Several Months Later
In the dark night of Gotham, Ashe, or Ghost now, dashed around the most prestigious jewelry store in the city. They checked for cameras and down nearby alleys. They headed to the back of the building where several goons were waiting crouching around the back door. A tall man with blonde hair and a streak of red down the middle, stood near them looking bored.
"Cameras taken out, no police no guards. All clear. Go ahead." Ashe reported back. Flare nodded and one of the gang members proceeded to pick the lock on the door. In low tones, Ashe continued. "Boss put me in charge of this mission. Batman and the police should be dealing with some bank robberies downtown so we have some time. I want a quick in and out clean job. Go!"
The small group busted in, as soon as they did the alarms began to blare. They smashed the glass exhibit cases with crowbars and bats. Quickly, the criminals began to shovel jewels into their bags.
The skylight above them shattered, and a black figure fell from it. "Well well, I figured you dumbass thugs would learn after a while." The person dressed in red and green stood as glass rained down from the ceiling. "But I guess you don't look very smart now do you?"
Robin smirked and he stared at the criminals frozen in fear. They paused, looking up at the ceiling still. Mumbles from the gangsters rang out followed by a chuckle. "No Batman? No, it's just the bird kid."
Ashe and Flare charged forward immediately. In a fury of blows, Ashe dashed in circles around Robin landing quick hits all over his body. With fists lit aflame, Flare came at Robin head-on with devastating strong swings. Robin with his bo staff dodged and swiped at his assailants.
The bo staff whizzed through the air as Robin swung it at Flare. Sparks shot from Flare's scorching fingers as he seized the staff and brought it to a halt. He pulled the stick and swung it around. Robin holding the other end, went flying and sliding across the ground. Ashe flew through the room in an instant, positioning themselves behind Robin. Robin scrambled to his feet and hurled a birdarang at Flare. Robin then swiveled around to look at Ashe. With a running start, Ashe jumped and kicked at Robin's head. Robin shielded his face with his arms, but the hit was still devastating.
On the ground, Robin rolled over and defiantly spit out blood. Flare walked over to him, with Robin's own bo staff in his hands.
Flare smirked, "Lights out birdy boy." He lifted the staff with both hands to swing down.
"Stop!" Ashe screamed out. They raised their palm and, using telekinetic energy, ripped the staff from Flare's grip and flung it to the ground.
Flare glared daggers at Ashe. The other thugs were completely frozen, just watching the fight. Robin continued to cough and struggle to his feet. Ashe straightened up and quickly sorted their thoughts. They were so engrossed in the battle that they didn't even notice the jewelry store alarm was still going off.
Ashe shifted his gaze from Robin to Flare. "Go. Get the score in the van and leave before the cops get here. I'll finish him. He's mine."
Flare paused and then took a few calm steps to Ashe. He said as he passed, "If you mess this up, I'll kill you Ghost." He picked up a bag of jewelry. "Alright let's get out of here." He instructed the other gangsters.
Ashe walked over to Robin. Grabbing his shoulder, Ashe threw him onto his back. The moonlight cast a hazy glow over the dimly illuminated jewelry store. Glass was scattered across the floor. Ashe knelt on top of Robin's chest. They took a breath and stared into Robin's domino mask's eyes for a moment. The mask's remained expressionless. Ashe wondered if Robin could see the flurry of contradictory emotions that rushed through their own green eyes.
Ashe let out a weary sigh as the thugs' footsteps faded away. They paused for a beat to ensure that everyone had left the room. Ashe punched down on the ground next to Robin's head.
"What are you doing?" Robin snapped.
Ashe crawled back off of him. "Are you okay?"
Robin sprung to his feet quickly and remained in an animal-like crouch. "What do you care?"
"I'm a thief, not the killer of Gotham's beloved sidekick. Gotham needs good people like you. I don't intend on taking that away." They said, standing up and retrieving the birdarang.
"Wow," He sneered sarcastically. "A criminal with a heart. How touching."
Ashe started walking to the door. "You're hurt, you don't have the strength to take me out."
"You wanna bet?" Robin barked.
"I'm going to let you leave." They continued like he hadn't said anything. "Mind if I keep this? I like it." They asked holding up the birdarang.
"I'm gonna kill you." He growled.
Ashe stood in the doorway of the exit. "Maybe next time. I look forward to a rematch." Before going out into the alleyway, they turned around and grinned at Robin.
"I hope our paths will cross again, Robin."