

"It doesn't matter if you go to Metropolis. Corpus will find you."

"Then stop him before he hurts our Robin."

"I won't let anything happen to you or our child," Terry replied. "I need your help though, Rachel."

"I…can't," Rachel replied.

"She'll be OK. Please, Rach, the city and Robin need Firewing," Terry pleaded.

"I can't. I already told you," Rachel snapped.

"Why? Why, baby?"

"I don't have my powers."

"You're just out of practice. I'll help you."

"No, Terry…I don't have my powers. They're gone."

"Gone," Terry repeated.

"They're controlled by emotion. I have to be happy to fly, and really angry to use starbolts," Rachel explained. "After we broke up, I just couldn't fly anymore. I still can't."

"Baby," Terry said softly. "Why didn't you tell me?"

"I don't know."

Terry stood and held her tightly. "I love you, and I'm sorry you don't have your powers anymore."

"I'm no use to you."

"I don't care if you can fly and release green alien energy in large doses. I never have. I love you, Rachel, I promise you that."

"I wish I could help fight Corpus," she mumbled.

"He won't get his filthy hands on our child," he said. "I'll make sure of it."

…Meanwhile…

Robin had woken from her nap. Toddling into the room next to her own, she saw that her parents weren't there.

'Grandpa sleepin'. Mommy say no bother him when sleepin'. Me go explorin',' she thought.

Slowly, the toddler descended the marble steps to the ground floor. Robin looked through a library, Bruce's office and a den.

'This borin'. I go outside.'

This child wandered into the entrance hall. Standing on her tiptoes, Robin turned the handle and went outside.

"Ooh," she said excitedly.

The land surrounding Wayne Manor was beautifully maintained. Robin wandered through a rose garden ("Bad thorns," she scolded) and then attempted to climb a tree. After giving up on conquering the tree, she wandered down the path that led to the gates of Wayne Manor. They were open, which was unusual. Standing just beyond them was a man. Forgetting her mother's warnings about never talking to strangers, Robin approached.

"Hi. My name Robin," she squeaked.

"My name is Mr. Fluffers."

"That my bear name!" Robin exclaimed.

"Lovely. You're a pretty girl, Robin. Where are your mommy and daddy?"

"They gone. Me all alone."

"If they loved you, they wouldn't have left you," Mr. Fluffers said cruelly.

"Mommy and Daddy do love me," Robin said, scowling.

"Do they? Then why are you here…alone?"

"M-May-Maybe they don't," Robin said slowly. She began to cry.

"Your Daddy calls you Princess, doesn't he?" Mr. Fluffers asked smoothly.

"Y-Yes. I am Daddy's Princess."

"You'll be treated like the princess you are…if you come with me. I love you, Robin. I'll never leave you alone."

"OK."

He took her hand and led her away from the mansion.

…Half an hour later…

"Robin?" Rachel called.

"Any luck?" Terry inquired as he drew level with her.

Rachel shook her head.

"We'll find her; don't worry."

The two searched the first floor, reaching the front hall.

"Terry," Rachel gasped. "The door is open."

"Why did she have to be born with some need to explore?"

Scared for their daughter, the adults raced outside.

After searching for several minutes, they collapsed under the tree Robin had been trying to climb forty-five minutes earlier.

"Our child," Rachel sobbed into Terry's shoulder.

"I know," he replied. "We'll find her, I promise."

He gathered her gently in his arms and brought her inside.

"I'm going to look for her around the city. You search the house again," Terry said firmly.

"Fine. I'll go get Bruce."

Terry raced off to the cave, leaving Rachel to search for her daughter.

…With Robin and Mr. Fluffers…

"See Princess Robin? I love you," Mr. Fluffers said, leading her into a large room. It was painted lavender, housing various toys, huge stuffed animals and toy chests overflowing with dress-up clothes. In a corner of the room was a huge bed complete with canopy.

"All for me?" she asked in wonder.

"Yes Princess Robin. It's all for you. All I ask in return is that you be my Princess forever."

"Kay, Mr. Fluffers. Mommy and Daddy don't love me anyway."

"That's my girl. Why don't you play while I make a phone call?" he suggested.

"Oh…"

"What's wrong?"

"Mommy always plays with me."

"I will," he promised. "I'll be right back."

Putting on the mask that made him Corpus, 'Mr. Fluffers' sat down in front of his computer monitor. He entered a code and connected to Terry's tiny computer screen in the Batmobile.

"Hello, Batman" he said calmly.

"Corpus," Terry growled. "Can we reschedule this?"

"Looking for someone? Perhaps Robin McGinnis?"

"Where is she?" Terry demanded.

"With me. She came willingly. You should see her; Princess is happy as a clam."

"Willingly?"

"Oh, yes. All I had to do was tell her that Mommy and Daddy don't love her. But never mind that. I'll send our coordinates. We'll have a nice little chat and then a fight for your daughter. Oh…and have a nice day."