Chapter 2

General POV

"Hmm? Oh man does my every bone hurt" said Robin coming to.

"Hey I'm just glad that you're alive." sighed Batman.

"How long was I out for?" asked Robin.

"Three days, if it wasn't for Maya, you'd probably be dead or still with Joker." Said Batman coldly.

"So you know Night Angel?" asked Robin.

"Yeah, she's my best friend's daughter, who was kidnapped by Joker 5 years ago, after he killed both her parents. I was almost positive that he killed her" Said Batman angry.

"I see, you've never really mentioned that part in your life so...what happened then?

5 Years Ago

(Batman POV)

"16 years, wow time sure has flown, we've known each other for such a long time." Said Rick Parkson.

"And now you work under me with you wife, odd isn't it?" I said then taking a sip of coffee.

"Yeah and now our daughter is 8 years old, though she is super smart I mean she's in the 6th grade at her age." said Rick

"Well it shouldn't be that surprising I mean look where she comes from; the smart man and woman to have ever lived." I said rather cheerful

"I see crime has decreased," said Rick

"How did you know?" I questioned.

"You're in an awfully good mood," said a suspicious Rick.

"No, it's just that the adoptions papers they were approved and I'm happy he can be in my life, I don't know how to explain it," I said.

"It's that special feeling about being a parent Bruce, Dick is a good kid too," responded Rick.

"I see, well now that I understand what being parent feels like, it also gives me worry about him and that must be how you feel with Maya, so I was thinking that-" I was cut off by Rick's hand that was in his face.

"Ange and I… working the way we do, might be dangerous for us. But if it creates a safer world for our daughter, then we will do what needs to be done. Ange would agree just the same," said Rick.

Just then Ange and Maya enter Rick's home.

"Daddy, Uncle Bruce Hi" said an 8 year old Maya.

"Uncle? Bruce" questioned Robin.

"She was 8, she always called me that,anyway," I said continuing my story.

"Hi sweetie how was school?" asked Rick.

"I've been put in the 6th grade," She said very excited.

"That's to be expected, I mean you're so smart Maya, just look where you come from, a scientist father and mother, it's in your genes," I smiled.

"You seem happier than usual Uncle Bruce." Maya asked

"Well Bruce adopted Dick Grayson," explained Rick.

"The trapeze boy whose family got murdered? I've seen him before, and talked to him, that's really nice of you." Maya explained.

"Murdered? It was an accident," I wondered how she knew.

"No it was murder, I noticed two things since the performance was aired, look," she said bringing the video up on her DVR.

"See here this man is the only composed face when it happens, and the line here is half cut." She explained.

"Sorry Bruce, she tends to know how to see these things." said Ange

"No, it's OK, wow how perceptive you are, you have one smart daughter, but now it is my turn to see how smart my ….son is" I commented.

"Uncle Bruce, can I see him next time you come over?" she asked looking upset as she say me leaving.

"Yeah, I think you two will get along just fine." I commented.

"We met before though Uncle Bruce, when Papa took me to the circus." She smiled

"I'll show you out," said Rick who then was followed by Ange.

"Please be sure to bring Richard next time you come over, I think Maya really wants to see the boy again, he inspired her into doing gymnastics and others clubs." giggled Ange.

"I'll be sure to do that, I'll see you later, and give you a call tomorrow night." I said leaving.

"Thanks for everything Bruce, you're the best friend I've always wanted, I can't think of anyone else who I can trust my family or myself to." said Rick.

"The same goes for me my friend," I said not knowing at the time that it would be my last time seeing him alive and well.

That Night

It was a normal night, it was too quiet, but that was until I got a call from Rick.

"Hey Rick" I said normally.

"Bruce get here quick I don't know how long I can handle this, p- NO ANGE, god Bruce get her-" I line then disconnected.

My heart raced as I ran through the city as fast as I could. When I arrived to the house, the door was open. I walked in and I saw Ange lying almost dead on the floor.

"Ange!" I said running over.

"B-Bruce please k-k-keep her s-safe, tell her I-I lo-love h-her" said Ange in a whisper, and then with that she was gone.

"I'm so sorry Ange" I said distraught, but then I remembered my friend and his daughter were still out there, and looked around and found the passage from the house to the laboratory.

I ran as fast as my legs would take me, when I arrived, I saw Joker stab Rick in front of my eyes. And joker's laugh echo in my ears.

"Dad!" I heard Maya yell as she ran over to her father. I then followed and knelt next to my dying friend.

"Dad please don't die not yet." said Maya crying.

"I'm sorry Rick, if I had come sooner..." I couldn't find the words though to finish.

"Maya, I need you to be a good girl alright, I want you to be with Bruce, I can't stay with you at the moment, I-i am going with Mommy to heaven-but B-Bruce can take care of you, so I love you and fo-for the moment let Bat-batman help you OK?" He asked as the blood continued flowing out. He then proceeded to put a not in her pocket.

"I love you daddy," said hugging him.

"Take care of o-our daughter please k-k-k-eep her safe, thank you and f-f-arewell my friend and be-beloved daugh..t...e...r" said Rick with his last breath.

"Goodbye my friend" I said as I covered his eyes.

"Oh what a touching moment. A bat giving sympathy to a man." said Joker.

"You son of a b-" I was cut off.

"Child! Don't let her hear those words" said Joker shooting a dart into her neck.

"Maya!" I said running over and catching her.

"B-batman, please save me, I need to go …...go to...Bruce's house" she said trying to stay awake.

"I will, but I need you to stay awake, can you do that for me," I said trying to calm down but then feeling a dart hit my neck as well.

"Sorry but the girl goes with me, maybe I'll kill maybe not I'm not going to kill her but I doubt she'll remember this moment," said Joker taking her from my arms.

"B-B-at-man s-s-save m-ee" those were the last word I heard her say and then everything became black.