Fear The Reaper

2

It didn't take Batman long to get to Bludhaven- it being Gothams sister city and all- and it took even less time for him to park right outside Nightwings apartment. He expected the other to already be back from patrol, but to his surprise the young acrobats window was still open and his apartment completely deserted. Batman, however, still entered to see if he could get a clue as to where the other was or even just wait until he got back. He didn't want this to be a wasted trip is all. Even if it did end with his past partner telling him everything was fine and shooing him off, he would still like to talk with them. It having been quite some time and all.

His brow rose in confusion when he saw that things were scattered about and a broken phone laid abandoned on the floor. He easily found himself searching the place for clues as to what happened. But aside from an open laptop that hadn't even been turned on, there was nothing else. Well, except for the abandoned communicator that caught his attention for a moment, making his gut twist a bit with anxiety. Okay, maybe he should check the city? His puzzling thoughts only continued to grow as he headed out into the darkened streets.

Unbeknownst to him, Nightwing was quite a ways away from his home, with knuckles bruised and breathing heavy as he swiftly hit the man in his grip once more. Their quiet whimpers the only noise coming from their trembling lips as the acrobat demanded loudly, "Where did he go!?"

"Please- please! I don't know!" They sobbed out, blood trickling down their chin. "I don't know what you're talking about! I- I promise!" They continued to plead. "Just let me go! I promise I won't steal again. Here- look! Look if you want information, there's this guy that owns this bar! Been there for years. He knows everything-"

Nightwing rougly threw the other into the wall. His eyes wide and crazed as he glared down at them with long heavy pants. "Stop lying." He snarled. "There was a man that came through here. You had to have seen him. So I'll ask again, which way did he go?" Nightwing stated, attempting to make another advance, but a bright light caught his attention.

An Officer had stumbled upon the two- the loud cries grabbing his attention. He was surprised to find the city's favored hero harshly attacking a man, even more so when they threw them against the wall getting ready to advance on them once more. Through all of this he could only watch a man cowering for their life, with a hero showing not even a speck of mercy as they continued their assault.

Instinctively he took action. Hero or not, in his eyes a man's life was in danger and it was not Nightwings. "Freeze!" He screamed loudly, light and gun landing on the acrobat.

Nightwing stopped where he was, his face drenched with shock before it quickly dissolved to rage. "What the hell do you think you're doing?" He hissed, the officer taking a hesitant step back.

"Nightwing, step away from him." The officer continued, straightening his posture. "Please. I don't know what happened here, but he can't harm anyone anymore. I can take him in myself so-"

"Just get out of here!" Nightwing snapped. Taking a few threatening steps towards the officer. "He knows where Zucco is! I know he does! He's not going anywhere until he tells me which way that bastard went!" He pointed a threatening finger at his newest victim.

"I won't ask again." Was all the officer said, finger trained to the trigger. "Step away. Whoever you are looking for is no longer here. So I suggest you leave."

It seemed with each word the acrobat was losing it more. He was almost tugging at his hair as he growled to himself. His frustration only continuing to rise and soon boil over as he sent a piercing glare the others way. Why were they stopping him? Could it be they were one of the crooked cops littering Bludhavens streets? They had to be. He couldn't help but conclude. They probably knew where Zucco was too and all they were trying to do was bail their this other guy out before he successfully got Zuccos whereabouts. Yes. That had to be it. Why else would a cop protect a crook from a hero?