Tragic Anniversary

[Batman]

Bruce stood alone, quiet in front of the graves of Thomas and Martha Wayne. It was early evening, just an hour or so before his usual patrol. As Batman, he would stop by the Monarch Theater, to the place that had come to be known as Crime Alley. That was where Batman paid his respects to his parents, and remembered the tragic event that had happened years ago that very night. The event that changed his life forever.
For Bruce though, it was the cemetery. This was where he felt closest to them, even though he knew what really made them who they were was an eternity away. Still, he stood, talking to them after placing fresh flowers down.
"There are those nights when I think that what I do means you both didn't die in vain," he said. "And then there are those nights when I wonder if what I do still makes a difference. The Joe Chills still come out of the woodwork, one after the other. People are still robbed of their loved ones at the point of a gun. The city is still associated with the word 'crime'. I come here because I love you both, because I miss you both dearly. But in a selfish way, I come here because I need your guidance to go on, to realize that what I am doing is not a waste of time. Father, you taught me the importance of doing what is right for the many instead of the few. Mother, you taught me that even in the darkest hour, I must go on. I will never forget that, even if I do stray. I love you both." Bruce then turned and walked away from the graves, seeing Alfred by the limo up ahead. He would now return to Wayne Manor, suit up, and go on patrol, rejuvenated by this meeting with the two people he still held closer to his heart than any other. Still, he hoped that on this night of all nights, his patrol would be an easy one.

[Nightwing]

He sat at the computer in the batcave, typing on the keys. His face showed concentration, but on the inside he was having difficulty keeping it on one track. He knew what day it was. Anyone who knew anything about Bruce knew what day it was. It was the anniversary of the legendary tragedy that gave birth to Gotham’s nightly savior. Of course, this wasn’t exactly a means for celebration. Bruce was normally more subdued on this day than any other. His tolerance for Dick’s jokes was usually lower than usual.

Dick knew this day had a profound effect on the turn his own life took. He didn’t believe in destiny per se, but he knew that some things did happen for a reason.

He wondered if Bruce would allow him to accompany him on his annual pilgrimage to the infamous alley. Dick himself had visited it on a couple of occasions on this date. He was sure, as well, that if Bruce was taken from this world before he was, he would continue the tradition. It was true that he didn’t think the dead should be mourned so much as celebrated for the lives they had, but it was really the symbolism of it all.

He shook his head slightly, messaging the bridge of his nose, before returning his attention back to his current task.

[Batman]

Bruce entered the Bat-Cave via the Egyptian casket entrance in his private study. He stepped down to notice Dick was at work. He usually would have some sort of greeting for his first partner, but not that night. He went directly to the arsenal room and suited up. Moments later, he emerged in the black costume that had struck fear into so many criminals over the years...again the Joe Chills of the world. He was now the mysterious hero partially inspired by the film "The Mark of Zorro", the same film he and his parents watched the night they were killed. He was Batman.

He was about to step into the Batmobile and drive away when he stopped and turned back to Nightwing. Dick had suffered the same tragedy he did, and Bruce was always ready to comfort him when he remembered his fallen family. Perhaps Dick wanted to return the favor, though Bruce would never force him too.

"You can come along if you wish," he said. "I could use a friend tonight." No smile on Batman's face, but sincerity in his voice. And that's what Dick was. Through being a sidekick, a partner, and now just another hero that Batman aligned with now and then... Dick was always a friend.

[Nightwing]

He heard his mentor’s entrance, but had decided one of his witty greetings wasn’t quite appropriate. Believe it or not, he did know when to keep his mouth shut. Whether or not he actually did shut up, was another subject all together.

When he was spoken to, he swiveled around in the chair to face the man who had become a father-figure to him. Bruce had always been there for him, even when the two weren’t really getting along, and he hoped Bruce knew that he would do the same. They were family and family was always there to catch each other. He’d learned that at an early age.

His face was soft, not with pity or really even sympathy. It was soft with understanding, which he knew was what Bruce needed right now more than anything else really. “Sure thing, Bruce, just give me a second.” He turned around to close out the windows he had open on the computer. He let out a slight cough when he closed out a game of solitaire. He had been working. Playing the game just helped him think sometimes.

He slipped on his mask and stood, walking over to meet Bruce. He placed a hand on the older man’s shoulder, before passing him to jump into the batmobile’s passenger seat. The simple gesture conveyed a message that words couldn’t hope to. A message he was sure Bruce already knew.

[Batman]

Batman said nothing when Nightwing put his hand on his shoulder. He didn't need to. His appreciation for Nightwing in general did not need to be expressed in words. He stepped over and stepped into the driver's seat of the Batmobile. In seconds, the vehicle sped out of the Batcave.

For a short while, Batman said nothing to Nightwing on the way, but merely prepared the settings on the Batmobile for that night's patrol. Finally, he spoke.

"Pick up any activity in Gotham between Solitaire?" he asked. His tone was not harsh or judgmental. He knew the game helped Nightwing more than harmed him. He just didn't understand why Nightwing would want to try and hide it from him. "I'm tempted to take a trip over to the new... city. I don't like the idea of them building that place. I know they mean well, but something doesn't feel right about it all." And when Batman was uneasy, he usually had good reason to be.

[Nightwing]

The silence was fine. Normally, he’d get the urge to break it with some joke or witty comment. But there was something about this day that weighed on him. He was nowhere near as subdued as Bruce, but it was enough to make him put some of his usual habits on hold.

He was still slightly surprised, though, when Bruce was the one to break the silence. He shook his head, a grin flashing across his face. “No, I was doing some extra research on the new villains that have been popping up in Gotham lately. A lot of them are Flash’s, surprisingly.” A part of him had expected the darker heroes of the world to be drawn in, not the usually lighthearted rogues of the Twin Cities.

He nodded in reply to Batman’s comment on Arkham City. This was one of those moments when he completely agreed with his mentor. “I agree. I’ve been there a couple times and the place is worse than Bludhaven was. I’ve got a gut feeling that this isn’t going to end well.” Batman’s confirmation that it didn’t sound like a good idea helped to solidify Nightwing’s own opinion on the matter. What good could possibly come of a free-roam mental asylum? Those criminals were enough trouble while they were locked up and away from each other. No doubt one of them was going to try to gain power. Nothing but more chaos would come of that.

[Batman]

Batman listened. somewhat comforted that Nightwing shared his opinion about Arkham City. Unfortunately neither of them could do anything to stop the construction. They would have to wait it out, and be present when all hell broke loose. Batman decided to switch the subject back to Dick's research.

"I've looked into that myself," he said. "Odd place for the Flash's collection of enemies to be running around. I'll wager Mr. Freeze might not be too happy about Captain Cold icing up his territory." This was Batman's idea of a joke, and he wasn't really expecting a laugh from Nightwing. "For now though, we worry about the devils we know as opposed to the devils we don't. I'm sure the Flash will make his presence felt in Gotham in record time to take down his foes."

The Batmobile soon arrived at the Theater District and Batman stepped out. Walking past the Monarch Theater, he briefly turned to look at it, then went on to Crime Alley. He didn't turn to see if Nightwing was following him. He knew he would. Batman was only focused on two people.

[Nightwing]

Nightwing caught the joke. He let out a quiet chuckle as the corner of his lips twitched up into a small, crooked grin. Batman had definitely made worse jokes before- they sometimes to be based on an almost morbid sense of humor, but they were jokes nonetheless. He remembered the old days, back when he was just starting as Robin. Bruce had definitely been more open and relaxed those days. The war on crime had taken its toll on his mentor, but he still had his moments.

The smile faded back into a normal expression after a moment as the conversation turned back to business. He nodded. “Yeah. Flash is pretty quick on his feet.” Aw, puns.

He fell silent when they arrived at their destination. Nightwing exited the batmobile and glanced around at the scenery. He could almost see the various events that happened here, as an onlooker and from Bruce’s point of view. Bruce had lost his parents here. It was also in this area where he met Jason.

This wasn’t a place Nightwing was particularly fond of. But it held a meaning bigger than him.

[Batman]

Batman stood over the exact spot where his parents had fallen. After all these years, he had never forgotten exactly where that spot was. How could he? It was the same spot he stood on when his entire life changed. From his belt, he removed a single red rose, bent down and placed it on the ground. He stood back up, keeping his eyes on the spot.
In his mind, he saw the bodies of his parents still lying there. He saw the feet of Joe Chill beside them. He looked up and there was the man himself, standing in shock over what he had just done. Chill had shot his parents out of pure reaction, out of fear, when Thomas Wayne tried to prevent Chill from putting his dirty hands on Martha to grab her pearls. But Chill showed no regret... only shock. He was a coward, like most all the criminals that Batman went on to face. He was the reflection of all those criminals, the man that Batman wanted the most, but never got to lay his hands on.
Batman knew what he saw in front of him now was a shadow from the past, but he was still tempted to swing at it. But this was foolish, and he did not need to be in such a mental state. Tonight was difficult enough already, and he still had a visit to pay to Arkham City. He looked back down at the spot and simply uttered, "Mother, father. That night will never be forgotten."
Batman then turned and nodded to Nightwing, indicating that it was time to move on. He had paid his respects as both Bruce and Batman, and now it was time to go to work.

[Carmen Leno]

A woman's scream pierced the air. She sounded terrified. The sharp clack of her heels echoed off the grimy bricks as she ran down the alleyway. The dark haired woman seemed to trip a little, looking like she had lost her footing. The heels were a horror to run in. For a moment, Carmen wondered why she had taken this job. While the shoes could be cute in some other capacity, using them to play the victim was a poor choice.

The guy chasing her had very particular kinks. He liked the high heels since it made it harder to run. He liked the color pink against tanned skin. Luckily, she did have tan skin and she had this pink top in her closet. The only thing new was the pair of shorts that were currently riding up somewhere unpleasant. All this to lure a man down a supposedly deserted alleyway so she could kill him. A gentleman that had lost a few girls to this guy wanted him off the streets. The women were getting more scared than usual and something needed to be done lest business cease.

She hurried down the pavement, knowing where she stashed a shotgun and a few smaller weapons. She just had to get there. And yes, the great Carmen Leno did the stupid thing and looked behind her. It was part of the act since people who aren't trained to deal with violence always looked. Looking was just asking for serious trouble.

[Nightwing]

He stood slightly back, offering silent support. He kept his eyes to the side slightly, not quite on Bruce, but not off him either. He had to watch his back. It was the main role of Robin. And just because he wasn’t Robin anymore, it didn’t mean his job description had completely changed.

Nightwing gave Bruce a soft smile and returned the nod, before turning to go. He came to a halt when he heard the scream echo through the air.

“I call!” he said immediately, unable to stop himself from falling into his usual routine of quips and witty comments. He watched as the victim and the pursuer rounded the corner. He jumped on top of a dumpster- thankfully, it was closed –and pushed off, leaping into the air. He hit the ground between the victim and her assailant and transitioned into a roll. He stopped in front of the man, uncurling from his ball position to send a kick aimed at his gut.

[Batman]

Batman would let Nightwing have his fun, but would follow just in case the pursuer tried to get away... or if he had some friends lurking about. As Nightwing kicked him, the man landed at Batman's feet. Batman simply shook his head as if to say "wrong place, wrong time." Batman then spotted the "victim" and approached her. With a detective's memory, he recognized her right away, and was very curious as to what she was doing running from a common thug.

"Carmen Leno," he said. "I usually don't ask the victims to explain a situation to me, but in your case, I'll make an exception." He wasn't trying to start trouble with the woman, nor was he intent on having her arrested. He just wanted to know if there was something behind all this.

[Carmen Leno]

Despite the frantic look on her face, Carmen was completely calm. Just another dozen feet or so and she was home free. She could grab her shotgun and the guy's head would be gone. She could go home, get paid, and all those ladies that were on the streets would safe from this jerk once more. Everybody wins, right? It almost felt like this particular payday would be mildly noble, putting people's minds at ease with one less sex offender on the streets.

Ri-ight.

A thud near her drew her attention, seeing a figure leap off a trash can to land in front of her mark. Her jaw dropped, watching the man get kicked. What the ... The shock turned to anger, a small twitch under her eye started as she saw who had been "protecting" her. Batman and his pet. She should have known. You can't do a damn thing in Gotham without these goons knowing about it.

The dark haired woman scowled at Batman, an expression that would make even him proud, king of the scowlers as he was. Your pet just took out my target, She hissed in reply. With a last huff at the Dark Knight, she strode over to Nightwing. Even the sound of her heels on the concrete sounded pissed. What the hell did you think you were doing? Carmen snapped. Even with heels and her nasty attitude, the assassin looked small next to Nightwing's broad shouldered frame. It was hard to look tough when you were smaller and less clothed than everyone around you, but damn it, she would do her best on that front.

[Nightwing]

He had been about to turn around and see if the victim was ok, when he heard Batman say her name. He recognized the name enough to know that she was trouble. He quickly connected the dots. Turned out she wasn’t much of a victim. He stood up to face Batman and the back of Carmen.

“Pet?” he mouthed silently, brows furrowing indignantly. He couldn’t recall being called that before. Woof woof.

“Well aren’t you a bag of skittles” he mumbled, perfectly aware of the fact that she could probably hear him. His eyes narrowed into a glare when she turned to him. He was intent on defending his honor to this woman. He wasn’t Batman’s pet. “Well, I thought I was protecting you, but I guess it turns out I was protecting this guy. Either way I was doing my job, lady.”

He made a mental note to add her to his list of villains to do some research on.

[Batman]

Batman wasn't too happy about Nightwing being called his "pet", nor did he like a sassy female criminal telling him off while she confessed to attempted murder.

"Nightwing's right," said Batman. "You're no better than the man he just took down." Batman pointed to the distance. "Do you see that alleyway? Years ago, a good man named Thomas Wayne was killed there. Every time an act of violence is caused in this area, it's like someone spitting on his grave. To see the memory of a noble man dishonored by you or any other criminal is something I will not tolerate... and something I will react to in a very aggressive manner." Batman then drew closer to Carmen, his eyes ice cold. "Catwoman, Poison Ivy, Harley Quinn. I've fought women before. Don't think I'll go easy on you." He then turned to Nightwing and looked down at the knocked out goon. "Let's pull this scum out of here and prepare him for the police." He then turned back to Carmen. "Don't follow."

As Batman walked away, he wondered what else this night would bring. Was something... or someone waiting for him at Arkham City as well?