Friends and Allies reunited

Daybreak came once again too soon for Eco-City. However, the copper orb of sky fire no longer touched the souls of the city with hope. The citizens of this amazing city were now living in terror. The panic button had been pushed for a second time, for the last time the city had had anything to worry about, Sparrow Hawk with help of her allies, the visiting Batclan, had stopped the danger.

Last time someone had been poisoning the water supply with the bones of the Bat Twins arch foe Derek Powers AKA Blight. Some punks had found some of his radioactive remains and crushed them into dust and had poisoned different parts of the water around the city. They had hoped to file a suit against the city for millions for not living up to its promise. Luckily Sparrow Hawk had called in her friends the Bat Twins for help and the arrival of Max Gibson as the newly christen Robin had saved the city.

Ever since that event the city hadn't had so much as someone tagging so everyone had calm down some. At the present moment though, one and all was living in a constant fear and the worse part? Sparrow Hawk didn't even know anything about these terrorist. She had no idea why they're attacking her home. It was unsystematic attacks and she had no idea what to next.

At the moment she was just sitting by her Zen garden on her balcony gazing troublingly at her city. In view of the fact that the Rose Tower was one of the tallest buildings in the city it had a grand view of the city itself. It looked so peaceful, so beautiful and unblemished from where the young hero sat. Yet she knew it was little by little being tainted by the same evils of her former home. It wasn't a happy thought to think yet it was the only thought in her mind at the time. She actually shed a few tears while gazing at her home.

"Honey? Sweetheart, are you alright?" broke in a tender voice from the morning silence. Rebecca almost toppled off her balcony, and would probably have if her mom hadn't grabbed her quickly. It took a moment or two before Rebecca regained composure. She did a quick glance over the edge and shuttered.

"Thanks, Mom. You just saved my life," she said in a heavy breath. Her mom looked at her in a peculiar manner and hugged her. Rebecca's fears and doubts seemed to melt from her mom's tender touch. She at least knew her mom understood what she was going through.

"I know you're extremely terrified in addition to apprehensive, my dear child. I know these terrorist are scaring the hell out of you. Still, sweetheart, you mustn't give up. Although, I think what you really need at this point is a little help. Furthermore, Rebecca, it'd be great weights lifted off your shoulders if you inform a few more people the truth, that is if they've not figure it out for themselves yet. I mean you already figure out the Batclan's secret no problem, and it didn't take too long for the Tans to figure it out either. I've got an inkling that the others would find out soon enough anyway. Still I think you should tell at least Warren."

"I can't, Mom! If someone found out my identity they used my loved ones against me. I cannot reveal myself to anyone! You've never told Daddy the truth about your past either. What's more, Mom, for someone in a marriage I would think you've told him by now! How can you be married to Daddy without telling him the most important secret about yourself? I thought love and marriage had to come with compromise and honesty? And what about Grandpa? You never told him either! So how can you say that?"

"Your grandfather already knew my secret without me telling him, just like you figured out for yourself who I was and who the Batclan is. Honey, I know it's a dangerous and scary thing. Still can you really keep Warren, Kendra or Lena in the dark much longer?"

"I'll keep my secret to my grave if I got too. Still it would be helpful I guess if a few people knew about me. Kendra is my Alfred alright. And of course Lena takes Grandpa's place I guess. Still I won't do it. I can handle these terrorists by myself. I don't need help!" she proclaimed stubbornly.

Barb just sighed heavily and took her eyeglasses off to clean them. Shaking her head despondently she hugged her daughter once more. "Do what you feel is right, honey. It's up too you. Though truth is told I don't think you can handle these terrorist all by yourself. You need help. I'll get breakfast started up, okay, sweetie?"

"Okay, thanks, Mom. I'm gonna go take a nice hot shower to relax me some. I would like a healthy breakfast."

"Sure, darling, whatever you say."

Rebecca was almost immediately losing herself in the soothing hot water of her shower. Water defiantly was without a doubt a good way to relieve stress. She was so preoccupied with her shower that she didn't realize till too late that someone else had come in. She just barely got her best and softest white towel around her body when she shrieked. Someone else was in the bathroom and they had been totally caught off guard by her stepping out of her lavender colored tub. Like the rest of the penthouse it was a marvelous bejeweled bathroom and it shocked both of them to be in this situation. As a result they both screamed at full volume.

"AHH!"

"Ahh!"

"What the hell are you doing in my bathroom, Warren?! I'm naked!" screeched Rebecca embarrassingly. Though it was true they're dating and all. Still she didn't want him to see her naked unless she said so. So this wasn't very good, at least too her. Though while both were blushing like crazy they couldn't deny that each of them had a hot body and envious figure!

"Sorry, Becky!" Warren apologized quickly as he tightened his own snowy white towel. "So sorry! I was just coming in to shave! I swear I didn't know you're in here!" he replied hastily as they recovered from the shock. Taking a few deep breaths they calm down and he handed her a glass of water. Gingerly she took the cup and drank the icy water. They were both blushing as red as Rebecca's hair and after a few more moments of awkwardness Rebecca seemed to regain her voice.

"It's alright, Warren, just please remember to knock next time. Though I guess this was bound to happen when my penthouse only has one bathroom. Can you please hand me my bathrobe? And I'll let you get back to shaving."

Warren who was still blushing fiercely crimson grabbed the royal purple silk robe and gave it to her. Smiling kindheartedly at her boyfriend, she quickly covered herself up and hurried out of the bathroom to her bedroom. He was in such shock from the experience that he accidentally nicked himself a bit with his razor.

In about twenty minutes Rebecca came out of her bedroom in her normal clothes. She was still blushing somewhat though she was trying to hide it. Furthermore it couldn't be more apparent that she was also a bit jumpy. She swiftly went to her aviary to nourish her birds. The enchanting as well as charming songbirds happily sang encouraging songs that lifted Rebecca's weary soul. Sighing happily as her birds flew around her she finally felt better then she had all morning.

"Becky? Becky?" called out Warren from the kitchen. Hearing her beloved's voice she quickly shut the bluish-green glass door and hurried out to her kitchen. Swiftly she made it to the gourmet kitchen and saw that her mom and Warren already were at the island eating a tasty breakfast.

"Yes, Warren? What is it?" she questioned kindly as she sat down next to her mom. Barbara was already busy eating her own breakfast, and she seemed to be enjoying it immensely. Warren smiled and slid a gold and purple plate full of food in front of her. She noticed today's breakfast was rainbow melon balls, French toast, and scrambled eggs. "Thanks" she replied as she picked up the first ball and popped it into her mouth. "Yummy! You are a wonderful cook, Warren. Never doubt that about yourself!"

"Welcome, Becky. And thanks for the compliment. So what's on the agenda today?" he inquired curiously as he went to wash his hands. Rebecca glanced over to the other side of the kitchen where he was standing. She was delighted to see Warren was good at cooking and was just as good at cleaning up. She couldn't stand anything messy. She worked hard to keep her home in tiptop shape. Gazing into his dark eyes she plucked a pink melon ball and popped it into his mouth.

"You're right, Becky! It is totally yummy!" he replied and then kissed her full on the mouth. Barb just turned away for the moment to let her daughter enjoy herself. Young love was so enchanting and she just wanted her daughter to be happy. At last the two broke free of one another and smiled.

"Well, I'm not totally sure what today will contain. Can you turn on the news? I like to know what the weather will be like for today. So turn on the Kushindas already!"

With a quick click of the remote the flatscreen turned on and it was the pretty Lucy Kushinda getting ready to make her morning report. Her smile was a white as fresh fallen snow and it was easily one of her best features. With a quick smile the young woman began to speak in her musical voice that made the news not seem bad at all. Even if she was talking about bad news it never felt to horrible thanks to her beautiful voice.

"Good morning, Eco-City! I'm your friendly and loving newscaster, Lucy Kushinda reporting live from my family's owned news studio! We are of course one big family who dwell in our ever-changing to hopeful utopia one day. One day may the world achieve the dream we strive for here in Eco-City!"

"I like her optimism a lot. And it's nice to have a real face instead a computer generated face like back home in Gotham," Barb commented off-handily. Sipping her coffee she turned her attention back to the TV.

"Today top story is the terrorist attacks that have been plaguing our fair city. We still do not know who they are or what they want. But last night at the popular Rosey's we had two heroes save the patrons of the renowned restaurant. One of course was our city's protector Sparrow Hawk, The other person who helped save people from the gas bombs was none other then Judge Darien French! As many of you know Judge French recently was inducted into our city's legal system last month. It was a brave along valiant effort to help out last night."

At this Rebecca hit the mute button on her remote and let out a snort of disapproval. Warren noticed this and turned around quickly to face her. He could tell that Rebecca like him didn't think Judge French was not a real 'hero'. Something wasn't right about that man. Warren had always been a great judge of character and there was something about Judge French that he didn't like. He just couldn't put his finger on it.

"Something the matter, Becky?"

"I highly doubt that Darien was there in the manner he said he was. I think there something more going on then he's telling."

"Are you sure, sweetheart, that you just don't like him? Or how you think Sparrow Hawk doesn't need any help? Don't let your personal feelings get in the way of seeing things clearly."

"Mom," she replied sternly looking into her mom's brilliant blue eyes, "I know that I don't like Darien French. I'm more then content to be his co-worker, yet I will never like him more then that. Still something isn't right I can feel it in my guts. And you told me always to trust my guts!"

"That I did, that I did. Well remembered. So is the fact I wouldn't have come here to see you if I didn't feel you're in danger. I've had a gut instinct myself and I want to be here just in case anything to you. I mean how much does a mother love her child?"

"More then the child will ever know. More then they'll know. I know I probably won't feel that kinda of love for awhile, at least if or till I've got a child of my own, that is. Yet I do know, Mom, that you would do everything and anything for me. If anything happen to me you be willing to go to any lengths to help me. If I was abducted or held hostage you still do anything, break any law, or risk your life for me. That is the depth of a mother's love for her child."

Warren smiled happily at the strong devotion that Becky and her mom shared. As far as he could tell the words they'd just spoken couldn't ring any clearer with the truth. He knew too that his parents cherished him very much as well. He was very sure that his parents would do anything for him as well. Still he hoped one day that he too would feel that kinda of love for a child of his own.

By then everyone turned their attention back to the news broadcast. Stanley and Lucy were done reporting on the subject of "Rosey's". They did talk a little regarding how the city intended to restore the Children's Hospital through a variety of charities. Some of the ones named included a food drive, a blood drive at the local high school, a dance, and finally a rummage sale.

"I if truth be told love how this city works together as one to unite for a common goal. How they're willing to do both hard work, and show compassion and love, to aid not only themselves, but others who cannot help themselves. Your city, Becky, is very much like a thriving utopia in my opinion." Warren stated proudly to which made Becky blush and smile widely.

"Thank you, Warren. Thank you so much," Rebecca replied as she finished her breakfast. Checking her watch she gasped. "Oh dear! I'm late! Kendra gonna kill me if I don't get to the courthouse now. See you two later! I'll be back in time for lunch! See you!"

"She's always on the go, isn't she, Barb? She's a hardworking gal, and I love that about her. Still I wish she just slow down for a moment. You know just let us be us."

"I know what you mean, Warren. I know I'm extraordinarily busy myself, being Police Commissioner, and Rebecca's father, Sam, is super busy being the DA in Gotham. Every now and then I wish we could all just drop whatever the hell we're doing and just play hooky. By the way, how did you get time off to even visit Rebecca? And still have time off to go with her to the awards dinner?"

"Well, it wasn't easy, I'll tell you that much. I've been so over rot with just how demanding my own job as a judge has been. I mean I've not had time for a vacation in years. I mean some of my cases lately are so challenging as well as outlandish. Yet that is to be expected given Gotham's colorful history," he explained pausing for a minute to enjoy his hot chocolate. After a sip or two he continued on " Still dealing with the crazy antics of people like Jokers, and of course dealing with the mob, or people like Derek and Paxton Powers, and their illegal and immoral shit hasn't been easy. Though I still like that I was able to help Rebecca's friend Terra McGinnis after that monster raped her. That was totally satisfying. Still I wish sometimes I had my own personal assistant to help me like Kendra helps Becky. Maybe then it'd be easier to get time off."

"Yes, my daughter is lucky to have Kendra to help her. So basically you just manage to get a lucky break to come here?"

"Yeah, I guess you could say that. Still I know making a relationship work with Becky isn't gonna be easy. I mean the main problem in our relationship is I live in Gotham and she lives here."

"Well, I talked to her about that. And while I know she's got strong feelings for you, Warren, I know for a fact she doesn't wish to move back to Gotham. She's happy and needed here. For more then the reasons you think."

"Huh?"

"Sorry, I just meant that Gotham has all the help it needs and she wants to make a difference here. I don't know if she'll ever leave Eco-City. And I really don't think she should. A parent can only give their child two things. One is roots the other is wings. Well I've given Rebecca both and it will be up to her if she wishes to fly back home, or make her own nest in her own tree. So I don't know how your relationship will work out if you choose to stay in Gotham."

"I know, I know. I do feel affection for her, and she's the only one who makes me feel this way. Nevertheless I just don't know what to do about it, or if I should do anything about it. Still if you wish to make a relationship work you've to make certain sacrifices."

"Yes, that is very true, Warren. You also need to be open, honest and be able to finding the middle ground. Therefore, my young friend, I think if you truly love someone then you've got two choices. Either you stop loving them and don't take the chance, or take the chance and love them a whole more. So the real question here is, Warren. Will you make the choice to take a chance on true love, or will you stay in the shallow end?"

Warren looked completely taken aback by Barb's statement. Her words were both profound as well as having an important effect. He knew what the riddle of her words was trying to tell him. He could either one go back to Gotham and stay apart from his true love forever. Or he could dive in headfirst into the water and try and make the relationship work by moving to Eco-City. That was the only choice really. To move or not to move, that was the question.

While Barbara and Warren discussed the subject of making relationships work, Rebecca was overwhelmed at work. It wasn't a pleasurable point in time for her for several reasons. One was extremely unmistakably noticeable as soon as she rushed into her chambers. She was breathing incredibly hard after bolting up the numerous steps to the courthouse, so when she got to her chambers, she needed a moment to catch her breath.

What she saw first made her happy till something ruined it for her. Sitting in a crystal vase on her desk was a bouquet of beautifully colored flowers. All of them had obviously come from one of the sanctuary greenhouses. They didn't exactly have normal flower shops in Eco-City. On the other hand the greenhouses did host a lot of different plants. And given the flowers appearances she knew they'd come from one of the greenhouses.

At first she thought they might've been a present from Warren that was till she read the card. It had done by one of the finest calligraphy writers in the city. She knew instantly who wrote the card's words. It had come from Juno Movdo's Writers Inc. She knew this for the reason that that was where Lena had gone to make wedding invitations and place setting cards.

What upset her was the flowers weren't from Warren, but Darien. The card said the following. "To my dearest Judge Young, take these flowers as a gift from one judge to another. I've no doubt you'll win the award you so richly deserve. So I thought a gift of beauty for the best and most beautiful judge ever was needed. Good luck and hope you win the award. Love, Darien."

She took another glance at the bouquet, and suddenly it didn't seem as pretty as she first thought. Shaking her head tetchily she smashed the card into her fist and threw it in the trash. She began to mutter and curses under her breath, of why it was so hard to get through Darien French's thick head that she wasn't into him!

"You okay, Rebecca?"

"Ahh!"

"Ahh!"

"Kendra! Don't sneak up on me! This is the second time today someone surprised me! First Warren, now you! I'm lucky I didn't have a heart attack!"

"I don't think you've a heart attack, Rebecca. After all you're physical last month by Dr. Kya Waters said you're in tiptop shape. I mean you exercise and eat right. Therefore I'd say you're in good health. Furthermore there is no record of heart disease in your family. So I think it's very unlikely you've a heart attack!"

"I guess you're right on that account, Kendra. So tell me out of curiosity, how are you and Ernie getting along? I mean he did keep a cool head at Rosey's last night. Not to mention you two do seem to have good chemistry between you two. So how is it going between you two?"

"Well, for an orthodontist he's not looking always down in the mouth, "she said with a bit of a giggle. Rebecca giggled too. Kendra smiled elatedly before carrying on. "He's a perfect gentleman, which you know is a very rare attribute these days. He on no account ever cusses in addition to that he's at all times is honest. He's got a very pure heart. Not to mention he's so gorgeous. I know you shouldn't go for looks. Still, truthfully he's very appealing to the eye."

"I'm sure he'd say the same thing about you. You do know you're quite pretty, Kendra. You're as stunning as an angel. I would've to say you've got many angelic qualities."

"I guess that why my mom gave me the middle name Angelique. She's of French descent, and she always told me I was her angel, and a pretty one at that. So, yeah, thanks for the compliment, Rebecca."

"Think nothing of it, Kendra. I'm just glad I was able to help you find Ernie. I guess sometimes online dating services really do work. Though, to be honest, I never had much faith in them. Still I say this might be one of the rare times it actually worked."

"And I thank you, my friend, for setting me up with such a wonderful young man. So tell me why are you so angry? You really seemed steamed from something."

"It's the flowers to be honest."

"Flowers? Why does that bouquet make you so mad? They're beautiful!"

"I'm not saying they're not beautiful, but they're from Darien French, and I just can't take much more of his nonsense! I mean ever since he came to Eco-City he's done nothing but annoy me to hell. I mean it started with some harmless flirting, which while bothersome was still harmless. However, Kendra, it just has been getting more and more annoying. He won't leave me alone. He's repeatedly tried to ask me to lunch or dinner, no matter how many times I've said no. what's more remember he's been trying to impress me with his success in the courtroom, though he doesn't impress me that much, regardless how his cases turn out. Though I think what I find most irritable is the fact he decided to invite himself over to my home. Remember?"

"I know it was my first blind date with Ernie that night. You're having a pleasant evening with your mom and Warren. And then he just had to ruin it by trying to ask you out or when he waltzed inside your penthouse. Why don't you just file a restraining order or at least tell someone? I mean there must be some type of legal action you can take, Rebecca."

"I don't know if I even have a case. Being a bane of existence to me is one thing. Nevertheless I don't know if I can call what's he's doing sexual harassment or a stalker. Beside, he's an otherwise respected and excellent judge, and a first class citizen. I mean they wouldn't have added him to the court system if he didn't show promise. Still if he doesn't start backing off I will do something serious about this."

"Well, again, if he doesn't start leaving you alone, I will help you file a suit against him. So what do you want to do with the flowers? We can't just throw them out, it be a waste of beauty. There must be something we can do with them."

"I say put them in the lobby. It will cheer up the place some and others can admire their beauty. But I'm not taking a gift from that ugh! I don't even know what to call him!"

"That sounds like a perfect idea, for sure. I'll go do that right now! Oh by the way your father's calling in five minutes, line four. I'll be back in ten minutes to help out more." Kendra informed her kindly as she picked up the crystal vase and headed out the door.

Rebecca sighed heavily and slumped down in her recliner. Rubbing her temples she just shook her head sadly. What would it take for Darien French to leave her alone? Checking the clock on the wall she waited patiently for her father to call her. In exactly five minutes the phone rang. Snatching it up quickly she then practically screamed into it.

"Daddy? Daddy? Are you there, Daddy?"

"Tone it down, sweetheart! Or you'll make me go deaf!"

"Sorry, Daddy," she quickly apologized, "I've had a rough morning to be honest, and you're the first good thing to happen since I got to work. So how are things back home in Gotham? Did you catch the leader of that strange new cult?"

"Well, it wasn't unproblematic thing to do, honey. First we had to find out what the cult was about. Once we figure out what their obsession was it was easier to figure out what they're up too. I will admit if the Batclan hadn't discovered where these insane folks were gonna strike next, or found their hiding spot we wouldn't have had such a happy ending."

"Well, at least it had a happy ending, Daddy, and thank God, that no-one died because of this new cult. I mean were they kinda cult that believes in sacrifices?"

"Well, I won't give you the answer to that. If I did you might get nightmares."

"Daddy! I'm 27 years old! So anyway you're still coming to go with me to the awards dinner right?"

"Of course, sweetie. I wouldn't miss your big night. You didn't miss my re-election dinner, did you? Of course let's hope Mad Stan doesn't crash the party like he did mine!"

They talked for about fifteen more minutes then she had to excuse herself to get back to work. She found it very hard to focus that day at work. She didn't have any big cases that day, other then stopping a patent troll from stealing someone else's idea. Still she was worried more about her city's safety then her job.

Unknown to anyone else Darien French was having lunch with Ven at the bagel shop. Unlike Rebecca who always had a healthy bagel sandwich he'd chosen a not so healthy one. He did keep glancing around to see if anyone was spying on him.

"So, "he whispered to Ven, who was busy drinking some hot chocolate, "Have you gathered enough information on Sparrow Hawk? I mean enough to take her out of the picture? Also when do you plan to get rid of that bastard who's brainwashed my true love?"

"We've gotten a lot of information, Mr. French. Though I still think one more test should do it. I was thinking of trying to steal those new tiger cubs. That should really rile her up. And if she's too busy trying to save an endangered species, then she won't be in the way when I try to get rid of the mother and the boyfriend. So just be patient a little longer"

"Very well, I will trust your judgment for now. Nevertheless I want this assignment done by the end of the week. I want it all done by the time the awards ceremonial dinner arrives. So please don't dawdle. Now I must go now. Just get the job done."

"Of course, Mr. French. Don't worry about that. We'll have this all done by the weekend. Don't worry about a thing. My men and I will have everything ready to give you your heart's desire. Just have my reward ready for when you do."

They shook hands and that seemed to be the end of their deal making. Sparrow Hawk didn't know it at that moment, but she was gonna soon be put to the ultimate test. Thank God her friends the Batclan would be arriving by the express train that night. For right now she needed all the help she could get to protect Eco-City, even if she didn't know it at the time.