Shadow Of The Bat: Bats of a Leather

by killakenny

The Dark Knight's life hangs on the brink and an unsuspecting Tim Drake, who has not yet been chosen to be Robin, defends him until help arrives in the form of Nightwing. After these events, Nightwing believes Tim is the perfect candidate to take up the mantle of Robin after the death of Jason Todd. Batman doesn't share the same sentiment. Can Nightwing convince Batman otherwise?

10. Robin Evens The Odds

11:17 AM Eastern European Time Batman. 4:17 AM Eastern Standard Time Nightwing.

I drew out my phone and opened the conference channel, once I was back in the car and on my way.

"How'd it go, Bats?" Nightwing said once the signal was live.

"The seed is planted," I replied, shifting in my seat due to the tickle of sweat running down my spine, and rolling down the window a bit to let in fresh air.

"Hell yeah. Game on. They're not even going to know what hit them."

I looked for Oracle's presence on the application. "Is Oracle on the channel?"

"Nope. She decided to get to bed early since I was handling light work tonight. Been a rough couple nights with her trying to figure out where Black Mask fled to and I've been splitting my time between Dent's Executioners and the councilman's dealings."

"We have been busy."

"Hey, I know—" he started, but abruptly stopped. "Oh damn! Hang on!"

There were concussions in the background.

"Nightwing?

"Hang on! Hang on!"

"Are those gunshots?"

"Oh yeah. Big ones. They came with heat! At least a forty caliber!" He sounded as if he was enjoying himself.

"I'll let you handle that."

"Hey, hey, hey, hold on! I know you're kind of sideways about Tim and this whole thing, but he'll be great. Shiva doesn't realize what she's up against."

"Shiva's not an opponent to dismiss—she's cunning and lethal."

"Yeah, I guess that's a thing. But, being Robin evens the odds. Trust me; I know this." His voice was all optimism.

"She'll make contact, and the operatives in Gotham will go to ground. You need to be ready. I assume they will put out a kill-order on the councilman."

"Oh—I'm ready, big guy." I could hear the hollow cracks of his blows landing, and the squeals of his targets crumpling. "Don't you worry about that. Babs and I are all over it. I'm tying up some loose ends right now. You know, keeping my muscles warm for the fireworks."

"Be careful."

He chortled, "Aren't I always?"

"No."

"I've got Gotham on lock, Batman. It'll be here when you get back. Handle your business."

"I'll let you know when I execute."

"I'll be ready to move when you do."

"Sounds like a plan. Batman out."