A Nobody

by Jebest4781

Living a new life in another reality, Naruto now must handle a lot of complications of him interacting with various heroes, villains and anti-heroes. How will things go with them interacting with a Nobody. NarutoXHarem Rated M for language, violence and lemons. NarutoXDC ComicsXKingdom Hearts Please leave reviews. On Hiatus.

58. Batgirl Rises

Disclaimer: I do not own anything related to Naruto, Disney, Square Enix or Detective Comics. They rightfully belong to their respective owners.

"Speech"

'Thoughts'

Radio/TV

"Headset/Flashback"

-Scene Shift-

Chapter 58: Batgirl Rises

It was late into the night as commotion was taking place at Miller Harbor. It wasn't visibly seen out in the open. In fact, it was occuring in the sewers.

But not for long.

Thrown out of the sewer drain pipe, Batgirl's form splashed across the water before recovering back onto her feet. She panted with her hardened eyes focused at her opponent. And it didn't take for him to reach her with his heavy steps echoing through the pipe's opening.

"Like I said before, I'll say it again." Spoke the southern accent of Killer Croc as he gave a sharp growl. "Ain't nobody takin' me back to Arkham. Least of all another woman."

Getting out her collapsible Bo staff from her utility belt, Batgirl went into a fighting stance. "Seems you're still touchy on getting your ass handed by the Sirens, Croc."

"Keep it up and I'll be sure to break yours!" Came his roar, charging forward towards his prey.

The female Bat bolted from her position before sliding in between Waylon Jones' form. Using what momentum she had left in the water, she swung her weapon around to smack his exposed side. Croc hissed before he used his tail to smack her away, resulting in Batgirl tumbling across the shallow pool.

Using her Bo staff, she slammed its one end into the moist earth to stop herself. Batgirl jerked in response before quickly getting up to soon meet against the humanoid crocodile. Quickly twisting the middle of her weapon, it separated into escrima sticks as she barely avoided the incoming claws.

"Hold still!"

"Nah~" Came her response as she spun to deliver a series of smacks at his exposed, sensitive areas. "I'd like living."

After the series of blows, Batgirl had to jump out of the way from getting hit by Croc. Yet she didn't go far enough as she was once more hit by his thick tail. Grunting in pain, Barbara tried recovering but was snagged by his hands.

Chuckling to himself, Waylon gave a toothy grin as he gave her a crushing hug. "Seems all this fighting made me rather famished." He laughed even more when she struggled to get free. "Never tasted bat before. Wonder what ya taste like~"

"Maybe you'd like something light instead." Spoke an unexpected arrival.

"Wha-"

"Lux! (Light!)"

A bright light illuminated the area, causing quite the discomfort for both combatants on their sense of sight. Waylon was forced to let go of Batgirl, who soon splashed into the water.

"FUCK! MY-"

Croc was interrupted with a hardened boot impacting his face, knocking a few teeth out in the process. The blow sent him into the shallow water. Waylon tried getting back up before he felt a weight on his chest where he was soon met with a fist repeatedly slamming into his face.

"Go to sleep. Go to sleep. Go to sleep. Go to sleep." After one last empowered punch, Killer Croc was out of commission as he succumbed to Morpheus' influence.

"Ooowww~!" Batgirl groaned, rubbing her eyes. "You could'a warned me, Vanitas! Now I'm gonna be seeing spots for a while."

The helmeted hero let out a sheepish chuckle as he dismissed his Keyblade. "Sorry about that, Batgirl. Came at a moment's notice and forgot to give your warning." He came up to her, holding out his hand. "Anyway of making up to you?"

Barely seeing the offered appendage, the masked Gordon grasped it before being pulled onto her feet. "Yeah. Maybe showing me who you are underneath that glass domed mask of yours."

He chuckled. "Maybe some other time."

Barbara shook her head with a small smirk on her lips. She kept blinking in order to relieve her of her light spots. "How'd you find me anyways? Took me some time finding Croc's hideaway."

"Which I'm no doubt commending you on the search. He's been annoying to find since his escape from Arkham last week. Along with the others that got out and are still hiding."

"You still haven't answered my question."

"Ah, right." Said her mentor. "Well I so happen to be in the area as I've run into a small horde of Heartless. Heard commotion soon after and then found you two."

Batgirl nodded as she remembered that it's been about a week since not only Vanitas got his Keyblade but also the arrival of the Heartless.

Many thought it was merely a one time encounter. An unexplained event which countless people mourned the losses taken by the dwellers of the dark. Yet much to their shock and fright, they've returned relentlessly with no end all over Gotham.

"You did good, Babs." He said with a hidden smile. "Head back home and get some well deserved rest. I'll go take Waylon Jones back to Arkham."

"Thanks. I really need it."

Batgirl watched as Vanitas bounded Killer Croc up before forming a card platform as it soon rose into the sky. She continued on as it took off to where Gotham's well known asylum resided. With the form out of sight, Barbara rolled her shoulder as she put away her collapsable weapon before pulling out her grappling gun, took aim and fired. Once getting a stable line, she retracted it and took off into the sky as she made her way towards her car in order to get back home.

-Unknown Location-

Running through the darkened streets of Gotham, Naruto was fleeing for his life.

Reason? Why he was being chased by Heartless. To be more specific, Neo-Shadows.

He'd been running for quite some time and he's exhausted himself that he can't run no more. And if this wasn't enough on his recent bad luck, he ran into a dead end of an alley with no way of escape.

"This is it then." He muttered out with the utmost, shortness of breath with the Heartless creeping up on him. "It's been a good ride. Shame I couldn't…"

Before they could strike, a figure fell down and struck a Neo-Shadow across it's head. The act sent it flying into another of its breed. And before any of the others could react, a volley of projectiles pierced a good half dozen. As a result, a good number of them went up into wisps of dark smoke. Even a bit more with said projectiles exploding.

With their green hearts floating back down to the alley floor, they were soon destroyed by the new arrival with a swipe of a bladed weapon in order to halt the reproduction of more Neo-Shadows.

Naruto was curious as to who has come to his rescue. With the clouds parting in the sky, the moon's light shined upon the alley to reveal-

"Batgirl!" He said in joy.

The masked Gordon wore a serious expression as she twirled her Bo staff. "Stand back, please. Don't want you to lose your heart to them."

Without seeing or hearing a response from him, Batgirl quickly moved her weapon to smack a Neo-Shadow away before jabbing an end into another. She then used it as a temporary 'edge' in her arsenal by hitting others with the one Heartless. As it disappeared in smoke, she quickly pulled out a batarang and sliced through the floating green heart before dashing forward to get rid of these dwellers of darkness.

As one Neo-Shadow tried to strike her from underneath, she performed a somersault kick as a means of striking one coming from above. Landing back down, she swung her Bo staff around in a full circle to clear up some space. She briefly looked back and saw some Heartless were trying to strike Naruto down. Acting quickly, she pulled out a flash grenade from her utility belt and set it off.

"Cover your eyes!"

Naruto complied with the order and did so. Just in time too as the grenade went off, filling the closed off alley with intense light for several moments. The action was able to both stun and harm many Neo-Shadows, leaving them wide open to Batgirl's assault. Jumping up towards the nearby wall, she briefly ran across the surface in order to get some air. With her vantage spot, she quickly threw another volley of batarangs to destroy another batch of Heartless.

With more Neo-Shadows trying to take her down, she jumped once more in order to perform a helicopter kick. Falling back to the earth, she used her Bo staff as a means of keeping herself up and spun around it to strike a good number of her opponents. By the time she pried her staff off the ground, Batgirl separated it in two in order to strike remaining numbers with her escrima sticks.

Wanting to disoriate them once more, she used yet another flash grenade to fill up the space with light. With the rest being confused and non-moving, she smacked, kicked, and stomped the remaining Neo-Shadows with hardly any difficulty.

At the corner of her eye, she saw one more trying to strike Naruto. With fast reflexes and precision aiming, she threw her sticks at the final Heartless as it destroyed both it and it's green heart as the Uzumaki was now free from harm.

"Thank you." Naruto weakly said as he leaned against the alley wall. "I'd be a goner if-"

"Hey, don't think that." Batgirl said in a soft voice. Coming up to him, she placed a gloved hand on his shoulder. "Are you alright?"

Naruto's eyes stared at her cowled face. The way he gazed at her was as if he was trying to peer through her mask and look directly onto her hidden, amethyst eyes.

"I am now." He breathed out with a small, exhausted smile. "I… I don't know how I could ever repay you."

"It's nothing, Mr. Uzumaki." She said, trying to keep things professional. Yet her body was slowly coming closer to his. "I was doing what was right. You don't owe me anything."

He brought up his hand towards his shoulder and softly, yet firmly grasped hers. "But… But I insist. I wouldn't live with myself if I didn't at least pay you back for saving my life." At this point, their bodies were starting to fully touch and press up against each other. "There must be something…"

Her heart was thumping hard against her chest as the eyes underneath her cowl were starting to grow heavy with yearning. She parted her lips as they slowly drew closer to Naruto's, the man she loves the most in the entire world.

"There… is something."

"Name it." He said with them feeling each other's breaths on their faces.

As her lips were about to touch-

"Barbara…"

Batgirl reared her head back with widened eyes. "What?"

"Barbara…" Spoke a voice that didn't fit with the whiskered man before her. At first she thought Naruto somehow knew her identity… but…

"Barbara…"

Wait, that can't be right.

"Barbara…"

That sounded like…

"Barbara, you'll catch a cold if you keep doing this."

The spectacled redhead groggily woke up with someone gently shaking her awake. As she moved her head from her resting spot, she soon felt parts of her face prying from the bedroom desk surface. The feeling of her flesh coming off the wood was an odd sensation, especially with her supposedly drooling a little.

Moving her head a little, Barbara saw that it was her father who woke her up.

"W-Wha…"

James Gordon chuckled and shook his head a little. "You were at it again, Barbara."

"...Done…" She ended up releasing a small yawn. "...whaaaat?"

"Sleeping at your desk doing your homework."

Amethyst eyes blinked as she peered back onto her desk where various papers and opened books were sprawled about. "Oh. Yeah, right."

"I wonder why you have so many assignments already, on the first week of school no less."

Leaning back onto her chair, she stretched out a little to pop out a few kinks. "I've… *yawn* been wanting to get a head start on a lot of my assignments so I don't have to deal with them later."

"Heh~ always like your mother and I." Chuckled the police commissioner. "Though why so much?" Bending down to pick up a few papers, he saw the supposed dates written down. "And some of these are dated a month away from now."

"Sorry, dad." Barbara took hold of the papers her father had before cleaning up her sprawled out mess. "This semester's classes might end up eating up the majority of my free time as it would no doubt conflict with both my work and training hours."

This was partially the truth.

When looking through her class syllabus' this semester and what has been gone over in advance, Barbara would have quite the amount of time to do whatever she wanted as long as she turned in her assignments and projects on their due dates. Reason why she needed the extra hours were for her time patrolling and fighting crime as Batgirl.

And once she moves out of her current home and finds her own place to stay, then most of these excuses wouldn't be given to her all that often.

"You know your training under Harley is still negotiable on flexibility." James said. "She doesn't have to come on by every week. Same goes with those self defense classes you take."

'More like my training times under Vanitas.' She thought. "I know, dad. I just like trying to keep my time open for anything."

"Even with friends? Like that Morgan girl you've spent time with?"

"Yeah."

James rubbed the back of his head. "Well as long as you keep your grades up, don't get yourself in trouble and burn yourself out, then I can be fine with what you're doing." He then gave a brief smile. "If not, then I'll throw you in a cell at GCPD for a night or two."

Barbara gave her father a bland look. She didn't know if that idle threat was a joke or not as he could do that to her if the opportunity presented itself.

She sighed. "Don't worry, dad. I won't."

"I know, sweetie."

"What time is it anyways?"

"Little after four in the morning." Was the response. "Just got home and saw your light on as I wanted to check up on ya."

"Right. Thanks."

"Well I'm off to bed." He gave her a brief wave. "I'll be up around eight or nine for breakfast."

"Okay. Have a good sleep."

"Thanks."

As she saw her father close her bedroom door, Barbara groaned while rubbing her face. "God, why did he unintentionally have to ruin such a great dream?"

Whenever she had a dream pertaining her crush, things were getting really good. Sometimes her imagination got the better of her in the realm of sleep. You can blame all of the books she read to her current life as Batgirl now.

Hell, there was one dream of hers where Morgan brought her to a strip club and Naruto was one of the dancers. It was quite the spectacle for her and became very exciting when dream Naruto started giving her a private show at a secluded room.

Yet every time they were getting really good on her attempting to either kiss or confess her feelings, she always woke up. Blame it through either her alarm clock or her father waking her up. And it always frustrated her to no end.

Especially the recently mentioned dream having Barbara take a very long shower to cool herself off. If not then one of two things: exercise… or pleasure herself.

"I need a run." Came a frustrated mutter.

Exercise it is this time… especially since she doesn't want her father catching her in the act with him not far away. Even getting suspicious with said activity if she tried masterbating in the shower… again…

Going to her closet, she pulled out a sweater and put them on before tying up her hair and shoes. Making her way downstairs, Barbara made a brief stop at the kitchen to drink some water before heading out of the front door where the cold, winter air greeted her. Locking up the door behind her, she stretched out a little and put her hair into a ponytail before taking off into a light jog; a routine she'd done over the years due to her gymnastics training.

A fresh, light layer of snow had fallen while she was asleep after returning home last night. It wasn't much of a problem for her current activity. Barbara would merely need to occasionally watch her step in case if she were to come in contact with ice and not slip on accident.

Now asides from the interrupted dream mentioned earlier, Barbara considered a well deserved reward from her hard work in tracking down one of Arkham's escapees. And it would've been all the more sweeter if she personally took down Killer Croc all on her own.

Barbara thought she got it under control… apparently not. She was way over my head and it almost costed her life if Vanitas didn't swoop in and save her life.

'I've still got a long ways to go to get into the same league as Batman and Vanitas.' Was the thought as she jogged across an intersection. 'Same goes with the Sirens and Robin.'

A stray thought crossed her mind when thinking back on the Heartless attack last week pertaining that cloaked, magical girl. Barbara wondered who she is and how the other Gothamite heroes seemingly knew her.

'She seemed rather young to be fighting those things.' Barbara turned a corner in order to get into a path in the Gotham Height's park. 'Then again, Robin started crime fighting around Raven's age.' Going through various trees, she soon came across a drinking fountain and took a sip of it to quench her mild-thirst. 'Wonder how both got into their line of work? Or at least get influenced into joining?'

Small, yet simple questions that no doubt have heavy answers. The levels pertaining to them vary as each are unique on their own.

Getting her little fill of water, Barbara continued her run for the next hour around the park in order to vent out some of her frustration from her interrupted dream. By the time she got back to her home, the redhead stretched out her body before entering inside, taking a shower and going back to bed in hopes of having that dream again.

Unfortunately she wouldn't this time around.

-Some Hours Later-

Sitting at the kitchen table, James Gordon was sipping on some coffee and reading the morning paper while his daughter was cooking them breakfast. It was her turn this morning as the father/daughter switched responsibilities every other day. But sometimes it's skipped depending on what comes up at the GCPD, which has him staying over there without even making it back home until later in the day.

Over the sounds of the frying pan cooking up the hashbrowns, Barbara spoke. "Hey dad."

"Yes, Barb?"

"I know this seems like it's out of nowhere, but would you consider me working at the GCPD?"

Hearing this almost made the commissioner choke on his coffee. Some of the morning brew spewed out of his mouth as the droplets landed on the newspaper.

After coming down of his mild coughing fit, James looked at his daughter. "What brought this on?"

"I'm just looking into what I wanna do once I graduate college, dad. Keeping my options opened, that's all."

"Barbara, I didn't help get you through college so you can walk the beat."

She briefly looked back at him with a raised brow. "Don't forget that my scholarships helped me out also." She turned her attention back to the stove as she scrambled the eggs before adding in some cooked veggies. "And I know that, dad, but I do wanna help you out."

"And you have every single day. Being alive and safe as it helps steady my nerves while I'm at work. But you being a cop would no doubt stress me over ten times over as I'd be worried sick to death. Even with those self defense classes you're taking. My job's violent enough for the both of us."

Barbara brought up the frying pan and dumped the hashbrowns on a plate before turning her attention to the one holding the bacon. "I understand that, I really do. But what does a detective do exactly? They search for information. I'm majoring in computer science and data retrieval with some pre-law stuff on my minor would seem to be a plus in that area." Taking the bacon off the hot pan, she placed them on a paper towel so the grease can get absorbed. "Can I at least get the chance to prove myself?" She asked when popping in several slices of bread into the toaster.

Her father sighed. "Even if I did give you the chance, you'd still be attending more time in school via police academy. Sure it won't be easy as neither the instructors or I will curry favor to you given your relation to me." Gordon then looked at his daughter, who just turned off the stove in order to let the two pans to cool off. "Besides, shouldn't you focus on a career that works with your degree? I mean anyone could be a cop or a detective, but don't waste the time and effort your doing for just that."

"Then what would you want me to do, dad?"

"Like you said, you're majoring in computer science and data retrieval. We don't just have cops, detectives and coroners you know. We do have other positions given the growing times. Hell, data science is becoming more popular these days and we could use someone with your skills and talents."

Barbara looked at her father with a raised brow.

"You don't have to follow my path. Follow your own. Define your own future and make it uniquely yours. Just don't take a page from someone else's book, fated that begins and ends on page one."

Her father did raise a good point.

A lot of parents teeter-totter on the idea in their children's future. Join the family business and pass it onto your own kids. Don't join it and make something better for yourself.

And it doesn't always have to simply revolve around jobs and careers as it also deals with one's personal matters of the parent not wanting their child to follow the same history as their own. Being a murderer, a drug addict, an abuser or anything else in that kind of field.

For Barbara, she's already making her own path already… without her father's knowledge and obvious approval, despite his unconventional partnerships with legends. Being Batgirl and going out on many nights to save innocent lives and taking down evil doers. But what if she were to have children of her own one day. Would she want them to follow her crime fighting life or make them go on a different path? It's something she'll have to cross when the time comes, no doubt.

After a few moments of thinking, she spoke. "I'll think about it."

"That's all I ask, Barb." He said with a small smile.

Once the toast popped out of the toaster, the spectacled redhead grabbed the pieces of food and put them onto another plate. With that done, she brought over the collected food to the kitchen table so they could start eating.

While in the moment of spreading jam over a piece of toast, Barbara saw a certain article on the newspaper her father was holding. "A benefit event tonight?"

"Hmm?" Gordon flipped the newspaper around to see what his daughter was referring to. "Oh, that. Right. I'm going to be attending that event tonight."

"What for?"

"The whole Heartless fiasco that happened last week." Was the answer. "A lot of families are affected with loved ones going missing with what those things did. We don't know who was behind it or it was merely an odd supernatural occurrence."

"Still no ransom demands or anything of that nature?"

"If there was someone orchestrating that whole mess, no. We still don't know if those people were merely taken," the commissioner soon tightened his fists, "or were killed in such a manner." He then breathed out a frustrated sigh. "Regardless, a benefit was quickly organized to raise money for those affected on the attack. And many police personnel need to be there for the attendee's protection; me included."

"Hopefully people attending will donate quite the charitable sum."

"One can only hope, Barbara." Putting the newspaper down, James picked up his fork and dug into his morning meal. "You can come on by if you want. You can be my plus one."

She thought about it and one thing no doubt came to mind. With it being a benefit event, a lot of people could get targeted due to how valuable they were. So robbers and crooks would no doubt crash the event.

With that, Batgirl will need to be there to stop anything from happening.

"I'll try to make it work tonight, dad."

-Gotham Library-

Typing away at her work station -with various newspapers, manuals and CD cases stacked right next to her- Barbara heard someone speak up to her. "Miss Gordon?"

She didn't have to look away from her work to know who it is. "Yes, Donald?"

Donald works at the library as an aide to many of the librarians, along with their assistants. The man was ordinary looking and didn't have much going noteworthy.

"Umm... Would the writings of Epictetus go under Classical or Roman History?" Barbara sighed. "Donald... You already know those books go in the philosophy section here. So stop finding excuses to talk to me." She heard him shuffle in his step in a nervous manner. "If you're trying to ask me out, sorry but I'm not interested." She bluntly said.

Barbara then heard him scamper off to continue his work.

"Damn, Babs. I never would've thought seeing a harsh bone in your body."

The spectacled redhead pried her eyes off the computer monitor in seeing Dick Grayson standing on the other side of the desk.

"Hey, Dick. What's up?"

The Grayson gave a small smile. "Nothing much. Just coming by to see if my order came in yet or not."

"Yeah, give me a quick second." Barbara said, quickly pulling up another window on her work computer. After typing a series of commands and searching through different pages, she found what she was looking for. "You're just in luck. They arrived earlier today. Let me run and get them for ya."

"Mind if I come with?"

"...Why?"

"Got nothing else better to do before hitting my other errands for the day." Was his answer. "That and I merely wanna catch up a little. If you don't mind, that is."

The redhead scratched her cheek and thought for a brief moment. She then shrugged. "I don't see a problem with that, Dick." She then stood up and walked around her station. "Might as well save me the trouble in coming back than by giving you them where they're kept."

"Thanks."

The pair soon walked through the library as Barbara navigated their way to their destination.

"So what was that I saw earlier?"

"You mean with Donald?"

"Yeah, him. What was that about?"

"Probably wouldn't surprise you that he has interests in me. And it's not the first time he came up with odd excuses to chat with me."

"Yeah, I mean who wouldn't Barbara. You are rather attractive looking."

"Thank you."

"I'm just asking this, but have you ever considered at least giving him the chance to letting him asking you out?"

"I would've if it weren't for two things."

"And they are?..."

"I keep catching him giving me these bedroom eyes and it bugs the hell out of me as I'm not even remotely attracted to him." She saw him nod at the corner of her eye. "The other is that I have my eyes on someone else."

'Ah~ that might explain a few things.' Was his thought. "And mind telling me who the lucky guy is?"

"That's for me to know and for you to never find out." Came her quick response.

Entering an aisle, the pair eventually made it towards a desk. "Okay, but mind giving me a hint? Is he someone I know?"

"...Probably." Dick nodded once more as Barbara addressed the middle aged woman stationed there. "Hiya, Pat."

"Hello, Barbara. Do you need something?"

Barbara aimed her hand right at the man beside her. "I need to get him his order."

"Okay. And his name is…"

"Richard Grayson."

Pat nodded and went into the back of her station. After several moments, she came out with a bag full of books. "Well here they are, Mr. Grayson. And it seems you already paid up front."

After being handed the order, Dick thanked the clerk before he and Barbara left.

"So what's in the bag?" Came Barbara's question.

"Just a lot of rented books I couldn't get at the campus bookstore. They were sold out or were already reserved before I got the chance to get them."

"Had that happen to me on my first year of college and it was rather frustrating tracking down and getting the books in time for the first big assignments."

"I'd imagine. Never happened to me before until now."

"Oh, I wonder why." As they made their way back to her work station, Barbara the current time coming from the hanging clock nearby. "It's a quarter past one already?"

"Got somewhere to be?"

"Yeah, a lunch date with a friend." Barbara walked a little faster to meet another middle aged woman. "Hey, Vivian. I'm heading out for lunch now."

Vivian looked at her watch before looking at Barbara. "Alright, Barbara. Be sure to come back by two."

The redhead nodded and made her way back to her work station to grab her purse. Once turning back around, she almost bumped into Dick.

"Sorry."

"It's fine, Barbara."

Walking past the Wayne ward, the red haired college student made her way out of the library. By the time she made it down the steps, she saw a familiar motorcycle parked by the street with a wild blonde waving at her.

"Hi, Morgan."

"Hiya, Babs." The revived knight handed her friend a spare helmet. "Ready to go?"

Clasping the buckle and fastening it around her head, Barbara nodded while situating herself behind Morgan. "So where to?"

"Just a nice food stand I know."

Wasn't long before the wild blonde's motorcycle took off into Gotham's streets.

-Gotham Square-

"Call me childish-"

"Which you are."

Mordred playfully glared at her friend, who presently wore a smile. "...but it felt like forever since we hanged out."

"It's been over a week."

"Yeah… well… Shut up."

Barbara shook her head as the pair walked around the central fountain. At every other direction, there were different food trucks parked with many Gothamites waiting in line for the lunch run.

"So what ya wanna get, Morgan?"

"Oh you know me. I'm fine with anything. Question is what do you want?"

Barbara hummed a little with her eyes wandering all over. "Something nice and cheap." With her amethyst eyes landing at her friend, she saw her tilt her head that basically said 'Really?'. "Hey, I'm not a big fancy commissioner like my dad. I'm just an assistant librarian, and that means I'm either cheap on my meals or pack my own."

"And what would that be?"

"Cucumber and kale on low calorie wheat bread."

This got Mordred to blow the redhead a raspberry. "Boo~ Why not try to spice up your meals every so often, Barbara?"

"I do, but my usual packed lunch helps me out a lot."

"Oh~? Like what? Suggestions from your gymnastics training under Harley?"

Barbara gave a 'so-so' gesture with her hand. "Oh, y'know, just trying to stay in shape for... uh, work."

"Work?"

"Oh, lots of books to lift and aisles to run, ya'know."

"...Right~"

Barbara rolled her eyes on the bland response. Then again she can't tell her friend the truth on what she really uses her training for. "Morgan… I don't have a seemingly endless bank account, unlike you."

"You can thank my mom for that. Now… if you don't decide on something then I'll choose a food truck for us. And I'll be paying for the both of us today."

"Thank you." The two friends ended up going to a teriyaki bowl truck where they stood at the back of the line. "Don't mind me asking this, but what does your mother do exactly?"

Mordred was quick to answer. "She's an antiquities dealer."

"Huh… might explain with all those artifacts I saw back at your place." Barbara muttered to herself. "Would've figured she got them through how rich she is."

"Some of them were bought by her, due to her coming from quite the old family line. Not to mention amassing quite the fortune throughout most of her life."

Being alive for so many years would make one want to seek means of preoccupying themselves. For the Witch of Camelot was preparing for her child's return to the world. And in order to do so, part of this required having a vast fortune to help fund the kingdom Mordred will one day rule, with Morganna being her advisor of course.

So throughout the years since Camelot's fall, Morgana had done much stealing and investing to get the deep fortune she has today.

As for her present day-job, she had first collected various items as a means of decorating her home. But with museums and art collectors started coming around, she saw her little hobby as a means of gaining more finances for her end goal. It soon became a business for her, acquiring and selling many ancient antiquities to them for quite the sum of money.

"Then her job would explain the reason why she went on that trip?"

"Yeup."

"But why bring you along?"

"My job."

"Oh? And what would that be?"

"I'm basically her errand-girl. I drive and ride all over to deliver certain items to both her and her clients. Sometimes even help on security."

"Why not have someone else deliver them for her?"

"Because she doesn't like trusting them handling the packages anymore, no matter how professional they are." Seeing the expression on Barbara's face got Mordred explaining. "Before I started working for her, she used this one group for several years. Things were quite well in their job… until one smook ended up breaking open a certain container without proper measures."

"And what happened?"

"I'd rather not say." Mordred said vaguely. "To simplify things, they aren't doing business with my mother anymore."

That was pretty much closer to the truth than what the revived knight could really give to her friend.

For years, Morgana hired treasure hunters and mercenaries in order to help acquire her desired targets. Most were rather fine and other disposable. But many were honorbound on their contracts while the rest either got too greedy and wanted to stab her in the back.

Those people ended up paying with their lives for their actions. Eventually, Mordred became more involved with her mother's day job so hopefully nothing like that became too repetitive for the Witch of Camelot to continually clean up.

Barbara rose a brow in response upon hearing her friend say that. She then decided to move onto a slightly different, yet related topic. "Don't mind me asking this, but where'd you two go last week?"

Seeing no harm in answering, Mordred spoke. "We went to Australia first to visit my mom's friend, who they met in while studying at Harvard."

"What for?"

"Catching up on scientific studies." The wild blonde saw the curious expression on Barbara's face. "My mom dabbles a bit in science and wanted to learn more on it."

Throughout the years, many believed the unexplained to be mystical or unnatural. For instance, using certain herbs and methods can heal short-lived people from sickness with many thinking it was sorcery, witchcraft and alchemy. In actuality, it was just knowledge from much older times long lost to history with many ignorant and fearful people hiding away so they can have influence over others.

Morgana grew fascinated with this topic, this mortal magic called science. She studied it throughout the centuries, even more so in the recent one with new advancements and discoveries coming about.

"Did you guys spend your entire time there for work or-"

"It was merely just a visit for a day or two as my mother doesn't like discussing their shared interests over the phone."

"Then where'd you go afterwards?"

"Greece."

"Doing what exactly? Excavating further into temples?"

"That and seeking other places if there were other hidden treasures."

"And did you two find anything?"

"Yes… and no."

The pair got to the front of the line and ordered their meals -with Mordred paying like she promised- Barbara responded with a question. "What ya mean?"

"There were signs of an important artifact kept in a secluded chamber locked away over at Thebes." Mordred responded as they moved off to the side so others can order their food. "Found it by accident and was mighty proud in that."

"And what was the artifact?"

The Knight of Treachery gave a shrug. "No clue. All signs and descriptions of whatever it was-was destroyed. Not to mention said artifact was already taken. No doubt by someone else coming across it some unknown time ago. Whatever it was, had to at least be important."

"Really? Why's that?"

"Booby traps and ways of misdirecting others." Mordred then chuckled. "I found it rather fun going through all that, even if I ended up setting some of them off."

Barbara shook her friend when hearing this. 'Only she would find that entertaining.'

"So how's classes so far?"

"They're fine, Morgan. Just have a few essays and a thesis to write right now pertaining different technology as I've been looking into various companies."

"Like who?"

"LexCorp, Wayne Tech, Stagg Enterprises, Kord Industries, STAR labs, Cyberbotics and XanTech." Barbara lifted up her glasses slightly to massage her eyes. "Looking into each of them -while fun- is quite stressful on the specific topics I need to write about."

"I'd imagine."

Soon their names were called out, prompting the two friends to get their meals from the food truck. For Barbara, it was a simple pork bowl while Mordred had several for beef, chicken and pork.

As they went to find somewhere to sit, the pair passed by a red haired homeless man who had a change jar on his left side while the other had a sign that reads "The End is Nigh". Mordred was going to pass by him, but saw Barbara stand in front of him.

"Hi, Walter."

The vagrant doomsayer looked up at Barbara with an unnerving, expressionless look and gave her a curt nod. "Hello, Ms. Gordon."

Mordred could hear the gravely, hoarse voice the man gave out. And when looking at his face, she could see it through his eyes and tell that he had seen things that no one should ever experience.

"How's the preaching going?"

"Not bad. Not good. Just normal."

Barbara nodded. She pulled out her wallet, fished out a twenty dollar bill and handed it to Walter. "Don't spend it all at one place today."

"Thanks. And you know I won't." Was all he said before placing the twenty dollar bill into the jar.

"And don't get in trouble again like last time."

All Walter did was give another nod before absentmindedly looking elsewhere.

With that, Barbara left with Mordred following soon after.

"Who was that?"

"Walter. Just a doomsayer I met and somewhat befriended last week after the meteor crashed at that one island off the coast. Even if he seems rude and unsettling, he's rather nice as long as you don't get on his bad side."

"Really? And how'd you know that?"

"Saw him beat up a street gang that kept harassing him a few days ago. I was going to step in and help, but…"

"But what?"

The spectacled redhead rubbed her arm. "Well… he kicked their asses hard without breaking a sweat as he broke their arms and legs. It looked like he was going to kill them. Luckily a police car passed by and stopped that from happening. Though Walter had to spend two nights in a cell for what he did. And even during his stay there, the cops were scared of him."

"Ex-military I presume."

"That's what I thought as well when I told dad. He even ran his prints, only to turn up with nothing."

"Weird." By the time they found a good spot in the square, Mordred decided to change subjects. "So how's work for ya, Babs?"

"It's doing fine." Came the response. When stirring her teriyaki bowl, Barbara went into details. "Recently started installing new programs into the libraries servers while upgrading old ones. It's rather tiresome doing all that for hours, given the speed the computers currently have and everyone using them at the same time."

Mordred nodded as she dug into her own meal. After swallowing her first bite, she continued the little interrogation. "Anything else?"

"After that, I need to scan all of the libraries newspaper they still have on file since we need to get rid of them soon, making room for a new section being made there."

"And that is?"

"A small cafe." Barbara chowed down on a few more bites at this point. "Supposed to bring in more flow and business into the library."

"Understandable." Mordred was halfway into her beef bowl now. "How long do you think that will last?"

"If I'm not heavily interrupted in my task, I'd say close to a full work day."

"Then good luck to ya on that." Setting down the empty bowl, the wild blonde went into her pork one. "What ya gonna do after work? More school work?"

"Actually I'm planning on going to this benefit event tonight."

"For that Heartless fiasco I heard about?" Barbara nodded as she kept eating. "Yeah that had to be crazy with 'em running around."

"You got no idea."

"Although compare to the stuff I've been through, they look like cartoon monsters on a saturday morning." The blonde knight waved her plastic utensil casually mocking the new monsters' appearance. "I mean the hell is that about? Those little soldier looking things might be scary, but those big tubby ones are just funny." Stabbing her utensil into her food once more.

"Who knows."

"So that benefit tonight…"

"Yeah?"

"You got a date?"

"Yeah, my dad."

"Boo~ that's weak~!" Mordred comically mock her friend, "Negative ten points on the date!"

"Well I just heard about it this morning, Morgan. I didn't even get the chance to ask Naruto."

"Then go ask out that guy you like! Grow some balls… wait… didn't think that through…" Modred cupped her chin in compilation while Barbara choked a little on her food. "But…" her raising angry was soon chilled when she was near her friend. "I guess its fine." She lazily spun her utensil above her food losing her interest for it. "Maybe he might be there." Though in the back of her mind she hope not.

"Hopefully. Naruto does try to go to these kinds of events as long as the proceeds go to a good cause."

"Then there ya go. A chance for you to interact with him tonight."

Barbara nodded as the pair continued eating the rest of their meal before the spectacled redhead needed to get back to work.

-Evening, Bristol Country Club Seneca Lodge-

Cars were moving across the pavement as people were being escorted out to attend tonight's formal/semi-formal event. It was quite the big moment for many as it's supposed to help support those affected by what occurred the week prior.

Asides from its main purpose, others still see this as a social gathering to bolster their standings and public appearance. This may or may not happen again, depending if the Heartless keep appearing within Gotham's borders.

After all, if the attacks became more devastating and frequent, then no one would bother hosting this event anymore in hopes of raising the Gothamites' spirits.

The beginning will start out well no doubt, with everyone caught up in the glamor. Politicians, celebrities and the Gothamite elites who would no doubt be the life of the party in ways one can't possibly forecast.

"Thanks for the invite mother." Mordred said inside of limousine that was park outside of the event, turning to see her mother's real form. Wearing a black dress that expose her perfect milky color back and hugged while also lifting -not that it needed too- Morgana's breasts. Making her almost a goddess, "And… thanks for not making me wear a dress." The knights cheeks blush cutely making a mix of a pout and look of thanks.

The revived knight of Camelot currently wore an english-style tuxedo from one of the finest shops of Savile Row. The style was short style jacket, with a brown vest underneath which was above a pinstripe white button shirt. She wore a black tie with a red symbol that was similar to her helmet's look. On the left side of her jacket pointed collar was a white rose that her mother put on, wearing white gloves to give her sense of professionalism. Lastly a perfect pair of black dress pants, that had a belt that was hidden by the upper clothing that was used for a stored weapon in case she need to use one.

If anyone didn't know her before hand, people would've mistaken Mordred as a boy given her current attire.

"I will stay a little bit, you will stay in case that man is there." The ravenette mage stated putting on lipstick in order to get some men to dance under her tone. "But of course, no drinking,"

'Not gonna happen.' Modred smirked inwardly.

"Let's go and meet with your girlfriend." The mother said as the limo moved and stop just as quickly to let the two off.

"Mom~! She's a friend!"

Turning back with a cocky smirk, Morgana winked. "I'd meant to say it, but you prefers girls~" She trailed off as Mordred paled for being tricked yet again. However Mordred put a pin on that and let it go… yeah fuck that...

"I could blame you for that as I was raised as a boy." Mordred complained to her mother.

"And I could blame you for not killing Arthur when you had several chances, especially when hearing that you bathed with the others knights."

"...I can't win against you…" Mordred slumped over as every time she got a upper hand, her mother had to double down with interest. "And to remind you, I only bathed before anyone else so they wouldn't see me."

"Sure, sure…" She waved her child comically before showing the security guards her invasion. "My daughter is my plus one." She pointed to the tomboy who tuck her hands into her jacket pockets.

"Yes, ma'am, you're the early ones." He said to make sure that Morgana and Mordred didn't think they were late with the lack of guest. "The commissioner and the others will arrive shortly."

"Good." The mage blankly responded before moving ahead, "Come along, Morgan."

The knight did so sticking her tongue out the tough looking men, snickering when they glared at her antics. "Ehehe, so who do you think is here?" The knight asked the mage who shrugged, "Geez, just because it's boring to you, doesn't mean you can't have fun." The suited woman stated with a sigh.

"I only-" The mage stopped before sensing someone, "Oh dear… he really is here…" She stated as Mordred eyes widen in angry. "Pull it back, and let me know if someone is coming." Moving to the small space with Mordred in front of her as guard. "Change" The woman spoke an old tongue to slowly remove her raven colored hair into a silky golden color and dull green eyes. "Better, let's say hello to the King's thief." She place a hand on her hip as she stood in front of the knight.

"Uh, what are you doing?" Mordred asked when a full minute passed by.

"Its call preparing the mental battle." Morgana glared coldly at her child, taking a deep breath she and Mordred arrive at a large door to push it. Showing them a few dozen people, which still had the empty room almost like a ghost town. But a single individual caught her eyes, "Ready Mordred?" She briefly used her daughter's real name to make the knight understood the seriousness of the situation.

They moved to the buffet table where their target resided, a silver haired man named-

"Naruto, ease up on the shrimp." A ravenette woman on his side giggled as the whiskered man pulled another jumbo shrimp.

"It's just seems so good not to take it!" He childishly complained as he saw it, "Like they call out to me!"

Naruto was currently was currently wearing a black tuxedo with an orange button up seen underneath the jacket. As for Selina, she wore a red sleeveless dress that hugged her figure nicely with matching red heels.

"Excuse me," Morgana asked softly using a frail tone of voice, "Might you be Uzumaki Naruto?"

Turning with shrimp in mouth, before he suck it in and swallowed, "Yes, sorry. Have we met?" He quickly became a serious and well mannered man. Extending his arm as Morgana dainty took in her own, purposely limping it. But instead of taking it, he raised the hand upwards to lay a kiss softly. She had to admit, was she any younger than she was, that might have made her heart skip a beat.

"No, but my daughter has seen you." She gestured to the suit wearing lass.

Mordred can only see red at this moment, and the man who took her only chance at being king the quickest way possible. Quickly swallowing the feeling, the wild blonde wore a smile. "Hey, Naruto. Good to see ya."

Naruto smiled. "Morgan. Good to see you as well."

The knight was feeling torn, one hand she could get him drunk and kill him… but the other hand her best friend loves this man. God why couldn't she be a lesbian after her? At least she could comfort her for losing a friend even she wasn't into women. "Me too, surprised you got an invite. Ma had to pull some strings to get her tickets."

"Some of the guys at the company said it was a good idea to show for these things, I was hoping as I was planning on running an article for the magazines to support this. Lo and behold they sent me one for my generosity." The man said to the younger woman with a kind smile.

"Naruto, who is this?"

"Sorry, Selina." Said the writer towards his date. "This here is Barbara's friend."

"Oh so you're friends with Harley's student?" Selina vaguely remember that the jokester of a woman talking about a wild blonde. "Heh you can look like Naruto's long lost sister or something."

"OI!"

The two older woman turned to their immature dates who said that in the same time.

"Uhh sorry." Naruto muttered as Morgana smiled at this.

"Hear that, Morgan? You have a loving brother, oh happy days to stop hearing the old 'I want a brother'." The mage said as Mordred blushed at the reminder.

"O-Oi~! I was a brat when I asked for that!" Blushing madly and barking at her mother didn't exactly made her seem mature from what she had said.

"I know, but I still enjoy some of those fond memories."

"There, there sis~!" Naruto wrapped his arm around Mordred trying to make her feel better. "Ma just isn't-"

"Don't touch me." Mordred sent a look of hollowness and angry to the boy as Naruto slowly retrieve his arm with a sad look, almost like puppy getting kick. He looked exactly like-

"Sorry." He bowed his head, "I shouldn't have been so forward on the joke." Morgana just sent a looked both telling Mordred to take back what she said and one that said that she was enjoying her daughter's mistake.

Mordred would have felt bad since it was genuine but shook her head, to ignore it. "Have you seen Barbara? She told me she was gonna show up here." To not feel guilty as possible and to keep her mind towards the goal she focused on.

"I believe I have-"

Before anything could be said further, the woman of topic soon approached the little group. "Someone talking about me?"

"Babs!" Naruto and Mordred (the latter glared at the male), who smiled at the arrival of their friend.

The commissioner's daughter was currently wearing a simple, long sleeve black lace dress. Her skirt reached down to her knees with it loose for better movement. Her sleeves had a floral design to them with them cutting right at her hands where they appeared to be like fingerless gloves. Her hair was straightened as it helped frame her face as she didn't wear her glasses this evening to make her even more stunning. And to complete her attire, she wore one inch black heels.

"Wow, you two really are similar." Morgana teased covering her mouth with her hand to make sure not to show her grin. Ahh, the man might be an reason to be hated for taking her child kingship, but he made more than enough for being a jester.

"Shouldn't you be going?" Mordred grinned shakily, hoping her mother would let her kill Naruto in private.

"You know what?" She said with a knowing smile, as she took a glass of sparkling juice from a cute waiter, "I'll stay, my work can be done later~"

SHATTER~!

In case anyone was wondering that was Mordred spirit shattering that her mother was now most likely going to protect Naruto… just to tease her.

Whose side was she on!?

"Glad to see you, Morgan. And you too, ma'am." Barbara address the mother of her friend politely.

"Glad to see you too Babs, looking lively." She approved looking over the woman attire. "And I gotta say you're looking great."

"Thanks."

"I agree with Morgan." Said the Uzumaki with a smile, drawing in their attention. "You do look great, Barbara."

The redhead sent him a beaming smile as her cheeks were dusted with a tinge of red.

Mordred leaned over and whispered in her friend's ear. "Look, just take him."

"But he's with-"

"You must be Selina Kyle, right?" Questioned the ancient witch, addressing Naruto's date.

"Yes I am. And you are?"

"Morgan Gorlois." Morgana answered with a small smile. "I have heard much about you."

"Yeah with me being Catwoman." Came the dry response.

"Oh, not really about that. I'm talking about your other line of work."

Selina perked up a little when hearing this. "Really?"

"Yes. I'm very glad to know what you've done for wildlife in various parts of the world. In fact, several of my friends are very appreciative about it with you helped preserve various endangered species."

The thief smiled at the genuine compliment. "Why thank you."

"In fact, they wanted me to help repay your help by contributing towards the causes you associate with."

"Really?~"

"Very." Morgana looped her arm around Selina's as she gently pulled her away. "I'd like to discuss this further at a more private setting."

Selena smiled a bit more as she followed the ancient witch's lead. She briefly looked back to send Naruto small "sorry", to which her boyfriend gave her a responding "it's fine" as he knew beforehand this might happen yet again.

'Damn, mom works fast~' Mordred eyes blinked comically. 'Either she wants to get laid or she's the best wingman… or woman…'

Not knowing the knight's present thoughts, Barbara spoke up. "I was expecting Pam to be with you, Naruto. Where is she?"

"Pam's currently working tonight at the office as she needs to oversee a few projects."

This is technically true as she's actually working on a few assignments at the botanical gardens while taking care of their sporeling daughters. Harley would've babysat, but she's currently at Arkham tonight. And Rachel was having a sleepover at the Crocks.

Barbara nodded before briefly seeing her friend's expression that practically screamed "do something".

"You do look rather fetching tonight."

"Why thank you, Barb. I normally don't go out to these events, so it's not often I wear this suit."

"Yeah I remember you telling me your reasons, so it's understandable as I share the same thoughts."

"What reasons are that?" Mordred questioned.

"That a lot of people coming to these events merely want to flaunt their money and appear to be helping out in a good cause." Naruto started. "Possibly increasing their social status while wanting to possibly getting laid in the process."

Barbara nodded as she continued where her crush left off. "Basically thinking about only themselves in impressing others. Like talking about their hair, their clothes, their money, their problems that doesn't really mean anything towards what's really going on."

The wild blonde blinked before snorting when quickly processing this. "Oh I know that all too well about that, Naruto. Just didn't realize someone else shared the same thought."

Back in the days when Camelot was still standing, Mordred attended several balls and festivals… as apart of security. She always volunteered as if she were to take part, then she would have to be outside of her armor. And if that were to happen, then a lot of hard work of hiding her identity would crumble.

In that time as she paid attention to her surroundings, she would always notice various interactions and conversations. It was so she could pick up any plots against the kingdom or pick out anyone amiss. Yet during these times, she started learning how to pick up on certain end games nobles, ladies and knights hoped to get by night's end.

"Let me guess, pervs eyeing you?" Naruto deduced as Mordred nodded with a weak smile.

"Fuck the hell yes!" She quietly announced to her enemy and friend. "Its like they want to get laid in fancy place just to brag, I mean Lancel- *cough* I mean Lance and Tristin -old work friends of mine- often compared on which one had the better date." She coughed into her hand almost slipping up on speaking on her old comrade's name. "Although the two often try to get me laid, but that never worked."

"Ain't that the truth. Happened to me too now that I think about it." Naruto remember hanging out with some male colleagues helping him out before he found his true loves. "Sucks when those kind of guys think they are helping-"

"But aren't really thinking ahead!" Mordred smiled with her usually gusto… before realizing the mistake. "Hmph, d-don't act chummy with me!" she took a page from her mothers book.

"Was this before or after you started dating Pam?" Barbara questioned ignoring her female friends sudden displeasure.

He sighed. "It was before, Barb." Naruto quickly grabbed a pair of champagne glasses and handed them to the women before snagging one of his own.

"Thanks," Mordred took the drink and enjoy the flavor of the liquid.

"Your welcome. And the girls they were trying to get me dates with were related to them. They thought that if I started going out with them would've gotten them better positions at the company." He then snorted. "Like that would've done them any good."

"Never happen to me. All dudes in my team." Mordred explained downing the rest of the drink easily. "Must've been rough." She then sipped more of her drink. "So did you find the true love of your life?" She question interested in hearing his love life… in case that Barbara gave up! She has no other reason to care! "Or maybe someone who is more compatible near you… like in front of you." She turn to Barbara in hopes the male would catch her meaning.

"PFFT!" Naruto nearly spat out his drink, "Hell no! Pam would bury me… alive!" He did not want things to be known he is already seeing several other women at the present time. Only a handful of people know and he didn't want to complicate it anymore than it has to.

This seemed to have hurt Barbara, yet she tried to hide it.

Mordred though was just smiling. At least if her friend cried, she all rights to kill Naruto.

"But I will try things out if the person truly had such feelings for me. I wouldn't want to hurt them like that." He sweetly said scratching the whisker cheek he had. "It might seem wrong, but I truly believe love can make anything work out in the end."

'Good comeback.' Mordred thought, seeing her friend's expression brighten… just a little bit with hope shown in her gaze.

"Then what if you were to try that -for instance- now?" Barbara asked. "Or maybe in the near future?"

"I doubt anyone would confess to me now." Naruto put down that thought, "I'm nothing special."

'The dude's like my old man…' Mordred thought in horror -comically- as the fact Naruto had humble yet almost impossible dense head to not see her friend practically letting him know that she was hinting at herself.

"Where is your father anyways?" He asked.

"Oh, he's around here somewhere." Barbara answered while inwardly debating on pushing forward with her confession. "Talking to some politician or cop on the benefit's security or something related."

Naruto nodded.

"Know that from my old man." Mordred stated off handily earning a shock look from her friend, "He was something like your dad, government job or something always making the peace." She loosely explained as the red haired woman took note that was her friend only explanation.

"Huh so you understand these things, Morgan?" Naruto asked as the woman made a 'so-so' gesture.

"Enough to not cause a scene." She muttered knowing the times she first got into parties that the knight ate like commoner in front of the upper class members of the court. Thankfully Galahad did the same thing to lessen her burden, but boy was it embarrassing that the other knights teased for that. "But not like I willing come to things unless being wingman."

"Oh to who?" Naruto asked as Mordred was really tempted to punch his face.

How could Babs like such a dense idiot?

"God only knows…" The knight deadpanned as the two drink at the same time, "And stop copying me, ya damn copycat!"

"I didn't do anything, stopping like the world revolves around you!" Naruto shouted back as he started to get annoyed at her antics. "Sheesh you make seem like I flush your goldfish down the toilet or something."

Mordred just grumble hoping something can drive her anger away…

Standing at the podium, a man tapped his hand against the microphone stand. "Hello, everyone." This drew in the attention of many as he continued to speak. "On behalf of the Bristol Country Club, I welcome you all to this event tonight for what happened a week prior to tonight. And as a reminder, all contributions submitted tonight will go directly towards the relief fund for those affected by the Heartless." The man soon pulled up a slip of paper before smiling. "And given by the last time I checked, we had raised quite the sum of several hundred thousand dollars."

Hearing this got many attendees to applaud.

"Now I'd like to direct your attention to city councilman, Arthur Reeves."

It didn't take long for a man with slicked back, black hair and a nice looking black suit to walk behind the podium as he waved at the crowd before him.

"Hello fellow Gothamites." Greeted the councilman. "It brings be great pleasure in seeing you all here for a cause which many of us are suffering from." His expression soon faltered. "Loved ones lost. Friends lost. Family members taken by those ghastly creatures."

A good number of the attendees nodded with various negative emotions.

"There are many times when people are drawn together through different crisis'. I can list off many, but our recent one seemed more impactful with it affecting our home." Councilman Reeves said, earning more of a response from a good number of people before him. "And you all know about my views with our city's heroes, but for once I'm glad they were able to help halt this Heartless problem. And who knows what would've happened without them being there."

Mordred leaned over and spoke to Barbara. "What's he talking about?"

"He doesn't like vigilantes or costumed heroes." Barbara answered. "Stating they often are a cause to many of this city's problems."

Mordred added her thoughts. "I say it's rather mixed with the heroes either unintentionally creating more crime or drawing in others wanting to test their medal."

"And Reeves sometimes thinks the likes of Batman, Robin, Vanitas and others are making certain groups such as police, firefighters and the like incompetent in their jobs; practically jokes on what they do." Naruto said with a sigh. "And he's not the only politician out there that share the same thoughts so he gets the backing every so often."

"Not to mention a lot of citizens and people from said groups are the same." Spoke Barbara. "Bullock is one such example."

"Don't have to tell me twice." Agreed the revived knight.

"...I just hope that whatever happens, we could see through this little crisis of ours as best as possible." Reeves finished off as the attendees gave a small applause for the councilman's speech.

"Huh, missed out on the rest of it." Mordred muttered out.

"Wouldn't be too concerned, Morgan. It's usually the same old speel to pump up the crowd."

"Oh, I know. I'm just waiting to hear a speech that's original for once."

Barbara and Naruto chuckled and smirked respectively when hearing this.

With the speech concluded, everyone in attendance went back to their respective conversations with music playing in the background. The three just stood near the wall, "Here's to the social awkward." Naruto raised his glass playfully as the two females did so. "So-"

"Not in your life." Morgan deadpan when getting cube of cheese from a waiter's dish tray. "Not even if you pay me."

"Ok rude…" Naruto said before turning to Barbara, "Do you know how dance?"

"She does… badly." The knight teased as her friend sent a glare that could kill the blonde revive knight. "Hey look literally anything~" With that she went to get a new refreshment.

Naruto took another sip as he spoke, "Your friend… seems to hate my guts."

Barbara sighed as she gave an apologetic look, "Sorry, kinda like you, Morgan says whats on her mind. But it seems the trip that she made with her mother cause to be bad mood at times."

"Ah I get it… kinda of." Naruto watched as the woman who hated him was grabbing another glass of champagne. "But she seems familiar, like I meet her somewhere else. Well whatever, I hope to get along with her better."

"I hope so too." She responded, sipping the rest of her drink before placing the glass onto a waiter's tray.

With music continued filling the air, Naruto saw several people dancing in an opened space.

He noticed the young woman beside him staring at the dancers, before pulling her hand, "C'mon I may be bad, but I can at least slow dance." He said although he does a good amount of lessons from Cat Grant. Taking her hand with his right and placing the other on her hip, they soon began to slowly move along with the others in simple light waltz.

The whiskered man simply allow his mind and body to remember the steps until he was confident that he won't step on his friends toes, while Barbara was blushing red as she was in close proximity to her crush and the fact it's like something from her dreams. Just with less people, but who cares about that detail?

The pair gently whirled around the dance floor. With the blended mix of music, beat and swirling dancers made Barbara feel like the world was spinning and fading away from her. It was just the two of them and that was all that mattered.

'She is so going to get laid.' Mordred chuckled in thought from the side as she took the trey of cheese from a waiter. 'Unless a crazy guy comes in, but me and ma are the crazy here.' The knight joked as her smile became soft as she was happy for her friend to have a good moment. 'Good on ya, Babs.'

Off a good distance away from the wild blonde, Selina was coming back from chatting with Morgana and was going to tell her boyfriend the good news. Earning quite the sum of money to put towards several wildlife preservations, all in order to keep the good things in the world safe from the depravity of man.

When she found Naruto, she was mildly surprised to see him dancing with the commissioner's daughter. And by the looks of things, she was having the time of her life while being in Naruto's embrace.

'Now where have I seen that before?' Selina mused as she briefly saw a particular look in the red haired woman's eyes. 'Huh… who would've guessed…'

Unbeknownst to either of them, another person looked onto the little moment.

'Seems like my little girl is happy.' Came James' thought as he saw his daughter dance with Naruto.

He wasn't blind when knowing his daughter had feelings for the whiskered publisher. He'd actually noticed this for quite some time now. Though he hasn't brought up the subject before as he thought it was a passing phase for her.

Yet seeing her expression now seemed to change that.

'Just hope Barbara doesn't get her hopes crushed when he turns her down.' Was the thought as he continued watching the moment before him.

For Barbara, she felt like she was on the top of the world. Wanting to be in his embrace so much longer than it should. She practically felt her heart beating against her breast, hoping to burst out in a cartoonish fashion. When looking off to the side, she saw an elderly couple snickering at her a little as she briefly heard them say that they were a cute couple.

Not knowing her present thoughts, Naruto spoke. "Are you enjoying yourself, Barb?"

"Yeah~ I am." She dreamly responded.

The silver haired Uzumaki blinked when hearing this. He wondered what was going on as they neared the dance floor's edge. He was even going to question it out of curiosity when-

*BANG*

The main door to the event room bursted open as several men wearing purple attires with moth-styled domino masks ran through with guns pointed at the benefit attendees. In this mild bit of confusion, other guards stationed in the room were either quickly knocked out or incapacitated with some sort of gooey substance. With the security quickly indisposed, the revolving Gothamites became quite worried on what's going on.

Soon enough a man strolled right in through the busted open entrance. He wore a purple jacket with black military style pants and boots. Parts of his makeshift armor was spray painted black and purple as well. Around his waist was some sort of utility belt no doubt filled with all sorts of gadgets. On his back, he wore a small pair of insect wings that didn't hamper his movements. And around his head was an insect styled helmet with air filters attached with small attenai jolting back from the top.

"Hello, ladies and gents! I am Killer Moth. My compatriots and I will be your entertainment for tonight with possibly random acts of violence." Spoke the ringleader. "I am not here to hurt anyone... as long as y'all do what I say." Killer Moth pulled out a largely designed handgun from his hip before loading a large drum-like magazine at the bottom. With that, he then waved around his weapon at everyone present. "If not, then things will get quite messy."

"No doubt going to be quite the robbery." Naruto muttered before glancing at his side, only to see an empty space. "Huh, Barbara is starting to get better." His eyes wandered around to the goons lining the upper level. "Should probably help out on that."

Following Barbara's example, he slipped away from the crowd in order to change into something more fitting.

"Now hand over your valuables and we'll be out of your hair." Killer Moth called out with several of his men approaching the people with opened bags.

Coming out from the crowd, Commissioner Gordon, Detective Bullock and Officers Uchiha and Montoya quickly aimed their guns at Killer Moth.

"Alright, buster!" Bullock bellowed out. "Lay down your guns, now!"

"Sure~ Sure~" After letting go of his gun, he quickly spun around as darts flew out of his jacket sleeves and hit directly at Gordon and his cops' necks. "Nighty night, coppers!"

Each of them quickly cried out from the searing pain before collapsing onto the floor. Seeing this caused quite the commotion from the benefit attendees, wondering if they just died or-

"They're not dead, folks." Moth revealed, picking up his primary weapon. "Just knocked out for a while. Don't like unnecessary deaths." He then aimed his large handgun back at the people before him. "Doesn't mean I won't take lives for what I-OOMPH!"

The insect-themed man was knocked back by a kick from up above. Tumbling back, he soon recovered with both him and what lackies he had on the floor pointing their weapons at his attacker; who had landed right onto her feet.

Wearing a small smirk, Batgirl spoke. "Look, Moth, I think you'd better let these people go and quit while you're ahead." She then went into a fighting stance. "If not then it'll get a little messy."

Barbara was going to release some pent up frustrations with what this guy just did moments ago. She was enjoying the dance with her secret crush. And much like her dreams, it was interrupted by this guy no less!

"I don't have time for this." Killer Moth soon pulled out a combat knife from the inside of his jacket. "Kill the Bat-bitch!"

With bullets flying through the air, many attendees started running off and out of the country club in order to not be anywhere close to the action. Not to mention possibly getting killed by Killer Moth's men.

As this happened, Batgirl dashed and flipped away from the intended fire.

Things will go well enough… at the beginning, that is. The element of surprise will wear off with all of the commotion happening around her. Thus Batgirl will start improvising on the fly while being attentive towards her surroundings.

Something Vanitas taught her.

"Man, you guys look like a bunch of moth dorks." Batgirl jested as she weaved through a few of Killer Moth's goons.

"Hold still." One of them called out, spraying a gooey concoction out of his gun.

Batgirl was able to avoid the hit by sliding across the floor before knocking the man off his feet. Quickly getting back onto hers, she brought her hands down onto the man's chest to knock him out.

"Look out!"

Batgirl was momentarily surprised on the sudden cry, but more so when she saw a familiar blonde figure crashing into one of Moth's hired help.

'Morgan?' Thought the masked Gordon with widened eyes.

Landing back onto her feet, the wild blonde smirked as she pulled out an ordinate, white knife from her back and held it in a reverse grip. "Can't let you have all the fun, Batgirl."

Before Barbara could get the chance to stop her, Mordred already bolted from her spot and quickly struck one of of the goons in the arm with her knife. She quickly pulled out before kicking the man's chest to collide into another of his compatriots.

Batgirl then heard screams coming up from the upper level. Glancing upwards, she saw Vanitas bouncing off the walls while smacking and disabling the other goons crashing the party. And it wasn't just him, but it seemed Selina Kyle was helping him out with a rope acting as a makeshift whip to snag the oppositions' arms and legs at every other moment for the eventual takedowns.

'Gotta love the unexpected help.' Batgirl mused, spinning around and delivering an elbow strike at one of the moth men's ribs. With a pained yell, the man was soon hurled away by a judo throw, courtesy of the masked redhead.

If that wasn't enough salt into the wound, Mordred sent an upward kick onto a nearby goon to send him into the path of the recently thrown lackie; to which they collided soon after.

"Oh~ this is gonna be great~" Mordred bolstered with a fanged grin.

Rushing forward with her knife in hand, she weaved through the gunfire before delivering a series of punches into a man. He got outwinded before the wild blonde grasped his head and brought it onto her knee, quickly rendering him unconscious.

As this happened, Batgirl wanted to get up and close to one of the goons. Seeing as she can't quickly get there without being shot at by Killer Moth, the masked redhead pulled out her grappling gun and fired. The claw attached onto her target, bringing the goon in to which she started plumbing the man with a series of punches and kicks.

"Coming your way, Batgirl!"

This call from her friend barely gave her enough time to crouch down. She expected her to jump over her to attack another goon. But in actuality, Batgirl ended up becoming an impromptu springboard to give her some distance for a drop kick onto said man.

"You're dead, chickies!" Killer Moth called out, firing off a wave of bullets from his gun. "It's the killing jar for you both!"

Both Mordred and Batgirl jumped and backflipped respectively out of the way. Batgirl ended up landing on a food table. She then jumped off to land on the opposing side where Killer Moth faced. And without any notice, Mordred rolled along the table's surface, slid off and landed right next to her before flipping the table for some additional coverage.

"Man, if I knew this was gonna happen then I'd wear something more appropriate." Mordred said to herself. "Now my mom's gonna kill me for ruining the suit." The wild blonde then turned her head to give Batgirl a cheeky smirk. "Sup."

Coughing into her hand, Barbara had to adjust her throat so her friend wouldn't recognize her. "You should get out of here, citizen."

"Like hell I am, Batgirl. Not gonna allow these punks harming Gotham's subjects." She said over the gunfire.

Batgirl rose a hidden brow on how her friend said that. But she wasn't going to question this now.

"Gotta get in close." Spoke the masked Gordon. "Too close for him to use that gun of his. Without it, he'll just be another guy in a mask."

"I'll give ya some cover."

Without a proper warning, Mordred spun around and kicked the flipped table. It shot across the floor and went straight towards the insect-themed man. Moth barely got out of it's way by rolling onto his side. As he did, he quickly flipped a switch onto his gun and took aim.

"You bitches are cocooned!"

Pulling the trigger, instead of bullets coming out of the barrel, a gooey substance shot out and quickly snagged Mordred from the waist down; who tried coming in close to incapacitate him.

"Shit!" Cursed the wild blonde, falling down onto the floor. She then struggled to get out, but the concoction wouldn't break. "The fuck is this made of?" Looking across the floor, she crawled towards her fallen knife in order to help cut herself out.

'Not the distraction I needed, but it'll suffice.' Was the red haired Bat's thought, sliding across the ground to strike his leg. 'Maybe he'll see his current attempt is futile and then he'll give up.' She then quickly rose and punched his large handgun out of his grasp.

He then brought his combat knife and tried slicing at her, which made Batgirl quickly bring out a batarang to counter the attack.

'Or he won't.' She gritted her teeth when holding back with him putting much weight into his bladed weapon. 'Maybe he'll give it a good fight and he'll get the last word before his defeat.'

"I'm not fooling around, girl." He spat out before kicking her away and bolting from his spot. "The moth is changing, do you hear?!"

And crashing right through a nearby window.

'...Or maybe he'll just flitter away like the moth he supposedly is.'

"The moth is changing!" He cried out, falling from the window and performing a recovery roll across the ground before running towards the nearby forest.

Not wanting Killer Moth in getting away, Batgirl gave chase.

Leaping out of the window, she landed onto her feet and ran after him through a thick forestation.

She admits this guy seemed rather good as he quickly maneuvered his way through the dense area. Though Barbara was getting annoyed when he occasionally throw back grenades with the occasional blind gunfire. She had to quickly move out of the way from getting blown up or penetrated by those bullets.

There will be ashes. There will be blood, even if Moth didn't take any lives this night. Yet she didn't want there being a risk for that to happen from this guy.

As Moth was getting closer to a clearing, he quickly spoke into the radio installed into his helmet. "Get me outta here!"

"Right away, boss."

As the short call ended, the insect-themed man pulled out a gun attachment and quickly slid it onto his gun. Pointing up into the air, he fired as the attachment soon exploded to reveal a little parachute that went higher and higher into the air. Grabbing onto the rope and wire, he attached it onto his harness and double checked to see if it was secure.

When Barbara neared the clearing, she heard the sound of helicopter blades. Not long after, her eyes caught Killer Moth's form with something tied onto him. It didn't take long for her to realize what was happening, causing her to push herself to go faster.

By the time she got to her destination, she saw Moth had taken on a different set of wings as he quickly flew through the sky… well more like dragged along with a helicopter carrying him away.

She didn't know it or not, but Batgirl had the distinct feeling Moth was smirking in triumph with him getting away and flying off into the distance. Far beyond the reach of her grappling gun at this point.

"Well that's just perfect." She muttered out. Scratching the top of her cowl, Batgirl turned around and made her way back to the club. "Better get back before Naruto or Morgan start running around with their heads cut off, worrying where I'm at."

-Morning, Gordon Residence-

Barbara yawned as she walked down the stairs in a grouchy mood with the events of last night still present on her mind.

'Hope today turns out better than last night.' As she reached the bottom floor, she smelled a pleasant smell with the sounds of cooking happening in the kitchen. 'Wonder what dad's making for breakfast today.'

Rounding the corner to enter the kitchen, she expected to see her father at the stove… only to find him at the kitchen table.

"What?"

"Morning, Barbara." He greeted, sipping on some coffee.

"...Morning, dad." She groggily responded.

"Hiya, Barb."

The redhead blinked and whirled her head over to see her wild blonde friend working on the stove.

"Morgan? What are you doing here?"

"Checking up on ya of course." Mordred then heard the commissioner cough. "Oh and her to chat with your pops."

"...Why?"

"Because of what I did last night."

Playing dumb, Barbara asked as she pulled up a chair and sat down. "And what was that?"

"Fought against that Killer Moth guy when he and his cronies held those people hostage."

"You did what?!" Barbara gave her best shock looked as Morgan rub her thump on the tip of her nose, as if she just did a impossible task.

"Yeah, I'm surprised you didn't hear about it." Said the wild blonde as she poured some pancake batter onto the frying pan.

"...Well… I hid for cover before getting to my car and driving off."

"Would explain why I couldn't find ya as things died down."

This was true. Barbara did try to get back inside of the club last night. But with the cops swarming the entrances and inspecting the broken window she used to chase after Moth, it was hard for her to get back inside. So she was forced to take her car and get back home.

Luckily she and her dad took separate cars or else things might've been complicated afterwards.

"Well anyway, I fought beside that Batgirl, had to say the girl had moves." The knight complimented the possible ally to her kingdom. "That being said that dome head was there too."

"Dome head? Oh you mean Vanitas."

"Yeup."

James Gordon then spoke up. "Would've done a proper questioning last night, but whatever Killer Moth shot me with made me all loopy when I woke up."

"Are you alright, dad?" She asked with utmost concern. "I barely saw you falling onto the floor hard."

He waved his hand at her. "Yeah, I'm fine."

"Gotta ask, but why are you briefly glaring at my friend?"

He took another sip of his morning beverage. "Because I don't want to see you or your friends getting involved and risking their lives to put a burr into your old man's breeches."

Mordred merely snorted. "Yeah~ I'm gonna end up disappointing on you on that, Commish."

Barbara's father merely sighed.

"Just asking this, but why are you cooking-"

"Because I didn't just wanna hang around and keep waiting around for ya while doing nothing." Mordred flipped another pancake onto a nearby plate before making another. "So decided to make breakfast for you two today."

"And that's rather nice of you for doing, Morgan." Said James.

"Yeah well, a stop clock is right twice." Mordred then brought over the plate full of pancakes and placed it onto the table. "Eat up you two."

The father/daughter pair nodded as they grabbed their respective shares before digging in with Mordred joining not long after while occasionally cooking up more.

-Warehouse District-

"You got five minutes, Bugface. Don't waste 'em."

Killer Moth nodded as he stood inside of a secluded part of a warehouse owned by a small time mob boss, who was sitting behind a desk. He then turned around slightly to see several of the man's employee's doing their work.

"I was hoping for something more… private for our meeting, Tony."

"You said we had business." Tony stated as he took a drag of his cigar. "This is where I do business. Out in the open in front of the rest of my men." Placing his cigar down, he mildly glared at the insect-themed man before him. "And it's Mr. Bressi to you, Bugface."

Moth nodded once more before going into his pitch. "You have quite the setup here, Mr. Bressi. Lots of goods, volume, high profit margins. But it's a house built on sand."

Tony Bressi rose a brow, but let the costumed man continue.

"You can pay off some dirty cops, sure. But what about them do-gooders? These superheroes? Who's going to cover for you there?"

"I'm taking a while guess that it's you."

"Right. Killer Moth."

"Uh, huh. And how's that gonna work?"

Moth pulled up a duffle bag and brought it onto the table. Unzipping it, he brought out a mini-skylight with a moth put onto it's center. "With this: the moth lantern. Those masked heroes come around and you shine this into the sky. I show with all the firepower you need."

"So I just shine this lantern and you see it?"

"Me or one of my people." Corrected Killer Moth.

"And every cop from Bristol to Bludhaven." Tony countered. "Hell, how are ya gonna get over here so fast anyways?" He looked at the so called wings on Moth's back. "Those aren't gonna get ya here fast enough, ya know."

"I know that, Mr. Bressi. I currently have another suit on the works that'll do just that and more. What you're seeing now is just a prototype."

"Right~ Right~" The small time mob boss got up from his seat and stared at Killer Moth. "Problem with all this, Bugface, is that you're offering me protection. If ya haven't noticed or remembered: I am protection. And if ya haven't seen last night's news or even this morning, you ran with your tail between your knees."

Killer Moth seethed underneath his helmet and tightened his fists. "You'll need me someday, Mr. Bressi."

"Heh~ I'll take my chances." The gangster then motioned his two men beside him. "Vince. Jackie."

Seeing the two men coming towards him, Killer Moth quickly brought up his arms and fired several darts into their necks, quickly causing them to go into a seizure with foam coming out of their mouths. As they fell onto the floor dead, the insect-themed man put his moth lantern back into his bag and made his way out.

"You're wasting a good opportunity for this. And you will be sorry on not taking my offer." Getting out of the warehouse, the man looked at his duffle bag before releasing a sigh. "Should've realized the moth signal was not a great idea. Perhaps a secure hotline."

-Evening, On the rooftops-

Running and leaping across various buildings, Batgirl was continuing on with her patrol for the evening.

Nothing much was done so far as she considered it a quiet night. An attempted robbery at a convenience store and a few muggings. The only thing that seemingly spiced it up a little was her stopping an attempted rape.

'Should probably call it a night.' She thought as she stopped and overlooked several streets from a water silo. Even towards the sky in case the bat-signal was up. 'Nothing really noteworthy happened.'

Unbeknownst to her, she was being watched.

"Seriously… would you put down the goggles? We're not voyeurs, Batman."

A gruff was heard as a response.

Robin could only roll his eyes. "Just tell me why you're doing this?"

"...I have my reasons."

"And I have reasons for knowing reasons. So tell me the reason!" He argued to sigh as he didn't get one. "Damn was hoping that would work."

Once again, he got a gruff in response.

"How about a bet, let me have some fun… I'll bet on my share of the stocks~" he sing out knowing that the cape crusader-

"No."

"Come on, then bragging rights. You can't be right all the time."

…

That empty silence follow by the wind blowing made it seem that even God said 'Don't go there', "Alright, alright, stop with the silent treament." He said before resuming his work with his partner.

As Batgirl was about to head home, she heard some some screams and yells coming from the streets below. Curious, she whirled around to the source and gasped when seeing the cause of the commotion.

Heartless.

'Going home can wait.' She pulled out her grappling gun and aimed for the street below. 'I can't let them cause more harm.'

Firing, the hook shot down to the lamp post as it connected quite easily. Without further notice, she jumped off the silo and activated the gun's retracting function to speed up to close the distance between her and the Heartless. As she disconnected the cable, she sent a flying kick to the nearest one -that was airborn- to sent it crashing into one of it's brethren.

Landing on the street below, she pulled out her collapsible bo staff and readied herself before assessing the enemies. And this time they were different than ones she previously fought, being more cartoonish in design.

The first batch seemed to be a parrot-like creatures with predominantly violet plumage with the Heartless emblem on their abdomen. Their round heads -including the beak- were also violet, though the tips of its tail feathers and its neck are orange. Their large eyes were black and yellow spirals on either side of its head. Their wings are yellow and orange and sprout out of the top of its head rather than from its back or sides like real birds. Its legs are black and it wears a large, red boxing glove on each one.

The nearest one saw her before making a few jabs as if to scare her.

The next ones were just as underwhelming as the first, having a very small, navy-blue body, emblazoned with the Heartless emblem. Two short legs can be seen at the bottom of the body and a short, thin neck extends from the top to its round head; harboring two glowing, yellow eyes and a jagged maw. The Heartless wore a tall, conical, blue hat, with a bent tip and two yellow, spiral-like designs on the front. It is unclear whether the Heartless has arms extending from where its ears would be, or if the long, light aqua-colored extremities are actually part of the Heartless' hat. Black hands and yellow bangles can be seen at the end of the "arms".

Several of these spun around in rapid succession as they bounced around in place.

The rest were basically the same being in different colors. They all had a smooth, conical bodies with a Heartless emblem emblazoned on its chest. The top of its body flares outward and forms a jagged "collar" below the Heartless' spherical, pitch black head. They also wore a conical, yellow hat that has a jagged brim and a thin, curled tip. Like many Heartless, they all possess glowing yellow eyes. Its seemingly useless feet sport three small, thin toes. All came in red, blue, yellow, green and silver themes…

If these last ones weren't so evil and killing machines… Barbara might've taken a few home to cuddle with.

-Insert Kingdom Hearts II: Rowdy Rumble-

They all just ignore her, mostly the little cone beings as the birds and little munchkins started to move around her like sharks would do to prey. She jumped as one of the green little ones spun when they leap forward causing one to slap the crap out of the flying rats! Before they all tumbled down… which made the rest of the beings that were ignoring Barbara turn to her.

"Oh crap!"

She started dodging a few of the red and blue coned Heartless that rushed towards her, jumping over them and wedge them into the wall with a well placed kick. Yet this was only temporary as they shook off the attack and formed different colored spheres over their heads. The sphere's ignited, causing different attacks to get set off being fire and ice from both red and blue coned Heartless respectively.

Batgirl was unfortunate in not seeing these attacks coming right at her, due to her being preoccupied by confronting the Heartless she dubbed the Aerial Knocker and Tornado steps with how they they fought and moved. When she dodged a punching blow from the Knocker, she was struck from behind by a combined fire and ice attack.

"GAH!" She bursted out, tumbling across the ground.

Needing to act quickly, she recovered in her tumble and went back into her feet in a crouched position. Pulling out her collapsible bo-staff, she soon split it in half to have her escrima sticks to attack the Heartless with.

Back on the rooftops, Robin oversaw what was happening and wanted to jump down and help. Yet before he got the chance, Batman held out his arm to block his protege's coming attempt.

"We need to go down there, Batman. She needs help."

"I wanna see how she handles herself."

Robin was baffled when hearing this. "By herself?! Are you crazy?!"

"Vanitas trained her." Came the Bat's simple response.

"But that doesn't-"

All talk was seesed when seeing his mentor giving him the Batglare.

"Shutting up…" The partner comically before looking back at the fight below, swearing he'll help Batgirl when things got more dicey.

On the street below, the masked Gordon maneuvered away from a Tornado Step and smacked it's head to the side. As she did, she was met with an electrical blast on her chest by one of the floating Heartless. Retaliating, Batgirl threw an exploding batarang at it. Once impacting, the weapon exploded to deal with some significant damage to it.

Yet this action was all for naught as one of the floating green Heartless floated by it's yellow counterpart and glowed. What followed peeved Barbara as the yellow Heartless got healed quickly before firing off another electric attack at the female hero.

'Wish these guys could've been easy to fight like back in my dreams.' Thought Batgirl with gritted teeth. 'At least those Heartless didn't have these floating guys as backup.' She soon dodged a stream of fire and ice attacks before sliding away from an Aerial Knocker attempting to knock her head to the side. 'Then again, easy dreams are much different than from harsh reality.'

As she combated against the other darkened creatures, one of the silver floating Heartless swooped down and smacked the heroine like a rocket. She grunted from the attack and retaliated by jamming an escrima stick into its face. Yet when this happened, the silver floater glowed before exploding shortly after.

The shockwave sent Batgirl back several feet from the destroyed enemy. Before having the chance to recover, she was assaulted by more attacks by the wide array of small floating enemies and both the Aerial Knockers and Tornado Steps.

Before any further attacks met Batgirl's form, several batarangs flew across the air and struck many Heartless before exploding soon after.

Breathing heavily, Batgirl saw the source of her coming from the descending Robin; who landed a surprised kick onto an Aerial Knocker. The masked Grayson soon grabbed one of the arms of a Tornado Step and used it as a club to smack several others away.

"W-Where'd you come from?" Batgirl questioned.

"Oh, ya'know, around." He joked before punching a floating green coned Heartless without looking back as it slam into its siblings. "Thought you'd like some help."

"I appreciate that."

The young man took out his trusty staff to swing it skillfully away the flying type of Heartless slightly annoyed on how they came in numbers, and the fact the green ones are healing the others from every other attack.

The pair silently agreed said green Heartless needed to go first before the rest.

"Come here, you little snots!" Batgirl cried out tackling one to the ground… only to float up slowly until she punched it. "Eeeh, why! Won't! You! DIE~!?" she cried out with a heavy punch to emphasized her actions. The last one finally cause it to vanished in bits of green and black wisps, but with the levitating being gone Barbara skillfully got on all fours when reaching the floor. "They can take a beating, but they are way weaker than others!" she explained to dodge ice and flames before grabbing another green member of the cone family. "Just! USE! EFFORT!"

And another died as she looked at the partner of the caped crusader who smack his pole into the green being but clicked his teeth. 'Despite being weak, they sure can take a beating.'

By the time the last green one was taken care of, the protege pair looked at the other Heartless and groaned before going back into the fight. And things were indeed easier with those green coned Heartless out of the way, but with the two getting tired the remaining enemies were in better shape.

Robin soon confronted a pair of Aerial Knockers and had to maneuver through their punches in order to get close and deliver ones of his own. Even going behind them to send out a series of kicks when they were lowered enough towards the ground.

Batgirl though had some difficulty in facing the Tornado Steps as she was constantly dodging and jumping out of the way from their flailing, spinning arms. When they stopped moving, the masked redhead had to quickly strike their heads before the spinning Heartless acted once more.

And both had to account the other floating Heartless as they briefly confronted them in between the respective enemy groups both faced.

After what felt like forever into Batgirl and Robin's fight against their foes, Batman descended from the sky and struck some of the floating coned Heartless and attached small explosives on them. Before most of them could react, the devices went off and destroyed several darkened enemies, along with some of the silver coned ones due to them being nearby.

Two of the Tornado Steps swirl at him, only for the man to jump to flip so he can bring both feet to crash into their heads. Making them crash into the floor and into nothingness, "Anyone else?" He rhetorically asked to the Heartless.

The remaining Heartless stood still until they all shared a glance and vanished in balls of darkness, leaving the humans alone.

Going into a relaxed form, Robin looked towards his mentor. "You sure took your time."

"You didn't wait long enough."

"She needed help."

"She would've handled it."

"For a time. But she was getting overwhelmed and needed assistance taking them down." Robin argued.

"And what if there is none provided for her? What will she do then?"

This started to upset the Boy Wonder as he went to defend the masked redhead. "Batgirl's still new to this. Crooks and criminals are one thing, but those Heartless are another, Batman. No matter how one tries, everyone's gonna need help against those things."

Looking off to the side, she saw the Dynamic Duo's interaction and a thought crossed her mind. 'Has… Has Batman been testing me? Why?' As much as she'd like to voice this now, Batgirl felt it wasn't the right time as it might add more fuel to this argument taking place. Instead, she limped up to them and spoke. "Hey… thanks for the save back there."

"You're welcome, Batgirl." Robin spoke while his mentor merely gave her a small nod. "Although Batman wanted to see how long you lasted."

She turn her gaze at the man who didn't change his facial expression, "You did well."

"Thanks… I guess." She said as she started to feel sore all over, no doubt from the adrenaline finally wearing off.

Before Barbara could say anything else, her vision blurred as she saw Robin try to catch her. Yet he was too late as she fully acquainted herself with the street.

"Ooh… that'll hurt..."

-Later, Unknown Location-

Her vision was hazy, practically filled with darkness as her head throbbed in mild pain what felt like forever. It even reached other parts of her body.

"...As I feared. Your secret little party is growing more and more..."

An english accent?

"Will the young lady be staying for an evening meal as she heals up?"

"No."

That's the Batman. And what did that man mean by heal?

"Does he know of her being here?"

"He doesn't."

That's Robin's voice. And who are they talking about? Vanitas?

The man with the english accent hummed. "He's not going to like this. You two bringing her here without his knowledge."

Here? Where here? Had to be someplace big... there were quite a lot of echoes.

"Much like how we felt when he brought Ivy and-"

"You can say it's me returning the favor." The Bat interrupted Robin.

"...I hope he doesn't... flip his lid as you young folks say." Said the englishman before sounds of footsteps were heard. "Then if nothing else, I'll return to my duties elsewhere."

Barbara groaned, stirring on what felt like a table. Her action drew attention towards her.

"You alright there, Batgirl?"

Blinking, the masked Gordon turned her head and soon saw Robin standing next to her.

"Yeah… I'm fine." Slowly sitting up, she rolled her back a little to pop a few joints. "What happened? And where am I?"

"You exhausted yourself from your tossle against the Heartless." Spoke the Boy Wonder before revealing an interesting detail. "And if you haven't noticed, you're in our lair."

Lair? What La- "Oh…"

With widened eyes, Batgirl saw where she was currently at. "I'm in the Batcave." Her gaze wandered all over to see all of the displays and equipment and- "Wow~ That's quite the piece of tech you got there."

"Yeah. The batcomputer is something, ain't she?"

The masked redhead nodded before snapping her head back at Robin and Batman, who stood not far away. "Why'd you bring me here?"

"To tend to your injuries." Batman evenly stated. "Or would you rather have them taken care of at Gotham General?"

Batgirl quickly shook her head in a mild-frantic manner. "No. No. No. Here is fine."

Carefully getting off the medical table, she saw her jacket was off along with several parts of her under armor as medical tape was present. Instinctively she brought a hand near her face and felt her cowl still being worn.

'Glad that neither of them took it off.' Was the thought as she eyed several items of her Batgirl attire piled nearby. Reaching towards it, she started slipping them on. "Gotta ask, but did you guys inform Vanitas that-"

"Hey Bats, I'm back!" Spoke a familiar voice. Batgirl and Robin looked over and saw Vanitas ascending down the steps from a far off area. "Got more data on the Heartless for the… bat… computer."

Hearing the hero's slow talk made Batgirl realize her mentor finally noticed her. Not knowing how to properly say anything, she gave him an awkward wave.

"...Why is she here?"

Barbara was going to speak, but Robin beat her to it. "Batman brought her here after fighting off a small batch of Heartless."

"Still doesn't answer the question."

"She fainted from exhaustion. Couldn't take her to the hospital or anywhere else safe."

"And you guys didn't seem to call me earlier to help out because…?" Vanitas trailed off crossing his arms with a tone of annoyance.

Robin didn't know how to give his friend a good answer. But he did the next best thing by jamming his thumb to Batman. "If ya wanna blame someone, talk to him."

The masked Uzumaki nodded before speaking up. "Why don't you show her around, Robin. She could like what's around."

Robin nodded, knowing what Vanitas wants to do now. Coming up to Batgirl's side, he helped move her forward for the tour of the Batcave.

Before it could really begin, the masked Gordon asked the Boy Wonder an innocent question. "So… who's the british guy?"

"No one you need to know." Robin quickly said. 'At least not now if Naruto plans on revealing things to you soon with recent events.'

As Robin and Batgirl were away from hearing distance, Vanitas spoke. "Bruce… Why did you bring her here?"

"You were insistent on taking her under your wing and training her-"

"That doesn't answer the question."

"...She would've been brought here sooner than later." The Dark Knight eyed his friend. "With me knowing this time."

Vanitas sighed. "You're still on about that? I said I was sorry on the whole thing with Harley and the times Pam came here unannounced."

All the masked Uzumaki got was another gruff response.

Rolling his eyes underneath his glass-domed helm, he voiced the next question on his list. "Why didn't you bother helping her out against the Heartless?"

"I needed to assess how she fought against them on her own in comparison with others."

Naruto tightened his fists before relaxing them. "I can understand seeing her potential and all. But given her experience in this hero life, she's still young and it could've gone FUBAR if things went south against the Heartless." The dome-helmet hero stated, "Although you already thought of that, Bruce, either to see her resolve or you're really an asshole under your guise we all see every day."

Batman stayed silent after hearing his friend talk. It was hard to tell for Naruto to read by not seeing Bruce's eyes under his bat cowl if he was either berating himself or something else.

Sighing, Vanitas soon pulled out a flashdrive from his utility belt. "Now about that data I collected…"

At some corner of the Batcave, Robin showed Batgirl an interesting piece of equipment built into the cavern wall.

"...this hydrogen-fueled power generator helps keep the Batcave off the grid. And it's all environmentally friendly, too."

"This is more like a self-sustaining fallout shelter than a lair." Batgirl said amused at the detailed explanation of the power and other amazing things that Batman made for this hideout.

Given how the infamous Batcave looked from the tour so far -from the displays to interesting tech- Batgirl could tell it was outfitted for war… a war against crime.

"Could be with what we have lying around here." Robin then pointed out to the many vehicles stationed. "I mean we have the batplane, the batboat by the canal, our motorcycles, the armory some distance away from us, a large amount of rations and water-"

"Okay, I get it Robin."

"Sorry just kinda happy to have another partner joining us. I mean Batman is great and all but the conversations are one sided." He smirked widely as Barbara could see that.

"And what about Vanitas?"

"Oh he was like a breath of fresh air, really. Not to mention when Ivy, Catwoman and Jinx-"

"Jinx? Who's Jinx?"

Robin paused and realized the confusion Batgirl held. "The bubbly, crazy blonde in the Siren trio." He answered. "As for the name, she gave herself that recently due to the media not coming up with one."

"Okay… And why that name?"

He gave a shrug. "Who knows." Looking over to where the Batcomputer resided, he saw Vanitas and Batman working on the console. "Hmm I wonder what he brought this time?" Robin wonder aloud watching the older heroes discuss the information Vanitas recently brought over.

Curious, Batgirl decided to walk over there with Robin following.

When getting close, the pair saw Batman typing away with various Heartless being shown across the screen. Some were familiar on what was faced since their arrival last week to some new ones. Yet the protege pair didn't get to see much on the information as they flew into a folder designated on the Heartless.

"More and more keep popping up with quite the variety of them now." Said Vanitas.

"Not to make things worse, but some of these creatures are starting to show signs of intelligence." Batman commented. "I noticed when they fought Batgirl. That they protected the healers to small extent. That means-" The masked Wayne trailed off as his follow crime fighter knew the next words.

"They're adapting. Evolving, even."

"The good news, that it seems to be on par on children's' intelligence. They aren't planning ahead, but they can creative when they need to." The Bat concluded, bringing his hand to his chin. "I wonder if that's with the missing people, could they killing them for sustenance or just knowledge?"

"Wouldn't like to admit it, but more surveying will be required." Vanitas briefly turned his head before focusing back at the Caped Crusader. "Now, as much as I would love to somehow contain a Heartless and study it… we need to deal with her. I'm not leaving until I see what happens next."

The Bat noted his friend's tone, knowing it was far from asking.

"Fine." The Caped Crusader simply said before standing up. The two older crime fighters then moved to where the younger members were.

"Make peace with your God." Robin joked as Barbara felt a little less tense from his words when the two men reach them.

Batgirl steeled herself when Batman spoke in his usual gruff tone, "Are you faring better?"

"Sore all over, but I can handle it," Barbara winced, contrasting herself.

Vanitas narrowed his eyes despite his domed helmet, "I guess I better up the training level a hit. Clearly I've been taking it easy on you."

Batgirl gulped loudly as she felt shivers all over her body. "No, you haven't."

"The fact you're protesting tells me otherwise."

Batman grunted as if to cut the banter between mentor and student. "Do you really believe that you are ready to fight crime in Gotham?"

"Bats..." The Uzumaki said to stop him, but the Dark Knight did not heed him.

"I ask because from what I saw, you will not last with the way you are. You are still inexperienced and your future actions will determine your life."

Robin looked at Batgirl and nodded to agree with his mentor. 'But she has what it takes.' Robin thought internally.

The masked Gordon frowned at this before giving her mentor a pleading look. Yet he was already planning on lending her a helping hand.

"You need to remember that once upon a time, each of us were rookies just like her." Vanitas spoke. "No one is perfect from the start. It takes time and experience for us to refine and hone what skills we need out there almost everyday. Doesn't matter if it takes weeks, months or years to come even a fraction to what we hope to achieve to be. And the way I see it, she's putting in the effort and learning from her mistakes in making that happen."

Batgirl smiled upon hearing his defence on her. But it lessened when seeing the infamous Batman not seemingly convinced.

This seemed to peeve her off. And not long after, memories from earlier this evening surfaced to the forefront of her mind.

"Tell me, when I was against those Heartless; why didn't you help me?" Asked the masked Gordon. "Robin eventually did and afterwards it ended up pretty clear that you were testing me."

"I thought you would've gotten a good diploma outta that." Robin remarked.

"Thanks." Batgirl dryly said, not really in the mood at the present moment.

And it seemed to get a little worse when the Bat spoke. "I wouldn't grade you as high as my partner."

"Yeah? Well, I have a few words for you." She came up to him and jammed a finger into his chest. "For one, I survived; didn't I?"

"That's not enough. The way I saw you against not only the Heartless, but also various crooks so far; you'll have a hard time holding back from using lethal force." He sent a small glare at Vanitas that practically read 'I blame you for her lack of restraint.' "We don't do that. We don't kill, even to defend ourselves."

Vanitas was glad his friend can't see underneath his blackened helm to see him sweat a little. 'Yeah... Not gonna tell him the lives I previously took. I'll never hear the end of it.'

"Was I supposed to let those things rip out my heart and disappear like the others? Or even shoot and kill me?" She sarcastically said. "What would that have proved?"

"Only that you could be one of us."

"...One of you? Are you serious?" She look around and waved her hands to the various displays all around. "I don't need any of this, Batman. I don't need all these toys of yours. Your weird giant T-Rex, your batmobile and all the rest."

"Yet you have been using some of our gadgets."

"Robin, not helping." She hissed at him, making the Boy Wonder recoil a little. Batgirl then glared back at the Dark Knight. "I'm getting stronger and smarter, bit by bit, every day when I'm out there-"

"Then answer one question." Interrupted the Detective as he got into her personal space and giving her the infamous Batglare. "Why?"

This sudden act made her feel like an ant under his piercing gaze with the cave getting colder all of a sudden.

Vanitas seemed to have enough and came up to defend his protege. "Now Bats-"

"No, I wanna hear it from her." Batman said, not breaking his eye contact from the younger woman and waiting for a response. But all he got was a stuttering mess. "I thought so." He then spun and round and walked away from her. "You've played this game long enough. Time for you to go home."

This set off the others and before either Robin or Vantias could say or do anything, Batgirl beat them to the punch. Stalking forward, she quickly grasped the Bat's cape and harshly tugged him back. "Is that it? I fail this final of yours because I can't tell you in fifty words or less why I want to do this?"

Batman stood still, listening while Vanitas and Robin watched on; seeing her stand up to the older hero.

"You wanna know why I'm doing this? I'll tell you why." Batgirl spoke in an even tone as she let go of his cape. "It's because I can see Gotham's future and I wanna be sure it doesn't turn into a hellhole. I'm doing this so I can protect those I care about. It's my decision to keep doing this, with or without your say so."

Coming up close to the Bat, she glared at him once he turned back around. "And you think that with all your fancy, shmancy tools and equipment gives you the right to monopolize the hero buis in this city. Well tough." She then pointed towards her mentor. "He's been doing hero work without your say so and even with the Sirens. From what I can probably tell, they don't have to really answer to you." She then aimed her brief attention at the Boy Wonder. "Hell, he doesn't have to as well. He only does so since he respects you, but give it time and I can bet you'll lose his respect one way or another and things will change from then on."

When this was said, Robin wondered if this would ever happen. Sure the pair had argued and bashed in the past, but things have never really gone too far. The only time it really happened was when Tony Zuko was back in town last year, with the Grayson wanting his revenge as a result.

Robin didn't know what else could possibly top that.

"So whatever happens now, tomorrow or the unforeseeable future, I'll still feel the same way about all this." Finished off the Batgirl.

The Dynamic Duo shared a brief look as they thought the same thing: their friend clearly had a big influence on Batgirl.

Said person looked on at Barbara and smiled behind his darkened, domed helm. 'Oh how the role of bad cop is so easily ceded to the less experienced person when opportunity knocks.'

With this all said and done, Batgirl spun back around and walked towards her mentor. "Get me the hell outta here. I wanna go home now."

Vanitas nodded as he formed a card underneath them and started floating up and heading into the cavern walls.

"She can't know where this place resides." Batman spoke out.

All he got in response was Batgirl giving him the bird.

"I don't think she really cares right now, Bats." Vanitas called out as he soon phased them out of the Batcave. "If she did, I'll make she she wouldn't know."

-Meanwhile, Stacked Deck-

"I... hate them... I hate them all. I really do." Moth grumbled out. "I mean, what makes them so goddamn special?" He then took a swig of his beer. "They can't fly or see through walls or turn invisible without needed help or assistance. They put their boots on one at a time and wear their masks. I followed their example in order to make a name of myself."

Not much business was going on inside of the bar this night.

"The ridiculous costume... the bug theme... it's about as oddly idiotic as dressing up like a flying rodent. But that's the key to it all, right? A symbol that works when putting one's mind to it. I'd have to think like the BAT. Be the insectivore and use everything in my disposal to possibly become better than him. When trying to become like him, I needed to start out with the basics. Realized the guy had to be loaded or had good enough connections to supply him with his equipment." Taking another swig of alcohol, the Moth looked at the man before him. "Answer me this: why's a bat much better than a moth?"

"They really get to you, one way or another, huh?" Spoke the man before him.

"Sure~ I thought up this sweet business for the lowlifes and they-"

"What kind of business are you talking about? What's the angle?"

"Well the Bat and his allies watches over straight citizens. They do what cops can't do. What about the crooks? Who do they turn to in order to get the job done for them?"

"I'm taking a wild guess here but... you?"

"When the Bat first arrived on the scene, he was at odds against the GCPD. But now he's working alongside them... while not exactly following the rules. So why shouldn't crime have it's own Batman. Should not the underbelly have it's own Dark Knight." He then jammed his thumb right towards himself. "So I, Killer Moth, decided to take part of this unventured territory to be the protector of the not-so-innocent." Proclaimed the villain for hire. "I even have quite the array of assets... to some degree. The Cacoon -my hideout- the moth-copter, the moth-mobile-"

"A moth-mobile?"

"Batman has his batmobile and other bat-vehicles for his whole theme. Briefly thought it would've been funny to call my equipment as such. Obviously it's not entirely good if I do such a thing." Moth took another swig of his beer, only to find it empty. "Barkeep! I'd like another!"

"Then I'd like to see some green, Camron!" Moxxi called out from the bar. "If not then all you're getting is water. Ya hear?!"

Killer Moth... Cameron merely grumbled with a shake of his head. "All I wanted was a bit of the action for some purpose in my life."

"By having a protection racket for hoods?" Cameron shrugged. "Why not? Straights' taxes pay the feds. That's protection."

The man before him gave a brief nod as he dragged a bit from his cigarette. "I guess so." Taking a small sip of his drink, a thought was voiced. "So why are you sulking here of all places?"

"Because my gang left me."

"Oh?"

"Got all fucking worried after the failed stunt from last night and wanted to leave. And it was just when I was about to show them the shipment of equipment that finally arrived earlier. In my sour mood from both last night and earlier today… ended up killing one of them instead of temporarily paralyzing them with one of my darts. Made the rest high tail outta there, fearing I might get them next." Cameron pulled down his sleeve to show his wrist gauntlet. "Really annoying as hell when not realizing when the lethal and non-lethal rounds are in which specific chamber."

"Might I suggest improving the weapon design…"

"Oh I have. This here is just my prototype and haven't had the chance to wear the final product." Moth sighed, leaning back in his seat. "In this kind of business, it's best to have good backup and partners to help watch your back on the job. Why'd you think many crooks out there have lackies and thugs? Cause if they go in by themselves, it's harder to get the job done. Afterall, teamwork makes the dream work."

"Cooperation being key and communication needs to be clear and precise." The man across from Moth said, dragging more of his cigarette before exhaling a bit of smoke. "If not then everyone gets burned."

Cameron looked at the man before him with a raised brow. "I get the feeling you were fucked over recently, huh?"

"Yeup."

"...Wanna talk about it?"

The man gave a brief shrug. "Seems fair as you told me your sap story…"

-Few days prior, Near Gotham Canals-

"The shot is set up. Where's Lynns?"

"Haven't seen him, boss." Came a unified response with several crew members.

"Well, find him! We're over budget now!"

"Okay, Director Makino."

One of the employees quickly ran across the film set and made it to one of the trailers where the name 'Lynns' was duct taped to the door. Coming closer, he rapped his hand onto the metal surface several times.

"Lynns?" He spoke up before knocking once more. "Lynns?" Getting no response, he opened the door and peered inside to see only darkness. Darkness and a single light seen at the far end of the trailer. "Garfield Lynns?"

"Yes?" Spoke the man near the small light as he wrote inside of a notebook. "What is it?"

"Umm... We need you on the set. Mr. Makino is freakin' out and-"

"Tell him I'll be there. I'm just finishing up."

The employee nodded before closing the door. "Damn… he gives me the creeps."

It wasn't much long afterwards when a man walked out of the trailer with a cigarette in his mouth as he quickly walked towards the film set. As he did, the director took notice. "Where the hell have you been, Lynns?"

"Busy."

"Busy making my special effects more special?"

"Yeup."

Makino turned around and looked at the set's layout. "You know what I want. We pick up right after Carly's car has crashed into the drums."

"Uh huh..." Lynn spoke in an dull tone.

"I do a slow roll-up on Carly while camera two picks up on the mobsters."

"Got it."

As Lynns walked away, the director called out to everyone else on set to finish getting ready. Getting to the effects console, Lynns double checked to see everything is in working order and to his specifics. Yet he was interrupted by one of the younger crew members.

"I checked the wiring. We're all set, Mr. Lynns."

"Good... Good..."

"But-"

"But what?"

"...But you gotta lot of jelly out there, sir. You sure the blast-"

"When I need a guy fresh out of film school to tell me my job, I'll retire. Okay?" Garfield snapped with a growl.

This caused the younger man to quickly nod. "Sure, Mr. Lynns. Just asking-"

"We're ready to roll, people!" The director spoke through his megaphone. "Stars on their marks and everyone else get off now!"

"Rolling take one of gangster standoff. Action."

With the scene rolling, Cindy ran out of her crashed car with a tommy-gun in her grasp. Stopping near the drums filled with flammable jelly, the actress -Cindy- aimed her weapon at the mobster actors.

"Pick on a poor, defenseless woman, will ya?" She hotly said, firing her blank bullets.

The mobster actors fired their blank bullets in response with one of them calling out his line. "She's the only witness to us offin' the boss! Cap her!"

Hearing the line got Lynn to press and flip a series of switches on the console to get his special effect to activate. Wasn't long when the jelly drums started leaking out and flames catching onto the substance-

*KABOOM*

Causing quite the very large explosion, sending not only the actors off their feet but various crew members as well. If that wasn't enough, the main actress was screaming her lungs out as flames enveloped her body.

"JESUS FUCK!"

"She's burning!"

"Call an ambulance!"

Back by the control console, what was supposed to be an expression of fear and worry being worn on Garfield Lynns' face was instead cool and collected… with a sly smirk curling up on his lips.

It was sometime later when Garfield was brought into the director's trailer with several big time film personel discussing recent events.

"Dear god… What are we gonna do now?" Questioned Makino as he was shaking like a leaf. "We had two more weeks of shooting with Carly."

"When can she get back anyways?"

Makino blankly stared at one of the execs. "Doctors say she's got burns covering 80% of her fucking body, Carl! She's never gonna be back!"

The exec gave out a frustrated sigh. "We can the project then. We have a completion policy."

Makino ran his fingers through his hair. "Poor girl… This was gonna be her breakthrough movie." He soon moved his gaze at the pyrotechnic in the trailer. "Lynns?"

No response was given.

"Lynns?"

All he got was a blank stare from the man as he kept eying his cigarette lighter with a flame being produced.

"LYNNS!"

Releasing the trigger on his lighter, the flame died out as Garfield turned his attention towards the film director. "Yes?"

"What the bloody fuck were you thinking?! Where did it say 'blow up the lead'!?"

"It says 'spectacular explosion', sir?" Garfield dryly said.

"Spectacular? Yes! Deadly? ABSOLUTELY FUCKING NOT!" Makino harshly pointed to the pyrotechnic before him. "Jimmy told me he warned you there was too much incendiaries-"

"But did you get it all on film?"

Makino rose a brow. "Yes, I did. Four cameras did, Lynns. But what's the point? It's all useless now?"

"The tell me, what're you gonna do with the footage?"

This not only got Makino, but all of the other personnel in the trailer to look at Garfield with various expressions. Though it seemed to escalate when registering how the pyrotechnic said this.

"My gods…" Makino spoke in disbelief. "You wanted all that to happen!" He then went ballistic when seeing the hint of a smile to appear on the man's face. "GET OUT! GET THE HELL OUTTA HERE, YOU SICK FUCK! YOU'RE FINISHED, LYNNS! FINISHED!"

-Present-

"Well... that's quite the story." Moth somberly mused. "Though forgive me if it was better or worse than mine. Don't really know to be honest."

"It's fine." The identified Lynns responded.

Looking down onto the table, Cameron rolled his beer bottle across the surface. "Probably time for a change in my operation. Wanting to be a hero for Gotham's mobs. Heh~ How stupid am I now that I think about it."

"Probably being their errand boy if you think about it."

"I know..." Moth tightened his hands, cracking the empty bottle in the process. "I'll show them: Batman, Robin, Vanitas, them Sirens and that smirking bitch Batgirl."

Garfield hummed as he took a drag of the rest of his cigarette. As it got to the bud, he put it out by stabbing the finished tobacco stick onto his hand. "Say… you like some help?"

"Huh?"

"Would you like some help?"

Moth narrowed his eyes. "Why so generous?"

"You can say I'm interested in the idea. Not to mention I'm out of a job." Looking at Cameron straight in the eye, he continued. "So whaddya say? You scratch my back and I scratch yours, partner?"

Killer Moth thought for a moment before releasing a chuckle. "Why the hell not?"

-Later, Downtown-

Inside of a strip club, not much activity was going on. In fact, there was no business at all this evening. The strippers were off for the night, yet people were present within the main room of the establishment.

The reason? A poker game.

"Bressi, are you in?" Asked a low level gangster.

"Yes I am in, Chi Chi." Tony Bressi responded.

"Then come the hell on. We can't wait all night."

"I understand your impatience, but it's a difficult position I'm in."

"Yeah, with you losing the pot." Spoke another gangster.

"I don't need to be reminded, Leon."

"Better make up your mind." Leon muttered out with a following sigh.

"Yeah, man, a mind is a terrible thing not to make up." Chi Chi added in. "But honestly man, hurry the fuck up. I've got places to go and people to rob."

"We all do." Leon responded with several other mobsters grumbling in agreement.

Before Tony Bressi could play his hand, there was a sound of commotion heard coming from outside. And by what the gangsters could make out, a fight seemed broken out.

"Jason! Justin!" Bressi called out to his men. "Go check."

Said men nodded, pulling out their guns and made their way towards the doors. Going past them, several moments had passed before sounds of gunfire were heard with bodies hitting the floor.

Assuming the situation has been dealt with, the mobsters were about to get back into their game-

"TONY BRESSI! We have some unfinished business!"

-when someone came into the club's main room.

He was quickly recognized as Killer Moth, given his appearance. Yet it seemed different this time as he seemed more armored up than last time. There was less purple on him while there being more red and green added into the mix. The plating lined up along his arms and legs while having a pair of red gauntlets with white fur jolting out from both their ends but also around his neck. His red lenses on his green helmet seemed more insectoid than last time and it appears that he had forgone the wings, given their absence on his back.

"Huh... Here I thought I weren't gonna see you again. But seriously? Do I need you, some freak, stalking me everywhere I go?"

"I did say that you'll pay for not taking up on my offer." Moth said as he flexed his hands. "Last chance. Give me a cut or else I'll take the whole pie."

This got all of the gangsters and their bodyguards to laugh.

"You got guts, Butterfly. I'll give you that."

"I got guts, alright. And a partner."

Another man soon walked out from the doorway, giving the gangsters a clear view of Killer Moth's partner.

The man wore something along the lines of an aviator/fighter pilot attire given his leather jacket, pants and armored helmet with yellow lenses. Yet strapped along his legs and arms were some armor pieces similar to what Killer Moth has on him. Not to mention a utility belt wrapped around his waist. And on his back was a large contraption that was connected to a large, weaponized flamethrower carried in his arms.

"Say hello and goodbye to my friend, Firefly." Quickly pulling out his specialized gun, Moth aimed it at the gangsters.

Firefly followed suit with flames igniting at the weapon's end before speaking. "Time to burn."

Without further notice, a large stream of fire shot forward, quickly burning the nearest bodyguard. The screams were overshadowed with the chaos that followed soon after with gunfire being made. Yet the opposing assault wasn't enough as both Killer Moth and Firefly quickly overwhelmed and snuffed them out.

"No doubt this'll make ourselves known." Moth commented as they walked out of the burning establishment, with many dead bodies behind them.

Firefly nodded with a small grin being made underneath his helmet. "And there's no turning back now."

"Got nothing else to lose."

Exiting out of the burning the strip club, the insectoid-themed partners pressed a switch on their respective suits as large, mechanized wings sprouted out from the packs on their backs. With Killer Moth, it was insectoid in nature while Firefly appeared to have something along the lines of turbines connected to metal wings.

Soon enough, the pair lifted themselves off the ground before taking off into the sky.

"So… got my little mess taken care of. Where to next?"

"I got a score to settle with a film director I wanna take care of."

-Next Night, On the Streets-

Work and classes were rather rough for Barbara today. As a means of relaxation, she decided to go out tonight and vent off her frustration. With a mix of fresh air and adrenaline running through her, they'll no doubt help fix this problem.

Yet there was still the thoughts on what happened at the batcave last night running through her mind all day today. She just needed a means of thinking anything else other than the subject of crime-fighting careers, even if she was doing that right now.

Hell, she's not even sure if she wanted to ever intend to go full-time with this; part-time would suffice. But from what she read off the Batman in said time, she doesn't want it to take over her entire life.

But life's what happens when you're making other plans, right? No one truly knows what's around the corner, except a legit fortune teller or something. But just when you think you have it figured out, you are thrown a curveball or two.

So far tonight, there was nothing happening at all. Not even a simple robbery of any kind. It was as if the Heartless attack she went through last night sucked up all the action for who knows when.

"STOP! THIEF!"

Batgirl whirled around as she swung around with her grappling gun to see what happened. There she saw a good old-fashioned purse snatcher on the street below. Pressing a button on her device, the hook disconnected and receded back to her. She now free falled towards her target and landed a few feet right in front of him.

'Since I'm surprisingly bored, I'll let him have a fair shot to either surrender-' Batgirl saw him pull out a switch blade and whirled it around a little. 'Or just give him the count of three till I take him down.' She then groaned as the guy kept playing with his knife. "Oh for crying out loud."

Before the purse snatcher could react, Batgirl snatched his arm before sending a swift kick to the man's groin.

The thief rasped out a pained groan, fell down to his knees and cupped his privates once letting go of his weapon.

Suddenly, Batgirl heard a series of small claps nearby. "Well ain't that a fun, classic sight." Turning around, she saw Vanitas coming towards her with what she could tell was a smile behind his domed helmet. "And it sends quite the feminist message." Walking past his protege, he picked up the stolen purse and went towards its owner. "Here ya go, ma'am."

"Why thank you, good sir. And thank you, Batgirl, for stopping the thief."

"Any time." Spoke the Batgirl. As she and Vanitas walked away, she voiced a question. "Did something come up?"

"Not really. Just wanted to find you."

"What for?"

"Got a present for ya."

Batgirl could only wonder what this present was as she followed her mentor to parts unknown.

-Elsewhere-

Inside of the Cocoon… Killer Moth and Firefly's lair, the pair were discussing upcoming plans.

"Sure… we did get more of a name of ourselves, but we need to do more than just hitting those fronts." Moth said as he was reading a book in his hand. "Though I don't know about what you're proposing-OW! THE FUCK, LYNN!"

Cameron dropped his book as it was quickly consumed by flames. And said flames licked at his exposed hands, leaving a small burn mark as a result.

Sucking on parts of his hurt flesh, he glared at his partner. "You're crazy, you know that?"

"You can say that, Cameron. Maybe that's what it takes to succeed." Came the pyromaniac's response, playing away his lighter.

"Succeed? Being crazy is your idea of success?"

As Moth walked away to bandage up his small burn, he didn't see his partner having a certain look in his eyes. He flicked his lighter once more as he stared into the flame.

"Listen... while the iron is still hot, we strike where they least expect it tonight."

-Back with Batgirl-

"...You know… when you told me you had a present for me, I didn't expect this."

Vanitas chuckled as he watched Batgirl inspecting the motorcycle before her.

It appeared to be a customized Yamaha with it primarily black with small hints of purple and yellow added into the mix. Asides from it's typical appearance, there was various add ons and changes, given there being american-made parts included into the mix outside of the electronics. And behind the windshield lies a small console display with various dials, buttons and switches.

Sitting on the comfortable leather two-seater, Batgirl couldn't help but snort. 'Oh if Morgan were to see this…' She thought before voicing a question crossing her mind. "Why am I getting this?"

"Just something to help get you back and forth on patrols, Barbara. Can't expect you to make much headway swinging around all night, right?"

"Guess so." She muttered. "So do I need to stash this somewhere or..."

"Flip that little cover to show a yellow/purple striped switch on the console."

Batgirl rose a brow before complying. When she did, she felt the motorcycle vibrate a little as some of the armor shifted and started looking into a differently. Even the primary black color drastically changed into a purple color with a lot of yellow highlights.

With widened eyes, a big grin formed on her face. "Oh~ this is awesome! What else can it do?" She looked at the console before narrowing her gaze with her lips pursed. "Does… Does this red button explode-?"

"No. In either form, it's supposed to scan and pick up radio frequencies." He walked over to the one bike handle and flipped the end cover to reveal a red button. "This one is supposed to blow up the bike. After pressing this, you have twenty seconds to get away as a phosphorus charge will reduce this into a pile of incriminating evidence-free ash. And to cancel, press it again within ten."

Batgirl nodded before flipping the switch to have her new bike go back into its batcycle appearance. As it shifted once more, the masked Gordon voiced another question. "Is he behind this?"

He gave off a 'so-so' gesture with his hand. "It was more of both Robin and I when we convinced Batman to let ya have this on account of last night's… events."

"Right…"

"Though it seems Batman wants you to test out this prototype." He revealed. "Plans on even integrating this idea into a new batmobile if things look well enough."

Barbara rose a surprised brow at this. "Really?"

"Yeup. As much as he is connected to the one you know right now, it won't last forever."

"Makes sense." She was then handed a helmet with a pair of bat ears stylized at the top before seeing him create his motorcycle beside her. "What's going-"

"Even though you have your new bike, we need to see how you actually handle it." He said, situating himself on his bike before revving up the engine. "So let's test drive and break it in, Batgirl."

"And what are you suggesting? A race?"

"God no. Just a simple ride and progress from there." Vanitas responded. "We'll start when you're ready."

Batgirl nodded before putting on her helmet. She then brought up the kickstand and balanced herself on her new ride. 'Okay, Barb. Take it nice and easy.' She thought to herself. 'It's like riding a bike, a heavy one at that.'

Despite the many times riding Morgan's bike, she never got the chance to ride it. She could slap herself a little in not asking. All she could do now was take some moments to collect herself and remember what her wild friend did in order to properly work this vehicle.

Turning on the ignition, she kicked down the pedal to make the engine roar to life. Batgirl then turned the handle which caused her batcycle to jerk forward and prompted her to stop out of reflex.

"Do you need some help?" Vanitas spoke from what apparently was a headset inside of her helmet.

"No. I'm fine. Let me just…"

Going at it again, the masked Gordon braced herself when she got her motorbike moving forward. It went at a slow pace, but she knew if she didn't at least speed up a bit more then she'd topple over.

Taking a small, necessary risk Batgirl made her batcycle move faster.

Vanitas smiled underneath his helm seeing Barbara move through the street at a decent speed. He used his conjured bike to catch up to her and stay near in order to be sure she'll be alright. And so far, she's doing alright.

"Okay, Batgirl, we'll need to make a turn soon." He spoke over her comm. "Hope you don't widen it too much."

"I'll do what I can, Vanitas."

With him coaching her along, Barbara did everything she can to better handle her new ride when flying through Gotham's streets for who knows how long. And in this time, Batgirl realized the batcycle was not only quick and agile, but it was also built for tandem riding. Yet it's something she'll need to get used to with this now in her possession.

'Probably gonna need Morgan's help in teaching me how to properly ride this better.' Batgirl thought, making a swift turn from an intersection. 'She's got more experience in this than me.' She looked towards her side to see her mentor speeding a little bit ahead of her. 'Him as well, but don't know if I can rely on him all the time for training.'

"You gotta be careful on them turns, Barbara." Vanitas cautioned. "Don't want to see you end up falling and crashing by leaning too far into the road without proper equipment and training."

"I know, I know. You don't have to tell me twice."

Stopping at a red light, the pair were going to continue their ride in a simple, brisk pace. Yet a series of screams quickly filled the air, causing Batgirl and Vanitas to move their motorcycles through the intersection and barely avoiding in colliding against several pedestrians and cars.

"Have any idea what it is?" Questioned the masked Gordon as she soon heard sounds of gunfire becoming louder and louder.

"We'll see when we get there."

It didn't take long for the pair to reach their destination and saw what was going on; that standing in front of a small convenience store were several cops shooting at a number of NeoShadow Heartless with pedestrians rushing inside for safety.

"The hell did these guys come from!?"

"I don't know, but-GAH!"

"Damian!"

Both heroes gritted their teeth when seeing the Heartless jumping on one of the officers and clawing at him as he fell onto the ground. Acting quickly, Batgirl sped her bike ahead and used the momentum to collide against the attacking Heartless when she was momentarily suspended in the air. And before her motorized vehicle would harm the officer, she quickly maneuvered around as the back tire was a mere inch or two from the cop's head.

"Wow. Can't believe that actually worked." Batgirl muttered to herself.

"Look out!"

Batgirl whipped her head when hearing the warning. When she did, she widened her eyes when seeing one of the NeoShadows leaping right at her.

"Blizzard!"

A ball of ice collided against the Heartless, freezing it in place before colliding onto the ground. It wasn't long for Vanitas' ride to come right at the frozen enemy and struck it hard with his Keyblade. What followed was the singular Heartless going up into darkened vapors with a green heart floating in the air.

"Oh no you don't!" Spoke the masked Uzumaki, aiming his Keyblade at the falling heart. "Fire!"

With the green heart destroyed, the other Heartless quickly drew their attention at the two heroes.

"Any ideas?"

-Insert Final Fantasy VII Advent Children: The Chase of Highway-

"Yeah!" Vanitas quickly revved up his engine. "We're leading them away!" Turning his attention at the NeoShadows, he revved up his motorcycle harder. "Come on, you sons of bitches! COME ON!"

The surrounding Heartless quickly moved and tried to strike down the Keyblade wielder and his companion. Yet they were too slow as both motorcycles took off into Gotham's streets. Not wanting their new prey to get away, all of them crouched on all fours and started running after them like a pack of hungry animals.

"Is this a good idea?" She questioned, currently weaving through cars left and right.

"Seemed like one at the time, Batgirl."

Looking at the side mirror, the masked Gordon saw a good number of NeoShadows quickly catching up on them. "Fast, aren't they."

"Looks like it."

Occasionally looking back, the two saw the NeoShadows made whatever attempt in getting closer to their targets. If they didn't want to deal with cars, they would either leap or jump over them by using said vehicles as springboards while crushing the car roofs in the process. Even having to run across the walls of nearby buildings and dived towards the motorcycle pair. But their attempts to strike them down were all for naught as Batgirl and Vanitas either swerved or sped down, making the chasing Heartless miss their mark.

"We need to get them off the streets." She said, seeing several pedestrians diving out of the way from getting hit. "Need to keep the casualties non-existent."

"You've read my mind." Looking off the side, he spoke up. "Follow me."

Batgirl saw her mentor quickly swerving to the left in order to catch the highway. Having no other choice, she followed suit and made her batcycle go faster in order to catch up. And she didn't need to look back to tell the Heartless quickly moved onto the highway as well, given the following crashes and heavy pattering on the concrete.

A few were able to catch up to Batgirl as one leaped at her. Luckily, she moved out of the way just in time in avoiding a slash attack right at her helmet. As it landed, a batarang quickly imbedded itself into its head before exploding soon after.

Wanting to assist Batgirl, Vanitas spun his motorcycle around and quickly drew out his arrowguns and fired several shots at the incoming Heartless. Some met their marks as they went up in darkened vapors while others didn't as they quickly avoided the void projectiles.

The heroic pair then started noticing they were drawing closer and closer to incoming traffic. Not wanting to drag them into the fight, both Vanitas and Batgirl tried finding a way around them for the coming fight.

Luckily for them, Batgirl quickly found a closed off section of the freeway as it was currently under construction.

She signaled her mentor by speeding towards her new destination with him following after her. It took some time navigating through traffic as they nearly ran into several cars along the way. Even skidding their vehicles at their sides, which would no doubt ruin the paint jobs.

When one of the NeoShadows sped ahead of them, Vanitas fired off several more rounds from his arrow gun; tethering it on the ground. With the others coming close, they got stuck alongside their darkened companion before a batarang and exploding card came in close and destroyed the lot.

Reaching their little detour, they broke through the construction barrier which gave them plenty of room to fend off the Heartless hopefully without any further problems. And seeing as there weren't any cars surrounding them now, Batgirl looked on to her batcycle's console with an idea forming.

'Might as well see what these other buttons and switches do with the opportunity presenting itself.'

Before she could do so, sounds of screeching tires filled the air.

Confused, Batgirl looked forward and gasped upon seeing the unfinished highway's edge. She grabbed her breaks and twisted her handlebars as she skidded towards closer and closer to the end of the line.

'Make it. Make it. Make it!' She mentally chanted with gritted teeth.

With the screeching soon ending -which felt longer for her- Batgirl slowly craned her head over to see how close she was from possibly falling off.

Releasing a held breath, the masked Gordon was about to get off her batcycle, only for her to quickly duck from a flying NeoShadow. When she did, she saw it fly past her and fall down below. Looking back, Batgirl saw her mentor fighting off against them.

Without any other thought; she parked her vehicle, pulled off her helmet and smacked it across an incoming Heartless before kicking it off the unfinished highway. Setting her protective headpiece down, Batgirl rushed forward to the nearest opponent.

She spun around to avoid an incoming slash before grasping the darkened creatures arm and performing a judo throw. With it in the air, she performed a roundhouse kick to send it crashing into one of it's comrades. They tumbled right into Vanitas' line of sight, making him swing his Keyblade to decapitate their heads. With their green hearts in the air, he struck them hard before performing a dodge roll.

Wanting to help Vanitas, Batgirl dashed forward and slashed at each of the surrounding Heartless. Coming in close, the pair went back to back as they periodically ducked and shielded each other while giving each other the needed support.

"Time to end this." Vanitas muttered, thrusting his Keyblade up into the sky. "Thunder!" Small bolts of lightning struck down from above. "Thunder!" Another series of bolts struck down to electrocute the Heartless, giving Batgirl a moment to whip out some explosives and threw them at the opponents. "Thunder!"

KABOOM

With the combination of the casted spell and explosives, the remaining Heartless were destroyed, leaving singed marks on the cemented ground.

As the small bits of adrenaline died down, Batgirl couldn't help but let out a small joke. "For a moment there, I would've thought you were gonna finish off the Thundercat's chant."

Vanitas chuckled. "Good one." Dismissing his Keyblade, he made his way back towards his motorcycle. "Come on, Batgirl. Night's still young."

Barbara nodded and went back to her batcycle. Getting her helmet back on, she brought up the kick stand before having to start up the engine once more. With the engine roaring once more, she saw Vanitas waiting for her.

'That's nice of him.' She thought, moving forward at a steady pace before getting out of the construction zone and onto the normal parts of the highway with her mentor not far behind.

Riding and weaving in between the various vehicles, Batgirl decided to press the red button on her bike's console. Static filled her helmet's speakers before she ended up picking up radio chatter with the GCPD.

"All units head back to the GCPD now! We are under attack! I repeat: GCPD is under attack!"

Eyes widening, Barbara panicked. "No… No no no! This can't be happening! DAD!"

Without further notice, she sped her batcycle with Vanitas following not far behind.

-Earlier GCPD-

Commotion inside of the GCPD has always been a steady flow, regardless how slow things appear to be.

Occasional street crooks brought in for either questioning or put into cells for crimes they committed. Cops and detectives walking around for whatever cases or tasks they were working on. Even various personnel going into the shooting gallery in order to at least do something before it's time to call it a day and go home.

As for the police commissioner, James 'Jim' Gordon, he has enough going on-on his plate right now given recent events.

"I don't know what to tell ya, Commissioner." Spoke Officer Montoya. "Somebody's shaking down the protection rackets for protection. The robbers are getting robbed and anybody who doesn't pony up gets their legit business front lit up. Hell, one such person was Tony Bressi as he and several others were shot and burned last night."

Behind his desk, Gordon released a sigh as he moved his glasses in order to massage his eyes. "Is there anything else to report, Montoya? Uchiha? What of Killer Moth?"

It was Officer Uchiha that answered. "Some witnesses have stated they saw Killer Moth decked out in a new suit, no doubt military grade and then some. He was in the vicinities either going to and from there with someone else on some sort of jetpack wing gizmo."

"Someone else?"

"Yeah. By the look of things and his gear, he's behind the arson attacks."

Gordon hummed. "Any reason why?"

"Not that we know of as nobody's talking." Montoya responded. "Either they don't know anything or are keeping up their 'code of silence'."

"Even that movie company?"

"Their lawyer says their fire was accidental... special effects gone out of control." Sasuke said.

"From what we did get, the actress that got burned -Carly- is looking at a butt-load of skin-grafts if they hope in possibly getting her back in the actress games." Spoke his partner.

"Highly doubt that'll happen with what she went through."

Gordon nodded. "And what of the death of Director Makino?"

"Not really accidental as it seemed to be with his car blowing up." Renee said.

Sasuke picked up from there. "After digging through the wreckage and getting the body out, there was tampering in the wiring and engine. When turning on the ignition, the whole thing was set to blow."

"So there was no signs of an actual bomb?"

"Nope. Whoever done it made the car the actual bomb in order to not leave any traces."

"Any motive?"

The female officer spoke. "Call it a hunch, but I think the movie set accident and car bombing could be connected."

The commissioner nodded. "See what else you two can dig up on this."

"Of course, sir." She said with her partner nodding.

"Keep this up and I'll put you two under recommendation to get you both promoted to detectives."

Renee was going to speak when the three heard some commotion happening outside. They briefly thought it was just another crook, drunk or druggie causing problems. It's not the first time this happened here at the station.

That was until faint sounds of gunfire filled the air.

The office's occupants whipped out their guns from their holsters and immediately went towards the door. The three filed out before rushing down the halls. As they did, the fire alarm went off with the sprinklers shooting out water not long after.

"Any idea what's going on?" Sasuke asked as his hair was starting to dampen.

"Some crooks getting bold?" His partner guessed.

Wanting accurate information, Gordon pulled out his walkie talkie and spoke into it. "This is Gordon. What's going on out there? Anyone please respond."

Wasn't long for someone to speak up with sounds of gunfire being heard in the background. "Hey, it's Bullock! Things aren't looking over here, Jim!"

"Who's attacking us?"

"By the look of things, it's Killer Moth and his cronies with some pyro-nut shooting up the place!" Responded the heavy set detective. "Oh you gotta be shitting me!"

"Bullock?"

"Jim! Heartless just showed up!"

"And to think we have enough problems on our hands." Sasuke muttered as they neared where the rest of the action is.

Rounding one last corner, the three were met with a blazing fire that grew by the second; which the sprinklers hardly put a dent in getting rid of. Each had to quickly get into cover as to not get hit by either the flames or gunfire, courtesy of Firefly, Killer Moth and their hired compatriots. And at every other visible spot, one can see various officers of the law having to defend themselves against some Heartless that sought out their hearts. Even against some of the armed assailants.

"Wish we can be properly equipped in taking those things out." Renee said, unloading several bullets onto a hired goon before having to duck from a Shadow.

As it tried to strike down the female officer, her partner intervened by kicking it away before unloading the rest of his clip into it. With the clicking being sounded, the Shadow went up into darkened vapors.

"Seems we could take care of them." Sasuke stated as he switched out magazines. "Though I guess we'll be using up quite the amount of ammunition."

"Which I doubt will last with these things keep popping up." Gordon said as briefly got out of cover and fired several more shots at the station's assailants. "What's more important now is taking out the ones we can take care of, along with this fire."

"That's if we can last long enough for not only reinforcements, but for the fire department to show up soon." Renee added in, getting grim nods in response from both men.

Neither of them knew how long things as they fought against both the armed assailants and Heartless alongside their fellow officers. It felt longer than it should. Having to avoid the flying bullets to being sure the growing flames wouldn't contact their clothes and make things worse by almost being burned in the process.

Running out of ammunition, Renee and Sasuke had to relieve the weapons from the recently deceased. For Montoya, it was an assault rifle from an assailant while Uchiha got a few handguns from an officer. As for Gordon, he was barking out orders while trying to stay alive.

In the middle of this confrontation, Jim briefly saw Killer Moth and Firefly making their way towards the stairwell to who knows where. He was about to go after them, only for a few Heartless getting in his way. Narrowing his eyes, the commissioner continued his support with his fellow officers.

Riding closer and closer to the GCPD, Vanitas and Batgirl saw the building ablaze. A feeling of dread rose within the heroine, much like when her father was shot months ago. She not only worried for him, but for the others who she considered an extended family.

Batgirl was about to rush inside to help, only to see quite the amount of Heartless surrounding the entrance.

"You go ahead, Batgirl." Vanitas spoke from the speakers. "I'll take care of these guys."

"You sure?"

"Positive."

Giving a firm nod, she made her batcycle go faster in order to ram into one of the nearest Heartless. Before crashing into it, Batgirl leaped off and briefly soared in the air. Performing a somersault for an aerial recovery, the masked Gordon landed moments after her motorcycle collided against a darkened entity.

Without looking back, Batgirl rushed inside only to be confronted by another Heartless.

"I don't have time for you."

Ripping off her helmet, she smacked the creature away before making her way into the building. There she was met with the blazing environment with her seeing many officers fighting against both armed men and other Heartless in a three-way confrontation.

With the two enemy groups distracted, Batgirl bolted towards the nearest gunner and delivered a high kick to knock him out. As he fell unconscious from the blow, the masked Gordon grabbed his rifle and clubbed a pair of his compatriots before doing her best in dismantling it quickly.

'Gonna need to work on my speed on this kind of thing.' Batgirl mentally noted before whipping out some batarangs, threw them across the room and destroyed a few other Heartless via explosion.

Seeing the heroine's arrival, many officer's moral boasted a little as they got some of their needed support.

Fighting against some of the other enemies, Batgirl briefly communicated with her mentor. "How's it going out there?"

"Doing fine, Batgirl." Vanitas replied over her earpiece. "Some of these guys are becoming quite the hassle as more keep popping up. At least they're paying more attention to me than some of the firefighters and officers that just showed up."

"That's good." She then grunted out when she was struck by a fireball from one of the floating, cone shaped Heartless. "Any chance on getting some help in here?"

"I'll send a clone in when I get a moment… Huh~ ain't that something."

"What?"

"Seems whoever is behind this attack is on the roof."

"Why's that?"

"Cause instead of a bat signal, there's some sort of moth being shown in the sky."

Up on the precinct's rooftop, Killer Moth walked away from his Moth-signal and soon came into contact with the infamous Bat-signal. Once close enough, he smashed in the glass before turning to his partner. "Gar, this place is burning down! We need to bail!"

"I know." Firefly said gleefully. "Isn't it beautiful?" Igniting his flamethrower once more, the pyromaniac laughed. "Can't you smell the bacon frying?! No one will never laugh at us again, Moth. No one!"

"I get the point. But shouldn't we be leaving? Especially with these Heartless roaming about?"

It was odd for the insect themed villain for hire that the Heartless appeared when they did. He didn't know if it was convenient or not with how they showed up out of the blue and caused more… action to take place here. It was quite the double sided asset of sorts with them going not just on the officers, but also on his and Firefly's hired help.

'Oh if only they could be controlled,' thought Moth, 'then things would be much better for business.'

"And miss this beautiful blaze?"

"I get what you're getting at, Gar. It really is." Moth soon activated his wings, hovering in the air. "How about we get a better look from the sky. That fine with you?"

"Heh~ I like the way you think, Moth!"

-Insert Kingdom Hearts 3: 13th Dilemma-

By the time she got to the roof, Batgirl saw the criminal pair take off into the sky. Not wanting to lose them, she pulled out her grappling gun, aimed and fired. The hook soared through the air before it quickly snagged onto Firefly's boot.

Just as she was about to secure the line onto herself, Batgirl was dragged along for the unintentional ride.

'This is gonna suck.' She thought, tumbling through the air.

Turning around a corner, Killer Moth caught a glimpse of something tailing them. Spinning around, he was surprised on what he was seeing.

"Seem's we got an uninvited guest, Firefly."

If it were possible for Killer Moth to see his partner's expression, he could've gotten a confused look from the pyromaniac. It was only when he turned his head back where he saw Batgirl dangling from the grappling line.

"Huh. Would've explained a bit on the unexpected weight."

"I'm surprised you didn't know sooner."

"Well sorry~ but I was too busy admiring my own work!" Glaring at the hitchhiker, a smirk formed underneath his helmet. "Time to shake off this Bat-bitch!"

With that said, Firefly accelerated the thrusters and zoomed faster through Gotham's airspace. And not wanting to be left behind, Killer Moth followed suit to catch up with his partner in crime.

One hundred miles an hour, plus a good twenty or so stories above Grand Street no doubt accelerated her heart rate and adrenaline. Nearing every other building, Batgirl avoided crashing into them by quickly spinning around and running across the surfaces. Yet she wasn't all that lucky with her making the occasion collision with her back or front, which cracked various glass surfaces.

'Oh I'm definitely going to be sore in the morning. That is if I make it by then.'

She thanked her lucky stars the cord saved her from losing both arms at the shoulder. Even thanking the extremely strong grip she currently had or else she'd fall and risk losing her life in the process.

Regardless, going sideways at terminal velocity made her realize how bugs feel when crashing into car windows.

"Admit it, Moth. You're enjoying yourself."

Firefly's partner let out a humored chuckle. "Look at her~ So pretty and helpless!" He then brought up his arms with a hidden smile behind his helmet. "Let's spice things up a little."

Pulling the triggers, bullets flew at their intended target.

"SHIT!"

Batgirl swung as hard as she could to avoid the incoming projectiles. She wasn't so lucky as a few nicked both an arm and leg. She yelped and hissed in pain, but persisted in holding on. Even when one grazed her cheek, leaving a small cut that would be hardly noticeable once healed.

"Quite persistent, ain't she?"

"Let me try to fry this little bat."

Spinning around in some loop de loops, the airborne pyromaniac readied his flamethrower and fired off a stream at his hitchhiker. After these few moments, he did several barrel rolls as he fired more fire shots at her.

"Hope you like that, Batgirl! I know I do! And there's more where that came from!"

Barbara was hit once more as the flames ate a little off her suit and even burning off some parts of her red hair. After this brief moment, she yelped as Firefly dive bombed towards Gotham's streets.

'Oh this ain't good.'

Not wanting to get hurt, she positioned her feet to hit against some incoming cars and bounced off. The momentum ended up sending her to a nearby lamppost, which smacked her side which made her yell. And it wasn't long before colliding and skidding across a building's side.

'Yeup! That's gonna bruise. A lot.' Batgirl thought as she gritted her teeth. 'I gotta get off this ride. But I need to slow it down -somehow- and not lose track of them.'

"Gar! This has gone long enough!" Killer Moth called out. "Lose her!"

"Gladly!"

Firefly stopped moving, causing the grappling line to be brought before him. Before Batgirl's weight would send the cable back down, he snatched it. And without any further notice, Firefly whipped out a burning knife and quickly sliced through the material with a single stroke; sending the heroine plumbiting towards the earth below.

"Would you look at that! A bat that can't fly!"

Batgirl screamed and flailed her arms in hopes of possibly latching onto something. She lost her grappling gun when she first fell, so she wasn't able to reload a new cable to help secure her safety. Coming closer and closer to the pavement below, Batgirl was nearing her end.

'So this is it? I wish it wasn't. I haven't had the chance to at least say goodbye.' Closing her eyes, Batgirl waited for the inevitable impact that'll take away her life. 'Much less tell him how I-'

"Yoink!"

Opening her eyes, Batgirl saw she was in Vanitas's arms as he rode on his Kazekage spear

"Sorry for the wait, Batgirl. Traffic was terrible." Joked Vanitas. "That and it was a tad hard keeping track of you and these two guys."

She smiled at her rescuer. "It's alright, Vanitas. And thanks for saving me."

"Anytime." Settling her down onto his wind lance, he soon handed her-her grappling gun. "Now I believe it's time to swat these bugs."

Batgirl gave him a firm nod. "Right you are."

Another Kazekage lance formed beside them, prompting Batgirl to hop onto it. She steadied her balance before readying herself with several batarangs as she saw Vanitas bring out his Keyblade.

"We need to take out those wings of theirs." He spoke. "Once they're out, then both Moth and his partner will be done for."

"Ya got it."

Vanitas nodded before willing the wind lances to go faster. When both flames and bullets were coming towards him and Batgirl, he made four more Kazekage lances block the attacks with a windshield.

"Nice toys you got there, Vanitas!" Killer Moth bellowed out. Pulling out his larger gun, he quickly inserted the largest drum he had on him. "But we got ours!"

Pulling the trigger, Killer Moth let loose a large volley of bullets. Batgirl was forced to jump down from her ride and hung from the pole. With her momentum, she used her gymnastics training to get back on. The masked Gordon retaliated by letting lose what batarangs she had on hand.

Some of the thrown projectiles were intercepted by Moth's bullets, making them explode. One struck the green/purple insect themed man at his arm while the rest collided against his wings by sheer dumb luck. Batgirl clicked her teeth as those last batarangs didn't do squat in taking out the man's wings, prompting her to try again when given the chance.

Over with Vanitas, he was fairing far better than Batgirl; given his more diverse arsenal.

"I'm not gonna be stopped by the likes of you!" Roared out Firefly, barely dodging several lightning daggers and wind lances.

"We'll see about that." Pointing his Keyblade, Vanitas called out a spell. "Blizarra!"

A bolt of blue light shot from the Keyblade's tip, zooming across the sky. Firefly tried avoiding it, but the light struck the tip of his left wing. Soon enough, ice encompassed the top portion before it started expanding further down. The villain started struggling to maintain his flight capabilities given his new added weight and it hampering his tech.

"OH NO! NO! NO! NO!"

Zooming forward, Vanitas brought his Keyblade down onto the frozen wing and broke it into several pieces. "Oh yeah!"

With Firefly falling from the sky, the helmeted Uzumaki looked over to where Batgirl and Killer Moth were at. He saw her handling herself as best as she could. But given that she didn't have much control over his one wind lance, limiting much maneuverability. Yet she made it up with her skills.

'But from what I can tell, she's injured.' He clicked his teeth. 'Should've used a Cure earlier on her.'

Rushing towards the fight, Vanitas saw her being able to have one of her batarangs strike the fuel line, causing Killer Moth to plummet from the sky. But as he did, he let out a volley of bullets as one stitch effort in getting back at Batgirl.

Luckily for him, one of the bullets struck Barbara's legs. She yelled out in pain, causing her to fall from her placement on the wind lance and missed her chance grabbing ahold of it.

Vanitas widened his eyes upon seeing this. "NO!"

Willing his lance to go faster, the wind carried him quickly in order to save her. He didn't know if he was going to make it with her spinning all over in her descent.

A familiar feeling welled up in his chest as it soon spread towards one of his arms. He hissed in pain, yet it subsided as ethereal silvery-white chains shot out of his limb and snagged the falling Batgirl from harshly colliding against a rooftop's surface.

"I got you!" He called out with gritted teeth. "I got you!"

At the other end of the chains, Batgirl breathed heavily in order to calm her beating heart. Slowly descending this time, she gently placed her feet against the graveled rooftop and saw the chains letting go and receding back into her mentor's body. Batgirl staggered a little, not wanting to place much weight into her one injured leg.

He dropped onto the rooftop not long after and rushed towards her. Before she could say anything, Batgirl was met with a hug that surprised her.

'This… is new.' She thought before awkwardly returning it. 'But it does feel quite nice. Don't know why…'

The embrace ended and Batgirl could feel Vanitas giving her a warm smile underneath his glass domed helmet. "I'm glad you're safe, Barbara."

Said woman gave him a returning smile. "Thanks for the save."

"No problem." Summoning back his Keyblade, he brought it up and called out a spell. "Cura."

An ethereal yellow and green flower blossomed over Batgirl's head, which it's pollen spread all over her body. Not long after, many of her injuries and pain fading away while she felt invigorated.

"Oh~ That felt great." She looked at herself before pouting. "Don't suppose you have something to repair clothes."

"Afraid not."

Batgirl released a frustrated huff. "Damn. Now it's gonna be annoying to sow up all of the rips and tears. Not as easy as it looks, by the way."

"I imagine." He looked over to where Killer Moth and his partner were at respectively, given they were at neighboring rooftops not far away. "Come on, let's get these guys before getting themselves back up and running to who knows where."

The masked Gordon nodded as she ran and leaped alongside Vanitas from rooftop to rooftop. When getting to their destination, they saw Killer Moth trying to get Firefly out of his flying harness.

"Come on, Gar. We need to get outta here."

"I know! You don't have to tell me twice!" Yelled Firefly. "Think some of these buckles are broken!"

The villains for hire stopped when hearing approaching footsteps. Acting out of reflex, both Moth and Firefly whipped out their respective weapons and fired. Their respective fire was met with Vanitas' barrier protecting both him and Batgirl.

"Face the facts, you two, you've been burned. Time to cool you both off."

Quickly forming his Haku shield, the costumed publisher slammed it down as the two villains were soon entrapped in ice.

"Two bugs, one stone." Batgirl jokingly said. "Or ice block in this case."

Vanitas snickered with a shake of his head as they were able to finally subdue these insect-themed villains.

-Morning, Gordon Residence-

'Oh~ this ain't good.' Barbara thought, looking at the bathroom mirror. 'Should've expected this, but didn't.'

After last night, she counted herself fortunate to not be admitted to the burn ward of Gotham General. Reason being half of her face looked like it was sunburnt with her exposed skin coming into contact with the heat.

'Didn't realize how bad it was when I was showering.' She quickly pulled out a jar of face masking agent and scooped out a good amount before spreading it all over her face. Just in time too as she heard rapping on the bathroom door.

"Honey, are you okay in there?"

She didn't say anything as she continued spreading the substance onto her dried out and reddened skin.

"Is... this a girl thing? Because if you're going to be in there a while longer-"

Barbara quickly opened the door to see her father really tired out with several bandages visibly shown from what happened from last night. Not really paying attention to them at the present moment, she spoke. "Jeez, dad. You act as if you've never lived with women before."

James rose a brow when seeing his daughter wearing a cream-like face mask -which was heavily applied- while her hair was wrapped in a towel and her in a bathrobe.

Releasing a sigh, he shook his head. "That's because you've outlasted all the others I dated in the past, even your mother."

Barbara then took notice of the bandages and quickly acted surprised. "Daddy! What happened?!"

"It's nothing, Barbara. I've had worse." He said before moving into the bathroom. "Listen, do your old man a favor and make him some nice black coffee while I take a shower."

As the bathroom door closed, Barbara thanked her lucky stars her father didn't notice how bad her face got with how much product she applied. Sure the creamy solution would help clean up her face and moisturize it, but it'll be a complete a bitch to peel off once the cosmetic mud dries out.

Even more so before she needs to head off to classes later.

When getting back to her room, she rummaged through her closet in order to get out what she'll be wearing today.

As she did, she heard her cell phone going off.

'Wonder who that'll be.' She mused, temporarily putting her little task on hold. Getting to her nightstand, she picked up her phone and answered without seeing who it was.

"Hello."

"Hey, Barbara."

"Oh, hey Morgan. What's up?"

"Nothing much. Just checking up to see if you're alright."

"About what?"

"With the GCPD attacked last night and your dad being there."

"Ah~ right. Thanks, Morgan." Walking back to her closet, she adjusted her head to hold her phone in place as she pulled out an attire. "He's fine by the way."

"You're welcome."

"So are you calling for just that or did you want something?"

"Eh~ Well I wanted to know if you made any progress with Naruto since the benefit."

Pulling out a pair of panties and bra from her drawers, she untied her robe to let it fall onto the floor to reveal her naked form. "Not really, Morgan."

"Aw~ really? Damn."

Slipping on her panties, Barbara soon went into clipping on her bra. "Well I'm sorry, but I can't be hounding him down in order to spend more time with him. Paints a bad image on me."

"Ehhhh~ alright. Though when do you think should-"

"Don't know, Morgan. Have to wait for opportunity to knock or something."

"If ya say so. Anyways, gotta get going. Got some stuff to do for my mom today and I wanna hit on them now than later."

"Then don't let me hold you up any longer."

"Later."

With the call ending, Barbara went to grab a pair of pants when she smacked herself in the forehead. 'Should've told her I got a motorcycle.' She then shook her head with a chuckle. 'Maybe hold it off for now as a surprise for later.' The redhead released a sigh when slipping on her pair of pants. 'She'll no doubt want to ride it or race me with hers.'

By the time Barbara got dressed, she went to the kitchen sink downstairs in order to properly peel off the mud mask. It was indeed a bitch to get off, but the product did it's work to help get rid of the reddened evidence of last night. With this done, she turned on the TV before starting making breakfast for both her and her father.

"...As of last night's events, GCPD was up in flames due to the actions of Killer Moth and his partner, Firefly." Said Summer Gleeson on the morning news. "Yet if it weren't for Batgirl and Vanitas, then things would've gotten worse."

Barbara chuckled as she started up the coffee machine.

"Despite the GCPD station being burnt and heavily damaged, police officials will still work in order to keep Gotham safe. And to be sure it'll be prepared for any surprise attacks, the station house will be renovated, remodeled and upgraded with the help from several tech companies and donations. WayneTech reportedly being one of them."

"Ain't that something." Barbara muttered out, popping in several pieces of bread into the toaster. "Will be fun to see what'll look like once it's done. Wonder if dad knows this already or not."

*Ding Dong* *Ding Dong*

Barbara blinked. 'Wonder who that is.' Making her way towards the front door, she opened it up and froze.

"Morning, Barbara."

"H-Hey, Naruto." She stammered. "How's it going?"

"It's rather fine. You?"

"Doing well. J-Just getting ready for the day." She then started shuffling in her step. "W-What are you doing here?"

"Wanted to check up to see if you and your father were alright due to last night's events." He then held up his arm to reveal a box of bagels with some containers of cream cheese. "Got breakfast for you two."

She smiled. "Why thank you."

"For checking up or the breakfast?"

"Both."

He nodded. "Can I come in?"

"Yeah, sure." Ushering her crush inside, she then closed the door behind him and spoke. "With how I know my dad, he'll brush off the assault to some degree as some sort of fun experience that came with the job."

Naruto chuckled. "I bet, given what he'd been through in his life." Once getting into the kitchen, he set the bagel box down on the kitchen table.

"Would you like some coffee?"

"Yes, please."

Nodding, Barbara went over to the cupboard and pulled out a few coffee mugs. Setting them down, she pulled out the coffee pot, which finished brewing the bitter concoction.

"Would you like some cream and sugar?"

"A little of each." While Barbara started pouring him some coffee, he asked her a question. "How are things with you since the benefit?"

"It's been rather fine. Work and school haven't given me any real troubles."

"If you say so."

"What's that supposed to mean?"

"Just that at any moment, something unexpectedly will come up and change things up from your normal routine or at least make it more challenging."

"Ah, right." Once handing over his cup, she started pouring one of her own. "So tell me what's on your mind?"

"I was just wondering that once I'm done with college, I've been debating on what I wanna take a career on. I asked dad on his thoughts of me joining the police force."

"What he say?"

"Doesn't exactly want me to be an officer."

"Oh." He sipped some of his coffee and gave out a small hum. "Understandable with him being the protective sorts."

"That's basically that."

"What else came up because of that?"

"I was being persistent as I wanted to help him on the job." She said, sitting down on a kitchen chair. "After some back and forth discussion, he suggested I could become an analyst."

"Would be a good option for you, Barbara. You want to help him out in the department. Instead of being out on the field, you can be behind the scenes, find out and provide information for those risking their lives out there. Hell, the skills you get from that analyst job could even help out on whatever else you want to do next once you feel no longer needed at the GCPD."

Barbara nodded before remembering her brief time in the Batcave.

From what she could tell, it was just Batman and Robin with some needed help from Vanitas and the Sirens. Barbara didn't know if there was someone working the Batcomputer while the others are on the field. There could be that British guy she barely heard at that time, but she can't fully assume right away.

'Maybe I could get a jumpstart on that analyst job if I knew where the Batcave was located.' A smile formed on her lips as she drank more of her coffee. 'Would be great to work through that fine piece of tech to help give me all the additional experience I'll ever need. And it'll help me out later on if I wanna do a solo-gig.'

"-one part of your life might end up becoming your whole life." Naruto said, bringing out of her thoughts as she only heard the recent bits coming out of his mouth. "You can possibly walk away from it now, but at some point it could drag you back in. Regardless, it'll be all you have to worry about."

"...And if I don't walk away?"

"Then you might be faced with challenges that'll make you feel truly overwhelmed. But there might be those that'll help you along the way."

"I'll keep that in mind." She said, mentally filing this conversation away for later use. But this thought got her thinking about another topic she wanted to get into, hopefully leading to something else she desperately wanted to talk about. "So that whole thing practically becoming your whole life deal, would you apply that to… say… love?"

Naruto thought it over and gave her a 'so-so' gesture. "It varies. Like one person is just so focused on their work, they might brush past everything else. Even love."

"Whaddya mean?"

"There've been many I've come across that've practically married to their jobs. And even if they do find love at the workplace, things become difficult if they plan on having kids or not."

"...I don't understand."

"As one person wants to have kids, the other wouldn't be so inclined. Saying they don't have time for kids or not wanting them in general, either by adopting them or having them through the traditional manner." He sighed, rubbing his eyes. "It's often a difficult subject to talk about."

Barbara nodded as she knows a few people at the precinct that are going through that situation. Most of them don't want to bring kids into the world with how oftenly bad it is, despite the environment one lives in. There's even the whole argument on them saying that it's either not the right time or don't have enough funds to properly take care of a child or so.

But in actuality, it's much more than that.

"It's unfair. Everyone should be happy."

"I agree, Barbara. But not everyone wants to have a family right away. Could possibly blame how most people were raised or not. Too many variances to account for.

Barbara thought for a moment before voicing a passing thought. "And what of you, Naruto? Would you want a family?"

"I do." He said right away. "It's been something I've wanted for a long time."

'That seemed rather quick.' She thought with the briefest of raised brows. 'But given what I already know of him, it's something must be yearning for.' The redhead soon spoke. "Anything else about that?"

"I do want to be a good father, Barbara. I want to be there for each of my kids so they can get the equal amounts of love from me. It'll no doubt be hard, but I wanna at least try. I just don't want to be one of those fathers that'll neglect one child and over-favor the other. Not cutting corners and doing what I can to always be there for them."

The spectacled redhead smiled upon hearing this coming from the man she loves. "And… what if…"

"What about you, Barb? Would you want a family one day?"

She eventually sighed when getting interrupted, but decided to bring up her question later. "Definitely. I want to have a good family to have, possibly a kid or two. Nothing beyond that, unless things come up unexpectedly." Looking down into her coffee mug, Barbara continued. "It's just been me and dad for all these years with my mom gone god knows where and my brother being in Chicago when we last spoke. It's often lonely with being just the two of us. For a long time, I never really thought about getting into a relationship… until recently."

"Oh? Someone in particular you have in mind?"

She avoided eye contact with him. "You can say that." Barbara then coughed into her hand. "Anyways, after realizing these feelings, I started thinking about the whole 'what ifs' for later in life of me being with him and eventually starting a family. I wanna do everything I can to make both him and our kids happy, even when things get tough as I want us to both work things through."

"Planned it all out?"

"God no." Barbara waved off. "It's still a big what if for me. I can only plan so much. It's a two sided effort at the end of the day. I need him to be willing as much as I am."

"Pretty sure you could strong arm him both mentally and physically." Naruto said, grinning at her.

Barbara shot Naruto a small smile, jokingly flexing her arms.

Both sat back falling silent for a few moments, a comfortable kind of silence that only close friends could share.

Naruto grinned, looking to his young protege. "Whoever you plan on being with should be very lucky if they got to know and be with ya."

Barbara softly smiled with her heart beating a bit more right now. Unknowing of what happened next, she scooted a bit closer to him and soon realized this once seeing how close he was towards her.

"And what if, per say, you found love with someone else… other than Pam?"

"Hmmm?"

"Like… you found out you love someone else just as deeply as you love Pam. The same way you love her." Barbara clarified.

"Well, I don't really think I could love another like how I love Pamela." Naruto said with a shrug. "She's the first real love of my life and vice versa. No one can really top that."

"What do you mean?"

"I would love others equally, but I'd love them differently. I can't love anyone the same way cause each person is different from one another." He absent-mindedly said, before realizing what he just said. Shaking his head, he soon gave her a quizzical look. "Any reason why you-"

"Just curious, that's all."

His expression lingered on and before it settled onto something else, he felt her hand coming into contact with his. Looking down, Naruto became confused on what was currently happening.

"Barb?"

"Actually, Naruto… There's something I-"

"Hey, Barbara, you got breakfast ready yet?" Commissioner Gordon called out as he soon entered the kitchen.

"No, dad." She said while mentally strangling her father. 'Why'd you have to show up just now!?

Unknown to her present thoughts, Naruto slipped his hand away from hers as he spoke to her father. "Morning, Commissioner."

Jim gave the writer a curt nod. "Naruto. Surprised to see you here."

"Just stopping by, checking up on ya and dropping off some breakfast for you two." Naruto soon gestured to the cream cheese bagels.

"Thanks." Gordon grabbed a sesame seed bagel before cutting into it. "You wanna stay and join us for breakfast?"

Barbara looked at her crush and mentally chanted. 'Please accept. Please accept. Please accept.'

"Sure, why not."

Upon hearing this, a chibi Barbara formed in her head and cheered in glee as the three started eating the morning meal together.

And during this time, Naruto subtly looked at the redhead beside her; wondering what was going on with her and their recent talk.

-End Chapter-

AN:

Sorry for the long wait people. Work has not been great since I last updated my story as where I work kept going through temp employees way too fast and it's been frustrating with the results. Several leaving without proper notices or whatnot, causing more work to be given to the rest of us. With that, longer shifts and getting home later than I've recently gotten used to.

On top of that, it added into what caused me to get sick for a week… hampering me from working on my chapter at all as I need to go to bed early on a lot of days and sleep in before having to rushly getting ready and heading off to work.

I mean, I'm pretty much working 9-10 hours each day and having to take public transit for like an hour there and back home respectively to literally have half a day spent for work. And it's gonna get worse once Summer hits if all employees aren't fully cooperating and getting our shit done on time.

Asides from this; Alita, Us, Pet Sematary, Shazam and Hellboy were pretty good in seeing. Not just that but the next John Wick movie is very much anticipated. And despite how 'meh' the Star Wars: Rise of Skywalker teaser trailer was, I'm rather hyped about the movie as it might make things well to close off the initial Skywalker movies.

Oh, and a few other things that got me hyped… PEDRO PASCAL IS PLAYING THE LEAD CHARACTER IN UPCOMING STAR WARS SHOW, THE MANDALORIAN! AND GAME OF THRONES SEASON 8 IS FINALLY HERE!

With gaming, Seikro: Shadows Die Twice gave me a good amount of ideas on what to possibly do and expand on my Dragon's Guardian story on various aspects. Seeing the Borderlands 3 trailer made me rather giddy along with Mortal Kombat 11 with what else was released.

Not to mention… Critical Mode and New Game + has finally come to KH3! AVENGERS: ENDGAME WAS FUCKING AMAZING! AND BATTLE FOR WINTERFELL COMES OUT TONIGHT!

Now with my story…

With Harley having the hero name Jinx, it was the best I could come up with as the name Harley Quinn would end up revealing who she is as opposed to when she was a villain and generally known to all. I mean I don't know when I'd want her identity revealed to the public, making her take on the Harley Quinn name. But for now, she'll be known as Jinx… and yes the same name from the League of Legends' character who shares similar traits as our energetic psychologist; not the Jinx from Teen Titans.

So yeah, I'm pretty much having Barbara/Batgirl join the harem now… well more like planned just like what I'm doing with Talia. There will time for Barbara to officially join later as I have plans for that to happen. And before you ask, yes I do plan on doing more stuff with Talia in the near future as I have not forgotten about her.

Anyways, be sure to review this story guys! Would like the criticisms. Please and thanks you!

R&R