Vigilante Struggles

Chapter Two

Nightwing's P.O.V
The wind rips through my suit as I speed through the dark streets of Gotham. The familiar smell of pollution would have given me a sense of nostalgia, if I wasn't currently burning with pain. I could feel the blood in my gloves as it ran down my arm. I should have applied pressure in any other situation, but with pieces of wood embedded within my flesh, applying pressure would only force the pieces deeper. I just have to make it to the Batcave before I pass out. If that happens, my shoulder won't be the only thing bothering me.

I take the quickest route to the Batcave and I should reach it within 10 minutes of crossing the Gotham/ Blüdhaven border.

Bruce's P.O.V
I stand behind Tim as he types up a report reviewing last night's patrol. Joker had managed to escape with the help of a distraction from Deathstroke. A very strange alliance or, coincidental. Although from my experience, I will believe it to be a team up. The reason and purpose to be confirmed.

I look to my left to see Barbra typing furiously on the.....Bat - keyboard? I smirk as I recall Dick insisting that everything must be Bat - themed. That was a long time ago now though. Ever since Dick left, the manor hasn't been the same. The laughter and goofy jokes ceased and the only conversations that ring around the halls are theoretical based, since Tim has a great interest in knowledge. I miss having Dick around, though I would never admit it. He was the one Robin that truly understood me. We were the first dynamic duo. Don't get me wrong, each Robin offered something special. Tim offered knowledge, patience and his detective ability was flawless, with upcoming experience of course. Jason.... he was hotheaded and cheeky. He brought a new feeling of adventure. His loyalty was of a standard deemed unbreakable. His fighting skills were strength induced, taking down the enemy quickly. He always had my back......even if in the end I didn't have his. I have loved all my little Robins, but Dick brought something I simply cannot explain.

I decided to refocus on Barbra A.K.A Oracle. Her emerald eyes glossed over with concentration as lines of coding run down the floresent screen. A sudden ping echoed around the Batcave as Barbra finished her work.
"Oh my God" she whispered. Shock and worry being the most dominant features on her face.
"What is it Barbra?" I asked. Barbra was a strong character, nothing fazed her. This was an obvious matter to be dealt with seriously.
"You better come and see, you too Tim. It's serious" she replies. Her face now holds a more stoic look, as though she is hiding emotions.
I look down to the screen when I reach her wheelchair, Tim shadowing to my right. Now I understand why her reaction was so off character. I let my eyes visibly widen as the truth seeps in. The Joker is after Dick.

Oracle had been investigating the recent nine murder cases between Gotham and Blüdhaven. They were strange and unrelated. Each victim completely innocent of any crime. It seemed as though each murder was out of cold blood. That some sick criminal was thirsty for blood. But what the screen showed, was different. The names held a message, a plan of excellence and precision. Now I can confirm that Joker and Deathstroke are in alliance with each other.
Nick Right
Ingrid Rose
Grace O' Hanrahan
Harry Thompson
Timothy Byrnes
Wilma Day
Iris Satchmen
Noreen Fletcher
Gregory Walsh.

NIGHTWING.

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A roar sounded around the Batcave as Dick speeds in on his motorcycle. Pain clear in his face as he threw off his helmet. His sluggish walk is incentive enough for me to rush over to inspect. I get closer and his features become more clear. His face was pale, slight wrinkles evident as his face twisted with his discomfort. His left shoulder displayed a gruelling picture as blood flowed freely down his back and arm, splinters and chunks of wood protruding outwards. What HAD happened?

"ALFRED!!" I yell, hoping that my father figure would appear.
"Yes sirrr...oh dear, master Dick what have you done?" I look at Dick urging him for a response.
"Explosion...from....Joker" he rasps. It was all he could get out. I share a look at Barbra and Tim as Alfred took Dick to the infirmary.
"It didn't take long for the Joker to set his plan into play" Barbra states. It was true, Joker has only been at large for approximately 8hrs. No sightings. Dick has already been hurt, luckily not killed. Although something tells me the explosion was to injure, not kill. I need to find out their real plan before Dick's absence from the manor becomes permanent.
"We need to tell Dick about this" Tim's voice follows" to keep him safe so that he does not run into any trouble blind of true danger"

I wasn't sure about telling him, but I knew it was for the best.
" we'll tell him tomorrow, when he has rested" I say looking over at Alfred plucking pieces of wood out of Dick's shoulder. It will leave a scar. Another mark to the collection.
"I agree, he doesn't need the stress now" Barbra replies as she starts to move over towards Dick and Alfred. This must be hard for her as well. Dick and her have a special relationship.

I look down at my shoes before turning towards the bat computer to start my investigation. I'll be damned if I let another son slip threw my fingers at the hand of a twisted maniac.
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Ahhhh sorry for the late update!! I'm keeping my chapters shorter so that the story doesn't run out!! Plus it is easier to read short clear chapters.