Post by Batman (Bruce Wayne) on Jan 2, 2013 16:01:40 GMT -5
Two heads are better than one
Story By: Batman
Heroes: Batman and Red Robin (III)
Villains: Two-Face
April 8th, 2012…“So, Mr. Mayor, these past few months Gotham has been come under a lot of stress and strain. What do you make of our status and recovery? We did almost have a few nuclear missiles crash down right here in our very city and the law enforcement had failed to act. And somehow your administration seems more tolerant than ever of this “Batman” and his rising “army” within the city!” –Mayor Krol smirked at the blond haired man wearing a blue suit and cheap comb over and freckles over his face.- “Gotham City is no *war zone* Coran…Gotham City is as strong as it ever was and I want to let the citizens of Gotham know that we still don’t consider any man *OR* woman who tries to take the law into their own hands as someone trustworthy. Here’s the lesson for folks watching at *home.* If you want to make a difference in the community, join the police force, firefighters, attorney’s office, get an education…” <c>
-Coran smiled and then mocked.- “Unlike this “Batman, Batgirl, Robin, Nightwing, Black Canary, Huntress…What’s next, Batwoman?” –Mayor Krol and the audience would laugh at the idea.- “Not if I have a say in it, Coran.” –The ping of silver and nickel being slashed by a thumb nail and skin, a large silver dollar spun half of the image was polished, shining with “In God we Trust.” –Two-face stood peering over the docks to look into the water. He spoke with a deep throated, raspy growl he spoke.- “Fish food or lead poisoning…What’s your choice, kid?” –Harvey then snapped.- “NO! He’s only a child. He needs--….” –Two-Face interrupted Harvey.- “--He needs to be brought before true justice…No one steals and gets away with it.” –The boy sat tied with his wrists bound in tightly knitted rope wrapped around his wrists. Another piece around his face, tucked between his lips with a double loose tie behind his head. <c>
The gangsters listened to Two-Face while holding one hand on either shoulder of Tim Drake.- “It’s okay, kid. I’ll get you out of here, safely.” –Harvey turned his right eye to look at Tim, offering a wink and a smile. When suddenly Two-Face turned to reveal a scarred face, bone underneath his cheek and jaw line exposed. It would seem extremely painful to walk around with such a condition and appearance. Two-Face snarled.- “You play the system just to everyone else. Let’s see what the system has in store for you.” –Throughout the conversation between Two-Face and Harvey Dent, Tim would no doubt notice the silver dollar bouncing up and down as Harvey kept flipping it nervously. Finally catching the coin, Harvey looked at the result to see the coin landed on heads.- “Alright kid…My…*partner* is willing to give you a chance at redemption…” –Harvey knelt before Tim Drake and stroked his right hand along Tim’s youthful face, offering a smile, while Two-Face’s gaze lazily watched with an almost completely exposed eyeball.- <c>
“Tell him what you did with the money..and he might let you go. Look at it this way, it won’t hurt your odds of surviving this. What do you say?”
-This was horrible, how did he get into this? Tim would admit that he was inspired by the sight of that night almost a month ago…The Green Lantern flew over head at an amazing speed and dismantled a missile before his very eyes. Another man performed a similar trick, grabbing a missile and suddenly crushing it without delay. Tim didn’t believe the Government was attacking, there was something *else* going on in the city that day, but Tim’s focus went onto the pitch black vehicle that flew at full speed towards a third missile. His heart began racing at the amazing sight of Batman. Tim had lost vision of the previous Robin. After spying on the First Robin, he knew the second Robin was *nothing* like the first. But Tim was curious what happened to the 2nd Robin, he had disappeared completely. Like the Batgirl, Robin had disappeared mysteriously. <C>
Tim saw Batman, the Green Lantern, and the Martian Manhunter swing into action at *these* very docks. Tim glared at Two-Face as he spoke to himself, a few muffled growls came from the defiant teenager, physically he wasn’t a match for the gangsters surrounding him, but if he could escape he was more than agile enough to escape. The men loosened Tim’s mouth restrain and allowed him to speak he would growl; a detective would never allow evidence to fall into the wrong hands unless there was something.- “Let my father go and I’ll give you your money.” –Tim’s blue eyes glared at Two-Face, ignoring Harvey’s appealing features to look at the scarred, ugly, damaged face of Two-Face to show he wasn’t scared. Two-Face- “Deal. Your father’s let go…” –Tim would hold a gnarled face untrusting of a Batman villain. Thoughts of the Batman drifted into his head.- <c>
February 2nd, 2012…“Hi…uh, is Mr. Wayne home?” –Alfred looked at the young man.- “I’m sorry, is Mr. Wayne expecting you?” “Uh…No. But I need to talk to him about Two-Face. I…I need his help.” –Alfred would frown at the young man.- “I’m sorry, Young sir. But if you have a problem, perhaps you should contact the *police* authorities.” –Tim Drake’s blue eyes turned hollow, fear, and a stomach churning feeling over took him.- “Please! I need Batman.” –Alfred’s expression jumped in surprise as Tim lifted his hands holding them out to Alfred.- “I’m-…sorry, Sir but-…” –Tim interrupted.- “What happened with Robin? Why hasn’t Batman and Robin teamed up lately?” –Alfred fought back an urge to shed tears, Tim didn’t realize the watering eyes as Tim himself was desperate and trying to convince Alfred that he *needed* to speak with Batman.- “Good evening…sir.” –Alfred closed the door to Wayne Manor leaving Tim there to drop onto his knees.-
-Two-Face’s grin watched Tim, the young Drake who was an additional bonus and errand boy for Two-Face when his old man got himself deep with the sharks. Needing money for medical expenses, Jack Drake went into a deal with Two-Face over a few months of payback, when Jack fell behind, Two-Face brought Tim Drake into the equation by having the young boy deliver small letters and other legal operations; walking into a post office, spying on police officers, the young boy was reliable and very useful. No one would expect a child to spy for a criminal organization. What did the boy think about his old man? Two-Face didn’t care, but he saw potential in Tim Drake rather than his useless old man who was full of broken promises. Then Tim pulled this stunt, after being trusted to pick up a shipment of money, Drake stashed it and wanted to bargain for his families freedom. How long was this kid conspiring? At least 3 months, and he had done a lot to earn Two-Face’s trust.- <c>
“Alright..So where is the cash?” –Two-Face stood up and flicked his coin again, this time allowing Tim to see the scarred side of the silver dollar, it was a two-headed coin; one side pristine and polished while the other side was scarred and scorched. The white and black toned business suit kept half his body concealed within the darkness provided by the clouds covering the sky. Orange street lights at the docks port offered some lighting; otherwise it was near pitch black. The television continued to speak.- “Where do these people come from?” –Mayor Krol would shrug.- “I assume broken families. People desperate for attention…We need to keep in mind that these are people who probably had no mother and father to teach them right from wrong. And its society’s job to be the *parent.*<C>
So if Batman were watching today. Stop trying to take the law into your own hands and participate in a community clean-up!” –Batman’s eyes felt strained, thoughts of him *trying* to be a father had failed, he allowed one child to leave with bad feelings between them. Another was shot by the Joker and paralyzed. And the last of his ward was brutally beaten by a solid piece of an iron crowbar shaft.-<c>
February 2nd, 2012…Bruce was wearing a short sleeved muscle shirt exposing his healing scars. Bruce’s heart ached; he felt a sharp dagger applying pressure to his chest and stomach. His eyes filled with sorrow seeing the young boy, Tim Drake walking down the driveway to Wayne Manor with his head hung. Periodically the kid would look back, hopeful that someone would rush out and offer help. Alfred was standing in the doorway to the living room, as Bruce stared out the window.- “Alfred…I can’t…Not another one. Jason…” –Alfred nodded slowly, his head full of sorrow and empathy for Bruce.- “I know, sir…No one can blame you.” “I can, Alfred. The Batman was meant to inspire good, and the most I could accomplish was inspiring a psychopath who has dedicated everything to making my life a living hell.”
April 8th, 2012…-Tim had never seen a stronger poker face expression than that of Two-Face, the irritated pulsing of an eyeball with red cracks lining the side and back of it while his lips were nearly burnt off. Harvey’s eyes gaze him a hint as to what Two-Face was like, but Tim would have to guess.- “Alright…It’s in the crate over there.” –Tim gestured with his head, and watched as Two-Face’s gangster came rushing towards the crate, opening it to see a briefcase. Pulling it out the gangster quickly opened it to reveal 1 million dollars in cash. Two-Face walked over to it and inspected it, finding it satisfactory, Two-Face looked at Tim Drake.- “Good, kid.” –Two-face would pull his glock pistol out of his pocket and aim it at Tim Drake.- “Now…Lets see your odds. You work for us or you die.” –Tim jumped to his feet only for two gangsters to slam him back down.- “You said-…!” –Two-Face pressed the pistol against Tim Drake’s face.- “I said your old man was free. Now your turn…”
February 2nd, 2012…”The Wayne foundation has announced a new plan to expand orphanage funding. Bruce Wayne is said to have a speech tonight at…” –Tim Drake walked past the store front with the talking televisions, wearing a brown long sleeve shirt, dark brown khaki pants with a black vest he watched as a clown approached him.- “Hey kid…Join the joker gang. I’ve seen you dropping stuff for Two-Face, he’s an old hack who doesn’t stand a chance.” –Tim glared at the clown and growled in defiance.- “No. I’m not a pawn. I’m a dete-…” –The clown pulled a switchblade knife and snickered.- “I wasn’t asking you…” –Tim took a step back, his eyes widened, his heart began racing as he held his hands up.- “Now…Lets get the right answer.” –Tim felt himself ready to surrender, the only option available to him before becoming a fillet.-
-February 2nd, 2012…The Clown hadn’t noticed the darkness, the predator that stalked within it. Tim Drake had walked from the city to the outer limits; no doubt the boy was tired, restless, and unable to defend himself. The clown was taking on the right target, perfectly vulnerable. The recruiter had experience with who were weak enough to fall for his *persuasion,* but his location was a cliché…’wrong place, wrong time.’ –The Clown grinned underneath his plastic mask of a smiling clown. The whipping and slashing of wiring caught their attention briefly, the clown felt a wire twisting around his ankles, and before he could react he looked down and was picked up thirty feet dangling upside down. The boy on the ground knew something was wrong and took off running. Dashing through an alleyway, the kid leaped and jumped over debris, evading everything in his path, if someone were behind him, he would’ve escaped. <c>
Drake’s problem was…no one was behind him. Wings of vengeance, cloaked in darkness dropped down from above Tim Drake revealing blue eyes and the face of anger. The 6’2” man muscular and coated in thick hide armor, Batman moved with demonic speed, fast enough to grab the boy should he begin running away, but no doubt the child would stop as *this* was what he wanted. The alleyway was dark, narrow enough to barely fit the Bat mobile if he chose to drive it through. Batman grabbed Tim Drake by the shirt before they suddenly lifted to the air via Batman’s grappling gun. A swoosh of air recoiling out as the gas powered device launched towards the sky.- “You work for Two-Face…Why should I trust you?” <c>
April 8th, 2012…-Harvey went to catch the coin in mid flight when all of the lights in the air shut down and left the area in pitch black. Harvey began to panic, looking around while gripping his gun in hand.- “It’s the bat! How did he know where we were?” –A gangster would grumble.- “Maybe the kid ratted us out!” –Harvey looked at Tim and sighed with deep disappointment.- “You ratted us out, kid? Put the kid into the crate!” “Which one?” –The gangsters spoke dumbly, Harvey shot a hole into an already fractured crate. The men would quickly hoist Tim Drake into the crate, and then seal it with metal latches.- “Toss the kid, the Bat will have to chose which is worth more. You hear me, Batman?! Pick the kid or US!” –The gangsters tossed the crate into the water immediately causing a splash and a multitude of bubbles to rise to the surface. <c>
-The gangsters began walking back towards three vehicles, twelve men dressed in business suits, when suddenly two men were tackled and slammed into wooden crates smashing their heads into the plywood framework, splintering them and forcing them to drop unconscious. The remaining ten backed away and took aim at the darkness. Batman leaped into the air and hurled three batarangs, slashing the guns of the men breaking them or disarming them. He dropped down into the crowd and spun to kick one gangster in the stomach, throwing them off the dock and into the water. Batman caught another gangster’s foot, and slammed his wrist against the man’s shin snapping it and forcing the man onto the ground in pain.-
February 2nd, 2012…Tim felt his heart racing, before speaking a whip of wire pulled the clown towards the sky. Tim didn’t hesitate and took to running, dashing across the street, dodging a car from hitting him he leaped into an alleyway where he front flipped over a large pile of recycling cans and then he slipped between a chained fence, jumping up onto the top of an iron gate with bars he swiftly front flipped over and grabbed onto a fire escape, parkor maneuvering was essential to his survival on the street, front flipping he landed at the other end of the alley with his heart racing until he saw the specter of darkness. The essence of good that all evil was terrified of. Tim had stalked Batman, and never once felt as scared as he was right now! It was *him,* the one and only that brought full attention onto Tim Drake. <c>
Tim would doubt this was Bruce Wayne for a mere second, but he would manage to speak cowardly.- “Bruce…Wayne?” –He yelped as they began flying, the sound of the grappling gun was silenced by the thumping in his chest, the blood racing through his body as he wondered if his father or Two-Face would find out he was having this conversation right now!- “I need your help. My dad didn’t know any better, we needed help paying for our medical bills and so…he asked Two-Face for some money…At first things were good, but then other things happened and we fell behind. Two-Face took me as a worker to help pay off the debt. I need help, I don’t want to be a criminal. I’ve watched you and Robin for years. That’s…how I know about you…Bruce…uh..erm…Mr. Wayne…?”<c>
April 8th, 2012…Tim wrestled trying to get free when he saw the lights flash out.- “I didn’t know he would be here! Let me go!” –Tim was placed in the crate, before he could break out they had latched it shut and lifted him.- “Batman! Help!” –Were his last words before he felt the cool touch of water entering the small cramped space of a wooden crate. His hands tied behind his back, Tim tucked his feet and knees to his chest allowing his arms to swing under himself and raise his hands in front of himself. He slammed his fists against the wood causing a board to crack but, it would only allow for more water.- ‘This is it? This is what you get trying to be a detective. Trying to be someone you’re not…You’re not Robin…How could you be without Batman?’
-Batman’s fist slammed into the face of another gangster, throwing them backwards. Bullets began sparking against Batman’s armor, a particular shot from Two-Face scraped against Batman’s cheek, but it didn’t stop Batman from leaping towards his next target. Grabbing the gangster and his gun, Batman’s right hand held onto the gangster’s gun barrel applying downward pressure, while Batman’s left hand supported the gangster’s elbow. Upward pressure would force the arm to crackle follow by the man’s wrist forcing the gangster to scream in agony. Batman spun to his left slapping his cape in the face of two more gangsters, his open armguards made of promethium slashed and snapped the first gangsters gun breaking it, Batman punched him in the face delivering an electrical charge of 10,000 volts knocking him down. Batman’s helmet displayed on the visor.- “00:00.00!” flashing in red. <C>
-Batman grabbed the second target and gripped them by the throat underhanded with his left hand so that he could lift the thug up off the ground before supporting the criminals back while leading their head into the ground for a knock out smash. Once on the ground Batman stomped onto their chest before leaping into the water. Batman tapped his belt and thrusters activated in his boots launching Batman towards the wooden crate Tim Drake was drowning in. Dick Grayson: “If this is how things are going to be, I’m out!” Barbara Gordon: “It…wasn’t your fault…” The image of Jason Todd’s bloody body amongst snow with a letter and a smiley face. ‘Luv Joker xoxo’ Batman aimed his line launcher and fired it. <C>
A single line launched onto the crate while the other leaped out of the water and latched onto the rooftop of a nearby warehouse. Batman reeled back the forward line forcing it to pull the crate to Batman. Once Batman grabbed the crate and placed a plastic explosive without a delay, Batman blew it open while grabbing a facial mask that he would force onto Tim Drake’s mouth and nostrils, the device would allow Tim to breathe for a few minutes while Batman wrapped his arm around Tim’s waist and recalled the line launcher’s rear cable to pull Batman towards the surface. Batman had no time to activate his own breathing system, but if his calculating was correct, he would have no trouble reaching the surface before……Gunshots began raining down towards Batman and Tim Drake, splashing towards them at slow motion, Batman scrunched his nose into a snarl of anger.
-Tim wrestled with the rope while his shoes filled with water and soon his pants. He, it was then he was surprised by a metal hook penetrating through the hull of the crate. Tim’s heart raced as the potential of being rescued was at hand.- ‘Oh gosh…Whatever happens, this will be the last time Batman has to rescue me…I hope.’ –When the crate suddenly exploded Tim closed his eyes and felt the device attach to his mouth while Batman pulled him closer. Tim wrapped his arms around Batman, Tim’s hand gripped onto Batman’s utility belt; he had seen it done many times by Robin I and II as well anyone Batman rescued. Tim wanted to open his eyes and admire the Batman right now, but the darkness of the water made it impossible to see, therefore; Tim relied on Batman. <c>
Tim felt cold, freezing from the water while the sound of darkness around him was deafening.- ‘He is saving me…*him!* The Dark Knight of Gotham. The feeling of being gripped by Batman was slightly more comforting this time, unlike his first encounter with Batman that February day in an alleyway. Tim would open his eyes upon being brought to the surface of the water, he would’ve gasped but, the rebreather gave him no reason to gasp.-
-Before reaching the surface, Batman retracted the full wire of the line launcher allowing it to slip into the water removing any trace of where Batman and Tim Drake were escaping to. Batman slipped underneath the pier and brought Tim up alongside him. Batman’s body was warm from the suit, but no doubt Tim Drake would begin shivering from the cold. Batman armed his grappling hook gun and fired it towards boat in the dock. Batman attached a batarang to Tim Drake’s chest resting flat against his shirt it would allow Batman to trace Tim’s position.- “Hold on tight.” –Batman handed the gun to Tim Drake and activated the recall sending Tim towards the boat at an incredible speed. Batman hurled explosive powder towards the dock’s line of sight of Tim causing small puffs of smoke and dust to blind the men if they were to try and shoot at Tim. <c>
-Batman leaped up and grabbed onto the pier’s wooden support beam and climbed out of the water. The gangsters were few in numbers, only six left looking around as Two-Face seems to have fled. Batman coughed out water from his mouth which drew the attention of the gangsters, they rushed to see Batman crouching next to a stack of crates. A barrage of gunfire would flew towards Batman, as he dived and rolled out of their way, a gangster from the rear shouted.- “Hey! Look out!” –He rolled a drum of leaking oil towards the crates, another gangster lit a cigarette lighter and said.- “Fried Bat-Man coming up!” –The light struck the ground and immediately raced towards the drum causing it to explode and spread fire all over the pier. The gangsters quickly raced to escape. <c>
-Batman was thrown forward and slammed into a steel cargo container slamming his head against it. He collapsed to the ground and groaned from the throbbing headache. His palms rested on either side of his head as his mouth hung open with his eyes closed underneath the white lens concealing around his eyes.-
-Tim would feel himself yanked towards the large boat, pulled onto the deck, he pulled himself onto the deck and began toying with the grappling gun to have it release the grappling wire. He pulled back the hook and reloaded it and then went to look at the edge to see the pier flash with gun shots. His blue eyes would widen in fear for what might happen to Batman, but terror would fill him as he saw the pier explode into a rage of flames. It was getting worse by the second. The gangsters fled running away, But where was Batman? He would stop them, wouldn’t he? What about his father? Two-Face would likely not be happy to have that loose end. Tim weighed; save Batman or try to save his father. He didn’t like leaving Batman, but the odds were Batman was alright. Tim pulled the batarang off his shirt and looked at it when he noticed the small button in the center of the device.- <c>
“What the--…? A tracking device?” –Tim aimed the grappling hook towards the rooftop and fired it to reel himself towards it. The sound of a car engine starting caused Tim to panic.- ‘I can’t fail, not NOW Tim! Robin wouldn’t give up and Batman would trust Robin to get the job done!’ –Tim jumped onto the roof and pulled the grappling gun with him allowing it to reload itself; he took aim with the batarang towards a black car that began driving. He held his breath and then grunted while hurling the batarng at full strength. The Batarang’s red button flashed as it locked onto the frame of the vehicle Tim was throwing it towards and attached itself magnetically to it’s frame as the car screamed around a corner to flee. Tim grinned and smirked with confidence.- “You’re not done yet, Boy Wonder…” <c>
-Tim went to the other side of the roof to see the fire when his eyes spotted Batman lying surrounded by fire.- “Batman!” –Tim fired the hook towards the rooftop beneath his feet and then repelled himself to the ground.- “Wow…This is harder than what it looks…” –He muttered before pulled the grappling gun with him to reach Batman. He stopped when fire stood in his path between him and Batman.- “Batman! Get up!” –Tim watched as the man was lifeless.- ‘Batman is like this because of me. Because of my father. And I need Batman to save my dad…’ –Tim’s jaw stiffened and his eyes glared at the fire.- ‘THINK like Robin…’ –Tim looked at a crate untouched by fire, which he grabbed and dropped onto the flames before stepping on it and front flipping over to Batman.- <c>
“its okay, Batman. I’ll get you out of here!” –Tim fired the grappling gun towards another docked ship and attached the grappling gun to Batman’s belt. He held onto Batman’s waist and pressed the retraction button forcing both of them to reel towards the boat, Tim once more clung onto Batman, thoughts of being Robin pushed aside as concern for his father and rescuing Batman filled his mind. What was the next step? Waking Batman up.-
'Pain...I...must get up...' -Screaming rang throughout Batman's head, nausea, his body wrestling within itself as muscles constricted and the sense of self preservation overwhelmed him.- 'I'm going to die...I need to wake up...I need safety. I need...rest. My body is suffering...shock. I can't go down...not like this. I can't snap out...It'll pass...just...need time. I hear someone...their voice. Selina...? Dick...? Barb...?' -Batman lifted his head some and groaned.- "Nngghhh..." -Batman felt warm externally, while his bones and vanes felt cold, his body was dry and suffering extreme amounts of heat that didn't help his concussive state.-
-Tim pushed against Batman, shaking the body of the man gently.- "Batman...Come on! I need you!" -Tim's eyes held with determination, their blue glow filled with fire from their surroundings. Tim looked at Batman's belt and took notice of how it was a harness.- "I'll save us, Batman." -Tim aimed the grappling hook and released the end, allowing the device to soar across the sky and latch with a metal ringing screaming as the titanium cable latched onto the building rooftop. Tim attached the grappling gun to Batman's belt and hugged Batman before pressing the recall of Batman's grappling gun. Both of them would slam into a wooden crate before both reeled towards the rooftop. They escaped immediate danger, but now hung on the edge of a warehouse building. "Batman, now would be a good time for you to wake up...I can't pick you up!"
-Batman felt himself slam into the crate and his eyes opened to wrap his arms around the young boy holding onto him.- 'My body is suffering from shock...I haven't ate anything in 24 hours...My body needs hydration...something to tide it over until this is over.' -Batman listened to Tim speaking and lifted the boy to the rooftop for him to climb up, immediately following Batman grabbed the edge and lifted himself up, swinging his body he fully climbed onto the building.- "You got us clear of the fire? Where did Two-Face's men go?"
-Tim lifted up to the building and waited for Batman, once the time was ready Tim explained.- "They escaped and they're probably going after my Dad! You gotta stop them...I took that tracking device you put on me, and I threw it at their car. You can track him, right?" -Tim's eyes still flared with focus and concentration, his mind was racing a mile per minute trying to calculate and anticipate what the next move should be. He found himself envious of Batman's ability and gadgets, his superior intellect, his superior body, his superior everything! There was no doubt to Tim Drake that Batman was the best Superhero to exist by sheer fact he was a normal man in a costume. In Tim's mind, Batman could do no wrong, he couldn't fail. And at the end of the day the villains will have paid the price for their acts because they went up against Batman.
-Tim was extremely smart, considering his age and was able to decipher the device Batman placed on him. Tim had figured he could rescue Batman and track the gangsters and thus far he was achieving exactly what he planned. He was a bit sloppy, lacking proficiency and efficiency, but he had the mind of a detective. Batman took in the information and instinctively pulled off his belt the cryptographic sequencer and controlled the Bat Mobile to intercept his location. Batman stood up before feeling himself stumble some. He held a hand out to stop Tim from trying to help him. After a moment Batman gathered himself and looked at Tim.- "Come with me." -Batman retrieved the grappling line.-
Story By: Batman
Heroes: Batman and Red Robin (III)
Villains: Two-Face
April 8th, 2012…“So, Mr. Mayor, these past few months Gotham has been come under a lot of stress and strain. What do you make of our status and recovery? We did almost have a few nuclear missiles crash down right here in our very city and the law enforcement had failed to act. And somehow your administration seems more tolerant than ever of this “Batman” and his rising “army” within the city!” –Mayor Krol smirked at the blond haired man wearing a blue suit and cheap comb over and freckles over his face.- “Gotham City is no *war zone* Coran…Gotham City is as strong as it ever was and I want to let the citizens of Gotham know that we still don’t consider any man *OR* woman who tries to take the law into their own hands as someone trustworthy. Here’s the lesson for folks watching at *home.* If you want to make a difference in the community, join the police force, firefighters, attorney’s office, get an education…” <c>
-Coran smiled and then mocked.- “Unlike this “Batman, Batgirl, Robin, Nightwing, Black Canary, Huntress…What’s next, Batwoman?” –Mayor Krol and the audience would laugh at the idea.- “Not if I have a say in it, Coran.” –The ping of silver and nickel being slashed by a thumb nail and skin, a large silver dollar spun half of the image was polished, shining with “In God we Trust.” –Two-face stood peering over the docks to look into the water. He spoke with a deep throated, raspy growl he spoke.- “Fish food or lead poisoning…What’s your choice, kid?” –Harvey then snapped.- “NO! He’s only a child. He needs--….” –Two-Face interrupted Harvey.- “--He needs to be brought before true justice…No one steals and gets away with it.” –The boy sat tied with his wrists bound in tightly knitted rope wrapped around his wrists. Another piece around his face, tucked between his lips with a double loose tie behind his head. <c>
The gangsters listened to Two-Face while holding one hand on either shoulder of Tim Drake.- “It’s okay, kid. I’ll get you out of here, safely.” –Harvey turned his right eye to look at Tim, offering a wink and a smile. When suddenly Two-Face turned to reveal a scarred face, bone underneath his cheek and jaw line exposed. It would seem extremely painful to walk around with such a condition and appearance. Two-Face snarled.- “You play the system just to everyone else. Let’s see what the system has in store for you.” –Throughout the conversation between Two-Face and Harvey Dent, Tim would no doubt notice the silver dollar bouncing up and down as Harvey kept flipping it nervously. Finally catching the coin, Harvey looked at the result to see the coin landed on heads.- “Alright kid…My…*partner* is willing to give you a chance at redemption…” –Harvey knelt before Tim Drake and stroked his right hand along Tim’s youthful face, offering a smile, while Two-Face’s gaze lazily watched with an almost completely exposed eyeball.- <c>
“Tell him what you did with the money..and he might let you go. Look at it this way, it won’t hurt your odds of surviving this. What do you say?”
-This was horrible, how did he get into this? Tim would admit that he was inspired by the sight of that night almost a month ago…The Green Lantern flew over head at an amazing speed and dismantled a missile before his very eyes. Another man performed a similar trick, grabbing a missile and suddenly crushing it without delay. Tim didn’t believe the Government was attacking, there was something *else* going on in the city that day, but Tim’s focus went onto the pitch black vehicle that flew at full speed towards a third missile. His heart began racing at the amazing sight of Batman. Tim had lost vision of the previous Robin. After spying on the First Robin, he knew the second Robin was *nothing* like the first. But Tim was curious what happened to the 2nd Robin, he had disappeared completely. Like the Batgirl, Robin had disappeared mysteriously. <C>
Tim saw Batman, the Green Lantern, and the Martian Manhunter swing into action at *these* very docks. Tim glared at Two-Face as he spoke to himself, a few muffled growls came from the defiant teenager, physically he wasn’t a match for the gangsters surrounding him, but if he could escape he was more than agile enough to escape. The men loosened Tim’s mouth restrain and allowed him to speak he would growl; a detective would never allow evidence to fall into the wrong hands unless there was something.- “Let my father go and I’ll give you your money.” –Tim’s blue eyes glared at Two-Face, ignoring Harvey’s appealing features to look at the scarred, ugly, damaged face of Two-Face to show he wasn’t scared. Two-Face- “Deal. Your father’s let go…” –Tim would hold a gnarled face untrusting of a Batman villain. Thoughts of the Batman drifted into his head.- <c>
February 2nd, 2012…“Hi…uh, is Mr. Wayne home?” –Alfred looked at the young man.- “I’m sorry, is Mr. Wayne expecting you?” “Uh…No. But I need to talk to him about Two-Face. I…I need his help.” –Alfred would frown at the young man.- “I’m sorry, Young sir. But if you have a problem, perhaps you should contact the *police* authorities.” –Tim Drake’s blue eyes turned hollow, fear, and a stomach churning feeling over took him.- “Please! I need Batman.” –Alfred’s expression jumped in surprise as Tim lifted his hands holding them out to Alfred.- “I’m-…sorry, Sir but-…” –Tim interrupted.- “What happened with Robin? Why hasn’t Batman and Robin teamed up lately?” –Alfred fought back an urge to shed tears, Tim didn’t realize the watering eyes as Tim himself was desperate and trying to convince Alfred that he *needed* to speak with Batman.- “Good evening…sir.” –Alfred closed the door to Wayne Manor leaving Tim there to drop onto his knees.-
-Two-Face’s grin watched Tim, the young Drake who was an additional bonus and errand boy for Two-Face when his old man got himself deep with the sharks. Needing money for medical expenses, Jack Drake went into a deal with Two-Face over a few months of payback, when Jack fell behind, Two-Face brought Tim Drake into the equation by having the young boy deliver small letters and other legal operations; walking into a post office, spying on police officers, the young boy was reliable and very useful. No one would expect a child to spy for a criminal organization. What did the boy think about his old man? Two-Face didn’t care, but he saw potential in Tim Drake rather than his useless old man who was full of broken promises. Then Tim pulled this stunt, after being trusted to pick up a shipment of money, Drake stashed it and wanted to bargain for his families freedom. How long was this kid conspiring? At least 3 months, and he had done a lot to earn Two-Face’s trust.- <c>
“Alright..So where is the cash?” –Two-Face stood up and flicked his coin again, this time allowing Tim to see the scarred side of the silver dollar, it was a two-headed coin; one side pristine and polished while the other side was scarred and scorched. The white and black toned business suit kept half his body concealed within the darkness provided by the clouds covering the sky. Orange street lights at the docks port offered some lighting; otherwise it was near pitch black. The television continued to speak.- “Where do these people come from?” –Mayor Krol would shrug.- “I assume broken families. People desperate for attention…We need to keep in mind that these are people who probably had no mother and father to teach them right from wrong. And its society’s job to be the *parent.*<C>
So if Batman were watching today. Stop trying to take the law into your own hands and participate in a community clean-up!” –Batman’s eyes felt strained, thoughts of him *trying* to be a father had failed, he allowed one child to leave with bad feelings between them. Another was shot by the Joker and paralyzed. And the last of his ward was brutally beaten by a solid piece of an iron crowbar shaft.-<c>
February 2nd, 2012…Bruce was wearing a short sleeved muscle shirt exposing his healing scars. Bruce’s heart ached; he felt a sharp dagger applying pressure to his chest and stomach. His eyes filled with sorrow seeing the young boy, Tim Drake walking down the driveway to Wayne Manor with his head hung. Periodically the kid would look back, hopeful that someone would rush out and offer help. Alfred was standing in the doorway to the living room, as Bruce stared out the window.- “Alfred…I can’t…Not another one. Jason…” –Alfred nodded slowly, his head full of sorrow and empathy for Bruce.- “I know, sir…No one can blame you.” “I can, Alfred. The Batman was meant to inspire good, and the most I could accomplish was inspiring a psychopath who has dedicated everything to making my life a living hell.”
April 8th, 2012…-Tim had never seen a stronger poker face expression than that of Two-Face, the irritated pulsing of an eyeball with red cracks lining the side and back of it while his lips were nearly burnt off. Harvey’s eyes gaze him a hint as to what Two-Face was like, but Tim would have to guess.- “Alright…It’s in the crate over there.” –Tim gestured with his head, and watched as Two-Face’s gangster came rushing towards the crate, opening it to see a briefcase. Pulling it out the gangster quickly opened it to reveal 1 million dollars in cash. Two-Face walked over to it and inspected it, finding it satisfactory, Two-Face looked at Tim Drake.- “Good, kid.” –Two-face would pull his glock pistol out of his pocket and aim it at Tim Drake.- “Now…Lets see your odds. You work for us or you die.” –Tim jumped to his feet only for two gangsters to slam him back down.- “You said-…!” –Two-Face pressed the pistol against Tim Drake’s face.- “I said your old man was free. Now your turn…”
February 2nd, 2012…”The Wayne foundation has announced a new plan to expand orphanage funding. Bruce Wayne is said to have a speech tonight at…” –Tim Drake walked past the store front with the talking televisions, wearing a brown long sleeve shirt, dark brown khaki pants with a black vest he watched as a clown approached him.- “Hey kid…Join the joker gang. I’ve seen you dropping stuff for Two-Face, he’s an old hack who doesn’t stand a chance.” –Tim glared at the clown and growled in defiance.- “No. I’m not a pawn. I’m a dete-…” –The clown pulled a switchblade knife and snickered.- “I wasn’t asking you…” –Tim took a step back, his eyes widened, his heart began racing as he held his hands up.- “Now…Lets get the right answer.” –Tim felt himself ready to surrender, the only option available to him before becoming a fillet.-
-February 2nd, 2012…The Clown hadn’t noticed the darkness, the predator that stalked within it. Tim Drake had walked from the city to the outer limits; no doubt the boy was tired, restless, and unable to defend himself. The clown was taking on the right target, perfectly vulnerable. The recruiter had experience with who were weak enough to fall for his *persuasion,* but his location was a cliché…’wrong place, wrong time.’ –The Clown grinned underneath his plastic mask of a smiling clown. The whipping and slashing of wiring caught their attention briefly, the clown felt a wire twisting around his ankles, and before he could react he looked down and was picked up thirty feet dangling upside down. The boy on the ground knew something was wrong and took off running. Dashing through an alleyway, the kid leaped and jumped over debris, evading everything in his path, if someone were behind him, he would’ve escaped. <c>
Drake’s problem was…no one was behind him. Wings of vengeance, cloaked in darkness dropped down from above Tim Drake revealing blue eyes and the face of anger. The 6’2” man muscular and coated in thick hide armor, Batman moved with demonic speed, fast enough to grab the boy should he begin running away, but no doubt the child would stop as *this* was what he wanted. The alleyway was dark, narrow enough to barely fit the Bat mobile if he chose to drive it through. Batman grabbed Tim Drake by the shirt before they suddenly lifted to the air via Batman’s grappling gun. A swoosh of air recoiling out as the gas powered device launched towards the sky.- “You work for Two-Face…Why should I trust you?” <c>
April 8th, 2012…-Harvey went to catch the coin in mid flight when all of the lights in the air shut down and left the area in pitch black. Harvey began to panic, looking around while gripping his gun in hand.- “It’s the bat! How did he know where we were?” –A gangster would grumble.- “Maybe the kid ratted us out!” –Harvey looked at Tim and sighed with deep disappointment.- “You ratted us out, kid? Put the kid into the crate!” “Which one?” –The gangsters spoke dumbly, Harvey shot a hole into an already fractured crate. The men would quickly hoist Tim Drake into the crate, and then seal it with metal latches.- “Toss the kid, the Bat will have to chose which is worth more. You hear me, Batman?! Pick the kid or US!” –The gangsters tossed the crate into the water immediately causing a splash and a multitude of bubbles to rise to the surface. <c>
-The gangsters began walking back towards three vehicles, twelve men dressed in business suits, when suddenly two men were tackled and slammed into wooden crates smashing their heads into the plywood framework, splintering them and forcing them to drop unconscious. The remaining ten backed away and took aim at the darkness. Batman leaped into the air and hurled three batarangs, slashing the guns of the men breaking them or disarming them. He dropped down into the crowd and spun to kick one gangster in the stomach, throwing them off the dock and into the water. Batman caught another gangster’s foot, and slammed his wrist against the man’s shin snapping it and forcing the man onto the ground in pain.-
February 2nd, 2012…Tim felt his heart racing, before speaking a whip of wire pulled the clown towards the sky. Tim didn’t hesitate and took to running, dashing across the street, dodging a car from hitting him he leaped into an alleyway where he front flipped over a large pile of recycling cans and then he slipped between a chained fence, jumping up onto the top of an iron gate with bars he swiftly front flipped over and grabbed onto a fire escape, parkor maneuvering was essential to his survival on the street, front flipping he landed at the other end of the alley with his heart racing until he saw the specter of darkness. The essence of good that all evil was terrified of. Tim had stalked Batman, and never once felt as scared as he was right now! It was *him,* the one and only that brought full attention onto Tim Drake. <c>
Tim would doubt this was Bruce Wayne for a mere second, but he would manage to speak cowardly.- “Bruce…Wayne?” –He yelped as they began flying, the sound of the grappling gun was silenced by the thumping in his chest, the blood racing through his body as he wondered if his father or Two-Face would find out he was having this conversation right now!- “I need your help. My dad didn’t know any better, we needed help paying for our medical bills and so…he asked Two-Face for some money…At first things were good, but then other things happened and we fell behind. Two-Face took me as a worker to help pay off the debt. I need help, I don’t want to be a criminal. I’ve watched you and Robin for years. That’s…how I know about you…Bruce…uh..erm…Mr. Wayne…?”<c>
April 8th, 2012…Tim wrestled trying to get free when he saw the lights flash out.- “I didn’t know he would be here! Let me go!” –Tim was placed in the crate, before he could break out they had latched it shut and lifted him.- “Batman! Help!” –Were his last words before he felt the cool touch of water entering the small cramped space of a wooden crate. His hands tied behind his back, Tim tucked his feet and knees to his chest allowing his arms to swing under himself and raise his hands in front of himself. He slammed his fists against the wood causing a board to crack but, it would only allow for more water.- ‘This is it? This is what you get trying to be a detective. Trying to be someone you’re not…You’re not Robin…How could you be without Batman?’
-Batman’s fist slammed into the face of another gangster, throwing them backwards. Bullets began sparking against Batman’s armor, a particular shot from Two-Face scraped against Batman’s cheek, but it didn’t stop Batman from leaping towards his next target. Grabbing the gangster and his gun, Batman’s right hand held onto the gangster’s gun barrel applying downward pressure, while Batman’s left hand supported the gangster’s elbow. Upward pressure would force the arm to crackle follow by the man’s wrist forcing the gangster to scream in agony. Batman spun to his left slapping his cape in the face of two more gangsters, his open armguards made of promethium slashed and snapped the first gangsters gun breaking it, Batman punched him in the face delivering an electrical charge of 10,000 volts knocking him down. Batman’s helmet displayed on the visor.- “00:00.00!” flashing in red. <C>
-Batman grabbed the second target and gripped them by the throat underhanded with his left hand so that he could lift the thug up off the ground before supporting the criminals back while leading their head into the ground for a knock out smash. Once on the ground Batman stomped onto their chest before leaping into the water. Batman tapped his belt and thrusters activated in his boots launching Batman towards the wooden crate Tim Drake was drowning in. Dick Grayson: “If this is how things are going to be, I’m out!” Barbara Gordon: “It…wasn’t your fault…” The image of Jason Todd’s bloody body amongst snow with a letter and a smiley face. ‘Luv Joker xoxo’ Batman aimed his line launcher and fired it. <C>
A single line launched onto the crate while the other leaped out of the water and latched onto the rooftop of a nearby warehouse. Batman reeled back the forward line forcing it to pull the crate to Batman. Once Batman grabbed the crate and placed a plastic explosive without a delay, Batman blew it open while grabbing a facial mask that he would force onto Tim Drake’s mouth and nostrils, the device would allow Tim to breathe for a few minutes while Batman wrapped his arm around Tim’s waist and recalled the line launcher’s rear cable to pull Batman towards the surface. Batman had no time to activate his own breathing system, but if his calculating was correct, he would have no trouble reaching the surface before……Gunshots began raining down towards Batman and Tim Drake, splashing towards them at slow motion, Batman scrunched his nose into a snarl of anger.
-Tim wrestled with the rope while his shoes filled with water and soon his pants. He, it was then he was surprised by a metal hook penetrating through the hull of the crate. Tim’s heart raced as the potential of being rescued was at hand.- ‘Oh gosh…Whatever happens, this will be the last time Batman has to rescue me…I hope.’ –When the crate suddenly exploded Tim closed his eyes and felt the device attach to his mouth while Batman pulled him closer. Tim wrapped his arms around Batman, Tim’s hand gripped onto Batman’s utility belt; he had seen it done many times by Robin I and II as well anyone Batman rescued. Tim wanted to open his eyes and admire the Batman right now, but the darkness of the water made it impossible to see, therefore; Tim relied on Batman. <c>
Tim felt cold, freezing from the water while the sound of darkness around him was deafening.- ‘He is saving me…*him!* The Dark Knight of Gotham. The feeling of being gripped by Batman was slightly more comforting this time, unlike his first encounter with Batman that February day in an alleyway. Tim would open his eyes upon being brought to the surface of the water, he would’ve gasped but, the rebreather gave him no reason to gasp.-
-Before reaching the surface, Batman retracted the full wire of the line launcher allowing it to slip into the water removing any trace of where Batman and Tim Drake were escaping to. Batman slipped underneath the pier and brought Tim up alongside him. Batman’s body was warm from the suit, but no doubt Tim Drake would begin shivering from the cold. Batman armed his grappling hook gun and fired it towards boat in the dock. Batman attached a batarang to Tim Drake’s chest resting flat against his shirt it would allow Batman to trace Tim’s position.- “Hold on tight.” –Batman handed the gun to Tim Drake and activated the recall sending Tim towards the boat at an incredible speed. Batman hurled explosive powder towards the dock’s line of sight of Tim causing small puffs of smoke and dust to blind the men if they were to try and shoot at Tim. <c>
-Batman leaped up and grabbed onto the pier’s wooden support beam and climbed out of the water. The gangsters were few in numbers, only six left looking around as Two-Face seems to have fled. Batman coughed out water from his mouth which drew the attention of the gangsters, they rushed to see Batman crouching next to a stack of crates. A barrage of gunfire would flew towards Batman, as he dived and rolled out of their way, a gangster from the rear shouted.- “Hey! Look out!” –He rolled a drum of leaking oil towards the crates, another gangster lit a cigarette lighter and said.- “Fried Bat-Man coming up!” –The light struck the ground and immediately raced towards the drum causing it to explode and spread fire all over the pier. The gangsters quickly raced to escape. <c>
-Batman was thrown forward and slammed into a steel cargo container slamming his head against it. He collapsed to the ground and groaned from the throbbing headache. His palms rested on either side of his head as his mouth hung open with his eyes closed underneath the white lens concealing around his eyes.-
-Tim would feel himself yanked towards the large boat, pulled onto the deck, he pulled himself onto the deck and began toying with the grappling gun to have it release the grappling wire. He pulled back the hook and reloaded it and then went to look at the edge to see the pier flash with gun shots. His blue eyes would widen in fear for what might happen to Batman, but terror would fill him as he saw the pier explode into a rage of flames. It was getting worse by the second. The gangsters fled running away, But where was Batman? He would stop them, wouldn’t he? What about his father? Two-Face would likely not be happy to have that loose end. Tim weighed; save Batman or try to save his father. He didn’t like leaving Batman, but the odds were Batman was alright. Tim pulled the batarang off his shirt and looked at it when he noticed the small button in the center of the device.- <c>
“What the--…? A tracking device?” –Tim aimed the grappling hook towards the rooftop and fired it to reel himself towards it. The sound of a car engine starting caused Tim to panic.- ‘I can’t fail, not NOW Tim! Robin wouldn’t give up and Batman would trust Robin to get the job done!’ –Tim jumped onto the roof and pulled the grappling gun with him allowing it to reload itself; he took aim with the batarang towards a black car that began driving. He held his breath and then grunted while hurling the batarng at full strength. The Batarang’s red button flashed as it locked onto the frame of the vehicle Tim was throwing it towards and attached itself magnetically to it’s frame as the car screamed around a corner to flee. Tim grinned and smirked with confidence.- “You’re not done yet, Boy Wonder…” <c>
-Tim went to the other side of the roof to see the fire when his eyes spotted Batman lying surrounded by fire.- “Batman!” –Tim fired the hook towards the rooftop beneath his feet and then repelled himself to the ground.- “Wow…This is harder than what it looks…” –He muttered before pulled the grappling gun with him to reach Batman. He stopped when fire stood in his path between him and Batman.- “Batman! Get up!” –Tim watched as the man was lifeless.- ‘Batman is like this because of me. Because of my father. And I need Batman to save my dad…’ –Tim’s jaw stiffened and his eyes glared at the fire.- ‘THINK like Robin…’ –Tim looked at a crate untouched by fire, which he grabbed and dropped onto the flames before stepping on it and front flipping over to Batman.- <c>
“its okay, Batman. I’ll get you out of here!” –Tim fired the grappling gun towards another docked ship and attached the grappling gun to Batman’s belt. He held onto Batman’s waist and pressed the retraction button forcing both of them to reel towards the boat, Tim once more clung onto Batman, thoughts of being Robin pushed aside as concern for his father and rescuing Batman filled his mind. What was the next step? Waking Batman up.-
'Pain...I...must get up...' -Screaming rang throughout Batman's head, nausea, his body wrestling within itself as muscles constricted and the sense of self preservation overwhelmed him.- 'I'm going to die...I need to wake up...I need safety. I need...rest. My body is suffering...shock. I can't go down...not like this. I can't snap out...It'll pass...just...need time. I hear someone...their voice. Selina...? Dick...? Barb...?' -Batman lifted his head some and groaned.- "Nngghhh..." -Batman felt warm externally, while his bones and vanes felt cold, his body was dry and suffering extreme amounts of heat that didn't help his concussive state.-
-Tim pushed against Batman, shaking the body of the man gently.- "Batman...Come on! I need you!" -Tim's eyes held with determination, their blue glow filled with fire from their surroundings. Tim looked at Batman's belt and took notice of how it was a harness.- "I'll save us, Batman." -Tim aimed the grappling hook and released the end, allowing the device to soar across the sky and latch with a metal ringing screaming as the titanium cable latched onto the building rooftop. Tim attached the grappling gun to Batman's belt and hugged Batman before pressing the recall of Batman's grappling gun. Both of them would slam into a wooden crate before both reeled towards the rooftop. They escaped immediate danger, but now hung on the edge of a warehouse building. "Batman, now would be a good time for you to wake up...I can't pick you up!"
-Batman felt himself slam into the crate and his eyes opened to wrap his arms around the young boy holding onto him.- 'My body is suffering from shock...I haven't ate anything in 24 hours...My body needs hydration...something to tide it over until this is over.' -Batman listened to Tim speaking and lifted the boy to the rooftop for him to climb up, immediately following Batman grabbed the edge and lifted himself up, swinging his body he fully climbed onto the building.- "You got us clear of the fire? Where did Two-Face's men go?"
-Tim lifted up to the building and waited for Batman, once the time was ready Tim explained.- "They escaped and they're probably going after my Dad! You gotta stop them...I took that tracking device you put on me, and I threw it at their car. You can track him, right?" -Tim's eyes still flared with focus and concentration, his mind was racing a mile per minute trying to calculate and anticipate what the next move should be. He found himself envious of Batman's ability and gadgets, his superior intellect, his superior body, his superior everything! There was no doubt to Tim Drake that Batman was the best Superhero to exist by sheer fact he was a normal man in a costume. In Tim's mind, Batman could do no wrong, he couldn't fail. And at the end of the day the villains will have paid the price for their acts because they went up against Batman.
-Tim was extremely smart, considering his age and was able to decipher the device Batman placed on him. Tim had figured he could rescue Batman and track the gangsters and thus far he was achieving exactly what he planned. He was a bit sloppy, lacking proficiency and efficiency, but he had the mind of a detective. Batman took in the information and instinctively pulled off his belt the cryptographic sequencer and controlled the Bat Mobile to intercept his location. Batman stood up before feeling himself stumble some. He held a hand out to stop Tim from trying to help him. After a moment Batman gathered himself and looked at Tim.- "Come with me." -Batman retrieved the grappling line.-
