[CENTER][IMG]https://i.imgur.com/An5sSra.png?1[/IMG][/CENTER][INDENT][hr][URL=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wJuoFVl9ZVE][COLOR=STEELBLUE][H3][SUB][SUP][b] G O T H A M   C I T Y - 0 8 : 1 9   P M[/B][/SUP][/SUB][/H3][/COLOR][/URL][INDENT]A rush of emotions flowed over Dick as he walked up the steps to Wayne manor. As he climbed the front steps, his shoulders sagged as a weight hung over him. Bruce did not lie beyond those doors, even though the Joker had re-appeared, or at the very least now had a convincing doppelganger, Bruce was still missing. If Bruce had been available, Dick would have at least considered revealing the plans of the Court to him, but he couldn't risk putting the other Robins in danger.  

Raising a hand, Dick knocked on the door of the manor, knowing that within mere seconds Alfred’s familiar face would open the heavy oak door.

[COLOR=SILVER][B]“Master Richard,”[/B][/COLOR] A familiar voice called out as the door swung open, [COLOR=SILVER][B]“It’s been far too long.”[/B][/COLOR] 

Alfred smiled at Dick, looking as impeccable as ever. Age treated the butler well; despite the seemingly never-ending barrage of stress and emotional baggage that came with working for Bruce Wayne, Alfred looked almost lively – a refreshing difference from Bruce’s trademark scowl. But yet, even with his cheerful greeting, Dick could clearly see the sadness born of worry clouding the eyes of Bruce's ever faithful father figure.  

[COLOR=SILVER][B]“Please,”[/B][/COLOR] said Alfred, [COLOR=STEELBLUE][B]“Do come in. Would you like anything to drink? How have you been?”[/B][/COLOR]

[COLOR=STEELBLUE][B]"Like you Alfred, I've had better days."[/B][/COLOR] Dick said as he embraced Alfred. [COLOR=STEELBLUE][B]"Tim around? I could use his help."[/B][/COLOR]

[COLOR=SILVER][B]"I'm afraid Master Timothy is out at the moment. I'm unsure when we can expect his return. Master Damian should be in however if he could be of some assistance."[/B][/COLOR] Alfred stated as Dick raised a questioning eyebrow noting the corner of Alfred's mouth fighting to curve upwards. Alfred's dry sense of humor had always been a source of amusement for Dick and he failed to disappoint even in these dire circumstances.

[COLOR=STEELBLUE][B]"If I need a loose cannon, I think Jason's in town."[/B][/COLOR] Dick replied with his own brand of humor. [COLOR=STEELBLUE][B]"But I'll still need to drop by the cave."[/B][/COLOR]

[COLOR=SILVER][B]"I trust you know the way Master Richard."[/B][/COLOR] Alfred asked, this time an amused look crossed his face as he awaited Dick's response.

[COLOR=STEELBLUE][B]“Through the grandfather clock, down the winding flight of stairs, across the drawbridge and watch your step around the guano?”[/B][/COLOR] Dick replied with a smug smirk. [COLOR=STEELBLUE][B]“Oh who am I kidding?”[/B][/COLOR] Dick winked before continuing, [COLOR=STEELBLUE][B]“You keep the cave far too clean for there to be any guano.”[/B][/COLOR]

[COLOR=SILVER][B]“Indeed, Master Richard. Indeed.”[/B][/COLOR]

[COLOR=STEELBLUE][B]“Always good to see you, Alf.”[/B][/COLOR] Dick said with a nod as he patted Alfred on the back, bidding him goodbye for now. The smell of the manor brought back waves of memories as Dick could recall the very first time he had stood in this very lobby. Everything had seemed so much bigger then, but now it almost felt like home. Showing himself the way to Thomas Wayne's study, Dick turned the hands on the antique grandfather clock to ten forty eight as a click let him know it was open. Climbing through the hidden passage, Dick closed the door firmly behind him as he took the elevator down to the main cavern.

Screeches of bats echoed all around him as the elevator disturbed their slumber as it shuddered to a halt allowing the former ward of Bruce Wayne to exit.

[COLOR=STEELBLUE][B]"I don't seem to recall an elevator when I was Robin, looks like your father is getting soft in his own age."[/B][/COLOR] Dick called out playfully, seeking to aggravate the fiery young Damian. However his taunt wasn't meant by any reply as Dick continued through the cave towards Bruce's central work station. 

Sitting in the center of the cave was an array of screens that made up what a younger Dick had smartly dubbed the 'Batcomputer; – just as he had christened the cave 'the Batcave' and Batman’s endless supply of cars 'the Batmobiles'. Expecting to find the younger Wayne al Ghul playing the latest video game on the numerous screens, Dick was surprised to find the seat empty however a nearby note caught his eye as the original Robin picked up the message.

[INDENT][INDENT][COLOR=seagreen][B][I]Dear Pennyworth,

Have been kidnapped by Helena Bertinelli, who is possessed. Will likely miss breakfast and lunch. Attempt to prepare something adequate for dinner before my likely return. If not back, Send Grayson. Do NOT send Drake.

Yours,

Damian W.[/I][/B][/COLOR][/INDENT][/INDENT]
[INDENT][COLOR=STEELBLUE][B][I]Helena Bertinelli.[/I][/B][/COLOR][/INDENT]
It had been a long time since Dick had been involved with any dealings with Helena. The two had worked together on more than one occaision, the woman being more than capable. But their relationship was not meant with approval from Bruce and thus working with Helena had been difficult. The two had parted ways, Dick did his best to keep it amicable but there was no doubt in his mind that Bruce's rejection influencing his own opinions left a bitter taste in her mouth. 

But Dick couldn't just leave Damian in the hands of an efficient mafiaso. No doubt the younger boy's mouth would put his life in danger sooner rather than later and as much as the team had yet to accept Damian as one of their own, Dick wouldn't have the chance forcibly taken away from him.

[COLOR=STEELBLUE][B]"Alfred."[/B][/COLOR] Dick said as he connected into the Batman's communication channel. [COLOR=STEELBLUE][B]"Damian's been taken, I'll be going after them."[/B][/COLOR]

[COLOR=SILVER][B]"Master Dick, before you go."[/B][/COLOR] Alfred's voice replied. [COLOR=SILVER][B]"Bruce had something made for you, it might be worth your while to check the costume cases."[/B][/COLOR] 

[COLOR=STEELBLUE][B]"What did he-"[/B][/COLOR] Dick began to ask as he stopped in front of the of the case, the black and blue suit staring back at him. It was definitely based on his design but it was refined, the suit was more enforced but also lighter. Collapsible glider wings were mounted on the back of the suit and several pouches were streamlined onto the boots and gloves. A smile crossed Dick's face as he began to change.

Tonight was not a mission for the Court's Talon.

Tonight was a job for Nightwing.

Pulling out his phone, Dick went through his contacts until the familiar name appeared. Tapping out a message, Dick read it over one more time.

[INDENT][INDENT][COLOR=STEELBLUE][B][I]Helena, we need to talk.[/I][/B][/COLOR][/INDENT][/INDENT]
Hitting send, Dick headed towards the Redbird, revving the vehicle's engine before launching towards Gotham.[/INDENT][/INDENT]