Coran
11-16-2001, 09:56 AM
Moonlight filtered through the clouds overhead, casting an eerie glow over the city. On a ledge high above the streets crouched a masked figure. His eyes burned with an inner fire, and his lips formed a slight smile. As he slowly stood, a moonbeam illuminated his form. Nightwing, stood alone looking over Gotham.
As the smile flickerd over his face he murmured, “Even though I may live somewhere else,
Gotham will always be my home.” Leaping off the building he extended his arm and glided off into the distance.
**************************************************
A few building away, a cloaked figure watched Nightwing through binoculars until he disappeared from view. “So Nightwing has returned to Gotham...” the figure murmured softly. “That will add something of an unknown factor...” then a cruel smile trailed across his lips as he spat out, “Perfect!”
**************************************************
Bruce Wayne sat in from of the computer in the bat cave looking over various news files, and data that went from hours old, to decades old. The past few months had been very quite as far as crime, and while this made most of the city relax, it always made Bruce feel tense. “I wonder if this could be the calm before the storm?” Bruce murmured. “It always seems like something big happens after crime drops like this.”
“Life is just full of little surprises like that.”
Bruce spun around in his chair to face the unknown speaker, “Dick! What are you doing back in town?”
Dick pulled of his mask and said quietly, “I trailed someone into town, but found I had time for a quick visit. I already spoke with Alfred.”
Bruce raised an eyebrow slightly, “Have you seen Barbara yet? Or Tim?”
Dick shook his head slightly, “Alfred said Tim’s out on patrol, so I haven’t seen him, and I’m not planning on going to see Barbara... at least not yet. Our last... conversation made some things very clear.”
Bruce shook his head and said quietly, “You should go talk to her again Dick. No matter what she said before, she does love you.”
Dick shook his head, “I can’t go talk to her... not yet... maybe sometime this visit...
maybe not.” he reached up and pulled back on his mask, heading for the exit where he had
left his bike, “Nice having a chat, but I have to go. I have some unfinished business left.”
Bruce shook his head as he watched his eldest “son” walk off and then turned back to the computer screen, suddenly realizing Dick has said he had been trailing someone, though not who or why. “Curious...”
“Hey Bruce, hey Tim... oh... Tim’s not here. I could have sworn I heard someone else.”
Bruce looked up quickly to see Barbara walking down the stairs, “No, it’s just me. Tim is currently on patrol... which remind me, I need to check on him again.” Bruce quickly flipped on the comlink, “Come in Robin.”
“Heya Batman. What’s up?”
Bruce rolled his eyes and then said, “I was about to ask you the same question... though not in those exact words.”
Tim’s voice sounded kind of disappointed, “Oh... I was hoping for some action... anyway it’s pretty quiet out here. The only thing I’ve seen out and about were a couple of alley cats.”
“Ok Tim. Head on home. Looks like everything is going to stay quiet tonight.”
Bruce leaned back in his chair, and turned to talk to Barbara, still unable to shake the feeling of dread that was welling up deep within himself.
**************************************************
The bar was called the "Silver Blade". It was the hangout for about the worst biker gangs ever to ride a Harley. Weapons were evident around the room, as they all laughed, shot pool, and drank. Suddenly the door was kicked in, and they all gaped at Nightwing as he stood in the doorway. "I'm looking for Brian Spencer... anyone care to lead the way?"
All of the bikers looked at each other, and then several of them rushed Nightwing, swinging their pool sticks. The sticks broke harmlessly over Nightwing's forearms. He smiled coldly, "You get one chance... and that was it." then he lept in the air, executing a perfect spin kick. Three of the bikers now lay on the ground moaning, while all the others continued to stare.
"Anyone else?" Nightwing asked in an slightly cocky, slightly threatening voice.
All of the bikers quickly pulled out pistols and began blazing away. With a swift leap backwards, Nightwing smashed out of the front plate glass window, and onto the street outside. Hiding for a moment in the shadows he waited until the firing stopped and then bulldozed his way inside, slamming into a table and using it as a battering ram. Several more bikers fell to the floor, and the rest, though they fired, were all too drunk to hit anything. In a flurry of punches and kicks, the fight was over, with only two people left conscious. Nightwing stared at the bartender and asked in a deadly voice, "Now, one more time... where is Brian Spencer?!" The bartender pointed towards the back hallway, "He's back there... with a couple of girls."
Nightwing turned and stalked towards the back, then suddenly spun, a batarang flashed out. The shotgun fell from the bartender's nerveless hands and Nightwing took one flying leap into the bartender to send him to dream land.
The door smashed open and Brian Spencer spun towards it, away from the two ladies with him, "What the h***?!" Nightwing strode into the room and threw just one punch. Quickly handcuffing Brian Spencer he glanced at the laides and gave a mild suggestion, "Try a new line of business..." then he turned and walked out through the mayhem he had left behind. A few hours later, a couple police men found Brian Spencer just outside the police station, with his hands and ankles bound.
Darkwing smiled coldly as he watched the police take Spencer away, then he faded into the night.
**************************************************
The sun shone brightly on Gotham, and though it looked to everyone as though it was a perfect day, all was not going perfectly...
The robbery was being executed perfectly. The cloaked figure stood, looking at his watch as his men worked on the safe. “5 minutes.” he said in a gravely voice. His men looked up from their work, but didn’t stop. In two more minutes the safe was wide open and they begin to grab bags of money and run for the cars. The man smiled and nodded slightly to the tellers, guards, and bank patrons who were all tied up, “I’ve had a delightful time... Perhaps we can all get together again sometime.” then he strolled out into the daylight. As the cars pulled away, merging with traffic, the police cars arrived in a swarm of speed and sirens. They rushed in to find that they were to late... 30 seconds to late to be exact.
**************************************************
Nightwing crouched on a building looking down at the bank. His eyes narrowed slightly as he looked the layout over. He had arrived at the same time as the cops, but they were obviously to late. Jumping over to the skylight of the banks, he listened in as one of the tellers told the story.
“These five men all burst in waving these kind of old style machine guns... they looked like tommy guns or somethin’. We pushed the silent alarm, and the big guy, who was wearing this trenchcoat and wide brim hat, didn’t seem to care. We were all tied up and the guys four cronies started working on the safe. This whole time he was just looking at his watch... it’s like he knew exactly when the cops would arrive. They didn’t even try to empty the safe. They took as much as they could carry and then left.”
Nightwing moved off to another building and looked down at the bank again, deep in thought. He suddenly senses something and slid back into the shadows. A moment later Batman, Batgirl, and Robin landed in front of the bank and walked over to one of the police officers. Nightwing could feel the pull to go talk to Barbara but he just
shook his head and turned, moving away swiftly.
**************************************************
A few building down a lone figure watched the three heroes with extreme interest. Another man came up the stairs and walked over, “What now boss?” The boss glanced at him, then back at the heroes, “Tell the boys to finish repainting the cars, and make sure they have all the Malatov Cocktails ready. We’ve got another job for tonight.”
The henchman nodded, “Right boss.” and headed back downstairs.
The boss glanced at his watch, and began a silent count down, “5, 4, 3, 2, 1.” he smiled as he watched the three heroes shoot off their grappling hooks and swing away from the crime scene, “Aaaaaaaah.... right on time.”
**************************************************
Barbara had chosen to take this late night patrol. Her dad was working late because of the robbery, and so was she. As she looked over the city, she saw another figure crouching over by on a building. Pulling out her binoculars, she gave a quiet start when she saw who it was. “Nightwing...” she breathed out quietly.
**************************************************
Nightwing leaned up against the head of a Gargoyle as he looked over the city...
He didn't know what the other three heroes were doing, but Nightwing had a gut feeling that he needed to stick around. Pulling a pair of binoculars from his utility belt he began to scan the area. Locking onto some smoke in the distance he frowned... the sound of fire engine sirens gently wafted on the breeze, and he looked on... the vehicles would get their quicker, and they were better equipped for that kind of situation. Nightwing stood silently, maintaining his vigil.
**************************************************
Batgirl was readying her grappling hook to swing over towards Nightwing when suddenly she heard the fire engines. Sighing, she redirected her grappling hook and headed off in that direction as she murmured to herself, “I’ll find you again... but later.”
**************************************************
The cloaked figure smiled as he watched several more police cars drive away. Stepping out of the car he dropped his cigar and stamped it out, then walked towards the police stations with his four cronies. All of them carried uzis that were holstered under their jackets. Having memorized the plans to the building, the cloaked figure led them through the hallways, appearing to everyone around him that he belonged their. Taking stairs downwards he entered the evidence lockers. Moving towards the cage, a police man looked over at him, “What can I get out for you?”
“Actually, I think I’ll get it myself.” the man said, then raised a silenced pistol and fired one shot. Opening the door and stepping behind it the Boss nodded, “Grab the money and drugs.” then he began watching the seconds tick away on his watch. His men grabbed the loot and quickly stuffed it into knapsacks they had carried hidden under their jackets. Leaving the evidence room, the walked swiftly towards the exit. One of the policemen looked over at them and asked with a slightly suspicious voice, “What’s in the knapsacks.” Another quick silenced shot and the man dropped. Several other policemen, started in shock at their fallen comrade. Before they could draw their weapons, the loud clatter of uzis rang out, and their bodies dropped to the floor. Striding out the front door, the men all got in their cars and calmly merged with traffic, disappearing into the stillness of the night.
**************************************************
Nightwing looked over towards the police station quickly. He thought he had heard shots. He watched as five figures strode out... four of them carried knapsacks and smoking uzis! The other figure wore a trenchcoat, and wore a wide brimmed hat that hid his features. Swiftly putting away his binoculars Nightwing lept from the building, using his fastest mode of transportation to get there. He arrived just a few minutes later, but still too late. Nightwing charged into the police stations, and skidded to a halt when he stepped inside... several policemen lay where they had fallen, unmoving. Behind him, the doors opened, and other policemen rushed in. They all gasped in horror as the scene before them. Nightwing turned and strode through them, his eyes as hard as flint... someone was going to pay.
**************************************************
Batgirl and Robin stood looking over Batman’s shoulders as all of them stared at the computer screen. “The people that robbed the bank, the people that set the fire in the warehouse district, and the people that robbed the police station evidence room must all be one and the same. There’s not way there could be that much coincidence.”
Batgirl nodded, “But what do we do now that we figured that out? I mean, what’s the common factor here?”
Batman shook his head as he leaned back in his chair, “I don’t know yet but I’ll find out.” He then looked over at the stairs where Alfred stood, “Something wrong Alfred?”
“No sir... but I was looking outside and saw your signal on the clouds sir.”
“All right, show time!” Robin said excitedly.
Batman smiled ever so slightly as he nodded, “Thankyou Alfred.” He then stood and headed for the batmobile with Robin right behind him.
Batgirl trailed behind just a little, wishing there was some way to catch Bruce alone and ask him about Nightwing being back. She sighed, and climbed onto her motorcycle, following the Batmobile as they sped towards the police station.
**************************************************
Nightwing saw the batsignal shining on the sky over head. Moving swiftly through the night he slipped onto the roof undetected. Commisioner Gordon was standing there, and moments later the intrepid threesome arrived. Without any preliminaries, Gordon spoke up, “I just got this note... the writer claims responsibility for the robbery yesterday, the burned warehouse tonight, and the attack here. Though the writer doesn’t state a name, the person does say where we can next locate them. Down at the harbor at the old abandoned marina.”
Batman nodded slowly and said cautiously, “Sounds like a possible trap.”
“Who cares? We can take on anything that comes our way!” Robin piped up quickly.
Gordon shook his head slightly and muttered, “Kids!” then looked at Batman, “I’m sending several squads over their right now, but I figured you should know about it too.”
Batman nodded, “Thanks.” then turned and swung off into the night with the other two behind him.
Nightwing stayed in the shadows until everyone was gone, then moved off to another building. His mind was moving quickly and he murmured softly, “The patterns... crooks always have patterns. The first crime was timed so noone could catch him. The second was mainly a diversion for the third. This sounds more like a blind of some kind.” Dropping to ground level he climbed on his motorcycle and quickly thought about the layout of Gotham City... what was farthest away from the harbor... “Arkham Asylum!” he murmured quickly. Kicking the starter on the motorcycle he raced towards Arkham.
**************************************************
A few building over a lone figure watched Batman, Batgirl, and Robin all swing off towards the docks. He then watched moments later as Nightwing roared off towards Arkham Asylum. He smiled as he went down the fire escape to join his henchmen in the cars. “Where to now boss?” He smiled evilly, “On to city hall!”
**************************************************
As the smile flickerd over his face he murmured, “Even though I may live somewhere else,
Gotham will always be my home.” Leaping off the building he extended his arm and glided off into the distance.
**************************************************
A few building away, a cloaked figure watched Nightwing through binoculars until he disappeared from view. “So Nightwing has returned to Gotham...” the figure murmured softly. “That will add something of an unknown factor...” then a cruel smile trailed across his lips as he spat out, “Perfect!”
**************************************************
Bruce Wayne sat in from of the computer in the bat cave looking over various news files, and data that went from hours old, to decades old. The past few months had been very quite as far as crime, and while this made most of the city relax, it always made Bruce feel tense. “I wonder if this could be the calm before the storm?” Bruce murmured. “It always seems like something big happens after crime drops like this.”
“Life is just full of little surprises like that.”
Bruce spun around in his chair to face the unknown speaker, “Dick! What are you doing back in town?”
Dick pulled of his mask and said quietly, “I trailed someone into town, but found I had time for a quick visit. I already spoke with Alfred.”
Bruce raised an eyebrow slightly, “Have you seen Barbara yet? Or Tim?”
Dick shook his head slightly, “Alfred said Tim’s out on patrol, so I haven’t seen him, and I’m not planning on going to see Barbara... at least not yet. Our last... conversation made some things very clear.”
Bruce shook his head and said quietly, “You should go talk to her again Dick. No matter what she said before, she does love you.”
Dick shook his head, “I can’t go talk to her... not yet... maybe sometime this visit...
maybe not.” he reached up and pulled back on his mask, heading for the exit where he had
left his bike, “Nice having a chat, but I have to go. I have some unfinished business left.”
Bruce shook his head as he watched his eldest “son” walk off and then turned back to the computer screen, suddenly realizing Dick has said he had been trailing someone, though not who or why. “Curious...”
“Hey Bruce, hey Tim... oh... Tim’s not here. I could have sworn I heard someone else.”
Bruce looked up quickly to see Barbara walking down the stairs, “No, it’s just me. Tim is currently on patrol... which remind me, I need to check on him again.” Bruce quickly flipped on the comlink, “Come in Robin.”
“Heya Batman. What’s up?”
Bruce rolled his eyes and then said, “I was about to ask you the same question... though not in those exact words.”
Tim’s voice sounded kind of disappointed, “Oh... I was hoping for some action... anyway it’s pretty quiet out here. The only thing I’ve seen out and about were a couple of alley cats.”
“Ok Tim. Head on home. Looks like everything is going to stay quiet tonight.”
Bruce leaned back in his chair, and turned to talk to Barbara, still unable to shake the feeling of dread that was welling up deep within himself.
**************************************************
The bar was called the "Silver Blade". It was the hangout for about the worst biker gangs ever to ride a Harley. Weapons were evident around the room, as they all laughed, shot pool, and drank. Suddenly the door was kicked in, and they all gaped at Nightwing as he stood in the doorway. "I'm looking for Brian Spencer... anyone care to lead the way?"
All of the bikers looked at each other, and then several of them rushed Nightwing, swinging their pool sticks. The sticks broke harmlessly over Nightwing's forearms. He smiled coldly, "You get one chance... and that was it." then he lept in the air, executing a perfect spin kick. Three of the bikers now lay on the ground moaning, while all the others continued to stare.
"Anyone else?" Nightwing asked in an slightly cocky, slightly threatening voice.
All of the bikers quickly pulled out pistols and began blazing away. With a swift leap backwards, Nightwing smashed out of the front plate glass window, and onto the street outside. Hiding for a moment in the shadows he waited until the firing stopped and then bulldozed his way inside, slamming into a table and using it as a battering ram. Several more bikers fell to the floor, and the rest, though they fired, were all too drunk to hit anything. In a flurry of punches and kicks, the fight was over, with only two people left conscious. Nightwing stared at the bartender and asked in a deadly voice, "Now, one more time... where is Brian Spencer?!" The bartender pointed towards the back hallway, "He's back there... with a couple of girls."
Nightwing turned and stalked towards the back, then suddenly spun, a batarang flashed out. The shotgun fell from the bartender's nerveless hands and Nightwing took one flying leap into the bartender to send him to dream land.
The door smashed open and Brian Spencer spun towards it, away from the two ladies with him, "What the h***?!" Nightwing strode into the room and threw just one punch. Quickly handcuffing Brian Spencer he glanced at the laides and gave a mild suggestion, "Try a new line of business..." then he turned and walked out through the mayhem he had left behind. A few hours later, a couple police men found Brian Spencer just outside the police station, with his hands and ankles bound.
Darkwing smiled coldly as he watched the police take Spencer away, then he faded into the night.
**************************************************
The sun shone brightly on Gotham, and though it looked to everyone as though it was a perfect day, all was not going perfectly...
The robbery was being executed perfectly. The cloaked figure stood, looking at his watch as his men worked on the safe. “5 minutes.” he said in a gravely voice. His men looked up from their work, but didn’t stop. In two more minutes the safe was wide open and they begin to grab bags of money and run for the cars. The man smiled and nodded slightly to the tellers, guards, and bank patrons who were all tied up, “I’ve had a delightful time... Perhaps we can all get together again sometime.” then he strolled out into the daylight. As the cars pulled away, merging with traffic, the police cars arrived in a swarm of speed and sirens. They rushed in to find that they were to late... 30 seconds to late to be exact.
**************************************************
Nightwing crouched on a building looking down at the bank. His eyes narrowed slightly as he looked the layout over. He had arrived at the same time as the cops, but they were obviously to late. Jumping over to the skylight of the banks, he listened in as one of the tellers told the story.
“These five men all burst in waving these kind of old style machine guns... they looked like tommy guns or somethin’. We pushed the silent alarm, and the big guy, who was wearing this trenchcoat and wide brim hat, didn’t seem to care. We were all tied up and the guys four cronies started working on the safe. This whole time he was just looking at his watch... it’s like he knew exactly when the cops would arrive. They didn’t even try to empty the safe. They took as much as they could carry and then left.”
Nightwing moved off to another building and looked down at the bank again, deep in thought. He suddenly senses something and slid back into the shadows. A moment later Batman, Batgirl, and Robin landed in front of the bank and walked over to one of the police officers. Nightwing could feel the pull to go talk to Barbara but he just
shook his head and turned, moving away swiftly.
**************************************************
A few building down a lone figure watched the three heroes with extreme interest. Another man came up the stairs and walked over, “What now boss?” The boss glanced at him, then back at the heroes, “Tell the boys to finish repainting the cars, and make sure they have all the Malatov Cocktails ready. We’ve got another job for tonight.”
The henchman nodded, “Right boss.” and headed back downstairs.
The boss glanced at his watch, and began a silent count down, “5, 4, 3, 2, 1.” he smiled as he watched the three heroes shoot off their grappling hooks and swing away from the crime scene, “Aaaaaaaah.... right on time.”
**************************************************
Barbara had chosen to take this late night patrol. Her dad was working late because of the robbery, and so was she. As she looked over the city, she saw another figure crouching over by on a building. Pulling out her binoculars, she gave a quiet start when she saw who it was. “Nightwing...” she breathed out quietly.
**************************************************
Nightwing leaned up against the head of a Gargoyle as he looked over the city...
He didn't know what the other three heroes were doing, but Nightwing had a gut feeling that he needed to stick around. Pulling a pair of binoculars from his utility belt he began to scan the area. Locking onto some smoke in the distance he frowned... the sound of fire engine sirens gently wafted on the breeze, and he looked on... the vehicles would get their quicker, and they were better equipped for that kind of situation. Nightwing stood silently, maintaining his vigil.
**************************************************
Batgirl was readying her grappling hook to swing over towards Nightwing when suddenly she heard the fire engines. Sighing, she redirected her grappling hook and headed off in that direction as she murmured to herself, “I’ll find you again... but later.”
**************************************************
The cloaked figure smiled as he watched several more police cars drive away. Stepping out of the car he dropped his cigar and stamped it out, then walked towards the police stations with his four cronies. All of them carried uzis that were holstered under their jackets. Having memorized the plans to the building, the cloaked figure led them through the hallways, appearing to everyone around him that he belonged their. Taking stairs downwards he entered the evidence lockers. Moving towards the cage, a police man looked over at him, “What can I get out for you?”
“Actually, I think I’ll get it myself.” the man said, then raised a silenced pistol and fired one shot. Opening the door and stepping behind it the Boss nodded, “Grab the money and drugs.” then he began watching the seconds tick away on his watch. His men grabbed the loot and quickly stuffed it into knapsacks they had carried hidden under their jackets. Leaving the evidence room, the walked swiftly towards the exit. One of the policemen looked over at them and asked with a slightly suspicious voice, “What’s in the knapsacks.” Another quick silenced shot and the man dropped. Several other policemen, started in shock at their fallen comrade. Before they could draw their weapons, the loud clatter of uzis rang out, and their bodies dropped to the floor. Striding out the front door, the men all got in their cars and calmly merged with traffic, disappearing into the stillness of the night.
**************************************************
Nightwing looked over towards the police station quickly. He thought he had heard shots. He watched as five figures strode out... four of them carried knapsacks and smoking uzis! The other figure wore a trenchcoat, and wore a wide brimmed hat that hid his features. Swiftly putting away his binoculars Nightwing lept from the building, using his fastest mode of transportation to get there. He arrived just a few minutes later, but still too late. Nightwing charged into the police stations, and skidded to a halt when he stepped inside... several policemen lay where they had fallen, unmoving. Behind him, the doors opened, and other policemen rushed in. They all gasped in horror as the scene before them. Nightwing turned and strode through them, his eyes as hard as flint... someone was going to pay.
**************************************************
Batgirl and Robin stood looking over Batman’s shoulders as all of them stared at the computer screen. “The people that robbed the bank, the people that set the fire in the warehouse district, and the people that robbed the police station evidence room must all be one and the same. There’s not way there could be that much coincidence.”
Batgirl nodded, “But what do we do now that we figured that out? I mean, what’s the common factor here?”
Batman shook his head as he leaned back in his chair, “I don’t know yet but I’ll find out.” He then looked over at the stairs where Alfred stood, “Something wrong Alfred?”
“No sir... but I was looking outside and saw your signal on the clouds sir.”
“All right, show time!” Robin said excitedly.
Batman smiled ever so slightly as he nodded, “Thankyou Alfred.” He then stood and headed for the batmobile with Robin right behind him.
Batgirl trailed behind just a little, wishing there was some way to catch Bruce alone and ask him about Nightwing being back. She sighed, and climbed onto her motorcycle, following the Batmobile as they sped towards the police station.
**************************************************
Nightwing saw the batsignal shining on the sky over head. Moving swiftly through the night he slipped onto the roof undetected. Commisioner Gordon was standing there, and moments later the intrepid threesome arrived. Without any preliminaries, Gordon spoke up, “I just got this note... the writer claims responsibility for the robbery yesterday, the burned warehouse tonight, and the attack here. Though the writer doesn’t state a name, the person does say where we can next locate them. Down at the harbor at the old abandoned marina.”
Batman nodded slowly and said cautiously, “Sounds like a possible trap.”
“Who cares? We can take on anything that comes our way!” Robin piped up quickly.
Gordon shook his head slightly and muttered, “Kids!” then looked at Batman, “I’m sending several squads over their right now, but I figured you should know about it too.”
Batman nodded, “Thanks.” then turned and swung off into the night with the other two behind him.
Nightwing stayed in the shadows until everyone was gone, then moved off to another building. His mind was moving quickly and he murmured softly, “The patterns... crooks always have patterns. The first crime was timed so noone could catch him. The second was mainly a diversion for the third. This sounds more like a blind of some kind.” Dropping to ground level he climbed on his motorcycle and quickly thought about the layout of Gotham City... what was farthest away from the harbor... “Arkham Asylum!” he murmured quickly. Kicking the starter on the motorcycle he raced towards Arkham.
**************************************************
A few building over a lone figure watched Batman, Batgirl, and Robin all swing off towards the docks. He then watched moments later as Nightwing roared off towards Arkham Asylum. He smiled as he went down the fire escape to join his henchmen in the cars. “Where to now boss?” He smiled evilly, “On to city hall!”
**************************************************