digi-gal-rox: just note that i won't be able to update as much as i would luv to. i have lots of exams coming up. so if anyone really wants this story to update, pls be patient! and pls review!

Chapter 4 - Confrontations

"He got away," Tim sighed, removing his mask. "How's she doing?"
"The gas has affected her more than you think." Leslie sighed, rubbing her temples.
"Is there any chance of her recovering?" Cassandra asked.
"I'm not sure yet," the elderly woman admitted.
"It's my fault," Dick growled, "I kept Tim from saving her, demanding who she was."
"It's not anyone's fault, Richard." Leslie murmured, studying the peaceful look on Barbara's face. "It was a burden she wanted to carry."
"It was the one way she could prove she didn't need saving," Cassandra murmured. Dick looked at her surprised.
"Cassie?" Tim looked at the teenage girl curiously.
"When she adopted me five years ago, she use to tell me stories of her life." Cassandra murmured, fighting back the tears that threatened to fall from her face, "She use to say that she always wanted to prove herself to Batman and Nightwing that she could handle it. But Nightwing would always come to her rescue." Dick felt Starfire place a supporting hand on his shoulder. "She believed that taking the guise of Oracle she could prove it, and she did."
"Than I came along," Dick sighed. "She tried to drive me away, by making me believe that she wasn't Oracle."
"You should all rest," Leslie sighed. "We all should."
"What about-" Dick started.
"I'll have the League pick her up." Tim said, making his way to the bat-computer, "They have all the resource we need. And Batman's there. He'll let us know how she's doing."
"Bruce?"
"She's been affected before, Dick." Tim sighed, "She'll be fine. Right now, what she needs is a friend."

The Flash never left her side, when Robin accmpanied Oracle to the Justice League Tower. Supergirl stood in the corner, her eyes red from crying the night before. Across from him, Batman sat stifly. He couldn't help but notice a look of defeat on his face. It was as if he couldn't save her. Robin had made batman promise to call them, if
any changes occured. But nothing happened. They all knew that Nightwing... Dick knew who Oracle was. Wonder Woman entered the infirmary, followed by Superman and the bat clan.
"He couldn't wait," Robin quickly explained, when Batman stood up, "And neither could Batgirl." At the mention of Batgirl, Batman nodded and sat down. The teenager ran towards Oracle's body.
"Anything?" she asked hopefully.
"None," Batman shook his head. "She was able to pull through the last time. I don't understand why she can't now."
"Jonz said she's trapped in some kind of fear."
"I know," Batman sighed.
"Is... is there any chance she'll make it?" Nightwing asked.
"I don't know," Batman admitted, "I don't know."

"Alfred..."
"Yes, Ms. Starfire?"
"If I may ask... why did Richard follow everyone up there?"
"And asked you to stay behind?"
"Yes." she nodded.
"He feels responcible for what has happened, to Ms. Gordon." Alfred sighed, "Before he left Gotham, he was always able to save her just in time, before anyone could hurt her. Even after their relationship ended. He made a vow that he would always protect her. She never liked it, but I know deep down she didn't mind it at all." Alfred sighed, as he picked up an old album from the shelf, "He shares a special bond with Ms. Gordon; Ms. Starfire, a bond no one can break. They have been through a lot together. And I know she would do the same, if she were in his place." Alfred gave her a small smile before handing her the album. "There is still a lot you need to learn, Ms. Starfire, if you think you know Ms. Gordon, you certainly don't know what she's been through." Starfire took the album and opened it. When she looked up, Alfred had already disappeared through the door, lost in his own thought.

"Does Batman really think that something here can help us?" Nightwing asked, studying the neat bedroom.
"How would I know?" Robin asked, "She spent more time up here than I did."
"I know she won't like this."
"What she won't know won't kill her." Robin responded. "That was scary."
"Hm?" Nightwing looked up, from the desk.
"Usually, you'd be the one sneaking and I'd be the one who's hesitant."
"You don't say..."
"Ah ha!" Robin exclaimed, discovering the small box of viles, "Here they are!"
"Here's what are?" Nightwing poked his head over Robin.
"Perfumes Sam gave her," Robin laughed, "Perfect black mail!"
"So mature, Tim." Nightwing frowned.
"I wonder why she kept them up here though..."
"Why don't you ask her?"
"I will. Once she..." Robin trailed off.
"I shouldn't have-" Nightwing started.
"No, it's not your fault." Robin cut in. "Do... do you think she'll be fine, Dick?"
"She's a fighter, Robin." Nightwing sighed, "I'm sure she'll pull through."
"What's going to happen with the two of you than?"
"Nothing," the dark knight's former protege sighed, "Thing's will go back to what they were."

"It's out of the question!" Jonz erupted, "In her current-"
"I know her, and I know the villian who did this." Batman growled, "And I know how to take care of her."
"She won't even make it!"
"It's a risk I'm willing to take, Jonz," Batman narrowed his eyes, "I know what Robin did was for her concern, but right now, what she needs is her family."
"You're already up-"
"Does it matter, Jonz?" Batman asked, "I would prefer her down there, where I can keep an eye on her. Where a trusted friend can watch over her."
"She won't make it. She needs everyone's assistance!"
"No she doesn't." Batman simply responded, "That's what you want to believe because not even you can save her! But I know someone who can."
"Who?" Jonz demanded.
"Raven."

"Richard..." Starfire called out softly. Nightwing turned around surprised.
"Star!" he exclaimed, "What are you doing here? How did you find me?"
"Alfred told me you'd be here." she murmured, as the clock struck twelve. Nightwing nodded, allowing Starfire to join him. "Can I ask you something?"
"Sure." he murmured.
"Do... do you still love her?" he looked at her surprise.
"Star..."
"I have to know, Richard. Do you still love her?" she repeated. Nightwing looked away, witnessing the lights going
out in the city.
"Star, you've got to understand that we both have a lot of history..."
"Than you still love her," Starfire sighed sadly, turning her back on him.

"Well?" Batman asked hopefully, as Raven came out.
"She'll be fine." the hooded Titan nodded, "She needs to rest though."
"Thanks," Batgirl sniffled.
"It's the least we could do," Raven smiled, "She's a valued friend, on my book."
"Can we see her?"
"Sure," Cyborg nodded, as the door opened, "She wants to see you anyway."

"Hey Bee-girl." Robin smiled warmly, as the red headed woman forced herself up.
"Hey twerp." Barbara smiled weakly.
"How are you feeling?" Batman asked, taking a seat by the bed.
"O.K I guess." the red-headed hero sighed, "I'm guessing you're going to lock me in my room now, huh?"
"Till you're able to run again, yes." Batman nodded.
"I thought we were going to loose you!" Batgirl whispered.
"I'm not that easy to get rid of, Cassie. Looks like we're stuck together for a while, huh?" Barbara smiled, this time it was stronger. Batgirl grinned back.
"It's good to have you back, Barbara." Batman murmured.
"How long was I out for?" she asked.
"Almost two days." Robin sighed.
"Does dad-?"
"No. He thinks you're angry at him for giving you the month off." Batgirl chimed in. Barbara giggled.
"That's dad."

"She pulled through, huh?" Nightwing asked, entering the Titan building, the following night.
"She left this morning," Raven responded.
"We've got more important issues to deal with," Nightwing said, ignoring her.
"What is it?" Beast Boy asked, curiously.
"Slades back. And he's at Gotham."

"A girl can really get use to this," Barbara laughed, as Tim came in with a tray of food.
"Yeah, right." Cassandra muttered.
"I wouldn't mind having Bruce do this," Tim laughed.
"Now that's something to see." Barbara smiled, seating up, "I take it he bailed out, for patrol?"
"Yep. He received a call from Dick saying Slades back."
"Back? Here?" Barbara asked, surprised.
"Who's Slade?" Cassandra asked.
"One of Dick's arch foes... following Blockbuster."
"Well, they're trying to find him. We've been ordered to stay put!"
"And protect me," Barbara sighed, "This time I don't blame him, since I'm stuck here."
"I wonder where he is though..." Tim sighed, pulling the blinds down.

Unaware to all of them, a new figure ran across the roof tops. A black silhouette of the figure could be seen. The figure smiled to himself, watching the people continue their business, unaware he was around.
"Keep a sharp eye, we don't know what he'll do, or where he is." he heard their leader. He smiled to himself. For now he had to lay low.
"Copy that," the team responded in unision. The figure smiled again, as the Titans spread out. He had always enjoyed making the Titan leader, Nightwing suffer. And this time... this time Nightwing would have to witness the destruction of his family.

"What do you want Slade?" he murmured, hearing Batman landing behind him.
"Any luck?"
"Does it look like it?" he asked sharply. Batman narrowed his eyes, but didn't respond.
"Do you know why he's here?"
"No,"
"There's movement at the stadium," Robin's voice came from the communicator.
"Robin?" Nightwing raised an eye-brow.
"Bee sent me down here, too keep check." Robin quickly explained, "Something's happening at tonights game, you guys
better check it out." When Nightwing turned around, Batman had already left.
"Batman's already on it." he grunted, before cutting the line.

"I don't think he is making any moves tonight," Starfire announced, as they all arrived at the cave.
"Good," Cyborg yawned, "I need some sleep." Deeper in the cave, they could hear talking.
"How did he beat us?" Beast Boy wondered.
"He knows the city better than us," Raven muttered, as she levitated towards the computer, where Robin was found typing.
"You're right," he said, "He's not making any moves tonight."
"How's Barbara doing?" Raven asked, as the remaining Titans joined her.
"A lot better," he responded. He winced as a loud crash was heard.
"For gods sake Bruce! Just let us handle it!" Dick bellowed.
"How long have they been at it?" Cyborg asked.
"The moment the both got here. At the same time. Perhaps longer while on patrol." Robin muttered.
"Not while you're in my city!" Bruce shot back, his voice rising.
"Will you two cut it out!" Robin cried out, angrilly, "If you both keep this up, Cassies going to come down here and kick your-"
"As if she could," Dick yelled.
"Don't say she can't!" Bruce yelled, once again topping Dick's voice, "She learnt everything from Barbara!"
"She couldn't even kick my-"
"Don't you dare use that tone with me!" Bruce bellowed. Before Robin could open his mouth, he heard loud stompind
decending from the stairs.
"Cassie?" he asked.
"No,"
"Uh oh." Robin murmured. He watched the red-headed female continue making her way to where both Dick and Bruce were at each other's throats. Both men stopped in mid sentence as Barbara stood, her arms folded, tapping her foot.
"Do you know how loud your voices are?" she asked, calmly. They didn't respond, her eyes began to twitch.
"She's gonna blow," Robin murmured.
"Do you have any idea how embaressed Alfred was, when your guests arrived, hearing the arguments?" she went on. Bruce remained stoned. Dick smiled weakly.
"Barb-"
"I'm not done yet," she muttered through gritted teeth.
"Oh ho! I think you are," Robin exclaimed, appearing behind Barbara, "Time to rest!" Barbara shrugged him off.
"You both are so... so inconsiderate!"
"It's his f-"
"Don't interupt me," she said sharply, facing Dick. "Just because Slade's here, doesn't mean the Titans have to handle it on their own!" she turned to face Bruce, "And just because this is your turf, doesn't mean you have to kick the Titans out!"
"But-" Dick started again.
"I'm not done yet!" Barbara snapped, her voice rising, "Get over it! The both of you!" Narrowing her eyes she stomped away.
"That was better than I though," Robin sighed.
"What are you talking about?" Dick asked.
"The last time she got angry, she pratically lost it." Robin shrugged.

"Men," she muttered, slamming the bedroom door. She wondered if she should've given them the full blow. She shook her head. 'Too late for that'. Relaxed, she lay on her bed, lost in thought. When would they ever learn? There was a soft knock at her door and Alfred came into her room, with a tray.
"Good evening, Ms. Gordon." Alfred smiled, "I take it you handled the situation."
"I should've given them the full blow." she grinned.
"I think you handled it quite well. Master Bruce is already apologizing to his guest about what happened."
"Was I loud?"
"Compared to their out burst? No." Alfred smiled, placing the tray on the desk.
"And Dick?" she asked, getting up.
"Still down there, he's not resting till he find's Slade."
"Thanks Alfred." Barbara smiled. Alfred smiled back, patting Barbara on the back, before leaving. She sunk into her chair. Like Bruce, Dick was a very obsesive man, especially when it came to villians. He was just as obsesive as Bruce. Dick had already pushed his family away, because of this. She had learnt that he had earned Tim's trust as
with Cassandra's. She just hoped that he didn't push them away this time.

digi-gal-rox: that's it for now! pls review!