DISCLAIMER: I do not own any of the Teen Titans characters, or the DC Comic Characters. Nor any of the brand names found in this story!
Summary: Kori Anders, news reporter, has seen a lot in her time. With the recent killing of civilians, Kori is putting away her papers, and testing out her investigation skills. Not only worrying about becoming the next target, she is worrying about her old flame Richard Grayson who seems to be appearing a lot more often, especially when she is with billionaire and rival to Bruce Wayne, Slade Wilson. Who is killing the people and will Kori be next? Oh, and who is Nightwing? 15
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Nine
It had been two days since the dinner at Bruce's house, and Kori found she was still as restless as the night she had left. Every night she would go to sleep and find that she would have trouble. It was weird for her, not being able to sleep. She was always used to easily falling asleep. Her mind kept swirling with thoughts though since that night, thoughts of Richard. Her old life as a young teen had come to haunt her.
It was only the sixteenth, but felt like the first. Kori wanted this long month to be over, for Slade's Christmas party to pass, and for a new year to start. She already had her resolution. Stop pleasing others, and work to please yourself. Kori had always been too considerate, and that left her getting stepped all over. She would appreciate herself more and be more outgoing.
Kori shook out of her thoughts as she heard the phone ring. She looked questioningly at her cat at who would be calling at ten at night. Luckily for Kori she didn't have to get out of bed for it was only her cell phone ringing, and it was on her nightstand.
"Hello?" Kori yawned slightly and reached over to put on her bedside lamp. The light illuminated a small part of the room, and Silkie jumped off the bed to find someplace dark to sleep.
"So your car explodes…and now you're driving a rental?" Kori chuckled at the outraged voice of Victor. She could imagine his silly expression now…complete shock.
"I had no time to go out car searching. The rental was the best the insurance companies could do for me for now; though they are granting me some money to afford a new car." Kori sat up straighter in bed and now felt more awake than ever.
"Kori, a rental? Those cars….those cars are trouble. How about this little lady, tomorrow me and you will go car shopping!" Kori began to laugh hysterically at Victor's voice. "I don't see how this is funny?" She could imagine him scratching his bald head on the other line, and indeed he was.
"You sound like Karen when she found out she would meet Denzel Washington." Kori let out a giggle and Victor mocked her. It caused her to giggle harder.
"So, you up for it?" Victor asked.
"I have very little money to try to afford a car Vic," Kori had disappointment in her voice. Between paying rent, Christmas time, taking care of Silkie, and paying bills, Kori was left with little in her pocket. She did have money, but not the kind of money to afford the type of car Victor would recommend.
"Did I say you need money? We'll go to the used dealership, the one on Oak. Then we'll find you a good car. With my amazing skills in less than weeks you can probably drive." Victor sounded happy to be doing this; he loved working with his hands…
"Oh Victor you would do that for me?" Victor couldn't see Kori's eyes gleam with excitement, but he could imagine it.
"Of course I would. You're my little sis! My little sis does not drive crappy rentals!" They both smiled.
"I'll call you tomorrow with the time yes?"
"Sounds good, Karen wants to come though. She says that we need the car to be a little stylish even if it's used." Kori could here Karen muttering something in the background.
"Sounds good, I haven't seen her in awhile. Tell her I say hello." Kori heard muttering and she heard a loud female voice.
"Kori Anders! See you tomorrow hun!" Kori smiled as she heard Victor's voice again.
"She had a bee wit to drink tonight." Victor smiled. "I better get her to sleep. Bye Kori," Kori turned off her side lamp.
"Goodbye Victor."
- - - - - - -
"God, I hate following this chick," Red X's voice whispered into the shadows of a building. He watched as Kori along with two African American people, one female, one male, walked into a used car dealership on oak.
"Why am I doing this?" Lifting up a black communicator with a red x as a design, the villain spoke to Deathstroke.
"Where are they?" The deep voice came out of the communicator. Red X rolled his eyes at his supposed "partner" Deathstroke. Right now he was feeling more like a worker for the boss as he took orders from the man.
"A car dealership," Red X blended with the shadows of mid day. He was unnoticed as he went across the street to where the dealership, signs of a sale were all around. A balloon hit his face as he hid behind a car looking through the glass windows. With frustration he grabbed the balloon and popped it. In the distance he heard a bird's cry.
"Well then I suggest you listen in. We might hear a good time to put my plan into motion."
"Are you ever going to tell me your plan?" Red X ran across the parking lot to the glass doors. No one responded and he rolled his eyes before stuffing the communicator into his utility belt.
Kori shook hands with a dealer as well as her friends she was with. They all laughed at a joke the greasy dealer said. He then began to lead them out the doors to the side of the building, right where X was standing. He hid quickly as the door opened and four voices could be heard. Red X could almost smell the cheap cologne on the guy as well as his hairspray.
"Right this way. We have plenty of cars that fit your qualifications." The man known as Tom Kernel spoke. His hair was a dyed brown, and his teeth were an American cheese yellow. He was short and had what seemed to be a beer belly. His cheap clothing matched his attitude.
"Victor…are you sure this is a good place to come to car shop?" The black woman pulled on the black man and Red X's recognized the two from his other identity. It was Victor Stone and Karen Beecher.
"Karen, the guys here may be sleazy, but they give you a good deal. Besides Kori will get a cheap car and I'll fix it up real nice." He had a smug grin on his face as his girlfriend lightly slapped his arm and the two paid attention again to the dealer.
"I don't think I see any cars. Outside appearance is more important right Vic?" Kori's voice seemed unsure, and Red X noticed she stayed close to her friends.
"Yeah, for once it does. I mean it would be nice for the car to be in good shape on the inside, but if it's not that's easier to fix….at least for me." He rubbed the back of his bald head and let out a chuckle. Kori had a nervous smile on.
"Well what are you interested in?" Tom had an annoyed voice.
"I like this one!" Kori walked over placing a hand on the hood and Red X could see Victor's excited smile. He looked like a giddy school boy on Christmas day.
"Well that's recently new."
A beautiful black 1986 Mustang GT convertible sat peacefully under Kori's hand. Victor observed the car looking inside at the damage. The seats needs to be replaced, and the car would probably need a new engine and transmission. The outside paint was a bit rusted and would need a new paint job, but there was no damage on the body of the car.
"This car isn't in the worst condition why did the owner give it away rather than fix it up or sell it?"
"Oh well Mr. Stone. Previously a younger gentleman owned the car. He recently passed away. All of his possessions went to his friends and they couldn't stand the memories the car had so we got it for a low price."
"How much is it going for?" Kori's observed the car and could imagine driving down the warm roads in the summer with her hair flying.
"We want eight thousand."
"That's not a bad price Kori. I think you should get it." Karen put in her input.
Red X at that moment felt he was about to kill himself. This was unnecessary and boring, at least to him. He was benefitting from watching this one girl car shop. He groaned lightly and then realized how close they were to him. He watched as Karen looked around at the cars around his area. She turned around and he let out the breath he didn't realize he was holding in.
"Victor, I don't get paid until tomorrow. I would rather buy it then. Is there any way we can hold the car?" Kori looked at the deal and he shook his head.
"Victor why don't we come back tomorrow? If it's still here that's great, we'll buy it. If not I'm sure we'll find a better car." Kori gave him as smile and he rolled his eyes.
"I'll buy it." Victor said. Karen gave a smile knowing her boyfriend's generous ways.
"Whoa, Victor, I can't ask you to do that. You are already going to fix it up for me for free. Don't waste your money now. Tomorrow I am going to the bank."
"You're going to the bank. I'll buy it now, and tomorrow you can get the money to pay me back, or give me back the money whenever you want. I don't mind, I'm paying whether you like it or not."
Red X had heard enough. Without anyone noticing he left the area and could be found in the shadows of an abandoned warehouse close by. Pulling out his communicator he clicked a red button. He heard the voice of Deathstroke.
"So what did you learn?"
"She bought a new car." His voice was droning on and on in monotone.
"Now did she mention any plans?"
"She's going to the bank tomorrow."
"Is she now?" Deathstroke sat behind his desk and stroked his chin. A pleased smile was on his face behind the mask.
"She is, now are you going to go through with the plan?" Red X has an annoyed tone to his voice.
"I am, and I'll even tell you the plan. Tomorrow we'll meet Nightwing again." Deathstroke looked at a captured shot of the "hero."
"This sounds good."
- - - - - - -
Kori had never enjoyed going to the bank. Sure when she was younger she never mind going with her Uncle Galfore. She would always get a lollypop, preferably a small circular cherry one, and her favorite. Growing up though she enjoyed less and less going to the bank to take out the hard earned money. Of course, it was always a good day on pay day.
She drove through the wet streets. It had stopped raining that morning, and the rain had melted the little snow on the ground. She drove her rental car still and planned to return it by the end of December. She was surprised how slow the days were going. It was only December 16th.
Slamming her car door shut, Kori walked around her car that she had parked on the street. Her black boots clacked and her white skirt swung as he hips swayed. She wore her black pea coat with her satin red high collared shirt. She had her brown purse on her shoulder as she walked into the bank.
There were a few people at the bank. It was a Wednesday around four o'clock. The bank closed at six today. The bank had high ceilings with skylights scattered in a pattern. There were about five bank tells behind a large desk. A velvet rope held back six people in line while five more were talking to the tellers.
Kori took her place in line behind a young woman with a baby in her arms. People of all ages and sizes stood in front of Kori, and yet she didn't mind. The check in her purse made her excited. She was even happier with the thought of her new car, no more rental.
The baby in front of Kori smiled happily as Kori looked at the small infant. The pink onesie told Kori it was a baby girl. She had blue eyes and hints of blonde hair. The baby cooed happily and the mother looked back with the same kind blue eyes as the baby. She gave Kori a smile.
"How old is she?"
"Only three months." The woman smiled. She was a beautiful woman.
"She's is truly precious." The woman thanked her before turning around again. Kori then patiently stood. Another person left. Now only five people stood in line.
The only noises heard were the last whispers of the tellers and customers. The heater was silent as well as all the people in line. It seemed like it was planned by simultaneously as two men entered the building, everyone looked back.
Panic erupted in Kori's heart as she saw the men wearing all black. They did their face behind ski masks. One man was tall and skinny, while the other was short and fat. Kori looked forward to see the woman nervously holding on to her baby. Guns came out and now there was only silence.
"Everyone better stay quiet!" Three more men came in as the doors were shut. They were matching outfits of all black.
"Now everyone stand the hell up and put your hands up. Walked forward and stand here." The short was said. The three other men were quiet as they walked back behind where the tellers once were.
Everyone moved and stood where the man told then too. Kori felt panicked as she looked around at all of the people. She felt nervous for the woman next to her who held her baby close. Kori felt her heart thump as the man pointed the gun randomly at everyone.
"Now, sit down and don't call a soul, and no one gets hurt. Don't move or talk." The tall one shot the gun. It hit a skylight, and glass came down on empty space. The baby began crying and the tall man who had shot the gun came close to the woman.
"You better shot that thing up unless you want it dead." The gun came closer as the baby kept crying. It seemed to be screaming as the mother rocked the baby gently back and forth. Her heart pounded as the baby kept crying.
"What did he say?" The fat man stated. He was across the room standing where all of the other people were.
The gun clicked once and Kori gulped as he began to point it. In that moment of time Kori's heart raced. She looked at the mother to see tears were streaming down her face that the baby wouldn't stop crying. She didn't know what came over her.
"Don't!" Kori closed her eyes waiting for the gun to be pointed at her, and shot. She opened them to see the tall man looming over her a smile on her face. He grabbed her arm roughly and she was pulled up. Her heart continued to race as all of the other hostages looked over at her. She only made eye contact with the woman though who gave her a silent thank you.
"What did we say?" The man had the gun against her cheek. The cold metal gave her a realization about what was going to happen. She stayed silent though. She had already angered the man better not make him an angrier. "I asked you a question!" The gun was pulled away and hit her cheek at a bruising force. She fell against the ground and she could taste blood in her mouth.
"Who wants to talk next?" The fat one spoke. No one said a word.
- - - - - - -
"Hurry up and get the money!" A short man named Mikron O'Jeneus spoke. His ski masked covered his bald head and child like face. He was nineteen, and a dwarf.
"I'm going!" A giant man named Baran Flinders took all of the money the tellers had stashed behind the desk. Mikron waited impatiently for his large friend. He began to hack the vault without him
"You guys better hurry the hell up." A tall scrawny boy with tired eyes gathered all the money the Baran had thrown him. His name was Otto Von Furth. He was always grumpy….unless he was sleeping. You never wanted to disturb him them, he became a monster.
A gun shot was heard and the group froze. They then came to hear Malchior's voice. He had shot the gun most likely. Their tall friend had never been one to play nice. They didn't hear the voice is Dowd though, and they were thankful for that. He was loud usually and had a New York accent. They were hoping he covered from where he was from.
"I can't believe Deathstroke is paying us ten grand each to rob a bank! He said we can even keep the money…how cool is that?" Mikron had successfully opened the vault, without the alarm going off. He was a computer genius, and an annoying friend.
"Shut up and steal the money!" Otto was quick to go into the vault and begin taking money and putting it in the black backpacks. The other two followed in suit.
They didn't know how much time had gone by since they had gone into the bank. They didn't remember if it was seconds or minutes ago they had heard the gun shot. But somehow in the middle of their robbery, their biggest fear happened…the cops sirens came.
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AUTHOR'S COMMENT
*Hello ladies and gentlemen. I hope you did enjoy this update. Thank you so much for the support, and I really listen to your feedback! For example I listen like last chapter Star of Airdrie (who has the most amazing stories) commented how Kori probably would be stating that her boss was riding her ass. Which I agree with! At some points I write a portion of the chapter and then come back later to write the rest and almost forget what was happing. I changed it to riding me. Just showing though that I listen to your feedback I want to improve my writing! Oh and by the way Mikron O'Jeneus is Gizmo. Baran Flinders is Mammoth. Otto Von Furth is Plasmus. Dowd is Ding Dong Daddy. Malchior is just…Malchior
Sorry that the story seems to take on a theme of Superman and the whole Clark Kent feel. I am in love with the whole idea of she's his weakness kind of feel because to me Starfire/Kori is Robin/Richard's weakness. In the show they show subtle ideas that he would definitely care more for her in a different way from the other Titans. I also realize the whole reporter as a job is a bit superman but I read stories when Kori was a model or doctor/nurse and I wanted to feel a bit more original. Plus I felt that my portrayal of Kori was a bit different from a model's life style, and I cannot speak doctor lingo. And in this story I know people call Richard 'Richard' rather than Dick. I am aware in the comics that Richard is called Dick more commonly. This isn't the comics, and I am in love with the name Richard.
Sorry, that was bugging me the whole Superman deal. Ha, I am easily annoyed right now. It may be the fact my family bugs me and my computer keeps turning off. I feel bad for lack of updates during break. I have had this project I have been trying to work on for my science class. I have to do a presentation on neurofibromatosis and basically be an expert on it…scary. More updates soon I hope. I think this might only go to 20 chapters…or less. It might only be about 15 because my chapters are a bit longer. I am not one for dragging out stories. I despise it. So yes hope you enjoyed the small bit of suspension I left. What's going to happen?