Vigilante Struggles

Chapter 3

Barbra's P.O.V.
I sit by Dick's bed gently stroking his ebony hair. His face held a peaceful expression as he slept. It's moments like this that I treasure. No worry, conflict or pain. No negative omens or emotions. Just pure bliss and peace. I wish every minute of my life could be spent like this, but then I probably wouldn't have met Dick. I also probably wouldn't have had a run in with Joker either. I was the infamous Batgirl, independent and strong. I don't know if Joker had found out my identity or if he was trying to attack the commissioner's daughter, either way my ability to walk is gone, as well as my days ( or nights) of being batgirl.

Dick stood by me, every step, every bump. Anyone else would have abandoned me. I wouldn't have blamed him if he did leave me. To be held back by my problems, but he loved me even more. Best of all he treated me the same. He knew I hated pity. Looking back I'm grateful for what had happened. Dick and I are so much closer, though I cannot walk, I am a much stronger person than before. Hard times may break you, but what doesn't kill you makes you stronger and I will stand by Dick through this time. Just like he did for me.

I look back on all the times he supported me and every time he expected nothing in return. That is Dick for you, thinks of everyone but himself. I let out a humorous sigh. I cannot imagine life without him. I may not actually be here today if it wasn't for him. He found me first and called help. I think he said he had a ' gut feeling' and thank god he did.

Footstep echo down the rocky steps of the infirmary. Too light to be Bruce's so it had to be Tim. I look around and my hypothesis is correct. I smile kindly at Tim as he sat down at the edge of Dick's bed.
" How is he?" Tim asked, his voice small, almost a whisper. I didn't know if it was because Dick was asleep, or he was worried.
" His injuries weren't major, but they weren't minor either. He's stable now" I replied. I knew how Tim liked things straight to the point.
"When.....how are we going to tell him that not only is SladeWilson after him, but also Joker. You know how he gets with Deathstroke, but now Joker has Jason's blood on his hands. He'll do something reckless" Tim said. I couldn't agree more. Dick would do anything for family and getting back at Joker for Jason's death will be the first thing on his mind.
" I......" I was cut off by the Bat signal. Tim grabbed the handles of my wheelchair and ran up the newly installed ramp, to the main Batcave area. Bruce, already in his Batman suit, was waiting at the computer.
"What is it this time?" I asked as Tim ran to change into his Red Robin suit.
"A shooting, in downtown Gotham" Batman informed me. I look down at my hands. Memories of the crude noise ring in my head.
"Barbra....are you okay?" Batman asked. I look at him knowing the emotion in my eyes.
" Just make sure no innocents are hurt" I say. I wheeled over to the computer and began to hack the downtown CCTV cameras.
"We are all here for you Barbra....Tim, Alfred, Dick.....me" Bruce states. A silence soon follows leaving us in deep thought.
"Batman! You ready?" Tim shouts. Bruce doesn't reply, he simply turns and stalks over before hopping into the Batmobile. I am now left looking at the computer, waiting for Dick to wake up.
Batman's P.O.V.
I hate guns. This destructive weapon is the reason for the death of my own parents and for the deaths or injuries of many more people. For someone to be running around with this weapon is disgusting. Playing god on who lives and who dies. Pulling the trigger on man, woman and child. It's selfish.

I harshly put my foot on the brakes, skidding to a stop. I made sure to keep the Batmobile hidden far from the site. I press a button on the control panel and it shoots Red Robin and I into the air. We both grapple to our destination before taking point on a building. I look down noticing a man with a red helmet. He was reloading his gun. He must be responsible for the shooting.
" Ahhh Batman. I thought you'd never show" he says suddenly, turning quickly and aiming his gun. He is obviously experienced and not an average thug. I don't bother answering, just in case he was bluffing.
"I know you're there.....you too replacement." Was he referring to Tim? Tim came after Jason but no one considered him a replacement. I decided to jump down, but I told Tim to stay and sneak around the back.
" who are you?" I ask. I'm not in the mood for mind games given the Joker and Slade situation.
"Always so direct, but to be honest Bats I'm gonna let you figure it out. Ya know, world's greatest detective and all" he speaks with great confidence but his hand remains on the trigger. I see Tim waiting just above where this man stood.
" I'm not playing games, now tell me who. You. Are" I add a soul burning glare for effect. He just chuckles.
" you're funny." He laughs before replying in serious tone." But your stare downs don't work on me anymore"
Anymore? What does he mean by that? I don't remember seeing him before.
" What do mean anymore?" I was gonna drain any little bit of information from this guy. I know he is dangerous. Tim starts moving to strike but I signal for him to wait.
" I know what you're doing Batman. I know all your tactics. I also know that bird boy is right behind me. What is it?..... Thomas....Tom? No I think it was more of a Tim. Timothy Drake?" Now I know this guy is very dangerous. I decide it's time to act.
"Red Robin NOW!!!" I shout as I throw a batarang. The man whips out another gun and shoots the batarang. He uses the other gun to shoot Tim in the knee. Red Robin yells in pain but lands in a tuck remaining on the ground.
"It's me or him Bruce, you choose"
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Dick's P.O.V.
I wake up feeling tired and sore. I swing my feet over the side of the bed and take the tablets that were left on the table to the side. I gulp down the glass of water before wobbling up to main part of the cave. Barbra is sitting at the computer working on some cases. She hasn't noticed me yet as she sips from her coffee cup. I continue to sneak up on her. Upon reaching her I grab her shoulders.
"AHHH. Dick what are....DICK YOU'RE AWAKE, FINALLY" she screams. I chuckled.
" you can't keep away from me Babs" she smiles.
" I was worried but I was also bored!"she says.
" well let me tell you my night was very...eventful. Nearly get blown to pieces and all" I joke. She laughs her melodic laugh.
" now that you're up you can help me with these cases" she smirks at me, if she was bored doing it what the hell am I gonna do.
" where's Bruce and Tim?" I ask. If they are on patrol I might be able to help them instead of cases.
"They are out checking out a shooting in downtown Gotham" perfect.
" oh well, I'll go help them" I state quickly turning and heading for my motorcycle. There is still blood on the handles. "I'll clean it later" I thought. I sat in the seat and went to turn the key, except it wasn't there.
" ah ah ah, boy wonder. You aren't going out. You're hurt, plus I need help with these cases." She says, jingling my keys in her hand.
"Fine. Fine" I sigh clearly defeated. I trudge back to Barbra and sat in a chair beginning the first case. I look at Barbra who bursts out laughing and I can't help but to join in.
-----TIME SKIP-----
I finish the last of the files before leaning back in the chair. I look down at Babs. She had falling asleep on my shoulder awhile ago and I decided to do her files as well. I carefully stretch over and pick her up. I carried her up to the manor and up to a guest room, that I guess is hers because she is here so often. I pull over the duvet and set her down. I carefully pull off her shoes and tucked her in. I kissed her forehead before leaving the room. I turned back and looked at her.
"G'night Babs" I whisper before closing the door and heading to my old room.
I enter the room and change into some Pjs I had left here. I fold up a spare Nightwing suit I had brought up and put it into a bag ready for the morning. I would have to leave early for work in the morning. I got into bed and fell into a dreamless sleep.
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I realise that my updates won't be as fast as I would like but I have tonnes of schoolwork to finish first. I'll try to update when I can. Thanks to all those who are reading this book!!