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?
- - - - - - -
Twenty-One
"I trust you." Rachel put her hand into his.
Nightwing was able to smile despite the current situation. "Thank you, Rachel. Now I need you to sneak me into the party. We don't have much time."
"How do you know Kori is in trouble?" Rachel whispered to him. They stood beside the balcony doors, peering in.
"Let's just say a little bat told me. I can't tell you a lot, because I don't know a lot. What I do know though is that Kori is hidden behind some door."
"I'll take your word for it."
"So how do you think we'll get in?"
"I'm wondering if we can convince that drunken Santa coming this way to lend us his suit." Rachel chuckled.
"Well, let's just say if convincing doesn't work we can always force."
"I like that idea a lot."
- - - - - - -
"I apologize for being absent so long." Slade walked into his grand ball room of his mansion. The people around him paid close attention.
"It's fine!" Some joker yelled out. The crowd laughed silently to themselves. Slade wore a grim smile.
"There is only about an hour and a half minutes till Christmas!"
The whole entire crowd cheered. There were few kids in the room. Those who managed to stay awake this long clung to their parent's legs. Their cheers were silence for drowsiness began to take over their minds.
"I have to apologize for not being able to be there when the clock strikes twelve. I have some very important business to attend to, personal issues and such. Wintergreen will see to it that you are all accommodated. Stay as late as you want and drink plenty. Have a good Christmas everyone!" Slade's sarcasm was noted by the few in the crowd who knew him very well.
"Did someone say Christmas?"
A man with a large stuffed belly came into the room. The red velvet pants hung loosely on the figure's lanky body. A black belt held up his pants along with kept his shirt from popping. The red velvet shirt had nine black buttons going down. Faux white fur lined his arm cuffs, the bottom of his shirt, as well as the bottom of his pants. He wore large black boots that were silent on the floor as he walked through the room.
His skin was a creamy white. He wore a long white curly beard. It went down to mid chin and was not groomed. His hair was disheveled looking, the white locks long and dirty. He wore a grin on his face as well as cloudy glasses that hid his true eye color. A red velvet hat sat plainly on his head with bells that jingled with every step he took.
"Santa Claus!" A young child who had just awoken screamed loudly. All of the children one by one seemed to pull away from their parent's legs and gravitate towards the center of the room where the fake Santa stood.
"Ho ho ho!" The jolly man laughed.
"My mommy said hoe is a bad word." A small blonde child said. The parents around laughed while the mother of the child blushed in some embarrassment. The man walked forward patting the little girl's head.
"Santa came a little early I see." Slade's hands turned into tight fists.
"I had to say a special hello to my dear friend, Slade Wilson, before I left." Santa looked down and Slade noticed a glint in his eyes.
"Of course you did," Slade grinned, mischievously.
"I see you made it on the naughty list again." The Santa spoke. The crowd laughed at the comedian that stood in front of him. Slade only grew angrier, his knuckles turning white from clenching his fists so hard.
"Looks like we both have that in common! Now, I must go, I have business to attend to. Merry Christmas to you, Santa." Slade glared at the man in the red suit. "To the rest of you as well." Slade looked around the room; a fake smile came to his face.
"Ho, Merry Christmas to us all!" Santa yelled in enjoyment.
Slade walked away as Santa socialized with his guests. He had paid Santa to do this, of course not this Santa. He had paid a man named Howard Walkens to play Santa, not this imposter who in fact he knew was Nightwing.
- - - - - - -
"It's Christmas Eve, dad." Commissioner Gordon watched outside as snowflakes fell to the ground in violent whirls. His feet were propped up on his desk. He wore brown slacks with a red button down shirt that showed his larger figure. His jacket was a matching brown and he snuggled in it, while leaning back against the chair.
"Barbra, Babs, honey, I know. A killer is still on the loose. It's my new job to protect these citizens. Christmas Eve is when most people attack. If I don't catch this killer, I can at least save a family from burglary."
"I think you need to go home and rest. You know how you have been having some breathing problems lately. Staying up late doesn't help." His daughter spoke in an annoyed concerned tone. It was a true statement, that in fact the Commissioner was slacking health wise.
"Stop worrying about me, Barbra. I told you I am fine." He let out a violent cough.
"That sounds fine…" Babs pointed out. Her voice sounded irritated, she was getting frustrated with her father.
"I choked on coffee." Gordon lied.
"Bull. Look, I have to go. I sent your present in the mail since we won't be able to get together. I'll call you tomorrow. Just take care of yourself."
"I will, darling, don't you worry."
"Oh and dad?" Barbra spoke. She paused waiting a long minute.
"Yes?"
"Merry Christmas."
Hanging up the phone, James released a long breath. He rubbed his tired eyes and went over to the coffeemaker to fill up his favorite blue mug. The hot liquid was poured in the cup, the smell of fresh coffee filling his nose.
"Commissioner," Ronald Todd peeked in to the office.
"Yes Todd?" He walked over to the front of his desk, taking a seat. The young deputy looked anxious.
"We have a call."
"Go on," Gordon encouraged.
"It's from Nightwing, sir. He says he needs your help."
- - - - - - -
"Ho ho ho," Santa's laughter escaped his mouth. "I must go now, time to finish delivering presents! I shall see all you little boys and girls on my nice list tonight."
Waving goodbye, Santa made a quick escape down the empty hall from the ball room. The children tried to follow despite their protesting parents. It was too late though. By the time the kids went to the hallway there was no one in sight.
Minutes later after Santa disappeared down the hall way, a young woman in a white dress followed him. She went to the second door on the left to see a guest room, Santa's clothes on the floor, and a man readjusting his mask.
"I think we'll have to find the drunk and give him the suit." Nightwing joked. Rachel cracked a smile. She liked that this hero could make her feel more at ease in a situation that made her feel sick.
"That is if you can find him. He ran off pretty scared of you after you took his clothes."
"I asked nicely once, it doesn't happen twice." Nightwing pulled his gloves tighter and redid his shoes. He stretched once, cracking his back.
"Ha, you remind me of a friend." Rachel sat down on the bed and slipped off her heels, rubbing her aching feet.
"Who's that?" Nightwing gulped. He looked down to the ground waiting for an answer. He kept himself busy messing with his utility belt.
"Richard Grayson, you must have heard of him, playboy and such."
"I've been told that before." Nightwing looked up to meet Rachel's face. She was deep in thought. "Well, I have to get going. Kori can be in a worse danger right now than before. Thank you for all of your help." Nightwing walked over to the door.
"Stop," Rachel called. "I want to come with you, I want to help Kori."
"The best way you can do that is to stay here and make sure you get yourself and your friends out of her safely."
"No, I can do something, anything to help." Rachel tried to plead with the superhero yet he kept denying by shaking his head.
"Rachel, I do appreciate the offer. It's too dangerous and I don't need to worry about you as well as Kori. Kori would want her friends safe."
Nodding in agreement, Rachel sighed. She hated to lose any argument no matter how big or small. She slipped on her heels as she followed Nightwing out. The cost was clear and he went to the fifth door on the right side of the hall.
"Be safe," Rachel whispered.
"You too, let's hope it's not too late."
Nightwing reached up to grab the key on top of the doorframe. The key was tiny in his hands. He used the silver key to open the door. He twisted the knob slowly. The knob turned all the way and they both released the breath they were holding unconsciously.
"Guess this is goodbye," Rachel said. He pulled open the door to a crack.
"It's not goodbye, I'll see you around in the future. Take care of yourself."
Rachel stood there watching the masked hero open the door further and take the first step down. He closed to door behind him. Rachel was left in the dark hallway by herself wondering what the hell was going on. She stood there staring at the door and whispered a secret she would never tell a soul.
"Good luck, Richard."
- - - - - - -
"There he is!" Sarah yelled. The two girls jogged over to Bruce. They were careful in their heels and long dress.
The immediately clung to his arms like lost children. Sarah was on the right, Cindy on the left. Each leaned on his shoulder and Bruce fixed his tie. He raised his eye brows as the two made soft humming noises. He ignored their strangeness, after all chances were they might be drunk.
"We should get out of here, get a room." Cindy winked. His correction, they were drunk.
"Oh yes, all three of us." Sarah giggled. The two girls looked at each other ecstatic about their plans.
"Girls, don't tease me." Bruce spoke. The two giggled again. Cindy left his arm and went over to Sarah, hugging her friend tightly. Bruce groaned. As much as he hated to say it, he resented Richard right now for needing him.
"Oh we won't tease you. Trust me; we'll give you anything you want." Sarah spoke.
"Get your mind out of the gutter, Bruce." He muttered to himself.
"Come on, is the big Brucey Wucey really going to reject this fantastic offer?" Cindy asked. She talked in a baby voice. Bruce felt like he was five.
"Girls, I don't think this will work out tonight." Bruce spoke aloud. "Damn Richard!" He thought.
"Well if we can do anything to convince you…" Cindy trailed off.
"We can even give you a preview." Sarah winked.
Bruce didn't know what to think as he watched the two girls lean in and kiss each other softly on the lips. Cindy had pink plunk lips while Sarah's were as red as a rose and small but perfect for her body. Bruce groaned again as they pulled away giggling.
"Trust me when I say, I would love to get a room with you two, heck I would leave right now. But ladies, I have some important business to attend to of a serious matter. We should take a rain check." Bruce sighed. He really didn't want to reject these two beautiful women. Sure, they were a bit dumb, but hell, they were sexy. He was being offered a free threesome. It hurt to reject the offer.
"Are you really going to do this to us?" Cindy pouted.
"Do you not think we are pretty?" Sarah whined.
"I really hate you, Richard." Bruce grumbled as he tried to console the two self conscious women.
- - - - - - -
The entrance was dark. The stairs were narrow. Only a small light showed from the top of the steps. Nightwing was cautious with every step he took. He was careful, treating the steps like a fragile instrument, so delicate that the slightest of moments would let out a noise.
His hand rested on his utility belt, ready to pull out weapons if anyone or anything was down there. Reaching the last step, Nightwing found only an empty room with a large TV screen that was blank. He walked in further to the room.
His detective skills kicked in. He found scuff marks on the floor, someone was struggling. Imprints were found on the floor signaling things were moved around. He saw something in the middle of the room.
Nightwing was as careful as ever walking in further. He breathed a sigh of relief when he saw a remote. He then felt panic go through him as he thought of all the possibilities that could have happened. Luckily there were instructions for him on a small yellow post it note.
"PRESS PLAY"
Looking around the room, the ceiling, floor and everywhere his eyes brought him, Nightwing saw nothing. Regardless of no one or nothing in sight the sinking feeling was in his heart. Why would he press play on this remote?
He found out his reason.
He pressed play quickly, thinking it would signal something besides the TV to go on. To his surprise, only the TV came on. The screen came to life and the same room he was in now was pictured. Only there were a lot of differences, and one certain difference made him angry. The tape began.
"What's your name?" A deep male voice spoke. You couldn't see the body of the person.
A young red haired woman came onto the screen. Tears dripped down her face, her makeup from earlier that night stained her cheeks. She was tied tightly to a chair. She looked miserable and frightened. Red X stood in the background. There was no answer from her end. Nightwing noticed the redness on her neck.
"I asked you what your name was." The male voice spoke again.
The girl still didn't answer. He heard what sounded like a finger snap and Red X came forward. He put something on Kori's neck. The metal of the knife gleamed in the camera. Nightwing's knuckles were so white from his tight fist that it was as if any moment he would explode.
"Let's try this again…" The same voice said. Nightwing guessed it to be Deathstroke. "What is your name?"
"K-kori A-an- anders." Kori stuttered as she stayed completely still, the knife was still held to her throat.
"Now this is it, Kori. Read the cards exactly as we said."
Kori was silent at first, anger was written all over her face. She paused for a long moment before a jolt from Red X seemed to get her moving. Her anger faded away as sadness took over, tears dripped from her eyes.
"Nightwing, I am being held hostage by Deathstroke." Kori's tears were slow and barley noticeable.
"Continue," Deathstroke's voice commanded.
"If you ever want to see me alive, you will go to the place we first met before midnight. Oth-" Kori paused. She struggled to see the next line.
"Continue!" Deathstroke yelled.
Kori didn't continue and Nightwing knew what was going to happen. He watched as Red X pressed the knife into her skin, he saw a small trickle of blood make its way down Kori's neck. His heart broke right there.
"Otherwise they will kill me." Kori was now full on crying. Tears went down her face faster then she could produce them. Her nose was red, her hair was disheveled. She was a mess. He also noticed her dress had been torn as well.
"Now, that wasn't too hard." The voice said.
She didn't respond. The knife was away from her neck and only a small cut was made. Her head hung down ashamed. Looking back up, Kori seemed to notice the camera was still on. She took a chance. "Nightwing, don't come, it's a trap! Leave now! I'm fine, they'll kill yo-"
She talked in a rapid pace. Until Red X nodded and pulled out a white cloth from his back. Putting it against Kori's mouth, he silenced her. Kori's body went limp and she slumped against the chair helpless.
All of a sudden a black and burnt orange mask showed on screen. Deathstroke was behind everything, he was behind it all. Behind him, Kori's body was untied and she was cradled bridal style by Red X who took her away from the screen.
"Tick tock, Nightwing. Let's see the great hero save everyone now. I am looking forward to meeting you."
The video screen went blank.
Nightwing didn't know what he was feeling. He was feeling sadness. Regret that he wasn't here to save Kori from this horrible fate. Fear that is he didn't make it in time it would be too late. The emotion he felt the most was anger. Unbelievable anger to kill Deathstroke with his bare hands until his opponent's blood covered his skin. He needed to get anger out.
The remote was picked up and throwing it at the TV with all of his strength, a large shattering noise was made. The TV screen broke with ease and large crack going through out it. Glass was on the floor and wires hung out.
"No!" His own voice scared him. The anger inside scared him. He would do something he was going to regret if he didn't calm down. He realized this and took a deep breath.
"I can't do this alone." He whispered to himself.
Nightwing realized that he was too involved in the case. He had a personal connection to the victim. Who was he kidding? He loved the damn girl and would do anything to see her safe in his arms again.
Putting away his pride, Nightwing realized what he had to do. He took out his phone from his utility belt and dialed a number. It rang twice until it was finally picked up by the third ring. The voice of a young deputy came through.
"Ronald Todd, this is Nightwing. Get me Commissioner Gordon right away."
- - - - - - -
AUTHOR'S NOTE
*Well, I hope you all enjoyed this chapter. Not quite as long as I had hoped but it was a decent length I think. I updated pretty quickly, at least for me anyway so that did take some time.
So Richard saw the tape, poor Kori. Wonder what is going to happen to her…What part will Commissioner Gordon play? I brought him back in because well he was a kind of main character in the beginning. Bruce had to reject the blonde and brunette, how sad. Rachel knows…but how?
I am hoping to update soon. Hopefully you all didn't think this chapter sucked! Thanks for all the amazing reviews! You guys are pretty darn amazing and you all should hug yourselves for me, completely serious! I am hoping to update by Thursday or Friday. I will update then if I don't fall asleep like I always do when I get home from school. So yeah…that's it. Hope you all are well!
Michelle