Chapter 8: Judgement Day
Nightwing wonder through a forest; it reminded him of Gotham's forest back on earth. Than Nightwing felt a drop of rain at the tip of his nose and it started to pour.
'Great, I wish I had an umbrella,' thought Nightwing as he continued to wonder through the forest. 'What am I doing here anyway? The last thing I remember is being in my room on the ship, but how did I get here? I wander if this is the Death Games, but it can't I never got my score and I had one more day. I wonder if the others are here?'
Not a moment to soon Nightwing saw a dark figure, so he carefully made his way towards the figure not making a sound. Than the figure started to yell:
"NIGHTWING! NIGHTWING! NIGHTWING WHERE ARE YOU?!"
Nightwing recognize that voice; it was Shadow. So without wasting another minute, he ran towards Shadow as fast as he can. In fact he was running so fast that it would make the Flash proud.
"NIGHTWING ANSWER ME PLEASE!" yelled Shadow.
"SHADOW!" yelled Nightwing.
Shadow turned around and met his mask eyes; Shadow is in same outfit she wore when she first met Nightwing and her domino mask and her raven hair is soak. A smile crept on Shadow's face and she was glowing, she started to run towards Nightwing. When the two met, Nightwing and Shadow hug each other so close and tight.
"Nightwing, I thought I lost you," said Shadow in a hurt tone causing Nightwing's heart to ache.
"I'm here now and I'm not going anywhere," said Nightwing as he ran his fingers through her wet hair.
"I love you Nightwing," said Shadow as she stare at Nightwing's mask eyes.
"I love you too Shadow," said Nightwing than he began to lean in to kiss her.
Shadow was leaning in too, but she saw something. "Nightwing, there's something out there."
Nightwing turn toward the direction Shadow has seen it, but there was nothing. Than they heard a snap, Nightwing and Shadow quickly turned around to see a figure. Nightwing knew it was the figure who killed everybody in his dream.
"I'm sorry for intruding your moment," said the figure in a creepy voice that send chills down people's spines.
"What do you want?" growl Nightwing as he push Shadow behind him.
"I'm here to declare the winner," said the figure.
"Of the Death Games?" asked Shadow.
"Preciously, now I'll give you two a chance to talk it over to see who'll live and who'll die," said the figure. Shadow and Nightwing knew he was smiling even if they couldn't see it.
Nightwing face Shadow and rest his hands on her shoulders, "Shadow, I..."
Shadow interrupted him before he could finish, "No Nightwing, it shou..." Than Shadow push Nightwing to the side as a gunshot was heard.
Nightwing fell to the ground and then look at Shadow; who was holding stomach as blood pour out. Nightwing was petrified and started to yell her name than he looked at the figure; who was holding a gun with smoke coming out. Nightwing clench his fists together and gave the figure a glare, but the figure laugh and disappeared. Nightwing quickly made his way to Shadow and gently laid her on the ground, he put his hand on her stomach to put pressure on the wound. Shadow began to breathe heavily and just stare at Nightwing.
"Nightwing," whisper Shadow.
"Don't talk. You're going to be ok, we'll get you help and you'll be good as new," said Nightwing trying and failing to stay calm.
"Nightwing, you and me both know I'm not going to make it," said Shadow than she cough out blood.
"Don't say that Shadow. You're going to be ok. I promise," said Nightwing as he use his free hand to grab hers.
"Nightwing, I love you," said Shadow and cough up more blood.
Than Nightwing felt Shadow's grip on his hand disappear, "SHADOW! SHADOW! DON'T LEAVE ME!"
Nightwing sat up in his bed and began to breathe very heavily, but he took deep breaths and his breathing went back to normal. He look at the clock and it was 5:50; he knew it was getting close for the others to wake up. Nightwing rested his head in his hands.
'Why am I having these dreams? And in the end Shadow dies. This dream started off great, I mean I told her I love her and I was about to kiss her,' thought Nightwing.
All Nightwing wanted to do is to see if Shadow is ok and alive, he check his clock and it reads 6:00. So Nightwing got out of bed made sure his mask was on and left his room. He made his way to Shadow's room and knock on her door.
"Shadow are you awake?" asked Nightwing as he continued to knock until Shadow revealed herself.
"Hey Nightwing," said Shadow with a yawn. Than Nightwing hug Shadow. "Um Nightwing are you ok?"
"I am now," said Nightwing as he hold her closer.
"Did something happen?" asked Shadow with concern in her voice.
Nightwing broke the hug but he hold her hands. "I had another dream."
Shadow's mask eyes widen, "With the figure?" Nightwing nodded. "What happen?"
"This time the figure was declaring a winner for the Death Games. It was just me and you, the figure was letting us talk it over to see who'll live and who'll die. As we were talking, you pushed me to the side and you'd got shot. The figure disappeared and you died."
"It was just a dream, it's over now. I'm still alive."
"I know but why am I having these dreams?"
"I guess you're just scared and your fear is affecting you in your dreams."
"You really think so."
"I'm not for sure, but it's a theory."
Nightwing hug Shadow again and Shadow hugged him back.
"I guess we better go and get something to eat," said Nightwing breaking off the hug.
"Yeah, especially that we're getting our scores today," said Shadow.
"That's right, do I have too?"
"Yes, you have too if you want sponsors."
"Yeah, but I..." said Nightwing but Shadow interrupted.
"You still don't want to do it, I know."
Nightwing chuckle and started to walk towards the dinning room with Shadow following. Once they reach the dinning room all the other players were there waiting.
"Morning Nightwing. Morning Shadow," said Sky.
"Morning," said Nightwing and Shadow as they took their seats.
"So anybody ready for our scores?" said Gil.
"Not me," said Kindle.
"Me neither, I'm to nervous," said Mac.
"I wonder what's going to happen?" said Jen than everybody turn their heads towards Shadow.
"Why are you guys looking at me?" asked Shadow.
"You're the one who had a father in the Death Games," said Saill.
"Yeah and?"
"Well you should know what we'll be expecting," said Kale.
"Alright, what I know is that we're in the training room; it's just one player and the judges."
"Who are the judges?" asked Zals.
"I don't know, but all they do is just watch us as we perform our skills to them."
"And they determine our scores from our skills," said Nightwing.
"Yes."
"That makes me feel better now that we know what's going to happen," said Kindle and everybody nodded in agreement.
Than food started to arrive and everybody dig in.
"Hey, where's Ki?" asked Buzz.
"Yeah that dude is always here before we eat," said Mac.
"Maybe he's one of the judges for our scoring and had to go and prepare," said Scar.
"Prepare for what? Getting a good seat," said Jen and everybody laugh at her comment.
Than Ga enter the room, "Morning players. I'm here to tell you that Ki had to do a few things and couldn't be here to talk to you." They nodded in understanding than Ga started to explain what will be happening when they get scored; it was just like Shadow said. Then Ga told them after breakfast to go to their rooms and change then go to the training room. Ga left the players alone than all the players finished eating and head towards their room.
Nightwing was the first to come out in a black unitard with short-sleeves and his blue bird symbol on his chest. Nightwing was happy to see his symbol again it reminded him of home and his family that's waiting for him. Than Shadow came out in the same outfit but with a white outline of the symbol she had at the parade. Than the others came and had the same outfit but with different colors and symbols. Than together they head towards the training room.
Once they arrived at the training room Wo was there waiting for them. Wo explained to them that he'll called them up one at a time and allow them through the door. So the players waited patiently to be called on.
"So who do you guys think will go first?" asked Kindle.
"I think Nightwing," said Buzz.
"Why me?" asked Nightwing.
"Because you got bad ass skills," said Mac.
"And?"
"Come on Nightwing we all know that you're a great superhero and you have the skills to prove it," said Scar.
Nightwing than nodded his head and thought, 'The others aren't so bad they have been really nice to me. They reminded me of my family back home.' Than Nightwing shook his head. 'But they're my opponents in the Death Games. What am I going to do?'
"Kindle, you're up first," said Wo.
Kindle nodded and head towards Wo. The others wish her luck and she thank them, than she went through the door. 30 minutes later she came out with sweat and relief in her breathes. Than Wo called up Saill, than Mac, Zals, Scar, Buzz, Jen, Gil, and Sky.
"Nightwing it's your turn," said Wo.
Nightwing nodded than look at Shadow.
"You'll do great," Shadow whisper.
"Thank you," whisper Nightwing as he gave her a nervous smile.
Than Nightwing went through the door, there wasn't anything new it was just the training room. Than he notice a room with clear glass windows and Ki. So Nightwing walks in front of the window and then notice that Ki has seen him.
"Morning Nightwing, are you ready to begin?" said Ki.
"Yes," said Nightwing with a strong voice.
"Than began," said Ki.
Nightwing walk towards a table that has different kinds of knifes. He picked up five knives than walk to five targets. Nightwing was about 20 feet away than with one knife in his hand he threw at the first target. He got a bullseye and continued to walk down the row of targets and each knife he threw hit the center of the target. Nightwing smirk than he went to a punching bag and started punching and kicking it. And within 5 minutes the punching bag broke and sand poured out. Than Nightwing did a back flip and cartwheeled to a machine, he turned it one and quickly grab a staff. Than a gun appears; it look like one of those machines that shoots baseballs or tennis balls. Than the gun shoot what look like a metal baseball, so Nightwing spin that staff than hit the ball causing it to bounce off the staff to hit the wall. The gun shot more and more metal balls at Nightwing with rapid speed but he expertly hit very single one.
"Stop," said Ki.
Than the machine stop and Nightwing stood straight and stare at Ki and the other founders.
"You'll get your score after dinner, you may leave," said Ki.
Nightwing nodded and put the staff back where he got it and head out the room. The minute Nightwing came through the door, the others huddle around him asking him how it went and so on. But Nightwing ignore them and saw Shadow, she smiled at him and he smiled back than made his way towards her.
"So how did it go?" asked Shadow.
"I think I did well," said Nightwing.
"Good."
"Shadow, you're next," said Wo.
"You'll do great," said Nightwing as he grab her hand.
"Thanks," said Shadow as she gave him a squeeze and a nervous smile.
Than Shadow let go of his hand and walk through the door. Nightwing just stare at the door.
"Hey guys it looks like something caught Nightwing's eye," said Mac with a slick smile.
"What do mean?" asked Nightwing still not taking his eyes off the door.
"It's obvious that you have feelings for her," said Kindle with a squeal in her voice.
Nightwing just shook his head.
"Does she know?" asked Gil.
"I don't have feelings for her, how many times do I have to tell you guys that."
"She needs to know," said Zals.
"I'm not telling her anything."
"Why?" asked Jen.
"Because I'm afraid that if I tell her than I might lose her. I lost so much in my life, I don't know if I can go back home if lose her." Nightwing knew he shouldn't tell his feeling to the others but they reminded him of his team back home.
"But if you don't tell her and if something does happen to her, you'll regret for the rest of your life that you didn't say that you have feelings for her. And Nightwing we all know that Shadow would want you to move on in your life if she didn't make it," said Buzz.
Everybody was surprise that it came out of Buzz, Nightwing knew he was right. Before anyone could say anything Shadow came back. Nightwing smile as he saw her and was about to say something but Shadow storm right pass them. Everybody was worry and concern about Shadow, so Nightwing went after her to see what's wrong. Nightwing found himself in front of her room.
"Shadow," he said while knocking softly.
She open the door, "Yeah?"
"Can I come in?" Shadow step aside and allowed Nightwing in. "What happen?"
"Well as soon as I got in Ki told me to begin. So I started off with the punching bag than did some knife throwing. Finally I went to the bow and arrow and I shot 10 perfect bull eyes but they weren't paying attention to me because food was delivered to them. So I had one arrow left and I shot it at them."
"Did you hit anyone?"
"No, I hit the apple in the pig's mouth," said Shadow with a chuckle.
Nightwing chuckle, "So what's wrong?"
"I'm afraid I ruined my chance for having sponsors."
"They had it coming, they should had been paying attention to you. Besides I bet with that shot you made just made your score perfect."
"I hope you're right," said Shadow in a soft voice.
Nightwing gently grab her chin to make their mask eyes meet and with his free hand Nightwing grab Shadow's. "I know I am, because you're an amazing warrior."
Shadow's eyes widen in surprise than she gave a smile. "No one has ever called me a warrior before."
"Well in my eyes you're more than an average person."
Than Shadow hug Nightwing and gave him a kiss on the cheek. "Thank you."
Nightwing hugged her closer to him and smile. "You're welcome."
After dinner, Ki came to take the players to the same place they were waiting as the parade ended. Still in their uniforms they approach large doors and waited to enter. The players were in two different lines in the same pairs. Nightwing started to take a few deep breaths than he felt something warm in his hand. He look to see Shadow's hand in his and smile. Than the doors open and Shadow released her hand, Nightwing was upset but he could still feel the warmth in his hand.
Than Ki started to walk through the doors followed by Ga and Wo and the players followed them. Just like the parade a crowd of people cheering, clapping, and shouting the names of the players (most of it was Nightwing and Shadow). The players made a straight line starting with Buzz, than Zals, Sky, Gil, Saill, Jen, Kale, Kindle, Scar, Mac, Shadow, and Nightwing last. Each of them stood tall and bold.
"Ladies and Gentlemen I present to you the players of the Death Games!" yelled Ki. The crowd became louder with excitement, until Ki lifted his hand and they began to quiet down. "Now we'll announce the scores that the players made! First up is Buzz from the planet Gut!"Buzz took a step forward and gave a small wave, the crowd cheered. "Now if everybody can direct their attention towards the sky. There is where the score will be see."
Everybody including the players look up in the sky, than a loud boom was heard startling everybody. Than it made a noise that sounded like fireworks shooting in the air; well to Nightwing. Than in the middle of the sky it exploded and a big seven appeared, Nightwing knew that Buzz made a seven. The crowd cheered and shouted Buzz.
"Next is Zals from the planet Leaf!" shouted Ki. Zals made an eight.
"Sky from the planet Psych!" Sky made a seven.
"Gil from the planet Dwr!" Gil made a six.
"Saill from the planet Tug!" Saill made a five.
"Jen from the planet Punk!" Jen made an eight.
"Kale from the planet Moeilike!" Kale made a seven.
"Kindle from the planet Zvitrus!" Kindle made a six.
"Scar from the planet Kovu!" Scar made a nine.
"Mac from the planet Varv!" Mac made a seven.
"Shadow from the planet Laska!" yelled Ki.
Shadow took a deep breath and just stare at the sky. Than a 10 appeared in the sky and the crowd went wild, Shadow smirk than look at Nightwing. Nightwing gave her a smile and mouthed 'Good job' to her. Shadow mouthed back 'Thank you' with a smile.
"And finally Nightwing from the planet Earth!"
Nightwing copied Shadow's action and then he grab her hand to have the warm feeling in his hand again. Shadow gave him a squeeze assuring him he did great. Than a loud boom was heard and the number...10 appeared in the sky. Nightwing couldn't believe his eyes he made a perfect score like Shadow. Than Nightwing and Shadow broke off their hand holding.
"Now ladies and gentlemen! There's only TWO more days till the Death Games!" shouted Ki as the crowd went wild.
Than Ki, Ga, and Wo began to walk towards the big doors with the players following.
The next day
All the players were in the training room sparring with each other, because the Death Games is tomorrow and they wanted to train as much as they can. Shadow and Nightwing were the first ones to spar and the others couldn't believe their eyes.
Shadow threw a fist to Nightwing's face, but he caught it and push her back. Than Nightwing did a roadhouse kick but Shadow caught his foot and spun him to the other side of the arena. Nightwing rolled out of it and quickly got up than Shadow ran towards him and jump in the air did a flip and kick him in the back of his knees. But Nightwing quickly turned around and grab both of her ankles and spun her around than let go. Shadow rolled than did a handstand than landed in a crouch and started to breathe heavily. Nightwing began to breathe heavily himself.
"Break," said Nightwing between breathes.
"Yeah," said Shadow as she got up and followed Nightwing to sit down.
"Wow! You guys are amazing," squealed Kindle.
"I'll say, you two couldn't even land a hit on each other," said Mac.
Before anybody could say anything to each other Ki entered the room.
"Hello players, I see that all of you decided to train," said Ki in a creepy gentle voice. Everybody nodded. "Well I have a surprise for all of you if you all will follow me." The players nodded and follow Ki out of the training room.
'I wonder what the surprise is?' thought Nightwing.
Than Ki stop in a hallway with six doors on each side each door had their names on it. "You may enter the room with your name on it. I'll be back to come and get you." Than Ki left.
Nightwing went to the door with his name on it, he notice everybody including Shadow enter their doors. So Nightwing place a hand on the handle and slowly twist it open than pull the door open. Than Nightwing started to feel tears in his eyes when he saw Batman in the room.
"Dad?" asked Nightwing to make sure it's really him.
"Yes son," said Batman giving him a smile.
Than Nightwing made sure the was close and then went to hug his father. "I can't believe you're here."
Batman hug him back, "I know and I'm glad you're ok."
"So what brings you here?" asked Nightwing breaking off the hug.
"We got a message from Ki a few days ago and told us that one of us could come and visit you today. So everybody just voted I should go."
"Just that easy?"
"No, I had to give a speech why I should be the one to go."
"Can I hear it?"
"Alright, all I said is that I'm your father and I'm Batman."
Nightwing laugh his famous cackle, "Wow, I'm surprise that you put you're my father in front of the I'm Batman line."
Batman just smirk and shook his head. "So how have you been doing?"
"I'm good, just nervous and scare about tomorrow."
"Me too and the others are too."
"How are they?"
"They miss you very much and are wondering about something."
"What's that?"
"Shadow."
"What about Shadow?"
"Do you like her?"
Nightwing knew he couldn't lie to his father, because he's Batman the world's greatest detective. "I think I do."
"Think?"
"Well, she's been really nice to me and gave me a few tips."
"But?"
"But every time she touches me I feel so warm, she even kissed me a few times and my heart stop. I also been having dreams of Shadow being hurt and dying but in the last dream I told her I love her."
Batman gave a soft smile and place a hand on Nightwing's shoulder. "Son, to me I don't think you just like her. You love her."
"But tomorrow I'm about to fight for my life and Shadow is going to be my opponent and I'm afraid that something might happen to her."
"Nightwing this is the best advice I can give you. Just follow your heart."
"Thanks for listening."
"It's what I'm here for."
Batman and Nightwing continued to talk about Tim and Alfred also the team and the league. Than Ki knock the door and let Nightwing and Batman know that they have five minutes left.
"Tell the others I miss them and tell Tim and Alfred I love them," said Nightwing as a few tears fell down his cheek.
Batman remove his glove and wipe away a few tears. "I will and I'm very proud of you son."
"Te iubesc tata." (I love you dad)
"Te iubesc prea meu pasare." (I love you too my bird)
They gave one last hug and then Nightwing left the room. After a long day Nightwing went into his room and change into pajamas and lay down on the bed. He grab his album and look at his pictures. 'I'll do my best to come back home and don't worry Bruce, I'll listen to my heart. You were right I do love her. I know Shadow has feelings for me but does she love me. Well I hope what happens in the Death Games I hope I can get Shadow and myself out alive.' Than Nightwing fell asleep awaiting for tomorrow to come. But he doesn't know what trouble and obstacles are in the Death Games.
Sorry for making you guys wait so long. But I hope this chapter will make up. Next chapter the Death Games begin (evil smirk). Also I'm thinking about doing a sequel to this story, I can't say what it'll be about but please give me your thoughts. I love all the reviews I'm getting please continue and I'll keep updating.