Jones Sparrow

Nightwing: The New Knight(EasilyAmused and Jones Sparrow)

Her face looked hurt when he told her the news that Batman might come back. He could have said a lot of things to try and assure her that he had a reason for leaving if he chose to leave. He had a backup plan if anything bad were to happen to him. He had so many things to make everything seem better... But that wasn't his say. The people of Gotham all knew about their Dark Knight. If they had to second guess if he didn't care about this city, they were dead wrong. Everything he ever did was to make this city better. Nightwing went down the stairs first just in case. As they climbed down the stairs she started answering another one of his questions, and he gave a small smirk when she said she wasn't telling him anything about Dick.

"I don't need any information on Dick Grayson." Nightwing said calmly, and looking around the lounge. He had a million questions to ask her, but as he turned to look at the freezing woman in the dress that truly looked exhausted, he decided to interrogate her another time. He knew that Bruce wouldn't hesitate to start asking her questions. That was the difference between Bruce and Dick. Dick understood the non analytical side of people. They both walked out of the building to the dark streets of Gotham, and he couldn't help but roll his eyes at her comment of tossing her driver out the car. He started walking for his own vehicle until he heard her voice again.

Her words were much more nicer than the ones that came out of her mouth the other night. He gave a smile and nod. "Thanks, I'll keep that in mind. Goodnight Miss Dent." Nightwing said softly before walking back to his vehicle yet again... This was an interesting night. An eventful first day of being a billionaire led to an eventful party, and then fighting the Penguin's goons trying to save the hostess of said party... His mind went to Abigail, wondering if she would be alright getting back home, but after seeing what she handled tonight, he knew she was more than capable of protecting herself.

Tomorrow was going to be a day of going through the old Manor and seeing what he should and shouldn't keep of Bruce's old stuff... It was a moving day, more or less for the new billionaire... Let's see how this will go.

-----------

Dick Grayson was up early that morning after patrolling the city for a few more hours last night. He heard nothing from Penguin again, but he did pick up communications from the cops and other criminals that they were surprised that Nightwing showed up so fast after Batman's death. He was already making a name for himself both in and out of the suit. He also decided to send a gift to Abigail Dent for the night last night. He decided that a vase of blue roses, a list of his personal favorite drinks to make (a do-it-yourself kind of deal), and a small card that read:

"Thanks for the welcome to Gotham. Now you can say that you met me before the diva stages-- I always hear they come after being invited to big parties. If you need anything, let me know.

--D"

He never really sent a gift like this before, and didn't know if rich people did this sort of thing for just inviting someone to a party, but he could do whatever he wanted now, he was rich! He left his number in the card, even though he had Abigail's number as well. It was a way for her not to be surprised if he ever did call her. After he made the gift presentable, he hired a man to drive it to her apartment so she could get it as soon as possible... and now, to get to work. How many rooms were in this damn building?!

Nightwing: The New Knight(EasilyAmused and Jones Sparrow)

Nightwing was hard at work trying to figure out if he could use the button to his advantage. It was obvious that pressing it again would do nothing. Maybe he could rewire it and bring the metal shutters back up. Any other night he would just try and open the door Cobblepot ran out of, but Abigail was here, and while she was, she was in danger. His head jerked up to look at her when she asked if it was true. And when she finished the question, Nightwing didn't know how to respond. In this line of work, and for knowing Bruce for so long, he mad it clear to tell everyone that worked with them that this was a very dangerous job. There was always the haunting possibility that they would lose someone, and no matter how big it was, they had to keep going.

No one would have guessed that Batman would be lost.

Dick tried to hide his emotion ever since he heard the news. No one, not even Alfred, knows if he is truly gone or not. He was always so careful, always had a plan for everything. Whether he was dead, or not, his plan was for Nightwing to protect Gotham. So he didn't know how to answer Abigail's question. He looked back down at the wires he pulled out from the desk, connecting them to a small tablet-like object he pulled from his belt, and going to work on it.

"He's gone." Nightwing finally said, his dark blue eyes staring down at the screen. "And I'm not entirely sure that he'll be back." As he said that, the steel frames flew up to reveal the damaged window, and the lounge below. He stood up, putting the small gadget back in his belt. "But I'm going to make sure this city is safe." He said that with all his sincerity in his voice. he knew that she had reason to doubt that, but in complete honesty, he didn't need to prove himself. No matter what, he was going to protect Gotham, and maybe her view on him would change.

"Do you have any idea why Cobblepot would interrogate you for your father and the Wayne heir?" Nightwing asked, opening the door and rolling a small ball down the stairs. The ball would detect any other life sources waiting for them downstairs would be shown through the small screen over his eyes thanks to his mask. Luckily there were none. Penguin really doubted Dick's capabilities, eh?

Nightwing: The New Knight(EasilyAmused and Jones Sparrow)

The party was over, and it was time for all of them to go home. Dick did his part making sure no one hurt Abigail during the party, and all it cost him was making himself look like a giant alcoholic who couldn't hold down his drinks (which were both wrong!). Dick gave a nod to her invitation to call her any time he wanted. He appreciated the gesture, but he felt like he was going to be busy for quite some time while trying to get used to Gotham again. An alarm went off when she said that she was going back in to the lounge to call for a cab, but he didn't let the concern show. "Alright, Abbie. Good night." He said before putting his hands in his pockets and walking down the street.

He gave a nod and smile to a couple walking by before cutting in to an alleyway a block or two away from the lounge, and there was his ride. He placed his hand on the seat of the bike, and he opened it like a lid, retrieving the items stored inside the Night Cycle. He had to make sure that Abbie was alright... Man, if he didn't know better, he would think he had a crush on the girl for being so concerned about her... heh.

--

Nightwing used a side door to get in to the Iceberg Lounge. He could hear workers starting to clean up, but he had no concern about them. One of the many skills he had was stealth. As he made his way through the lounge, he put listened to the conversation upstairs thanks to the bug that was still on the even coordinator's shirt. He wasn't surprised about the questions of the new billionaire, but was concerned why they were holding her hostage. It didn't make much sense until he heard them talking about her father, and once again he was curious about Abigail Dent. He made it back to the main floor of the lounge, and saw the one way window.

He pulled out his grapple gun, aiming it at the window, and fired. If he learned anything from Batman, it was that the element of surprise was the best way to go. The window exploded in a loud crash, and as Nightwing rolled through, he rolled on to one knee to examine the scene: The man standing behind Abbie was now on the ground stumbling to get up, the event coordinator was beyond shocked, he didn't know if Abbie was concerned, happy, or annoyed that Nightwing made another appearance, and Penguin glared with a large scowl.

"Well if it isn't the little birdie. What the bloody hell are you doing in Gotham? I thought you were running around in that other shit city." The Penguin said with a snarl. Nightwing stood, reaching behind his back for his escrima sticks. "You think he wouldn't have a backup plan, Cobblepot? Bats and I wouldn't let you kids run around unsupervised." For the super villains in Gotham, most of them knew that Nightwing was once Robin, and they knew that as the years went, he was no longer just a kid.

"I need to remind you that if you do anything stupid like try and kidnap a woman, you aren't getting away with it." Penguin laughed a bit. "You think I don't remember the last times you destroyed this place?" He pressed a button under the desk, and the windows were covered with steel plates. As more henchmen rushed in to the room, Penguin and the woman with him started walking for the new exit that appeared behind his desk. "Consider this your welcome back party, Nightwing." He laughed as the door closed behind them, and Abbie, Nightwing, and six henchmen in snow suits circled around him.

Nightwing gave a smirk, and hit the sticks together, sparks flying. Nightwing went to work. Nightwing rushed over to do a backflip, and as he did so his foot made contact with a man's jaw. He fell to the ground. he blocked a downward punch by making an "X" with his sticks, and then kicking him in the gut away from him. Nightwing turned his attention to another man coming towards him, in lightning speed, Nightwing smacked the man in the jaw four times, in the chest once, twice in the knee caps, and then kneeing the man in the face. Just then Nightwing was grabbed by the shoulders, putting him in a full nelson. The three other guys who were still conscious came towards him, but Nightwing simply lifted his legs off the ground, kicking a man hard in the face, grabbing another one by the neck with his legs, and twisting him so that he fell to the ground, and then he leaned forward, pulling the man holding him off the ground, and spinning so that his legs hit the last man.

Nightwing then did a front flip, landing on his back, but the henchmen cushioned his fall. His grip loosened and Nightwing broke free, taking his escrima sticks and stabbing him in the gut, electricity going through his body. He didn't know if Abbie was in the chair the whole time, or helping him with taking these guys out, but once it was all done, he turned to her, holding up his hand. "If you have anything rude or negative to say, I don't want to hear it." He said to her, putting his weapons away and looking around the room. "Man, he's been watching way too many spy movies. What? No shark pit under the floor?" He muttered, then stopping in his tracks, expecting for the floor to give in to reveal the trap... but luckily it didn't.

He went towards the desk to examine the button he pressed. Hopefully he could just press a button to pull the steel up. Then he could simply cut his way out using one of his gadgets... but at least they could go out the exit Penguin did if all else failed. He looked up at Abbie, then back down at the circuits of the button. He didn't dare say anything, He didn't want to make another bad impression with Abbie. Funny how one side of him hit it off really well with her, and the other not so much.

Nightwing: The New Knight(EasilyAmused and Jones Sparrow)

When she started to talk about how she got her money, he only nodded in response. He wasn't one to talk, the exact same thing happened to him, and he was not very keen on using Bruce or his money for help when he was still alive. But things change, especially when he demands it to you in his will and asks you to protect the place. Although Dick did it often, there are times where you just can't say no to Batman. Since it was towards the end of the night, Dick ordered some brandy, taking his glass and taking a sip. When told that he had her number, he raised his eyebrows slightly and nodded. Dick wasn't someone to talk about his feelings. He had a lot cooped up inside of him, and he really had no intention of letting those thoughts escape the dark parts of his mind... Dick wasn't a depressing man. He had a more positive outlook on life than Bruce did, and he tried to keep it that way when fighting crime, even after all the messed up things he's seen over the years.

"Thanks for the night, Abbie. I'll be fine driving home." Dick said, glancing around the area of the dimming crowd. He didn't see any of Penguin's goons so far... he hoped it'll stay that way. "Will you be alright getting home? I know I'm new one around here, but you still don't want to hear the next morning that the beautiful Abigail Dent was mugged after throwing a great party." Dick said with a smile, taking another sip of his drink. He put his hand inside his jacket pocket, and pressing a small device with a button on it. As they sat here enjoying the last few minutes of the party, Dick's car was making its way back to the Manor, and the Night Cycle was just leaving, and waiting in an alley way with Nightwing's suit, and gadgets.

He wasn't going to take any chances of Penguin getting lucky tonight.

Robin Hood (EasilyAmused & Jones Sparrow)

Robert moved out of the way for Cassie to rush in, giving a glare as the two made eye contact. Even though she was glad she wasn't hurt, she robbed a place, got Robert shot, and he knew that there will be a lot more attempts for her to try and "help" him. Marian was obviously pissed off at Robert, and he was mad that she was mad. How would he know that she would try and sneak away to steal a bunch of stuff?? Well, she was related to him... and he does that but on a whole other level. He didn't feel like getting yelled at for being a crappy guardian when he didn't really ask for this. Not only was he trying to keep a teenage girl at bay, he's also trying to keep his butt from going to prison, stealing from millionaires, and trying to be a lawyer again. He has a lot on his plate.

When asked for his number, Robert nodded and gave a sigh. "Sure." He gave her his number, and didn't really try to explain himself. She was his responsibility here, and he didn't want to make the excuse of being a guardian to a 17 year old girl who was a lot like yourself. He hated that Cassie was so much like him. "Thanks for bringing her back. She will be spending the rest of her visit in New York sightseeing the inside of her eyelids and her room wallpaper." Robert said.

The pain to his side was starting to get worse, John and Gwen were listening to the conversation from behind the wall, giving Robert many expressions as the conversation went on, and he was sure it was time to call it quits before he passed out from exhaustion. "I'll see you tomorrow at work." Robert said before closing the door, and turning to see John and Gwen about to ask a million questions.

And so he started to tell the tale of how he recruited Marian, saved Cassie, got shot, and revealed his secret identity. Both were shocked, confused, and angry at the turn of events.

"Look, Cassie knows now, but she's not to know anything else. I'll talk to her tomorrow, and I'll clarify everything with you guys tomorrow... But right now, I have to change my bandages, and sleep." And with that, Robert trudged in to his room, spending some time in his bathroom treating the wound he obtained, and then bandaging it up with his surpluss of medical equipment in his house... and then he fell on his bed, and he was out immediately. Tomorrow should be a very interesting day, and he was sure Guy had a lot to tell Robert once he finds out that Robin Hood was in a gunfight with a bunch of cops. Hopefully Cassie and Marian would be safe from the media.

Nightwing: The New Knight(EasilyAmused and Jones Sparrow)

Dick gave a small laugh to her confused look and comments. "The comment still stands, Miss Dent. I know how to handle my way around a crowd, even if i just became a billionaire today... And from the sound of it, you seem to be doing just fine yourself." Dick said, bringing her in close as he said that with a closed smile, and then twirling her around again. As she talked about taking photography, he listened, and smiled at her comments. "The diva photos are the only ones worth having." Dick said with a laugh. "I'd be extremely offended if you didn't at least consider taking a picture of the Dick Grayson yelling at an old lady at the grocery store over a carton of eggs."

When asked if he had anything planned job-related he looked up and gave a small shrug, thinking about it. "I'm sure a few business opportunities will appear here and there... I don't know if you ever met Bruce, not many people truly knew the guy. His ideals, everything he fought for, everything he worked so hard to achieve here in this city were genuine. On and off the media. Bruce and I didn't see eye to eye most of the time. But I respect his ideals. So I'll do my best to put my input in Wayne Industries when Mister Fox asks for it, I'll agree to partnerships that I believe are just... That, and if I need to, I can always go back to bartending at night." Of course he couldn't really tell her that he was dashing billionaire that looked perfect on paper by day, super hero that she hated at night.

As the night went on, Dick kept a careful eye on Abigail. Whenever he saw the even coordinator walk towards her, he would get close to her, and bring her over to a new guest he hasn't talked to before, or ask for another dance. He looked like he was enjoying himself, and he was, but there was another reason he was doing all of this; he was the new protector of Gotham. He wasn't going to let Cobblepot threaten a woman, and he really needed to know why she was so important. A photographer getting this much money to do all of this?

"So, this party couldn't have been cheap. If you don't mind me asking, did people sponsor this? Because if so, I want to chip in for some of this." Dick said as they walked to the side of the party near the bar again. They had just had yet another dance when they heard one of Dick's favorite songs come on. Now it was time to cool down, and have another conversation before they go off in to the dance floor again. The night was getting later, so there wasn't much time until Penguin would try something-- If anything at all tonight. He hoped that he saw the lack of drinks she was having, and the constant people around her. There was no way he was going to get to her secretly. He needed to know how she was getting this money. He knew that her line of work could be a way to start this, but he was betting that someone bigger was giving her the money.

Nightwing: The New Knight(EasilyAmused and Jones Sparrow)

Dick's expression went to confusion when she said he was getting drunk, but then he realized that the smell of alcohol around them was himself... As she started to describe the different people around, he glanced over at them. His skills of detective work picked up on the things she was starting to say, but other things were things she knew because of talking with the people. Little did she know that he was more than capable of taking care of himself... But he wasn't sure he could say the same about her later tonight. "I'm not technically new here, Miss Dent. I didn't grow up here. And if you think Gotham is bad, spend a night in Bludhaven." Dick said with a small laugh.

"But I'll keep all of those things in mind when I leave the party tonight... How do you know so much about these people? What do you do? If you don't mind me asking, of course." Dick said, starting to move along to the music. He knew that Penguin was probably now eyeing her, and since he knows that, he was going to make sure she didn't drink, and that he didn't leave her side for too long. If he had to, he would escort her home if he had to... Tonight he would pay Cobblepot a visit. He knew that he probably wasn't happy with Dick at all for inheriting money that he thinks should belong to his family... He hoped that there wouldn't be in issue tonight.

Nightwing: The New Knight(EasilyAmused and Jones Sparrow)

It was Dick's turn to be ignored in a conversation, and he was relieved by it. He took this time to glance around the room, eyeing Doctor Strange from across the room, and he could tell that he was doing the same to him. Something wasn't right about him. Abigail then dismissed herself, and as he gave a smile and nod, he looked over at the event coordinator, frowning a bit at the small smirk she gave as Abigail left... He didn't really know what the conversation they had consisted of, but he wasn't so sure that the smile was the excitement for money... He saw the woman glance up at a mirror, and it was obvious that that wasn't just that. He looked back over at the exit, and saw two things: Doctor Strange getting escorted out one exit, and Abigail leaving another... and three men joining her soon after.

Dick started to move through the crowd, keeping his eyes on the men until they left, and then he started to go double time. He tried to give quick smiles and nods to people who tried to call him over, but he didn't have time for that right now. Someone could be in trouble. He exited the Lounge just in time to see the three men approach Abigail across the street at the ATM... He was about to rush over there until a very unexpected event happened. Abigail kicked some ass! He watched with impressed shock as the woman took out three thugs all at once. Before Abigail could see Dick, he slipped back inside to the party, still showing a sign of shock on his face.

Dick slid in to the corner of the Lounge, searching for the woman that Abigail talked to earlier. Sure enough Abigail found her first, handing her the money, and the event coordinator looked more stunned than Dick did. As Abigail left, Dick went in silent pursuit. He quickly took a drink of a man's hand, putting his fingers in it, and quickly flicking a bit of in on his neck, and taking a swig of the drink in his mouth before spitting it out. He handed the glass to another person near him, and then he "accidentally" stumbled in to the even coordinator. "Whoo!" He screamed, pumping his hands in the air, a large amount of the group cheering in response.

To the woman, he just looked like a new billionaire that has had way too much to drink, but as he bumped in to her, he placed a small hearing bug on the inside of her collar of her shirt. He then stumbled away, and as he did, he suddenly became sober again. He pulled something out of his pockets, and inserted it in his ear.

"...All of them out." The woman's voice said

"What?! What the bloody hell do you mean?" The second voice was one very familiar to Dick: Oswald Cobblepot, also known as The Penguin.

"The people you sent after her failed at getting her, she's still down there enjoying herself with the new Wayne billionaire..." The woman replied rather nervously. There was silence for a minute. "Once she's had a few drinks in her system, enjoys a nice night, we'll get her. Send my better men this time... and clean up the mess in the street. I'll deal with them later."

Dick pulled the item out of his ear, and searched the large area for Abigail. As the new protector in Gotham, he didn't really know why Penguin was going after her (but he will soon find out), he wasn't getting anywhere near Abigail again. Dick eventually found the blonde again, walking over and giving her a smile. "Hey, I'm here to cash in a dance." He said to her. He smelled very drunk, but that thought didn't come to mind just yet.

Spider-Man: Childhood Friends (Jones Sparrow and EasilyAmused)

The thought of losing Lexi was a constant one lately. He knew that the hard part was over, and that he was very slowly starting to getting things back together again, he didn't know if Lexi was going to forgive him for every single things he's done to her... There could be the argument that it wasn't him for doing all of those things... But he knew that Venom fed off of his selfish thoughts that he had stored long ago. He wanted to be popular, he wanted to be strong, he wanted to be loved, and not treated like a weirdo. But Venom took those thoughts and manipulated them. It took Peter's thoughts that he knew he didn't want, and made them a sick reality. And Peter was powerless... But he overcame it. With the help of Lexi, and Uncle Ben.

And now, standing here with his beautiful girlfriend, he knew that he wasn't invincible, but she made him feel very close to it. He knew that they were fine now, and he would do everything in his power to make sure nothing hurts her. Not even him. He kissed her gently, and when she pulled back, he gave a "Ah crap!" before rushing over to the stove, opening it and reaching for the tray before pulling his hand back in pain, holding back a scream. Note to self: wear an oven mitt when touching hot trays were in the stove! "Oh, I got some pretty big news..." Peter began, searching for an oven mitt as he talked. "The Daily Bugle hired me." He looked over at her with a grin before taking the tray out.

"I'm an official photographer." He started to pile plates with fries, tots, and grilled cheeses. Looking at this sorry display, he wondered why Lexi didn't run out of the house wondering why she was dating this guy. He brought the plates over to the table, putting one in front of Lexi, and the other across from her as he took his seat. He didn't want to tell her that he was specifically in charge of taking pictures of Spider-Man and Black Cat. This night wasn't about their alter egos. "They're gonna pay me good, too. I can finally buy that pony I always wanted." Peter said with a smile and wink, obviously joking. He took a bite of his sandwich. "How'd your day go? Is your uncle settling in? I don't think he likes me that much. I think he can tell I'm not a hunky football quarterback even with no eyesight."

Nightwing: The New Knight(EasilyAmused and Jones Sparrow)

Dick smiled at her comment, taking the drink and taking a sip. "I wouldn't be that interesting if I told you all my secrets. Everyone likes a mystery man...But I'll let you in on a secret. My friends don't call me Mister Grayson. You can call me Dick." He handed her the drink again, looking around the area. Everyone seemed to either be really enjoying themselves, or gawking over how the newest heir to the Wayne fortune was here. Is this how Bruce always felt? It was surprising that he could sneak out and dress up as a bat all the time... His attention then turned to a rather tall, bald man with circular tinted glasses, and a dark gray beard. He seemed to look at both Dick and Abigail as if he was analyzing them. It made Dick feel a bit uncomfortable. "Mister Grayson, a pleasure to meet you. And miss Dent. Allow me to introduce myself. I'm Doctor Hugo Strange." He said with a sophisticated tone. He held out a hand to Dick, and he took it, both giving a surprisingly strong grip.

"A pleasure, Doctor Strange." Dick said with a small smile. "I'm sorry to say that I wasn't invited to this little party, but I had to talk to you as soon as I possibly could." He said, not looking at Abigail, but looking at Dick as if he was still trying to analyze him to see how he ticked. "Before Mister Wayne passed we were discussing a possible funding for the medical procedures down in Arkham." Strange began, and Dick only raised an eyebrow. "I work as the main medical surgeon at Arkham, and after seeing all the villains that Batman has brought in to the Asylum, he and I both believed that there had to be more we had to do to help these troubled souls... Tell me, Master Grayson. How much did you know about Bruce? and Batman?" He asked rather bluntly.

Dick was obviously not comfortable with this conversation. He tilted his head a bit. "I think that we are getting in to questions that I don't think any of us want answered. Bruce was a good man. And what Batman did was for the good of Gotham--"

"But the masked hero and him weren't far off from the people he sent behind bars. None of these heroes are."

"It's been a pleasure, Doctor. I'm afraid I don't have enough information for you. If Bruce and you were talking about this, I'll do my research and get back to you with my opinion. Right now, I owe the hostess a dance. Have a nice night." And with that, Dick gently put a hand on Abigail's arm, and led them far from the Doctor who crashed the party. He was going to have to do some major research on this Hugo Strange. He just then realized that he was charging through the crowds, dragging Abigail along. He suddenly let go, a bit red faced. "Sorry... I just needed to get away from him. He gave off a weird vibe." Dick began.