The Rose and Her Thorns

Batman, Robin, and Nightwing stood to the side, watching with amazement as Sunni had all the wolves line up. Fang, Steel, and Snow had already been introduced, but now the others had to be identified and remembered. Mentally, Sunni spoke with the wolves, not surprised at the confusion in their thoughts. The largest female, the alpha, was the first to approach the wolf-like human.

My name is Thalia. You are the one of which Fang speaks so highly?

Yes. I'm Sunni, and I'm proud to meet you, but I need to hurry up because I have some friends that need help.

With that, the teen moved on, studying the young male before her carefully. He was large, almost the same size as Steel, and had a bright silvery coat. It wasn't nearly as dark as Steel's was, instead it was almost the same color as a silver bar. His bright eyes gazed at Sunni inquisitively, happy and serene at the same time.

I'm Lyall. Am I correct to assume that you're my new packmate?

A smile. Yep. I'm Sunni. It's a pleasure to meet you Lyall. But I have to meet your other packmates, so I can't speak for very long.

I understand.

Thanks buddy.

Sunni moved on, standing before a small female wolf. She was petite, gentle, and quiet with soft, doe-like eyes. Her pelt was a deep chocolate brown and she tilted her head, staring at the teen that stood before her.

What's your name little one?

I'm Dea. What's yours?

Sunni. It's been nice speaking with you.

Same here.

The next wolf was mysterious to say the least. His head was turned away, but the girl could feel that he was concentrating very hard on her, scrutinizing with utmost care. Black fur that was deeper than even Fang's covered the young male's body. Eyes the color of molten lava surveyed Sunni as the male turned and stared at her. Shadows seemed to dance in their depths, as if the creature was made of darkness itself.

I am Drake. That's all you need to know.

That settled it then. With a respectful nod, Sunni returned to survey the last two wolves. The biggest was male, but he was pure white, just like Snow. His eyes were a clear crystal blue, reminding the girl painfully of Harley. Docile and utterly calm, this wolf introduced himself as Akin. His sister, Ziva, stood close by him. She was a bright chesnut color. The ginger of her pelt off-set the bright sparkling green of her eyes.

Turning back to the others, Sunni plastered on a grim expression and said roughly, "Alright. Let's rock and roll."

With that, Fang started to howl, his pack following suit. The powers Sunni possessed flared to life at the sound, making the girl seem dark and incredibly ominous. Robin nearly suddered as he watched. Damn this was getting creepy.

Nightwing stepped forward. "We need to make a plan. Do you know where Ivy and the Riddler are at?"

Running quickly up to the man, Eli said, "Two-Face broke out with Joker right? And Joker hates both Eddie and Mom, so he probably went to his hideout!"

Somewhat taken aback, Nightwing stared at the nine year old before him. Gaping, he opened his mouth to speak, but closed it after a moment. Robin asked the question that had been begging to leave his older counterpart's lips instead.

"Did you just call Ivy Mom?"

"Yeah. What does it matter to you Spandex-Butt?"

Robin growled, clenching his fists and grinding his teeth at the younger boy before him. Just before his young sidekick decided to do something that would most likely be considered abusive, Batman stepped forward and stated that he might have an idea where Joker was hiding. He had apprehended Scarecrow the day before, and with a little persuasion, the former professor had spilled his guts about where he had been with Joker and Zsasz.

Nodding, Sunni gathered up her brothers and started heading for the door that lead off of the roof. "We'll follow you."

"Wait. You can't drive."

Slowly, the teen turned, giving Batman the most incredilous look that anyone could ever pull off.

"Dude, were you not paying attention just the other night? I was kicking you butt behind the wheel. I graduated high-school at age twelve dude. I'm pretty sure that I could do anything I sit my mind to, I just choose not to because I'm lazy."

With a flip of her hair and a sharp order to her brothers, Sunni was off again, heading down towards the cars. Nightwing stared after her, his mouth agap with amazement. "Dude, that chick just pawned your ass."

"Dick, watch your language."

On the road-Destination: Joker's hideout

The Escalade shot down the backroads of outer Gotham, following behind the Batmobile with ease that was frightening to the vigilantes. Every so often Nightwing would look back, trying to determine how the girl was doing it. Robin was thoroughly impressed with Sunni's skills, and was commenting on it every so often. What none of them realized was just how upset and anxious the children following them were.

Hands that were hard and sweaty clutched at the wheel of the SUV and shining amber eyes stared angrily at the road ahead. Gabe watched her warily from the passenger seat as the others cried in the backseat. They wanted Ivy. It was scary to think about Ivy dying and leaving them alone again.

The tears of her younger brothers did nothing to soothe Sunni's ever growing anger. Eli was still riding with the wolf pack, and thankful for it. The presence of his furry friends was calming, making the nine year old relax ever so slightly. Thalia sat with Fang in the passenger seat, eyeing Eli warily. Ever so often he would smile at her, speaking to her like he would any members of his family.

This boy seems nice. I think I will enjoy his presence.

Eli is a good human, wise beyond his years. You and the pups will like him and his brothers.

Speaking of Eli, the nine year old turned to the wolves, his face grim. "We're here guys."

They were outside the old toy factory, the words Wacko Toy Company now faded and chipping away from the concrete. A large, leering clown's head hung over the double doors. The huge painted head gave everyone the creeps. This place was absolutely perfect for Joker's hideout.

The heroes leapt out of the Batmobile, watching as Sunni and Eli pulled their cars up behind them, utterly silent. The discussion that took place before Sunni bailed out of the SUV was sober and sad, but crucial none the less.

"You guys stay here. I don't want you getting hurt."

Gabe looked hurt. "I'm not going to let you go alone and have all the fun!"

"This is not open for discussion Gabe. I want you to stay here and take care of the little ones."

"No!"

A dark snarl escaped Sunni's throat as she whipped around to face Gabe. "DON'T ARGUE WITH ME! I CAN'T LET YOU GET HURT!"

Silence pervaded the air after the outburst. Jaylon and Camden held each other, sniffling quietly as they stared at their older sister. Sighing, Sunni opened the door and said quietly, "Sorry guys, but I'm going solo this time."

With that, the door slammed, shutting Gabe and his brothers in the car alone. Eli was already standing with Robin, chattering away about what he could do with his powers. The pack sat nearby, tense and ready for almost anything. Mentally, she called out to Fang and Thalia, trying to get her bearings about what was in the building.

Do you guys smell anything?

Cocking her head slightly, Thalia answered the question. There a really funny smell coming from in there. It's like the smell you get when the guards at the zoo come around to check.

Well that confirmed it. Thanks Thalia.

You're welcome.

Striding up to Batman and the others, Sunni stated plainly, "He's in there all right. Thalia can smell gunpowder."

A frown showed in the lines around the Dark Knight's mouth. "How do you know?"

"I talk to the wolves telepathically. I'm a genetically mutated freak now, remember?"

Nodding, Eli agreed with his sister completely, emphatically backing his sister up on all claims of powers. Just as a demonstration, he started to buzz, moving at supersonic speeds until the ground beneath him began to smoke. Now all of them had to admit that Mr. Amyx really had lost it and experimented on his kids.

Robin was freaking out, but silently so that he wouldn't alert anyone to their presence. "How did he do that to you!"

"It was some sort of gaseous drug. I suspect that it entered our soft tissues, blood, and muscle through inhalation. Then it probably mutated our genes it overloaded our system, giving us powers."

Everyone stared at Sunni, who rolled her eyes and growled. "Dude, what part of graduated at twelve didn't you understand? I'm a genius when I want to be. It's just that I don't want to act like a nerd constantly."

Batman was the first to snap out of it, shaking his head and saying grimly, "So how do we get in?"

"Well there are windows all along the top, with a grate underneath for maintenance. You guys should be able to get in from there. I'll stay down here with the pack, and Eli will stay here with his brothers. Won't you Eli?"

The dangerous gleam in Sunni's glowing eyes made the superspeedster boy think twice about argueing. "Sure."

"Good boy."

With a grin, Sunni turned to the vigilantes and said, "Let's go kick some Joker ass."

"Language young lady."

"Ya-bul!"

Nightwing grabbed Robin and took a running leap at the building, pulling out a grappling weapon as he flew through the air. The metal gripped the window, reeling both the current and former Robins into the old factory. Batman left next, taking off with a silent swirl of his cape. Not surprisingly, Eli snuck along with him, moving so fast that all he looked like was a multi-colored blur. They went up the other side of the concrete block that was the Joker's hideout.

Crouching with the pack, Sunni communicated telepathically. Get ready to fight guys.

Steel and Drake stepped up close to her, staring forward with raised hackles. We were born ready to fight Sunni. It's in the blood of the pack."

The alphas sat before the teenage human that was their packmate, looking calmly into her eyes. You were born ready too, little one. You are a fighter, just like a wolf. Just like the pack.

Thanks Fang.

A sudden yell from inside sent Sunni screeching forward, the others right on her heels. Horrible, blood-thirsty howls emitted from them as they busted through the old metal door. Observing the scene before her, the teen roared out in the true voice of a wolf, chilling all the others to the bone.

"THE FIGHT'S ON BABY!"