Disclaimer- I don't own the New 52... if I did Batman Inc. #8 probably wouldn't have happened :(

I nimbly duck under a sloppily thrown punch. Anticipating the next fist from a man behind me, I drop down to a crouch and use one of my legs to sweep the man's feet in front of me out from under him. Using the momentum from my leg I spin around, sending an uppercut to the slow man behind me. Two down, four more to go. I'm on autopilot now- ducking and punching and kicking. Over and over in different patterns. My monotonous routine.

I remember what they all had said. You're too small, a girl. You would get eaten alive out there. But as I'm out here fighting, living. Justice... it's given me a purpose that I would never have been able to dream about. All of a sudden a whole city could depend on me, I'm here to protect the people from the bad guys. The night monsters. The shadows to their sun. The fear to their lives. And on that thought I land the last punch to the last of the scum, handcuffing the lot to a telephone pole and sending a message to the police to come pick up soon.

So I journey back into the encompassing safety blanket of the dark. I relish my scouting, having made it up to the rooftops to look down upon Gotham. I live life on the wild side, quickly placing my feet on the dangerous high ground and feeling my vivid orange hair whip around behind me. I gracefully run from one rooftop to the next. I am Batgirl. I am just.

I easily make it to the highest rooftop nearby, scanning the ground below me. It's mostly quiet tonight, so I can only take in the city. Far away I can see skyscrapers such as Wayne Towers. There the main city stands with other metal beasts, illuminating the skyline with yellow windows running down their walls. Even at this hour the city is alive, bustling with third shift workers, the odd, and the teens. I probably should be out there at some "crazy" party drinking smuggled beer with guys my age, but I would rather watch from afar. Justice is more rewarding that a hangover.

I spot no immediate discord. Most criminals know better, they fear us at this time of night. So I look closer to observe the minute details, such as a young girl staring gratefully out the window of her brightly lit room. Her grin makes me unconsciously smile. My "hobby" will keep her safe. Seeing the results of my long nights make it all worth it.

My scattered thoughts are shattered as I see a shady group approaching a jewelry store; I know my job is not quite done, and with a flourish of my cape I am gone.

I had captured two more groups that morning before seeing a dark shape in the horizon with pointed ears. This was the signal that I should get out of the way, Batman was upon Gotham. My duty was done as Batgirl, and my next one was starting as Barbra. A new hour, a new duty. I slipped into my room easily through the window, sitting at my desk. The buzz of fighting was still coursing through my veins, giving me just enough energy to do necessary homework. I notice a text from Richard, but I want to get an hour of sleep before school starts.

This life is tough, but I am tougher. I will be as strong as I need to be, if not for myself then for the people. I don't matter to them, but the icon of Batgirl does, and I don't really see any replacements. Another night to live, another night to fight. And so on I march, into the unfathomable darkness.

AN- Some Babs for everybody :) I don't know if I'm 100% satisfied with this, but I had to just get it out before I agonized over every detail. Reviews/criticism are greatly appreciated :) Thanks for reading.

Navy