Fan Fiction ❯ Nightwing: A Dark Beginning ❯ Heroes Reborn ( Chapter 5 )

[ X - Adult: No readers under 18. Contains Graphic Adult Themes/Extreme violence. ]

Jacketslacker: First, I'd like to thank my three reviewers. Omega_Red9, gfunkcui03, and Blood_x; thank you all for reading and reviewing. I plan to use what ideas and suggestions you've given me to the best of my ability. So keep them coming people. And thanks again.

Chapter Summary:

Disclaimer: [on phone] Do I own them now? . . . . . . . No! (DAMN!)

Chapter 5

Flying towards the city, Red X couldn't help but notice some changes to his view. "Hey, did you do something to my mask?"
"Yeah. I got the idea when I was finishing up the flight systems. Our masks are small Heads Up Displays with all kinds of goodies in them. You also have a built in radio and I have this ear piece so we can communicate." It was then that over their conversation the police band picked up reports of a silent alarm at the bank.
"Well, looks like intel was right. Ready for some action, X?"
"Hell yeah! Let's go kick some ass."
"Remember, don't hurt them too much. We're supposed to be good." With that they flew towards the bank. They arrived a few minutes later still invisible and surveyed the scene. Three hooded thugs had shot the two guards and were stuffing sacks full of money. Nightwing switched his mask over to analyze their vitals and determined they weren't seriously hit, but would still need a hospital visit. He then looked over to Red X. "X, take out the guy at the door with the machine gun, I'll get the other two. Make sure to disarm him first."
"Got it, Nightwing."
They then swooped down. Red X used his palm X to create a throwing star and pulled his arm back waiting for Nightwing to signal. Nightwing used his gauntlet and two birdarangs snapped up into his hands ready for action. He nodded over to Red X and they both threw their weapons. The machine gun was cut clean in half as metal sparked and pieces fell to the ground. The thug held the two parts in his hand and stared with his eyes wide. Red X couldn't help but snicker. The same thing happened to the handguns the other thugs held. They were now only holding grips and nothing more. Nightwing and Red X then landed and decloaked in front of the thugs. They took a step back in terror.
"What the fuck are they?!"
"I think their ghosts!"
"No, their dead is what they are. Get 'em."
The thugs rushed the black clad teens. Red X jumped and rammed his fist into the gut of the larger man. He landed several feet back before getting to his feet. Just in time to meet a large metallic boot to his face in a vicious double blow. This sent him flying into the wall leaving a body shapped indention. Red X cringed. 'God I hope Nightwing doesn't kill me for that' he thought. He then looked over at his partner to find him finishing up his fight. It hadn't taken much, the first attack took out the one guy since it was a double clothesline. The second appeared to be able to want more of a beating. Nightwing punched him in the stomach a few times then finished with an upper cut that sent him flying to the ceiling, bringing down some ceiling tiles. 'Damn, don't know my own strength anymore.' Nightwing then looked over at Red X. The two approaced each other and gently punched their fists together.
"Excellent work, Red X."
"You too, Nightwing." Just then the police arrived.
"Ready, X?"
"Let's go make some fans."

Across the bay at Titans Tower, Raven, Terra, and Cyborg were sitting on the couch watching the news. Suddenly, they came on with a breaking report about a bank robbery. The three Titans perked up at this, wondering why they hadn't gotten the call.
"That's right, Maria. I'm here with the two new heroes responsible for the capture of these notorious bank robbers." Then, two armored figures clad in black with either blue or red accents stepped into the picture. The Titans gasped.
"So, would our new heroes like to address the city?" the reporter asked.
The figure with the blue bird-like emblem on his chest stepped forward. His look was sour. He didn't seem to enjoy the spotlight or just the fact that others were happy it seemed to Raven. "My name is Nightwing, this is my partner Red X. We've come to help keep crime down in this lovely city of yours."
"Do you mean to say that you're here to replace the Teen Titans?" the reporter asked with a look of surprise on her face.
Nightwing kept the same look, but smirked slightly. The sight of it disturbed Raven. 'There's something so familiar about that smirk, but the long hair has me baffled. Then Red X stepped forward to speak.
"No, no. We just know that the Teen Titans have their work cut out for them with all the heavy hitting criminals. So we thought we'd pick up the small crooks to help keep the crime down in the city. We don't intend to replace them at all."
"Well, I'm sure the Teen Titans will be glad for your help then. Do you have plans to join them?"
"Not at this time. Maybe one day." Nightwing still looked like he didn't want to be there.
"Yeah, but we have to be off. You'll see us around though." Red X spoke as he and Nightwing turned and flew off before disappearing into thin air.
"Well there you have it folks. It looks like Jump City has some new heroes and the Teen Titans have some new allies in the fight against evil. Back to you, Maria."
The Titans stared at the screen. The silence was broken by a loud and annoying voice from behind them.
"That is Robin! Remember I told you about him when I visited the future in the past?" They didn't turn around, they knew who it was, but the realization of the truth of her statement was settling in.
Raven then spoke up. "As much as I hate to say this, she's actually right. I think that is Robin. But why has he teamed up with Red X and what is he planning?"
"I don't know Rae," Cyborg spoke up "but I don't like it at all."
"Do you suppose he plans on taking us out?" asked Terra.
They all sat in silence again, staring at the rest of the news. Beast Boy, then took Starfires hand and lead her out of the room. Under his breath, while looking back at the rest of the Titans, he mumbled, "I think he already has."

"Damn, that was a long night." sighed Red X as he went inside The Pit and removed his mask.
"Yeah, but after the bank job, jewelry heist, and drug deal were all busted we did good. Especially since the press was there all the way." Nightwing removed his mask and rubbed his eyes. "Now it's time for some shut eye. See you in the morning, Jax."
"Night Rich."
Jump City's newest heroes lay down in their beds and instantly drifted off to sleep. While Jax dreamt of all the fun he was gonna have being a hero, Rich tossed in his dreamless sleep. He tossed and turned in the blackness of his mind until the next day.

Rich woke first, an old habit he couldn't kick, and got ready for the day. He and Jax had already decided today would be a day off for them after last nights successful operation. Jax came down an hour later to find Rich cutting articles about their exploits out of paper.
"Cool, we got front page. It's a good shot of use, Rich. You could try smiling a bit more maybe."
"I told you, I don't do smiling in public anymore." Rich put the paper down. "Hey, it's lunch time. Let's grab our cycles and head for some pizza."
"Now you're talking. Let's ride."
The two then got on their black motorcycles, hit the remote for the bay door, and took off towards the city. Their favorite pizza joint was calling their names. When they got there, they parked their cycles and walked up to the place. Rich was putting his hair back in a ponytail while Jax ordered a large cheese pizza. They went and sat down with their drinks and chatted about different things, slipping into crime fighter discussion when no one was near. Suddenly, Jax's jaw dropped.
"Rich, you're not gonna believe this," he said gesturing with his head a few tables over.
Rich did a double take. "Oh shit." Cyborg, Bumble Bee, Raven, and Terra were sitting down at a table. "Wait, no need to panic. They won't recognize me."
"How can you be so sure?"
"Easy, they've never seen me without a mask."
"Oh, yeah that would be a good reason. Well, back to what we were talking about then." The duo then returned to their conversation.
Across the way, Raven felt a strange sensation and looked around. The only other people were a couple of guys at a table in some kind of discussion. They were talking low and would glance over every now and then at the Titans. The one with longer hair had such cold blue eyes that sent shivers up her spine. The Titans got their order and continued to eat while going on with their everyday boring conversation that didn't interest Raven at all. She noticed the boys getting up and starting to leave. She glanced down at her plate.
"Hey, let's have some fun with them," suggested Jax in a low whisper. Rich just nodded.
"Hey, aren't you guys the Teen Titans?" Jax asked.
"Yes we are," Cyborg grinned widely. "You want an autograph?"
"No, we were just wondering how come we haven't seen you guys in the paper in the past few days and then all of a sudden those two new guys showed up. You guys are still fighting crime right?" Jax could barely keep the smirk off his face.
"Yes we are, we're just in a bit of a slump and the bad guys are starting to get tougher." Terra almost yelled at the offending teen.
"Oooh, I like them fiesty." Jax teased.
"Hey, lay off." Raven sneered. Jax stepped back and raised his hands showing he meant no harm.
Rich then spoke, "C'mon, we got shit to do. Hope you find what's missing so you get your groove back."
Raven scowled. "Damn, what a couple of jerks." 'Although, the one with the pony tail was cute and brooding. Okay, that came from nowhere.' The thought caused her scowl to deepen.
"I second that motion, Rae." Terra scowled, but then blushed a little and her look softened. "Although they were kinda cute. And the black-haired one was checking Raven out."
"So I wasn't the only one who noticed that?" chimed Bumble Bee.
Raven just blushed and looked down. 'Well, at least nothing is blowing up I guess.'

"Hey, Rich. Is that Terra girl single?"
Rich laughed. "Yeah, you want me to introduce you or something?"
"No, it would blow our cover. But, do you think we could maybe hang around more often to get to know them better?"
Rich smiled. "Sure thing man. I kinda miss hanging with them. But we're gonna have to keep up the act."
"So what are we gonna do today, oh fearless leader?" Jax said with a smirk.
"Well, I was thinking we'd race around the streets for a while, see how many cops we can piss off, then just disappear and come back tonight to kick more ass."
"You're so good your bad, or is it you're so bad you're good? Well, the point is that it's gonna be fun. You know what tonight is, right?"
"Yup. That gang is going to rob the gold depository downtown. There will be close to 50 guys, all heavily armed and trigger happy." Rich glanced over at his partner as they raced down the street. "It's gonna be too easy."
"Hell yeah!" shouted Jax.
The boys then tore off downtown and started the biggest chase the city had seen. They made the news that night, which the Titans watched.
"Damn, I knew those guys were trouble."
"Yeah, Cy. But don't make fun of Terra and Raven's boyfriends." Bumble Bee couldn't hide her giggle.
"HE IS NOT MY BOYFRIEND!" Both girls yelled.
"Leave them alone Bee. Well, looks like they gave the cops the slip. Oh well, maybe we'll run into them again."
Just then, the alarm went off. The screen switched to show a small army of heavily armed men robbing the gold depository.
"Bee, call Titans East. See if any of those guys can get over there to help out."
"Got it Cy. What about . . . . . . them?" Bumble Bee motioned with her head towards the closed door meaning Beast Boy and Starfire.
"If they show, send them over. If not, who needs them." Raven spit out the last part.
"Alright, let's go kick some ass!" Terra yelled.
Cyborg inhaled deeply before shouting, "Titans, GO!"

Across town, the gang members were entering the vault. When the doors swung open, they found two dark figures sitting atop the gold.
"Sorry boys, but there won't be any withdrawals today." The one with long hair said. Then the other one spoke.
"However, we will gladly deposit you in prison."
The thugs all grunted. The leader then shouted, "Kill the fuckers!" At his command the gang members raised their guns to blast the heroes away, but they were too slow. The duo had already reached into their belts and come up with exploding disks in each of their hands. They threw the disks before the first shots could be fired. The disks flew in between the thugs and exploded sending shockwaves out. The shockwave knocked those next to them against walls and each other rendering them unconscious. The end result was 20 down and 30 to go. Before the rest of the thugs could react, the duo had rushed them. Using their increased strength from the months of training combined with the flight ability of the suits, their speed was blinding. Punches and kicks rained down on the unsuspecting gang members. Bones cracked, noses spewed blood, teeth flew threw the air, and more blood was spit out. Some of the men were trying to shoot the crime-fighters but only ended up hitting each other in the crossfire. When the fight was over, there were 49 bodies laying sprawled out all over the room, only the leader stood in the center of it all completely dazed. Nightwing suddenly appeared in front of him and landed a front kick to his rib cage, breaking 3 ribs and bruising many more. The man was gasping for breath when the two figures stalked up before him.
"We're gonna let you live tonight, because we know you won't be trying anything like this ever again." Nightwing coldly stated to the injured leader.
"Make sure to pass word around. We own the streets now. Nothing goes down in this city that we don't know about." Red X said.
"I'll . . . . be sure . . . . . to tell them all. . . . ." the man gasped just before passing out from the pain.
Nightwing and Red X stood up. They shook hands then looked at the camera in the ceiling that recorded it all. They saluted and then disappeared, leaving a sea of blood and bodies in their wake. Which is what the three Teen Titans found when they arrived shortly after.
"Damn, everybody check for survivors." Cy ordered.
"None of them are dead. Just beaten into bloody pulp." Raven remarked in astonishment at the damage.
Terra covered her mouth, "I think I'm gonna be sick."
The police and paramedics came and cleaned up. Cyborg took the security tape back to the Tower to watch.
When they got back to the main room in the Tower, Bumble Bee was on the couch while Beast Boy and Starfire were at the table. Cyborg went over to the TV and put in the tape. The whole fight scene played out before the astonished teens. It was only two against a heavily armed army of 50, and they trashed them.
Raven couldn't believe the ferocity that Nightwing fought with. He was like a machine, only there for justice and stopping evil at all costs. His brutality amazed her. When the video ended, the Teen Titans just stared blanly at each other, then bowed their heads as they realized a monster had been unleased on the city under the disguise of a hero.
Raven turned and headed to her room. The tears were already stinging at her eyes and she didn't want anyone to see them. Once in her room she collapsed on her bed and began to cry. Images of the happy leader Robin flashed before through her mind. All the good times they shared. It was gone, and now new images of Nightwing began to pop up. Watching him brutally beat a man into submission with a look of rage on his face. The cruel tone of his voice from the TV rang through her head. "Please, come back to us." Raven said in between sobs. "Come back to . . . . . me." Raven then cried herself to sleep wondering if she'd ever get to tell him how much he meant to her.

Jacketslacker: And thus ends another installment of my story. I recieved two more review by e-mail for my story from Lady of Faerie and kylefighter1. In response to some of the questions I've recieved: I'm glad you like the suits. I'm trying to find someone who's good at drawing to hook me up so everyong can see what my mind envisions. Also, Starfire and Beast Boy won't be getting killed. As much fun as that would be, I have other plans for them. Slade isn't coming back, which may make some people upset because he brings out the best/worst in Robin. The point is, Robin and his past are dead. Sorry. Also, the teams may or may not change. If I give away too much you won't come back to keep reading. So keep reading and reviewing. Send me input, including ideas, likes, and dislikes and I'll see what I can do. Until then, see you next chapter.