Red Hood, Robin, and Red Robin had all left together to scope out the area of Penguin's hideout. Dick, Barbara and Alfred waited for their confirmation in the cave. Cobblepot was the last crime lord with a big piece of Gotham so he was the last one to be taken down. Dick made sure to tell Jason that Cobblepot was going in alive and he also talked to Damien and Tim to make sure they could keep Jason from doing anything hasty. Barbara was already in her suit which was all black with the exception of her yellow gloves, boots, and belt that wrapped around her hips. On the center of her chest was a big yellow bat symbol and the cape was black with yellow on the inside. Her mask had the bat ears just like Batman but there was an opening on the back that allowed her red hair to flow freely. She turned to Dick who was staring at the legendary Batsuit.
"You sure about this?" she asked. He turned to her and smiled. This time he was hiding nothing behind this smile of his and she was instantly comforted.
"For once I actually am," he said. She returned the smile then the two shared a kiss. "You should go catch up with the others," he said when they separated. She nodded and hopped onto one of the motorcycles that were left. She turned the engine on and revved it, causing a loud screech to echo in the cave. She looked over to him.
"I'll see you out there," she paused and had this proudness as she looked at him, "Batman," now she smirked. He chuckled and watched her drive off into the tunnel leading outside. He turned back to the Batsuit. It was grey colored with a black bat symbol on the chest along with a yellow belt and black boots and gloves. The mask was black as well with short ears and it also connected with the cape.
"Master Drake and the other found the location," said Alfred who was now standing beside the first Robin. "Miss Gordon is on route now, sir. Are you ready?"
"You think this is a good idea right, Alf?" Finally he looked away from the suit and turned to Alfred.
"I don't think I've ever told you this but I watched Master Wayne grow up in these halls. I've also had the pleasure to watch Master Drake, Master Todd, and you mature into the men you are all today. We've had many hardships in this house; that goes without saying. However despite all that has happened to this family, we have endured and I am more than delighted to know that you are all still here to carry on Master Wayne's legacy. You have all been the closest things I will ever have to sons. I know he was unable to tell you before he passed but I know for a fact that he, just as I, is very proud of the man you have become and the life you have made for yourself." They embraced each other as family with a smile on their faces. They let go of each other then Alfred placed his handprint onto the glass, opening the case holding the suit. "We have a city to save, Master Grayson."
Oswald Cobblepot was a stubby looking man with a pointy nose, receding hair, and who still maintained a wealthy appearance despite the loss of his family's fortune. The Cobblepots were once one of the richest families in Gotham before Oswald's father made more than a couple mistakes leading to their poverty. Oswald however took to illegally dealing weapons to several customers around the world and immediately won back his fortune. He quickly became one of the most feared crime lords in Gotham, known for having a bad temper and being too friendly with his modified umbrellas. He was known as the Penguin because of his bird-like waddle, fashion taste for tuxedos, and a squawk-like laugh.
As soon as the word of Batman's death spread throughout the world, Penguin quickly took advantage of the heroes grieving over the fallen dark knight. He sent his thugs through the city causing havoc and insuring that the people of Gotham knew who truly was in charge now. Penguin was so confident in his ability that even Harvey Dent gathering a large army didn't faze him. What he didn't foresee was the death of the former district attorney. It began to worry him that perhaps there was another looking to take over Gotham until he discovered that it was in fact Red Hood who had ended Harvey. Once again he felt on top of the world since Red Hood was no Batman he believed he would be no threat especially with the number of men he had at his disposal.
With his fortune again at a very high number he remade his beloved iceberg lounge in Gotham, since it was the dark knight who had previously shut it down because of the arms dealing. Now he sat in his office within the nightclub like a king on his throne. Once again Gotham belonged to Cobblepot. He reached over on his desk and grabbed a golden case. He opened it and took out one of the many cigars that were sitting inside. The cigar was lit then he puffed in the sweet tobacco and grinned as he stared out of a large window almost the size of the room. He imagined the people of the city bowing down to him like loyal subjects for a king. There was a knock on the double doors of his office that disrupted his day dreaming.
"Come in," he said in his cockney accent. Two large men walked into the office.
"We haven't heard back from the lookouts Mr. Cobblepot," said one of them. The grin faded.
"You go out there with a few men and you make sure that damn Hood doesn't come in to try anything. Take whatever guns you need. Shoot him on sight." They nodded and immediately walked out, shutting the door behind them. Penguin puffed on his cigar again then reached into one of the drawer on his desk and pulled out a large handgun, bigger than the chubby hand holding it. He placed the gun on the desk then grabbed a shotgun that was hidden underneath the desk. He cocked the gun to make sure it was loaded and leaned it against the drawers of the desk so that it was hidden. He held the handgun and puffed on his cigar as he calmly waited for any intruder that would come and try to take his crown from him.
Red Robin had taken out the two lookouts allowing Robin and Red Hood to make their way onto the roof. They waited for him behind one of the air vents large enough to hide them. He glided onto the roof and made his way to them. When they regrouped three men walked out onto the roof. One climbed up the ladder to check on one of the lookouts while the other two stayed on the ground. Red Robin looked over to his friends.
"Robin and I will take out the two on the ground and you go for the one up top," he said. The two of them nodded but then Red Robin put his hand in front of Hood. "No killing," he said sternly. He couldn't see Jason's face because of the mask but he knew he was irritated because he tilted his head before nodding. Hood grappled up to the ledge of the tower where the lookout was. The thug was checking on the sniper but Hood quickly grabbed him and shoved an elbow into his face. The Robins separated and jumped onto the two men guarding the tower. Robin went low and kicked the thug's legs to bring him down while Red Robin went high and clotheslined the man to the ground. Robin brought his knee down on the thug's neck while Red Robin struck the other one across the face with his staff. Hood jumped down to join them.
"Where's Batgirl?" he asked. "Shouldn't she be here by now?" Another man opened the door and was startled to see them. He raised his gun too start shooting but then he was tackled to the floor with a pair of legs before pulling the trigger. Batgirl quickly kicked the man on the side of the head, knocking him out.
"Does that answer your question?" she said grinning.
"Where's Nightwing?" Hood said ignoring her first response.
"He's on his way. Come on lets go inside." The three of them followed her through the door. The music was very loud so they didn't need to sneak around. The door had led them to the metal walkway above the dance floor. Below them the dancefloor was filled with a crowd of people. On the walkway were three more men standing guard with assault rifles in their arms. There was only three so it wasn't too hard for them. Batgirl swept the first guys legs to bring him down then Hood jumped over them to tackle the next one in line. Red Robin threw a batarang to the last guy throwing him against the wall. They all made their way across the walkway only to find more men waiting for them on the other side. They all rushed to the heroes causing them all to fall down to the dance floor.
Batgirl and Robin both threw down a smoke pellet so that the thugs wouldn't start shooting into the crowd. Their night vision immediately turned on and the four of them started to fight all the thugs that had fallen with them. Robin saw one of them men shoot a civilian by accident so he threw out batarangs at the men with guns in order to disarm them. He reached to his ear to press the communicator.
"Penny-One," said Robin, "call an ambulance and the GCPD."
"Already dialed, sir," responded Alfred. People were rushing out of the club while the guards stayed to fight for their boss. When the smoke cleared there were only the unconscious guards and the heroes standing together. More men came out and surrounded them but didn't attack. Penguin kicked open the door of his office and looked down at the heroes with a smile. He took another puff from his cigar and began to laugh releasing the smoke.
"It's only you four?" he laughed. "This is a real laugh. They couldn't get Wonder Woman to help you? Maybe even the Flash? Not even bloody Superman?!" he almost choked from laughing so hard. "No instead I get the Red Hood, Batgirl, and the two Boy Wonders. This is what the heroes have been reduced to. You all should've hung up your capes. It's over I've won, kiddies. If you want to be real heroes," he puffed from the cigar and blew out the smoke, "then you'll die like heroes. This is the Penguin's city." He pointed his gun at them about to pull the trigger until there was a loud crash of glass behind him. Penguin quickly turned around to see a large bat glide through his window. He couldn't believe his eyes and stood there frozen as Batman grabbed him by the throat. "No," he said, his voice quivering, "no you're dead!"
Everyone down below watched as Batman held Penguin up. The others couldn't believe their eyes, not even Barbara who knew of Dick's decision. They all watched him and could swear that Bruce Wayne had returned from the grave. He was the spitting image of their mentor.
"This isn't your city, Cobblepot," said Batman menacingly. "It's mine." He slammed Penguin down on the ground and head butted him, knocking him unconscious. Dick had always moved more smoothly than Bruce, since he had the mobility of a gymnast, and he proved it as he flipped over the railing to join the others. On his way down he threw batarangs at the armed thugs, knocking the weapons out of their hands. He landed on one of the men and punched him square in the face. The rest of the group joined him by engaging the rest of the thugs.
Red Hood flip kicked one upside the chin then elbowed another in the jaw. He swept another one off of his feet then brought his foot down on the thug's chest. One of them threw a punch but Hood caught it and bent it back, breaking the bone, and then finished with a straight kick to the forehead.
Red Robin used the length of his staff to sweep four men off of their feet then knocked them out one by one with a kick to the jaw. Another rushed to him but he quickly kicked him in the gut against the wall then pushed the middle of his staff against the man's throat until he passed out.
Robin jumped high in the air and kicked one of the thugs right in the face. He stumbled back holding his face so Robin grabbed his arm and swung him onto the floor. Another ran to him but Robin quickly slid on the floor to take out the man's leg. Once on the ground he jumped on top and punched him on the nose.
Batgirl jumped in the air and grabbed a hold of a thugs head with her legs then flipped back to send him launching into the wall. A punch came for her face but she grabbed the arm then kicked the back of his leg bringing him to floor then twisted the arm. Two more charged at her but she back flipped kicking them both upside their chins. The two of them fell to the floor then side kicked one on his cheek and rammed her elbow into the others forehead.
Batman grabbed two of them by the throat and slammed them to the floor. Another rushed to him but he evaded then jump kicked him in the back of the head. He saw a thug rising to his feet so charged at his leg, grasping the ankle with his two hands, and twisted it incapacitating him. Another tried to punch him but he quickly reached down to grab the man's leg then rose up to flip him over to the floor using his back. There was one last man standing so Batman ran to him and kicked him through the double doors of the interest. The thug stumbled out and there were lights shining into the iceberg lounge. Outside of the building were news vans and helicopters along with the GCPD and ambulances. The news crews recorded a full glimpse of the heroes who raided the Penguin's iceberg lounge, including the once thought dead Batman. Commissioner Gordon walked up to the new Batman who stood at the front of the entrance with his friends behind him.
"I thought you were dead?" he said.
"You should know better," replied Batman. It was the first thing Dick thought Bruce would say.
"You're right," he smiled. "Good to have you back."
"Penguin's upstairs." He, along with the others, grappled to the nearest building allowing the police to enter the iceberg lounge. Once again Gotham was saved by her protectors.
They all returned to the cave together where Dick expected to get hell for wearing the suit. He was the first to return within the Batmobile while the others came shortly after on their bikes. Alfred smiled as he saw Dick walk up to him in the Batsuit. Dick removed the mask.
"You all did a splendid job," he said. "It's all over the news."
"Good," said Dick. "Now they'll all know." Barbara walked up behind him and placed her arm on his back while he wrapped his around her waist. Jason walked up to them and placed his mask on the table.
"You know I'm not one to take back what I said," he said in his confident tone.
"I know," smirked Dick.
"You looked pretty damn good out there though," he said. Jason then extended his hand out to him to which Dick shook proudly.
"Thanks for the help." Jason simply nodded and then Damien walked up to them. They all turned to him.
"I always hated your guts, Grayson," he said. Tim now walked up next to him. "Nice job though," he shrugged. Dick chuckled a bit.
"Thanks Damien."
"You still can't call me your sidekick though."
"Dually noted," he smiled. He looked to Tim. "You okay with this?"
"Why wouldn't I be?" Tim grinned. The two bumped fists then Dick looked around at all of them.
"I was expecting to get chewed out for this but I'm pretty surprised I didn't. Thanks guys. I know if he were still here he'd be proud of what we did tonight." They all nodded. There was an alarm going off on the computer now and Alfred quickly opened it.
"I'm sorry to break up this moment but there's a robbery in progress." Dick grabbed his mask, as did Jason. Batman and Batgirl jumped into the Batmobile while the Red Hood, Red Robin, and Robin got on their bikes. They all rode into the tunnel and back into the night to make sure Gotham stayed safe. She needs her knights and they will always be there so long as she does.
Rain started to drop down onto the city. The streets became wet and slippery while puddles of water started to gather in the gutters and low ground. Many cars drove by on Main Street of Gotham and many people occupied the sidewalks. Gotham was a busy place and never seemed to sleep. There were hobos in the alleys who struggled to hide from the rain. There was a store on Main Street that sold TVs for very cheap prices, according to the owner. He had flat screen televisions displayed in front behind glass that showed the breaking news and sports and whatever was popular on the channels. Many people walked by it without paying attention to it.
One man was walking on the sidewalk, constantly having to hold himself up with the wall next to him. He had one a dark hoody that covered his face and his hands were in the pockets of the sweater. Everyone walking by him assumed he was just a drunk who had drunk way too much. He seemed to be slurry his words as well and was constantly light shoved by the people passing by. He started to walk by the store and the TVs were turned on brightly showing off what was going on in the news. There must've been five different news channels all playing the same story and the bright colors caught this man's attention. The headline for the story read as:
BATMAN BACK FROM THE DEAD?!
The man stood up straight instead of slouching and watched the news reporter Vickie Vale talking on the scene. The cameraman zoomed past her to show Commissioner Gordon in front of the iceberg lounge. In front of the Commissioner were The Red Hood, Red Robin, Batgirl, Robin, and The Batman. The cameraman had caught a full clear look of Batman who everyone had thought was dead. The man took out his hands from his pockets to pull back his hoody. His hands were white as snow and the hoody was pulled back to reveal wet dark green hair. The light of the TVs showed his white face with green eyes. The image of Batman forced this man to smirk. The smirk slowly changed to a smile then his eyes widened and the grin grew wider and wider. The man threw his head back and opened his mouth. His infamous maniacal laughter echoed throughout Gotham City once more.